Motilin Levels Research Articles

Probiotics for treatment of neonatal feeding intolerance after asphyxia: Effect on motilin level

Probiotics for treatment of neonatal feeding intolerance after asphyxia: Effect on motilin level

Effect of Astragalus Polysaccharides on Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Induced by N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in Rats

This study investigated the effect and mechanism of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in rats. Histomorphological, hormone-level, and immunohistochemistry experiments were used to investigate the gastric mucosal injury. Pathological changes were readily found in CAG rats. Compared to the control rats, the CAG rats showed significantly decreased plasma levels of gastrin and somatostatin while their motilin levels increased. Moreover, PGE2 in gastric tissue increased and serum sIgA decreased significantly, while the GSH/GSSG ratio showed no change. Immunohistochemical detection showed that the expression of EGFR, COX-2, and MMP-2 was higher in the gastric tissue of CAG rats. After APS treatment, the gastric morphology of CAG rats improved. APS increased plasma gastrin and somatostatin levels significantly but had no significant effect on the motilin level. APS also decreased tissue PGE2 and increased serum sIgA in CAG rats without affecting the GSH/GSSH ratio. This study suggested that APS had a beneficial effect on CAG rats by deregulating EGFR at its downstream effectors COX-2 and MMP-2.

Posterior laryngitis: a disease with different aetiologies affecting health-related quality of life: a prospective case–control study

BackgroundLaryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) is assumed to be the most common cause of posterior laryngitis (PL). Since LPR is found in healthy subjects, and PL patients are not improved by acid-reducing therapy, other aetiologies to PL must be considered. The aims of this study in PL were to investigate the prevalence of acid reflux in the proximal oesophagus and functional gastrointestinal symptoms, to analyse motilin levels in plasma, and to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) before and after treatment.MethodsForty-six patients (26 women), with verified PL, median age 55 (IQR 41–68) years, were referred to oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy and 24-h pH monitoring. Plasma motilin was analysed. The 36-item Short-Form questionnaire was completed at inclusion and at follow-up after 43±14 months, when also the Visual Analogue Scale for Irritable Bowel Syndrome was completed. Values were compared to controls. Treatment and relief of symptoms were noted from medical records.ResultsThirty-four percent had proximal acid reflux and 40% showed signs of distal reflux. Ninety-four percent received acid-reducing treatment, with total relief of symptoms in 17%. Patients with reflux symptoms had lower plasma motilin levels compared to patients without reflux symptoms (p = 0.021). The HRQOL was impaired at inclusion, but improved over time. Patients, especially men, had more functional gastrointestinal symptoms than controls.ConclusionsThis study indicates that a minority of patients with PL has LPR and is cured by acid-reducing therapy. Disturbed plasma motilin levels and presence of functional gastrointestinal symptoms are found in PL. The impaired HRQOL improves over time.

Decoction vs extracts-mixed solution: effect of Yiqihuoxue formula on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats of the decoction of Yiqihuoxue formula and the solution prepared with the extracts from the individual herbal medicines of the formula. MethodsThe rat models of NAFLD were established with high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks. Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group, the model group, the decoction group and the solution group, 8 for each group. From the 6th week, drinking water, the decoction and the solution were intragastrically administrated accordingly to the rats for 5 weeks. The pathological changes of the liver tissues were observed with Hematoxylin and eosin staining, triglyceride levels in liver tissues measured, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity measured, and serum gastrin and motilin tested. ResultsFatty degeneration and vacuole-like changes to various degrees occurred in hepatic cells of the model group. Indicators for fat metabolism, serum ALT activity and hepatic triglyceride level significantly increased, while serum gastrin and motilin levels significantly decreased. Serum ALT activity and the fatty deposition in hepatocytes were significantly reduced. In the meantime, the expressions of gastrin and motilin in the serum rose significantly in the treatment groups. ConclusionBoth the decoction and the extracts-mixed solution had effect on NAFLD of protecting the liver function and reducing the fatty deposition in liver, which might be achieved by regulating the expression of gastrin and motilin.

