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Objective The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been increasing worldwide, and the risk of infection has increased due to the use of immunosuppressive and biologic medications. Some of these infections can be prevented with vaccinations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vaccination practices of Chinese gastroenterologists for patients with IBD. Methods Questionnaires based on quick response codes were sent using email and the WeChat platform to gastroenterologists at 20 hospitals in China. The vaccination practices of the gastroenterologists, including vaccinating for hepatitis B, hepatitis A, and varicella, were assessed. Results Of the 468 gastroenterologists who received the questionnaire, 307 (65.6%) completed it. Of the gastroenterologists who were most concerned about hepatitis B; 83.4% always or frequently asked about an infection history, 53.7% took an immunization history, and 73.6% tested patients for hepatitis B infection. However, few gastroenterologists did so for hepatitis A or varicella. The proportion of patients who were asked about an infection and immunization history and tested for varicella infection was 16.0%, 15.0%, and 9.4%, respectively. Only a few gastroenterologists recommended vaccination for patients without an infection before IBD medical treatment (26.7% for hepatitis A, 45.6% for hepatitis B, and 28% for varicella vaccination). Conclusion Vaccination practices for patients with IBD used by Chinese gastroenterologists vary greatly, suggesting that education about immunization is needed.

Indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder of the gastrointestinal tract (ITLPD-GI), a primary tumor forming in the GI tract, represents a rarely diagnosed clonal T-cell disease with a protracted clinical course. This report presents a 45-year-old male patient with a 6-year history of anal fistula and a more than 10-year history of recurrent diarrhea, who was not rightly diagnosed until the occurrence of complications such as intestinal perforation. Postsurgical histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of CD8+ ITLPD-GI, with a combination of hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and TCRβ/γ clonal gene rearrangement. Individuals with this scarce lymphoma frequently show non-specific symptoms, which are hardly recognized. So far, indolent CD8+ ITLPD-GI has not been comprehensively examined. The current mini-review focused on available reports evaluating indolent CD8+ ITLPD-GI cases, discussing future directions for improved differential diagnosis, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and therapeutic target identification.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of fecal calprotectin (FC) in assessment of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients' endoscopic patterns and clinical manifestation.Methods: A total of 143 UC patients who received colonoscopy and 108 controls were included. After providing stool samples, patients underwent total colonoscopy. FC was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical activity was based on the Mayo score. Endoscopic findings was scored by the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS). Correlation analysis and receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analysis were carried out to determine the significance of measurements.Results: The median (interquartile range, IQR) of FC levels was 211 (43–990) μg/g in UC and 87.5 (40.50~181) μg/g in the control group. Fecal calprotectin correlated significantly with both Mayo and UCEIS scores (Spearman's r 0.670 and 0.592, P < 0.01). With a cut-off value of 164 μg/g for fecal calprotectin concentration, the area under the curve (AUC) in receiver operator characteristic analysis was 0.830, sensitivity was 85.42%, specificity was 73.68%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 62.12%, and negative predictive value (NPV) was 9.10% in predicting clinical active disease. Similarly, the power of FC to predict mucosal healing (MH) was modest. With a cut-off value of 154.5 μg/g, the AUC was 0.839, sensitivity was 72.34%, and specificity was 85.71%.Conclusion: For evaluating the disease activity of UC, FC is a clinically relevant biomarker for both clinically active disease and MH in patients with UC. But the cut-off value still needs large and multicenter studies for confirmation.

