Portion Of Stomach Research Articles

Survival and Expression of rpoS and grxB of Cronobacter sakazakii in Powdered Infant Formula Under Simulated Gastric Conditions of Newborns

Cronobacter sakazakii can cause severe illnesses in infants, predominantly in preterm newborns, with consumption of contaminated powdered infant formula (PIF) being the major vehicle of infection. Using a dynamic human gastrointestinal simulator called the SHIME, this study examined the effects of gastric acidity and gastric digestion time of newborns on the survival and expression of stress genes of C. sakazakii. Individual strains, inoculated at 7 log CFU/mL into reconstituted PIF, were exposed to gastric pH values of 4.00, 5.00 and 6.00 for 4 h with gradual acidification. The survival results showed that C. sakazakii grew in the stomach portion of the SHIME during a 4-h exposure to pH 4.00, 5.00 and 6.00 by 0.96–1.05, 1.02–1.28 and 1.11–1.73 log CFU/mL, respectively. The expression of two stress genes, rpoS and grxB, throughout gastric digestion was evaluated using reverse transcription qPCR. The upregulation of rpoS and grxB during the 4-h exposure to simulated gastric fluid at pH 4.00 showed that C. sakazakii strains may be experiencing the most stress in the pH 4.00 treatment. The gene expression results also suggest that C. sakazakii strains appeared to develop an acid adaptation response during the 4-h exposure that may facilitate their survival. Altogether, this study highlights that a combination of low gastric acidity, long digestion time in the presence of reconstituted PIF, created a favorable environment for the adaptation and survival of C. sakazakii in the simulation of a newborn’s stomach. This study gives directions for future research to further advance our understanding of the behavior of C. sakazakii in the GI tract of newborns.

Curcumin ameliorated low dose-Bisphenol A induced gastric toxicity in adult albino rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most common worldwide chemicals involved in the industry of polycarbonate plastics, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Forty three-month-old albino rats were randomly classified into four groups. Group Ӏ received a daily corn oil dose (5 mL/kg/ body weight, BW) through a gastric tube for one month, Group ӀӀ received a daily dose of Curcumin (200 mg/kg body weight (B.W.) through a gastric tube for one month, Group ӀӀӀ received a daily dose of BPA (0.5 μg/kg B.W.) through a gastric tube for one month and Group ӀV received concomitant daily doses of Bisphenol A and Curcumin as the regimen described in groups ӀӀ and ӀӀӀ. The rats were sacrificed, and glandular portion of stomach was dissected and processed for light, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study. BPA induced destructed gastric glands, dilated congested blood vessels, submucosal oedema, decreased PAS-positive reactivity, increased collagen fibres deposition, decrease in the positive BCL2 immunoexpression, increased positive PCNA immunoexpression, reduction in the gastric mucosal height and destructive changes in the enteroendocrine, chief and parietal cells. Curcumin coadministration provoked an obvious improvement in the gastric structure. BPA exposure has toxic effects on the glandular portion of the stomach in rats. Otherwise, Curcumin coadministration has exhibited protective impact on the architecture of the stomach.

Death by late presenting of diaphragmatic hernia in an infant: case report and review of the literature

BackgroundCongenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a congenital malformation of the diaphragm, resulting in the herniation of the abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity. If not properly diagnosed before or at birth, CDH represents a life-threatening pathology in infants and a major cause of death. We present a fatal case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia corresponding to Bochdalek hernia, discovered incidentally during a sudden death’s autopsy of an infant. To achieve a better view of the range of these anomalies, we also conducted a literature review on this subject describing the pathogenesis, manifestations, diagnosis, and autopsy contribution to addressing these CDH.Case presentationThe case involved a 4-month-old female infant who presented sudden respiratory difficulties after breastfeeding. External examination found marked cyanosis with no evidence of trauma. Upon opening the chest cavity, the stomach, markedly distended, was occupying much of the left pleural cavity. The left lung was compressed and displaced superiorly, and the heart was also compressed and deviated to the right. This mediastinal deviation was due to an ascension of the stomach into the chest cavity through a 2 × 1.5 cm defect in the posterior left hemidiaphragm. Further examination remarked an ecchymotic appearance of the stomach portion entrapped in the hernia defect suggesting recent strangulation of the stomach. The lungs showed atelectasis with signs of pulmonary infection in the histology study.ConclusionsCDH might be considered uncommon and not always mentioned in the list of sudden death in infant causes. Forensic pathologists should know of this malformation in order to apply the best autopsy techniques and thus allow positive feedback to pediatricians considering the possible legal implications.