Preventive effect of resistant starch on activated carbon-induced constipation in mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of resistant starch (RS) on activated carbon-induced constipation in ICR mice. ICR mice were fed on diet containing 15% RS of type RS2, RS3 or RS4 for 9 days. Gastrointestinal transit, defecation time and intestinal tissue histopathological sections, as well as motilin (MTL), gastrin (Gas), endothelin (ET), somatostatin (SS), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels in serum were used to evaluate the preventive effects of RS on constipation. Bisacodyl, a laxative drug, was used as a positive control. The time to the first black stool defecation for normal, control, bisacodyl-treated (100 mg/kg, oral administration) and RS2-, RS3- and RS4-treated mice was 78, 208, 109, 181, 144 and 173 min, respectively. Following the consumption of RS2, RS3 and RS4 or the oral administration of bisacodyl (100 mg/kg), the gastrointestinal transit was reduced to 37.7, 52.1, 39.3 and 87.3%, respectively, of the transit in normal mice, respectively. Histopathological sections of intestinal tissue also underscored the protective effect of RS3. The serum levels of MTL, Gas, ET, AChE, SP and VIP were significantly increased and the serum levels of SS were reduced in the mice treated with RS compared with those in the untreated control mice (P<0.05). These results demonstrate that RS has preventive effects on mouse constipation and RS3 demonstrated the best functional activity.

The effect of nursing care of early minimal feeding combined with touch care on gastrointestinal function of premature infants

Objective To investigate the application effect of early minimal feeding combined with touch care in preterm infants.Methods A total of 100 premature infants were divided into the observation group and the control group,the control group was used conventional feeding and conventional care,the observation group was given early minimal feeding and touch care on the basis of the routine nursing care,gastrointestinal function and growth were compared between the premature infants of two groups.Results Gastrin and motilin levels after nursing after 7d in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The observation group's birth weight recovery time and the time of living in warm box were significantly less than those in the control group,body weight,head circumference,height increase were greater than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The ratio of feeding intolerance between two groups was no statistical significance difference (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Early minimal feeding combined touch care is beneficial to the improvement of preterm gastrointestinal function,promote the growth of premature infants. Key words: Early minimal feeding; Touch care; Infants; Gastrointestinal function

Short and long-term efficacy of combining Fuzhengliqi mixture with acupuncture in treatment of functional constipation

ObjectiveTo explore the short and long-term efficacy of combining Fuzhengliqi mixture (FLM) with acupuncture in treating functional constipation (FC). MethodsThe 560 patients with confirmed diagnosis of FC were randomly assigned to four groups: FLM group, acupuncture group, combined therapy group, and control group. There were 140 cases in each group. The FLM group was administered FLM 60 mL twice a day, while the acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at acupoints Tianshu (ST 25), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Zusanli (ST 36), Dachangshu (BL 25), and Zhigou (TE 6) twice a day, the combined therapy group with FLM and acupuncture, and the control group was administered mosapride (5 mg thrice a day) and Macrogol 4000 (10 g twice a day). The treatment lasted 6 weeks. The defecation interval, stool property, constipation symptoms, and accompanying symptoms were recorded, graded, and scored. The gastrointestinal transit time (GITT) and motilin (MTL) level in serum and life quality score were detected at three time points (pre-treatment, at the end of treatment, and 60 weeks post-treatment). Moreover, the adverse reactions were also observed. ResultsIn the FLM group 2 cases were eliminated for not taking medication strictly according to the research plan and 1 case was lost to follow-up, while 2 cases in the acupuncture group and 2 cases in the combined therapy group were lost to follow-up. Compared with those detected pre-treatment, the defecation interval, stool property, constipation symptom grade, accompanying symptom grade, and GITT were all decreased markedly at the end of treatment in every group, while the MTL levels in serum and life quality score were increased markedly (P<0.01), the above-mentioned detecting indices were better in the combined therapy group than those in other groups (P<0.05). Compared with the end of treatment, above-mentioned detecting indices all recurred significantly in the FLM group and control group 60 weeks post-treatment (P>0.05), but these indices recurred insignificantly in the acupuncture and combined therapy groups (P>0.05). The short and long-term total effective rates in the combined therapy group were significantly different from those in other groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No serious adverse reactions were found in four groups. ConclusionBoth FLM and acupuncture can significantly shorten the defecation interval and GITT, increase MTL levels in serum, decrease the scores of stool property, constipation symptoms, and accompanying symptoms in patients with FC to increase their life quality. The combined therapy is much better in long-term efficacy and the safety is also good, worth spreading in clinical practice.