Objective. Aspirin usage is associated with increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The present study explored the potential of teprenone, an antiulcerative, in preventing aspirin-related gastric mucosal injuries. Methods. 280 patients with coronary diseases, naïve to aspirin medication, were admitted between 2011 and 2013 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University and randomized into two groups (n=140). The aspirin group received aspirin enteric-coated tablets 100 mg/day, while the aspirin+teprenone group received teprenone 50 mg 3 times/day along with aspirin. The patients were recorded for gastrointestinal symptoms and gastric mucosal injuries during a follow-up period of 12 months with 3-month intervals. Results. During the 3-month follow-up, no significant difference was observed in the incidence rate of gastrointestinal symptoms between the two groups (P=0.498). However, the incidence rate of gastrointestinal symptoms was significantly lower in the aspirin+teprenone group than in the aspirin group during the follow-ups at 6 months (P=0.036) and 12 months (P=0.036). The incidence rate of gastric mucosal injuries in the aspirin group was significantly increased at 12 months compared to that at 3 months (P=0.016). The incidence rates at 12 months and cumulative for the entire follow-up period in the aspirin+teprenone group were both significantly lower than those of the aspirin group (P=0.049 and P=0.001, respectively). Conclusion. Long-term use of low-dose aspirin causes varying degrees of gastric mucosal damages and gastrointestinal symptoms; the severity will increase within a certain range with the extension of medication duration. Teprenone mitigates the gastrointestinal symptoms caused by low-dose aspirin, lowering both the incidence and severity of gastric mucosal injuries and exerting a positive protective effect.

Background When opportunistic infections occur, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) commonly display a significantly increased rate of morbidity and mortality. With increasing use of immunosuppressive agents and biological agents, opportunistic infections are becoming a hot topic in the perspective of drug safety in IBD patients. Despite the well-established role of opportunistic infections in the prognosis of IBD patients, there are few epidemiological data investigating the incidence of opportunis-tic infections in IBD patients in China. Besides, the risk factors for opportunistic infection in Chinese IBD patients remain unclear. Aim To predict the incidence of opportunistic infections related to IBD in China, and explore the risk factors for opportunistic infections. Methods A single-center, prospective study of IBD patients was conducted. The patients were followed for up to 12 mo to calculate the incidence of infections. For each infected IBD patient, two non-infected IBD patients were selected as controls. A conditional logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between putative risk factors and opportunistic infections, which are represented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Seventy (28.11%) out of 249 IBD patients developed opportunistic infections. Clostridium difficile infections and respiratory syncytial virus infections were found in 24 and 16 patients, respectively. In a univariate analysis, factors such as the severity of IBD, use of an immunosuppressant or immunosuppressants, high levels of fecal calprotectin, and C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate were individually related to a significantly increased risk of opportunistic infection. Multivariate analysis indicated that the use of any immunosuppressant yielded an OR of 3.247 (95%CI: 1.128-9.341), whereas the use of any two immunosuppressants yielded an OR of 6.457 (95%CI: 1.726-24.152) for opportunistic infection. Interestingly, when immunosuppressants were used in combination with infliximab (IFX) or 5-aminosalicylic acid, a significantly increased risk of opportunistic infection was also observed. The relative risk of opportunistic infection was greatest in IBD patients with severe disease activity (OR = 9.090; 95%CI: 1.532-53.941, relative to the remission stage). However, the use of IFX alone did not increase the risk of opportunistic infection. Conclusion Factors such as severe IBD, elevated levels of fecal calprotectin, and the use of immunosuppressive medications, especially when used in combination, are major risk factors for opportunistic infections in IBD patients. The use of IFX alone does not increase the risk of opportunistic infection.

Background: Functional constipation (FC) is an intractable disease that carries large financial burden as well as emotional and physical stress. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the newly developed smartphone-controlled vibrating capsule (VC) in patients with FC. Methods: This was a multicenter, blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial in six top general hospitals in China focusing on patients aged 18 to 80 with FC. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive VCs or placebo treatment for six weeks (two capsules per week) after two-week baseline period. The primary outcome was the responder rate, defined as the proportion of patients with an increase of at least one complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) per week during treatment compared to baseline in the full analysis set. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04671264, and is completed. Findings: From December 2018 to February 2020, 107 patients were randomly assigned to receive VCs (n=53) or placebo treatment (n=54). The responder rate in the VC group was significantly higher than that in the placebo group (64·2% vs. 35·8%; difference, 27·7% [95% CI, 10·4% to 45·1%]; P = 0·005). More patients in the VC group reported weekly CSBMs ≥ 1 for at least four weeks during treatment ( P =0·022) and follow-up period ( P =0·041). The mean PAC-SYM and PAC-QoL total scores differed significantly from the baseline in both groups (all P < 0·0001). The most common adverse event associated with VC was abdominal discomfort (3·8%). Interpretation: VCs can greatly promote defecation, as well as ameliorating symptoms and improving the quality of life in patients with FC with sustained efficacy. Funding Statement: The funding source of our work is "One hundred leading scientists for 21st century" of Health Department of Shanghai Municipal Government (to ZL, No.2017BR005). Declaration of Interests: We declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the institutional review board at all participating centers. No subsequent amendments of the protocol were made in the process of study implementation. The trial was performed in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and reported in accordance with CONSORT guidelines. An independent Data and safety monitoring committee (DSMC) appointed by the ethics committee and the Shanghai and National Medical Products Administration provided trial regular oversight. Trial Registration: This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04671264, and is completed.