Mass spectrometric profiling of DNA adducts in the human stomach associated with damage from environmental factors

BackgroundA comprehensive understanding of DNA adducts, one of the most plausible origins of cancer mutations, is still elusive, especially in human tissues in clinical settings. Recent technological developments have facilitated the identification of multiple DNA adducts in a single experiment. Only a few attempts toward this “DNA adductome approach” in human tissues have been reported. Geospatial information on DNA adducts in human organs has been scarce.AimMass spectrometry of human gastric mucosal DNA was performed to identify DNA adducts associated with environmental factors.Materials and methodsFrom 59 subjects who had received gastrectomy for gastric cancer, 306 samples of nontumor tissues and 15 samples of tumors (14 cases) were taken for DNA adductome analysis. Gastric nontumor tissue from autopsies of 7 subjects without gastric cancer (urothelial cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer each; the other four cases were without any cancers) was also investigated. Briefly, DNA was extracted from each sample with antioxidants, digested into nucleosides, separated by liquid chromatography, and then electrospray-ionized. Specific DNA adducts were identified by mass/charge number and column retention time compared to standards. Information on lifestyle factors such as tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking was taken from the clinical records of each subject.ResultsSeven DNA adducts, including modified bases, C5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine, 2′-deoxyinosine, C5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine, N6-methyl-2′-deoxyadenosine, 1,N6-etheno-2′-deoxyadenosine, N6-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxyadenosine, and C8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine, were identified in the human stomach and characterized. Intraindividual differences according to the multiple sites of these adducts were noted but were less substantial than interindividual differences. N6-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxyadenosine was identified in the human stomach for the first time. The amount of C5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine was higher in the stomachs of subjects without gastric cancer than in the nontumor and tumor portions of the stomach in gastric cancer patients. Higher levels of 1,N6-etheno-2′-deoxyadenosine were detected in the subjects who reported both smoking and drinking than in those without these habits. These DNA adducts showed considerable correlations with each other.ConclusionsWe characterized 7 DNA adducts in the nontumor portion of the human stomach in both gastric cancer subjects and nongastric cancer subjects. A reduction in C5-hydroxymethyl-dC even in the nontumor mucosa of patients with gastric cancer was observed. Smoking and drinking habits significantly influenced the quantity of one of the lipid peroxidation-derived adducts, etheno-dA. A more expansive DNA adductome profile would provide a comprehensive understanding of the origin of human cancer in the future.

Endoscopic Finding of Gastric Ulcer in Rural Horse and Relation with Gasterophilus spp

BACKGROUND: Gastric ulcer is one of the most common diseases in racehorses. Colic, weight loss and poor performance are some of the clinical signs. The second and third larval stages of the bot fly Gasterophilus spp live in the stomach of the horse. This parasite is often found in large numbers of horses in all of the countries. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was assessment of gastric ulcer in the rural horse and relation with Gasterophilus spp. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study twenty rural horses were randomly selected for endoscopic finding for gastric ulcer. Gender, age, keeping situation, type of feed, history of colic, hair coat condition, deworming plan and presence of GasterophilussSpp. were recorded in a sheet. The horses were kept fasted for 12 hours before endoscopic examination by a VET3M OLYMPUS (Japan). Sedation was done by injection of Detomidine (Detomo Vet ® ceva-Spain) 0.1ml/100kg to look for presence of gastric ulcers with grading and Gasterophilus spp. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with 95% confidence interval and P RESULTS: Out of 20 horses, 13(65%) horses were mares and 7(35%) were males and Mean±2SE of age was 8.9±4. Endoscopic observation showed 9 (45%) of the horses suffered from gastric ulcer. All of the ulcers were in non-glandular part and near the margo plicatus. Overall, 4 (20%) head of the horses had Gasterophilus spp. and all of them were present in the horse with no deworming plan. Based on the results, there was no associ- ation between presence of Gasterophilus with occurrence of Gastric ulcer (P>0.05). Further study with high sample size is proposed. CONCLUSIONS: There was high frequency of gastric ulcer in non-glandular portion of stomach in rural horse and there was not any association between presence of Gasterophilus and gastric ulcer.