Ghrelin and motilin levels in hyperemesis gravidarum

Ghrelin, an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secratogogue receptor, and its receptors are found in the reproductive organs and placenta. Motilin is produced from the endocrine cells of the duodeno jejunal mucosa and considered to be a regulator of interdigestive migrating contractions. Aim of this study is to investigate ghrelin and motilin levels in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum. A total of 56 patients with singleton pregnancies in the first trimester were recruited in the study, 39 with hyperemezis gravidarum and 17 normal pregnant women. Patients with medical complications and body mass index <18 or >25 were excluded. Fasting plasma ghrelin and motilin concentrations were measured. Fasting blood glucose, liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen, creatinin, estradiol, progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin, and thyroid function tests were also investigated. Ghrelin levels were significantly higher in patients with hyperemesis group than the normal pregnant women (p = 0.025). Serum estradiol levels were also higher in the hyperemesis group (p = 0.001). No significant difference was observed in plasma motilin levels between the two groups. In correlation analyses, maternal ghrelin was positively correlated with estradiol (r = 0.29, p = 0.029) in the whole cohort. There are a few studies about the course of circulating ghrelin levels during human pregnancy. Ghrelin administration increases food intake through central mechanisms but its effects on appetite in relation to human pregnancy is unknown. The increased levels of ghrelin in hyperemesis gravidarum might be a compensatory mechanism to restore the energy metabolism of the pregnant women.

Effect of amitriptyline on gastrointestinal function and brain-gut peptides: A double-blind trial

To study the effects of low-dose amitriptyline (AMT) on gastrointestinal function and brain-gut peptides in healthy Chinese volunteers. This was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, two-period cross-over trial. Twenty-eight healthy volunteers were randomised and administered 1-wk treatments of AMT (12.5 mg tid) or placebo. Before and during the final two days of treatment, gastric emptying, proximal gastric accommodation and visceral sensitivity were measured by drinking-ultrasonography test; the orocecal transit time (OCTT) was measured by lactulose hydrogen breath test, and fasting blood was collected. Plasma levels of ghrelin, motilin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. AMT slowed the OCTT (109.2 ± 29.68 min vs 96.61 ± 23.9 min, P = 0.004) but did not affect liquid gastric emptying and had no effect on proximal gastric accommodation. AMT resulted in decreases in the visual analogue scale (VAS) for difficulty in drinking 600 and 800 mL of water (3.57 ± 0.94 vs 2.98 ± 0.85, 5.57 ± 0.82 vs 4.57 ± 0.98, P < 0.01 for both), although it had no significant effect on the VAS for difficulty in drinking 200 mL and 400 mL of water. AMT significantly increased the plasma ghrelin level (442.87 ± 176.79 pg/mL vs 526.87 ± 158.44 pg/mL, P = 0.04) and the neuropeptide-Y level (890.15 ± 131.46 pg/mL vs 965.64 ± 165.63 pg/mL, P = 0.03), whereas it had no effect on the MTL level. Low-dose AMT could slow OCTT, make the stomach less sensitive and increase the plasma levels of ghrelin and NPY. Thus, we recommend the use of low-dose AMT for functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Treatment with Xiaochaihu decoction increases serum levels of motilin and gastrin in rats with dyspepsia

Treatment with Xiaochaihu decoction increases serum levels of motilin and gastrin in rats with dyspepsia

Effect of ghrelin on gastric emptying, motilin and cholecystokinin levels in plasma in rats

Objective To investigate the effects of ghrelin on gastric emptying and expression of motilin and cholecystokinin (CCK) in plasma,and the action mechanism.Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into six groups (intraperitoneal injection of ghrelin 0.5,1.0,1.5,2.0,2.5 nmol/kg,and control gorup),10 rats in each group.All rats were given intraperitoneal injection ghrelin,45 min later,they were given intragastric application of semisolid.They were killed after 30 min and gastric emptying was measured.Motilin and CCK levels in plasma in rats were assessed by using radioimmunoassay (RIA).Results After intraperitoneal injection of ghrelin,gastric emptying were significantly faster than controls [(38.24 ±7.15)％ vs.(27.18 ±2.37)％].Ghrelin accelerated gastric emptying in rats in a dose-dependent manner.Low dose of ghrelin could not acceleralte gastric emptying,but medium and high doses of ghrelin could accelerate gastric emptying.Meanwhiles,motilin and CCK levels were increased after intraperitoneal injection of ghrelin in rats.Conclusion Intraperitoneal injection of medium and high doses of ghrelin can acceleralte gastric emptying in rats,which might be regulated by motilin and CCK. Key words: Ghrelin; Motilin ; Cholecystokinin ; Gastric emptying