Functional constipation (FC) is an intractable disease that carries large financial burden as well as emotional and physical stress. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the newly developed smartphone-controlled vibrating capsule (VC) in patients with FC.From December 2018 to February 2020, we did a multicenter, blinded, placebo-controlled randomised trial in six top general hospitals in China focusing on patients aged 18 to 80 with FC. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive VCs or placebo treatment for six weeks (two capsules per week) after a two-week baseline period. The primary outcome was the responder rate, defined as the proportion of patients with an increase of at least one complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) per week during treatment compared to baseline in the full analysis set. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04671264, and is completed.107 patients aged from 18 to 74 were randomly assigned to receive VC (VCs can promote defecation, as well as ameliorating symptoms and improving the quality of life in patients with FC with sustained efficacy. VC appears to be a potential alternative physical treatment for FC with the exact mechanism and parameters warranting further investigation.The study was supported by "One hundred leading scientists for 21st century" of Health Department of Shanghai Municipal Government (to ZL, No.2017BR005).

BACKGROUND Fatigue is a very common but relatively neglected problem in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The prevalence rate of IBD in China is the highest in Asia, but there is little research on fatigue in patients with IBD. Neither the relationship between fatigue and quality of life (QoL) nor the relationship between fatigue and work productivity (WP) in Chinese IBD patients has been reported. AIM To investigate the prevalence of fatigue related to IBD in Eastern China, to identify the risk factors associated with fatigue, to assess the impact of fatigue on QoL, and to evaluate the relationship between fatigue and WP. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Regional Tertiary IBD Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Eastern China. Clinical data of patients were collected, and disease activity was evaluated. Blood samples were analyzed to assess anemia, albumin, and inflammation. Fatigue was assessed using the multidimensional fatigue inventory. QoL and WP were measured using the short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire and the work productivity and activity impairment general health questionnaire, respectively. The patients also completed assessments of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale). RESULTS A total of 311 IBD patients, comprising 168 Crohn's disease patients and 143 ulcerative colitis patients, were enrolled. The prevalence of fatigue in patients with IBD was 60.77%. In a univariate logistic regression analysis, factors such as disease activity, depression, anxiety, anemia, and IBD-related surgery were individually related to a significantly increased risk of fatigue in IBD patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that depression [odds ratio (OR) = 8.078, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.113-15.865], anxiety (OR = 2.373, 95%CI: 1.100-5.119), anemia (OR = 2.498, 95%CI: 1.290-4.834), and IBD-related surgery (OR = 2.035, 95%CI: 1.084-3.819) were related to fatigue in IBD patients. There was a negative correlation between fatigue and QoL (r = -0.831; P < 0.0001) but a positive correlation between fatigue and WP loss. CONCLUSION The prevalence of fatigue in IBD patients in Eastern China is remarkably high even in clinical remission. Factors such as depression, anxiety, anemia, and IBD-related surgery are major risk factors for fatigue in IBD patients. In addition, fatigue has a negative impact on QoL and is positively correlated with WP loss.