Factors associated with technical difficulty of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer that met the expanded indication criteria: post hoc analysis of a multi-institutional prospective confirmatory trial (JCOG0607)

There are few reports on the technical difficulty of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with the technical difficulty of ESD for early gastric cancer (EGC) using the data from the multicenter non-randomized confirmatory trial of expanded indication criteria of ESD (JCOG0607). The major inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) histologically proven intestinal-type adenocarcinoma; (2) cT1aN0M0; (3) lesion without finding of ulcer (UL-negative) with > 2cm in size, or UL-positive with ≤ 3cm; (4) age 20-75years. The difficult case was defined as ESD taking ≥ 120min, piecemeal resection, and/or developing perforation during procedure. Between June 2007 and October 2010, 470 patients were enrolled from 29 institutions. Median procedure time was 79 (range 14-462) min, and it was ≥ 120min in 127 patients. Twelve patients developed perforation during ESD, and the procedure time was ≥ 120min in 9 of them. Therefore, 130 patients (27.7%) were identified as difficult cases. Multivariable analysis showed that UL-negative with > 5cm (vs. UL-negative with ≤ 3cm, odds ratio, 24.993; 95% CI 6.130-101.897, p < 0.0001) had the largest odds ratio and followed by UL-negative with 3-5cm upper or middle portion of stomach and age ≤ 60years were significantly associated with difficulty. UL-negative lesion with > 3cm, upper or middle portion of stomach and age ≤ 60years were independent factors associated with technical difficulty of ESD for EGC. Trial registered number was UMIN000000737.

Morphological characterisation of the digestive tract of the catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri Steindachner, 1876 (Siluriformes, Pseudopimelodidae)

AbstractThe anatomical arrangement of the digestive tract and the length (cm) of the oesophagus and intestine of the catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri were described, and the intestinal coefficient was determined. L. alexandri oesophagus is short, in median position, and presents longitudinally folded mucosa, whilst its epithelium is stratified and non‐keratinised, with mucous, claviform and epithelial cells. Stomach has “C” shape, with folded mucosa along cardiac region, disordered in the fundic region, and directed to the sphincter in the pyloric region. Its epithelium is simple prismatic, and cardiac and fundic portions have gastric glands. Cranial intestine is formed by pyloric flexure and descending loop attached to the right side of stomach. Middle intestine is winding and positioned to the right of caudal portion of stomach. Caudal intestine is linear and with a median position up to the anus. Intestinal coefficient was 1.39 ± 0.30 cm. Epithelium is simple prismatic with brush border and contains epithelial and goblet cells. Caudal region has highest concentration of goblet cells. Were detected neutral glycoproteins, carboxylated and sulphated acid glycoconjugates for mucous cells and goblet cells, and neutral glycoproteins for the apical region of gastric epithelial cells. Morphological features could be related to piscivorous species feeding habit.