Influence of Acute Exposure to High Altitude on Basal and Postprandial Plasma Levels of Gastroenteropancreatic Peptides

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is characterized by headache often accompanied by gastrointestinal complaints that vary from anorexia through nausea to vomiting. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of high altitude on plasma levels of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) peptides and their association to AMS symptoms. Plasma levels of 6 GEP peptides were measured by radioimmunoassay in 11 subjects at 490 m (Munich, Germany) and, after rapid passive ascent to 3454 m (Jungfraujoch, Switzerland), over the course of three days. In a second study (n = 5), the same peptides and ghrelin were measured in subjects who consumed standardized liquid meals at these two elevations. AMS symptoms and oxygen saturation were monitored. In the first study, both fasting (morning 8 a.m.) and stimulated (evening 8 p.m.) plasma levels of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and cholecystokinin (CCK) were significantly lower at high altitude as compared to baseline, whereas gastrin and motilin concentrations were significantly increased. Fasting plasma neurotensin was significantly enhanced whereas stimulated levels were reduced. Both fasting and stimulated plasma motilin levels correlated with gastrointestinal symptom severity (r = 0.294, p = 0.05, and r = 0.41, p = 0.006, respectively). Mean O2-saturation dropped from 96% to 88% at high altitude. In the second study, meal-stimulated integrated ( = area under curve) plasma CCK, PP, and neurotensin values were significantly suppressed at high altitude, whereas integrated levels of gastrin were increased and integrated VIP and ghrelin levels were unchanged. In summary, our data show that acute exposure to a hypobaric hypoxic environment causes significant changes in fasting and stimulated plasma levels of GEP peptides over consecutive days and after a standardized meal. The changes of peptide levels were not uniform. Based on the inhibition of PP and neurotensin release a reduction of the cholinergic tone can be postulated.

OC.07.6 ITALIAN MULTICENTER STUDY ON INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES WITH HBV OR HCV INFECTION UNDERGOING IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE THERAPY

Background and aim: Digestive symptoms are common side effects of antiviral therapy in patients with HCV chronic hepatitis (CH). The occurrence of digestive symptoms significantly impairs quality of life and requires reduction or even suspension of the therapy in up to 15% of the cases. Recent advances in pathophisiology of functional dyspepsia indicate that delay of gastric emptying time (GET) likely depending on altered Cholecystokinin (CCK) and Motilin serum levels is implicated in the onset of symptoms. In this study we evaluated digestive symptoms, GET and CCK and motilin fasting and post-prandial serum levels in patients with HCV-related CH before, during and after standard antiviral therapy. Material and methods: Twenty-eight patients (M/F 11/17 male, age range 28-70 yrs) with histologically proven HCV-related CH and absence of digestive diseases were enrolled in the study. Baseline, during the therapy (3th month) and after a month by the end of therapy patients underwent: an oriented questionnaire evaluating digestive symptoms. 13C-octanoate breath test (13C-OBT) was performed to evaluate GET. Fasting and post-prandial CCK and Motilin serum levels were assessed ELISA. Antiviral therapy was performed according to standard protocols. Results: Baseline none of the patients complained of significant digestive symptoms. GET was normal (t/2 <120 min) in all cases but 3/28 (2%). Baseline and post-prandial CCK and Motilin levels were 0.6±0.4 and 1.57±0.5 and 5.9±5.2 and 1.7±0.9, respectively. At three-month therapy, epigastric burning, belching, epigastric pain, post-prandial fullness, early satiety, bloating, nausea and vomiting were reported by 31%, 57%, 7%, 60%, 57%, 53%, 46% and 14%, respectively. GET rate was significantly delayed in all cases (p <0.0001). CCK fasting and post-prandial serum levels significantly increased (p<0.0001) while Motilin decreased in respect to baseline values (p<0.003). Interestingly, there was a direct significant relation between GI symptom score, GET and CCK and Motilin serum level (p<0.05). After 1 month by the end of therapy, all patients were symptom-free and GET as well as CCK and Motilin serum levels returned to baseline values. Conclusions: Digestive symptoms caused by HCV-antiviral therapy depend on the delay of GET as well as deregulation of CCK/Motilin homeostasis.