Exploring the Excluded Territory: A Case of Signet Cell Cancer of the Excluded Stomach

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most commonly performed weight reduction surgeries. Evaluation of diseases of the excluded stomach such as ulcers or malignancy pose a significant challenge due to difficulty in accessing the excluded portion of stomach. We report a case of gastric cancer of the excluded stomach diagnosed using advanced endoscopy techniques. A 40-year-old female with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery performed 13 years ago for morbid obesity presented with epigastric pain and weight loss. She was recently diagnosed with bilateral metastatic signet cell carcinoma of the ovaries for which she was on chemotherapy. Her family history was significant for gastric cancer in maternal aunt. Abdominal computerized tomography (CT) was unremarkable. Esophagoduodenoscopy failed to examine the excluded stomach due to limited length of scope and was otherwise normal. Colonoscopy was unremarkable. The excluded stomach was subsequently approached using antegrade double balloon enteroscopy (ADBE) via afferent limb of Roux-en-Y bypass. A large infiltrative ulcerated circumferential mass was found in the prepyloric region and antrum of the stomach. Biopsies were negative for H. pylori infection and revealed invasive signet cell gastric adenocarcinoma that likely had metastasized to the ovaries. Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. RYGB is associated with a 4-fold reduction in incidence of gastric cancer in animal models. Tinoco et al reported the incidence of gastric cancer in the excluded stomach to be 0.03% among 3047 patients who underwent bariatric surgery. However, larger prospective studies are lacking regarding incidence of cancer in this population. Risk factors for gastric cancer include H. pylori infection, smoking, high-salt intake, family history of stomach cancer, obesity and a diet low in fruits and vegetables. Symptoms are non-specific like anorexia, epigastric pain, anemia and weight loss following a period of stability or weight gain. Minimal invasive techniques which can be used to evaluate the excluded stomach are ADBE, percutaneous endoscopy, virtual gastroduodenoscopy, laparoscopic transgastric endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Patients with prior RYGB presenting with alarming, new onset, unexplained symptoms should prompt evaluation including adequate visualization of the excluded stomach with imaging and advanced endoscopic techniques.Figure: showing postoperative anatomy of modern RYGB.Figure: showing endoscopic view of Infiltrative ulcerated mass in prepyloric region and antrum of stomach (black arrow).Figure: Histopathology slide showing signet cell gastric adenocarcinoma (black arrow).

Histological and Histochemical Studies on the Alimentary Canal of Spur-Winged Lapwing Vanellus Spinosus

Aim of the work: The present study aims to describe and compare between the different parts of the alimentary canal of Spur-winged lapwing Vanellus spinosus from the histological and histochemical reviews. Materials and methods: This animal was caught from its natural habitat (Nile Delta in Egypt); dissected and the alimentary canal was fixed in the suitable fixatives for histological and histochemical investigations. Results: Histological findings revealed that the alimentary canal wall in different parts under investigation is consisted of four main layers which are; serosa, muscularis, submucosa and mucosa. The serosa is composed of simple squamous epithelium. The muscularis is formed of outer circular and inner longitudinal muscle fibers. The submucosa is showing green colour with Masson’s stain due to its content of connective tissue. The mucosal folds of oesophagus are characterized by stratified squamous epithelium. At the base of these folds, oesophageal glands which secrete acid mucopolysacchride are located. The stomach composed of two parts; cardiac (glandular) and pyloric (muscular). The gastric glands of glanular portion are differentiated into deep and superficial gastric glands. The deep gastric glands are of compound-branched alveolar and have neutral mucopolysacchride secrections. While, the superficial gastric glands are of compound tubular type and secreting acid and neutral mucopolysacchride since they give blue and red colours with Alcian PAS stain. The gastric glands in muscular portion of stomach, are compound tubular type and have acid and neutral mucopolysaccharides. The mucosal villi of duodenum and ileum are characterized by tubular glands (crypts of Leiberkhun), which contain acid and neutral mucopolysaccharides. The mucosal layer of rectum is covered by simple columnar epithelium containing goblet cells in addition to the rectal glands. This layer nature is acid and neutral mucopolysaccharides. The histochemical results showed differences in the stainability and distribution of polysaccharides, acid and neutral mucopolysaccharides in different parts of alimentary canal of investigated animal.