OC.07.5 HCV-ANTIVIRAL THERAPY DELAYS GASTRIC EMPTYING TIME AND MODIFIES CCK AND MOTILIN SERUM LEVELS

Background and aim: Digestive symptoms are common side effects of antiviral therapy in patients with HCV chronic hepatitis (CH). The occurrence of digestive symptoms significantly impairs quality of life and requires reduction or even suspension of the therapy in up to 15% of the cases. Recent advances in pathophisiology of functional dyspepsia indicate that delay of gastric emptying time (GET) likely depending on altered Cholecystokinin (CCK) and Motilin serum levels is implicated in the onset of symptoms. In this study we evaluated digestive symptoms, GET and CCK and motilin fasting and post-prandial serum levels in patients with HCV-related CH before, during and after standard antiviral therapy. Material and methods: Twenty-eight patients (M/F 11/17 male, age range 28-70 yrs) with histologically proven HCV-related CH and absence of digestive diseases were enrolled in the study. Baseline, during the therapy (3th month) and after a month by the end of therapy patients underwent: an oriented questionnaire evaluating digestive symptoms. 13C-octanoate breath test (13C-OBT) was performed to evaluate GET. Fasting and post-prandial CCK and Motilin serum levels were assessed ELISA. Antiviral therapy was performed according to standard protocols. Results: Baseline none of the patients complained of significant digestive symptoms. GET was normal (t/2 <120 min) in all cases but 3/28 (2%). Baseline and post-prandial CCK and Motilin levels were 0.6±0.4 and 1.57±0.5 and 5.9±5.2 and 1.7±0.9, respectively. At three-month therapy, epigastric burning, belching, epigastric pain, post-prandial fullness, early satiety, bloating, nausea and vomiting were reported by 31%, 57%, 7%, 60%, 57%, 53%, 46% and 14%, respectively. GET rate was significantly delayed in all cases (p <0.0001). CCK fasting and post-prandial serum levels significantly increased (p<0.0001) while Motilin decreased in respect to baseline values (p<0.003). Interestingly, there was a direct significant relation between GI symptom score, GET and CCK and Motilin serum level (p<0.05). After 1 month by the end of therapy, all patients were symptom-free and GET as well as CCK and Motilin serum levels returned to baseline values. Conclusions: Digestive symptoms caused by HCV-antiviral therapy depend on the delay of GET as well as deregulation of CCK/Motilin homeostasis.

The effect of continuous jejunal interposition on gastrointestinal hormones after distal gastrectomy

The objective of our study was to determine the effect of continuous jejunal interposition on gastrointestinal hormones after distal gastrectomy, and lay a foundation for surgical management.Distal subtotal gastrectomy experimental model were established on 24 adult Beagle dogs. Digestive tract reconstruction of the dogs was randomly divided into continuous jejunal interposition group, Billroth II anastomosis group and isolated jejunum interposition group. The content of serum gastrin, plasma motilin and cholecystokinin after different digestive tract reconstructions was detected and compared by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the dogs which received continuous jejunal interposition, postoperative serum gastrin level was significantly lower than before surgery either in fasting or postprandial state (all p<0.05). The serum gastrin level of continuous jejunal interposition group was significantly higher than the other groups in postprandial state (all p<0.05), and was significantly higher than Billroth II -type anastomosis group in fasting state (p<0.05). Furthermore, the postoperative plasma motilin and cholecystokinin levels were significantly higher than before surgery either in fasting or postprandial in dogs received continuous jejunal interposition (all p<0.05). The postoperative plasma motilin level of continuous jejunal interposition group was significantly higher than the other groups in postprandial state (all p<0.05), and was significantly higher than Billroth II -type anastomosis group in fasting state (p<0.05). However, the postoperative cholecystokinin level of continuous jejunal interposition group was significantly lower than the other groups (all p <0.05).Continuous jejunal interposition after distal gastrectomy could maintain the postoperative plasma motilin and serum gastrin in a relatively high level, while cholecystokinin in a low level.

Oral Hypertonic Electrolyte-Glucose/Mosapride Complex Solution for Resuscitation of Burn Shock in Dogs

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of oral feeding of an electrolyte glucose mosapride solution for resuscitation in dogs with shock after a 35% TBSA full-thickness burn and the effect of mosapride on gastric emptying time. Eighteen male Beagle dogs were randomly divided into intravenous isotonic solution group, intragastric hypertonic solution group, and mosapride group after they were subjected to a 35% TBSA full-thickness flame injury. In intravenous isotonic solution group (I group), isotonic electrolyte glucose solution was given through vein with adoption of the Parkland formula. The resuscitation fluid in intragastric hypertonic solution group (H group) and mosapride group (M group) consisted of 1.8% NaCl and 5% glucose, the total fluid volume was one half of that for I group, and it was given in divided amount every 2 hours. Mosapride was added to the resuscitation fluid in mosapride group. Fluid replacement was begun 30 minutes after the injury in all the groups. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output index (CI), intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBI), blood volume (BV), serum sodium concentration, intestinal mucosal blood flow (IMBF), gastric emptying, and serum motilin levels were determined at different time points. The urinary output of all animals was measured immediately after burn upto 360 minutes postburn. CI, ITBI, BV, and IMBF were all decreased obviously after burn. In I group and M group, CI, ITBI, BV, and IMBF were increased gradually after resuscitation, and they were significantly higher than that of H group (P < .05). MAP in all three groups was lowered significantly and then gradually recovered, showing no significant difference among groups. The urinary output in M group was similar to that in I group (P > .05), and it was higher than that in H group (P < .05). Serum sodium level in H group and M group increased in varying degrees and were markedly higher compared with the I group (P < .05). Postburn gastric emptying in H group was much more delayed (P < .05), but in M group it was much faster. Motilin level in the latter group also increased gradually postburn and was markedly higher than that of the other two groups (P < .05). At the early stage of 35% TBSA third-degree burns, gavage of 1.8% hypertonic electrolytes glucose ends in slow gastric emptying, resulting in delayed recovery from shock. When a prokinetic drug mosapride was added to the solution, gastric emptying could be accelerated and a resuscitation effect similar to that of intravenous isotonic fluid resuscitation can be achieved, while total fluid volume can be decreased by half.

Treatment of Obesity by Endoscopic Gastric Intramural Injection of Botulinum Toxin A: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) is an inhibitor of muscular contractions in both striated and smooth muscle. The purpose of this study was to observe the safety and efficacy of endoscopic injections of BTX-A into the gastric wall in obese patients. Twenty obese patients (BMI >28 kg/m2) were randomized into two groups: Group 1 (200 U BTX-A) and Group 2 (300 U BTX-A). For each patient, 20 puncture sites were selected into the gastric wall. Body weights and BMIs were recorded and gastric emptying times were determined before treatment and 1, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. Blood samples for cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, leptin, motilin, peptide tyrosine (PYY) and ghrelin levels were obtained before treatment and 1, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. Nineteen patients completed the follow-up. Both groups showed significant body weight and BMI decrease (p<0.05) with decreased TG levels. The gastric emptying times were longer than those before treatment in both groups, especially at the 1-week point (p<0.05). A significant decrease in fasting ghrelin levels in all 19 obese patients was found after BTX-A administration 4 weeks later, and PYY levels in all 19 patients decreased, especially at the 12-week point. No severe complications were observed. Endoscopic multi-punctures of BTX-A including fundic injections may decrease body weight and BMI by delaying the gastric emptying time. The effect of BTX-A on ghrelin levels may also be involved in the reduction of appetite.