Depth of tumor invasion and tumor-occupied portions of stomach are predictive factors of intra-abdominal metastasis.

ObjectiveDiagnostic laparoscopy is recommended for the pretherapeutic staging of gastric cancer to detect any unexpected or unconfirmed intra-abdominal metastasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and indications of diagnostic laparoscopy in the detection of intra-abdominal metastasis.MethodsStandard diagnostic laparoscopy with peritoneal cytology examination was performed prospectively on patients who were clinically diagnosed with primary local advanced gastric cancer (cT≥2M0). We calculated the rate of intra-abdominal metastases identified by diagnostic laparoscopy, and examined the relationship between peritoneal dissemination (P) and cytology results (CY). Split-sample method was applied to find clinical risk factors for intra-abdominal metastasis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed in training set to find out risk factors of intra-abdominal metastasis, and then validate it in testing set.ResultsOut of 249 cM0 patients, 51 (20.5%) patients with intra-abdominal metastasis were identified by diagnostic laparoscopy, including 20 (8.0%) P1CY1, 17 (6.8%) P0CY1 and 14 (5.6%) P1CY0 patients. In the training set, multivariate logistic regression analysis and ROC analysis showed that the depth of tumor invasion on computer tomography (CT) scan ≥21 mm and tumor-occupied ≥2 portions of stomach are predictive factors of metastasis. In the testing set, when diagnostic laparoscopy was performed on patients who had one or two of these risk factors, the sensitivity and positive predictive value for detecting intra-abdominal metastasis were 90.0% and 32.1%, respectively.ConclusionsAccording to our results, depth of tumor invasion and tumor-occupied portions of stomach are predictive factors of intra-abdominal metastasis.

Differential expression of Pim-3, c-Myc, and p-p27 proteins in adenocarcinomas of the gastric cardia and distal stomach

Gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA) is distinct from adenocarcinoma of the distal stomach because of its different etiological factors, tumor characteristics, and biological behavior. However, its pathogenesis is not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to characterize the role of Pim-3, c-Myc, and p-p27 in the tumorigenesis and progression of different sites of gastric adenocarcinoma by determining its pathogenetic significance. The expression of Pim-3, c-Myc, and p-p27 proteins was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 140 resection specimens of gastric adenocarcinomas (78 GCAs , 62 DGAs and 20 normal gastric tissues). The level of expression of Pim-3, c-Myc, and p-p27 and the co-expression of all three markers (Pim-3+/c-Myc+/p-p27+) in GCA were significantly lower than that in DGA tumors (P < 0.05). Detailed analysis of the immunoreactivity patterns showed that in DGA, Pim-3 immunoreactivity was associated significantly with poor tumor differentiation, advanced tumor stage, and presence of lymph node metastasis. In addition, c-Myc overexpression correlated with tumor stage and lymph node metastasis, and positive p-p27 expression correlated with poor differentiation and tumor stage. The phenotype of Pim-3(+)/c-Myc(+)/p-p27(+) co-expression was closely correlated with tumor stage and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). In contrast, GCA only demonstrated a close correlation of Pim-3 overexpression with poor tumor differentiation and tumor stage (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrate the presence of different expression patterns of Pim-3, c-Myc, p-p27, and Pim-3(+)/c-Myc(+)/p-p27(+) and their clinicopathologic significance in GCA and DGA tumors. Our results add support to the notion that distinct molecular mechanisms may be involved in the development and progression of adenocarcinomas from the gastric cardia and distal portion of stomach.

Acute Toxicity and Gastroprotective Role ofM. pruriensin Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injuries in Rats

The investigation was to evaluate gastroprotective effects of ethanolic extract of M. pruriens leaves on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injuries in rats. Forty-eight rats were divided into 8 groups: negative control, extract control, ulcer control, reference control, and four experimental groups. As a pretreatment, the negative control and the ulcer control groups were orally administered carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The reference control was administered omeprazole orally (20 mg/kg). The ethanolic extract of M. pruriens leaves was given orally to the extract control group (500 mg/kg) and the experimental groups (62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg). After 1 h, CMC was given orally to the negative and the extract control groups. The other groups received absolute ethanol. The rats were sacrificed after 1 h. The ulcer control group exhibited significant mucosal injuries with decreased gastric wall mucus and severe damage to the gastric mucosa. The extract caused upregulation of Hsp70 protein, downregulation of Bax protein, and intense periodic acid schiff uptake of glandular portion of stomach. Gastric mucosal homogenate showed significant antioxidant properties with increase in synthesis of PGE2, while MDA was significantly decreased. The ethanolic extract of M. pruriens leaves was nontoxic (<5 g/kg) and could enhance defensive mechanisms against hemorrhagic mucosal lesions.

A Case of ACTH-producing Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Presenting with Cushing Syndrome

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are rare neoplasm arising from pancreatic islet cells. Occasionally they are functioning tumors secreting a variety of hormones such as insulin, gastrin, glucagon, and vasoactive intestinal peptides. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (ACTHomas) are very rare and there have been about 110 case reports worldwide. Due to excessive ectopic ACTH production and resulting hypercortisolemia, patients with ACTHoma usually present with Cushing syndrome. ACTHomas have a poor prognosis with severe and rapidly progressive clinical courses. They often present with unresectable liver metastases and there remains little consensus on its standard treatment. We report a 55-year-old female with ACTH-producing pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, who was treated with surgical resection of pancreatic tail, spleen, and a portion of stomach. Sixteen months later, abdomen computed tomography scan showed multiple liver metastases, which were treated with transarterial chemoembolization.

Different expression pattern and significance of p14ARF-Mdm2-p53 pathway and Bmi-1 exist between gastric cardia and distal gastric adenocarcinoma

Recent studies have suggested that adenocarcinoma of gastric cardia (GCA) is distinct from distal stomach, with different risk factors, tumor characteristics, and biological behavior. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible difference in the expressions of p14ARF, Mdm2, p53, and Bmi-1 by immunohistochemical staining on paraffin-embedded tissues of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA; n = 74) and distal gastric adenocarcinoma (DGA; n = 41). The results showed that the percentage of p14ARF-negative expression, Mdm2 overexpression, p53-positive expression, and p53 pathway abnormality (p14ARF(-)/Mdm2(+)/p53(+)) were all significantly higher in GCA than those in DGA (P < .05). Further analysis showed that in GCA, the negative expression of p14ARF was significantly associated with poor differentiation, Mdm2 overexpression with tumor stage and lymph node metastasis, and positive p53 expression with tumor stage (P < .05), whereas in DGA, only Mdm2 overexpression was related with well/moderate differentiation (P < .05). Abnormality of the p53 pathway was significantly correlated with poorer differentiation only in GCA (P < .05). The positive expression of Bmi-1 in all cases of GCA and DGA was significantly higher than normal gastric mucosa epithelium, but no difference was found between GCA and DGA (P > .05). Thus, the results in this study confirmed that different expression pattern and clinicopathologic significance of the p14ARF-Mdm2-p53 pathway did exist between GCA and DGA. The results further support the hypothesis that different mechanisms may be involved in the development and progression of adenocarcinoma from cardia and distal portion of stomach.

Investigation of gastro protective activity of Xanthium strumarium L. by modulation of cellular and biochemical marker