Clinical Application of Modified Double Tracks Anastomosis in Proximal Gastrectomy

We compared the outcome of two surgical alimentary canal reconstruction methods after proximal gastrectomy. Three hundred ninety-six patients who underwent a radical proximal gastrectomy were randomized into two groups. Group A was treated with modified double tracks anastomosis, and Group B was treated with esophagus-remnant stomach direct anastomosis. Outcome measures were hematological indices, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), plasma hormone concentrations, and Visick index. The operative times in Groups A and B were 210 ± 53 and 150 ± 75 minutes and the hemorrhage volume was 173 ± 67 and 150 ± 75 mL, respectively. Six months after operation, values of hemoglobin concentration, body weights, and PNI indices were significantly increased in Group A compared with Group B. Levels of gastrin and somatostatin were obviously less than preoperative values and levels of cholecystokinin and motilin were significantly higher than preoperative values in both groups. All patients of Group A were classified into Visick index Grades I and II, whereas only 70.37 per cent of Group B belonged to Visick index Grades I and II postoperatively. The overall 3-year survival rate was not significantly different in both groups. Modified double tracks anastomosis as an alimentary canal reconstructive method for radical proximal gastrectomy showed better outcomes than esophagus-remnant stomach direct anastomosis.

Interdigestive migrating contractions are coregulated by ghrelin and motilin in conscious dogs

During fasting, gastrointestinal (GI) motility is characterized by cyclical motor contractions. These contractions have been referred to as interdigestive migrating contractions (IMCs). In dogs and humans, IMCs are known to be regulated by motilin. However, in rats and mice, IMCs are regulated by ghrelin. It is not clear how these peptides influence each other in vivo. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between ghrelin and motilin in conscious dogs. Twenty healthy beagles were used in this study. Force transducers were implanted in the stomach, duodenum, and jejunum to monitor GI motility. Subsequent GI motility was recorded and quantified by calculating the motility index. In examination 1, blood samples were collected in the interdigestive state, and levels of plasma ghrelin and motilin were measured. Plasma motilin peaks were observed during every gastric phase III, and plasma ghrelin peaks occurred in nearly every early phase I. Plasma motilin and ghrelin levels increased and decreased cyclically with the interdigestive states. In examination 2, saline or canine ghrelin was administered intravenously during phase II and phase III. After injection of ghrelin, plasma motilin levels were measured. Ghrelin injection during phases II and III inhibited phase III contractions and decreased plasma motilin levels. In examination 3, ghrelin was infused in the presence of the growth hormone secretagogue receptors antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6. Continuous ghrelin infusion suppressed motilin release, an effect abrogated by the infusion of [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6. Examination 4 was performed to evaluate the plasma ghrelin response to motilin administration. Motilin infusion immediately decreased ghrelin levels. In this study, we demonstrated that motilin and ghrelin cooperatively control the function of gastric IMCs in conscious dogs. Our findings suggest that ghrelin regulates the function and release of motilin and that motilin may also regulate ghrelin.

Influence of probiotics on gastrointestinal motility and hormone secretion of rats with severe brain injury

Objective To investigate the influence of probiotics on gastrointestinal motility and hormone secretion of rats with severe brain injury. Methods Severe brain injury rats were prepared. 54 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: group A ( sham-operation), group B ( standard enteral nutrition) and group C (standard enteral nutrition plus probiotics). Each group was equally divided into three subgroups on 1 d, 3d, 7 d, respectively. Gastric emptying rate, intestinal transmission rate, motilin ( MTL) and calcitonin gene related protein (CGRP) level in plasma were measured 1 d, 3 d, 7 d post trauma. Results Compared with group A, gastric emptying rate and intestinal transmission rate decreased significantly on 1 d post trauma(P <0. 01). They were still much lower in group B on 3 d post trauma(P < 0. 01), while they increased significantly in group C on 3 d post trauma(P <0.05). MTL and CGRP level in plasma increased significantly after severe brain injury; however, the levels in group B were much higher than those in group C on 1 d and 3d(P<0.01). There was no significant difference among the three groups regarding gastric emptying rate, intestinal transmission rate, and MTL and CGRP level. Conclusions Severe brain injury could induce disorder of gastrointestinal motility and dysfunction of hormone level. Early enteral nutrition supplemented with probiotics could improve gastrointestinal motility and transmission and regulate highly increased gastrointestinal hormone after severe brain injury. Key words: Severe brain injury; Probiotics; Enteral nutrition; Gastrointestinal motility; Gastrointestinal hormone