Peptic ulcer owes its pathological features to disregulated oxido-nitrosative and necrotic changes in gastrointestinal mucosa. Xanthium strumarium L. is a ubiquitous, abundant herb possessing an array of pharmacological properties. In view of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Xanthium strumarium L., the present investigation was designed to unravel its antiulcer potential in pylorus ligation induced gastric ulcer in laboratory animals. X. srtumarium L. leaves were extracted by refluxing with 95 % ethanol to obtained X. srtumarium L. ethanolic extract (XSEE). After 1 h pretreatment period of XSEE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) gastric ulcer was induced by ligation of pylorus portion of stomach. Various parameters including volume of gastric fluid, pH of gastric fluid, free as well as total acidity were measured in the gastric fluid whereas ulcer area, ulcer index, mucin content, superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, total calcium, histamine level, membrane bound inorganic phosphate (Na-K-ATPase), TNF-α level, DNA fragmentation were determined in the gastric tissue. Pretreatment with XSEE (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly and dose dependently (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001) decreased ulcer area, ulcer index, macroscopical gastric damage score, volume of gastric fluid, free acidity as well as total acidity and mucin content. It also significantly increased pH of gastric fluid. Rats treated with XSEE (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly and dose dependently (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001) attenuated decreased level of superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide and Na-K-ATPase. It also significantly decreased level of myeloperoxidase, calcium and inflammatory cytokine i.e. TNF-α. XSEE treated rats showed significant reduction in the pylorus ligation induced apoptotic changes. The possible mechanism by which Xanthium strumarium exerts its gastro-protective action may be due to free radical quenching, DNA repair and down regulation of oxidative-nitrosative stress along with cytokines.

First record of Lecithochirium grandiporum (Digenea: Hemiuridae) infecting the lizard fish Saurida tumbil from the Red Sea

The present study was the first investigation of digenetic trematode parasites of Saurida tumbil, a commercially important fish species of the Red Sea, during the period from January to December 2011. Thirty-nine out of 103 (37.8 %) of the examined fish were found to harbor the digenetic trematode Lecithochirium grandiporum (family: Hemiuridae) infecting the pyloric portion of stomach and middle part of intestines of the lizard fish. The morphology and morphometric characterizations of this digenetic trematode were described by light and scanning electron microscopy. The parasite possessed a body which was elongated and rounded anteriorly, but truncated posteriorly, and its body measured 1.63 ± 0.20 (1.2-1.93) mm (invaginated ecsoma), 2.11 ± 0.20 (1.83-2.35) mm (evaginated ecsoma) in length with a maximum width of 0.4 ± 0.02 (0.31-0.52) mm at ovarian level. They were characterized by a subterminal oral sucker which measured 0.15 ± 0.02 (0.12-0.18) mm in diameter and was smaller than the ventral sucker which was circular and large with a wide aperture, hence the specific name grandiporum. A multilobated digitiform vitellarium which was a distinctive feature for this species was also observed. The number of parasite per fish was one to six. Prevalence and intensity of infection were positively correlated with host size (increasing with host size increasing). Host sex does not seem to affect the prevalence of infection. The present study was considered as a first record from the Red Sea in Egypt.

Differential Expression of Ghrelin mRNA According to Anatomical Portions of Human Stomach

The detailed ghrelin distribution on mRNA level in different anatomical portions of adult stomach and its association with plasma ghrelin levels are not yet well established. We investigated the ghrelin mRNA and peptide expression in different anatomical portions of stomach in human adults. Stomach tissue samples were obtained from 16 patients with gastric cancer who underwent total gastrectomy. The normal stomach tissues were taken from the upper (gastric fundus and upper body), middle (gastric middle and lower body) and lower (gastric antrum and pylorus) portions of stomach, respectively. The expression of ghrelin mRNA and peptide in stomach tissue samples were measured using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The ghrelin/actin ratio was 0.78 (range 0-3.38; n=16) at the upper portion, 0.20 (range 0-1.28; n=16) at the middle portion and 0.07 (range 0-0.67; n=16) at the lower portion of the stomach (p=0.001). Ghrelin-positive cells were seen in all parts of the gastric mucosa and were most numerous in the glandular compartment compared to foveolar compartment. Gastric body or fundic mucosa showed ghrelin-positive cells most abundantly as compared to other portions of the gastric mucosa (p<0.001). Ghrelin mRNA expression and immunoreactivity is highest at the upper portion of the human stomach.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with advanced gastric cancer: An Asian experience

BackgroundThe incidence and prognostic impact of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) have not been determined. We therefore investigated the incidence of VTE and the clinical characteristics associated with VTE in AGC patients treated with systemic chemotherapy. Patients/MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the incidence of VTE in 3095 patients diagnosed with inoperable AGC in the Department of Oncology at the Asan Medical Center. ResultsWe found that the 1-year cumulative incidence of VTE was 3.5% and incidence rate was 1.88 events/100 person-years (95% confidence interval, 1.54–2.28 events/100 person-years). Overall survival (OS) was poorer in patients concurrently diagnosed with AGC and VTE than in patients with VTE detected after AGC diagnosis (median OS, 4.5months versus 10.7months; HR, 2.171; 95%CI, 1.2–3.93; P=0.009). Multivariate analysis identified female sex, primary tumour site on the upper portion of stomach (cardia/fundus versus body/antrum), two or more metastatic sites, lung metastasis and increased baseline CA19-9 level as independent risk factors for VTE. OS rates were significantly lower in patients with than without VTE (1-year OS, 40% versus 45.3%; 2-year OS, 10.5% versus 19.3%; HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.0–1.52; P=0.048). Multivariate analysis, however, showed that VTE was not a statistically significant factor affecting survival (P=0.82). ConclusionsThe incidence rate of VTE was lower in Korean than in Caucasian patients with AGC. VTE was not an independent prognostic factor, although patients with VTE detected at the time of AGC diagnosis had markedly poorer prognosis.

Effects of oral administration of formaldehyde on albino rat stomach

Introduction Formaldehyde is one of the food additives used to preserve foods. Aim of the study To evaluate the histological changes produced by oral administration of formaldehyde on albino rat stomach. Materials and methods Twenty adult male albino rats were divided into two groups: a control group (I) and an experimental group (II), which received commercial formaldehyde solution orally (80 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks. Fore-stomach sections were stained by H&E. Glandular-stomach sections were stained by H&E, alcian blue PAS, and Feulgen reactions for light microscopic examination. Specimens from both stomach portions were processed for scanning electron microscopic examination. Thickness of mucosa, area % of alcian blue PAS reaction, and optical density of the Feulgen reaction were measured using an image analyzer. Data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results After the intake of oral formaldehyde, there was a significant increase in the thickness of the stomach lining epithelium. Fore-stomach sections revealed an irregular surface, excessive keratin scale, and basal cell hyperplasia with regional loss of papillation as well as inflammatory cellular infiltrations. Glandular-stomach sections exhibited scattered surface erosion and necrotic debris. Inflammatory cellular infiltrations and dilated blood vessels associated with edematous spaces were observed. The gastric gland cells showed cytoplasmic vacuolation, cystic dilatation, and apparent hyperplasia. There was a significant decrease in alcian blue PAS and Feulgen reactions. Conclusion The intake of oral formaldehyde has deleterious gastric effects in the form of irritating, regenerative effects as well as DNA damage that may be precancerous.

Cholangiocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Stratified Epithelial Portion of the Stomach in a Horse: A Case Report

Both cholangiocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach stratified squamous epithelial portion are rarely found in equine medicine despite being more common in human beings, dogs, and cats. The objective of the present article was to report the simultaneous occurrences of these two types of neoplasias in an 11-year-old mare. Numerous firm, whitish nodules were distributed throughout the liver parenchyma and those protruding over its surface were umbilicated in their appearance. It was verified that the nodules adhered to the peritoneum and omentum, diaphragm, spleen, and stomach serosa compressed the adjacent structures. The stomach stratified squamous epithelial portion, particularly originating in the margo plicatus toward the cardia, was covered by numerous smooth, whitish spherules. Microscopic examination allowed the liver, tumor, and the abdominal implants to be identified as a cholangiocarcinoma, and the stomach neoplasia as a carcinoma of its stratified squamous epithelial portion. Considering this as an uncommon finding, although when considered individually, the presence of a cholangiocarcinoma and a squamous cell carcinoma of the stratified squamous epithelial portion of the equine stomach in the same specimen is worthy of reporting.