AIM To explore the significance of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-receptor (R)2 in mucosal healing of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and the effect of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang (TXYF) on CRH-R2 expression and regulation. METHODS Ulcerative colitis was induced in mice by administration of 3% (w/v) DSS for 7 d. Once the model was established, mice were administered urocortin-2 (30 μg/kg), a peptide which binds exclusively to CRH-R2, or various doses of aqueous TXYF extracts (2.8-11.2 g/kg), a CRH-R2 antagonist Astressin (Ast)2B (20 μg/kg), Ast2B + Ucn2, or Ast2B with various doses of aqueous TXYF extracts for 9 d. Colonic mucosal permeability was then evaluated by measuring the fluorescence intensity in serum. The colitis disease activity index (DAI), histology, body weight loss and colon length were assessed to evaluate the condition of colitis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling was used to detect apoptosis of the intestinal epithelial cells. The expression level of Ki-67 represented the proliferation of colonic epithelial cells and was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of inflammation cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and CXCL-1 were examined in colon tissues using real-time PCR and ELISA kits. RESULTS Compared with the DSS group, mice treated with the CRH-R2 antagonist Ast2B showed greater loss of body weight, shorter colon lengths (4.90 ± 0.32 vs 6.21 ± 0.34 cm, P < 0.05), and higher DAI (3.61 ± 0.53 vs 2.42 ± 0.32, P < 0.05) and histological scores (11.50 ± 1.05 vs 8.33 ± 1.03, P < 0.05). Additionally, the Ast2B group showed increased intestinal permeability (2.76 ± 0.11 μg/mL vs 1.47 ± 0.11 μg/mL, P < 0.001), improved secretion of inflammatory cytokines in colon tissue, and reduced colonic epithelial cell proliferation (4.97 ± 4.25 vs 22.51 ± 8.22, P < 0.05). Increased apoptosis (1422.39 ± 90.71 vs 983.01 ± 98.17, P < 0.001) was also demonstrated. The Ucn2 group demonstrated lower DAI (0.87 ± 0.55 vs 2.42 ± 0.32, P < 0.001) and histological scores (4.33 ± 1.50 vs 8.33 ± 1.03, P < 0.05). Diminished weight loss, longer colon length (9.58 ± 0.62 vs 6.21 ± 0.34 cm, P < 0.001), reduced intestinal permeability (0.75 ± 0.07 vs 1.47 ± 0.11 μg/mL, P < 0.001), inhibited secretion of inflammatory cytokines in colon tissue and increased colonic epithelial cell proliferation (90.04 ± 15.50 vs 22.51 ± 8.22, P < 0.01) were all observed. Reduced apoptosis (149.55 ± 21.68 vs 983.01 ± 98.17, P < 0.05) was also observed. However, significant statistical differences in the results of the Ast2B group and Ast2B + Ucn2 group were observed. TXYF was also found to ameliorate symptoms of DSS-induced colitis in mice and to promote mucosal repair like Ucn2. There were significant differences between the Ast2B + TXYF groups and the TXYF groups. CONCLUSION CRH-R2 activates the intestinal mucosal antiinflammatory response by regulating migration, proliferation and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in colitis-induced mice, and plays an important antiinflammatory role. TXYF promotes mucosal repair in colitis mice by regulating CRH-R2.

Purpose Crohn's disease (CD) has been known to cause both abdominal pain alongside functional and structural alterations in the central nervous system (CNS) in affected patients. This study seeks to determine the alternations of metabolites in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of CD patients with abdominal pain by using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to further explore the neural mechanism. Methods Sixteen CD patients with abdominal pain and 13 CD patients without abdominal pain, were recruited alongside 20 healthy controls (HCs) for this study. Clinical evaluations, including the 0–10 Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), were evaluated prior to MR scanning. This study selected the bilateral ACC as the region of interest (ROI). The metabolites of the bilateral ACC were quantitatively analyzed by LCModel and Gannet. A independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed for statistical analysis. Spearman correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between the metabolite levels and clinical evaluations. Results The results indicated that CD patients with abdominal pain exhibited significantly higher levels of Glutamate (Glu)/(creatine + phosphocreatine, total creatine, tCr) over CD patients without abdominal pain, and HCs (p = 0.003, 0.009, respectively) in the bilateral ACC. The level of (Glutamate + Glutamine, Glx)/tCr of pain CD group was higher than non-pain CD group (p = 0.022). Moreover, within the pain CD group, Glu/tCr and Glx/tCr levels correlated strongly with the VAS scores of pain (ρ = 0.86, 0.59 respectively, p, Highlights • The brain metabolite in CD patients with abdominal pain was firstly investigated. • The study was conducted in vivo by using 1H-MRS. • Glu and GABA levels altered in ACC of CD patients with abdominal pain. • CD patients with abdominal pain in pain processing implicated neurotransmitters.

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive primary brain cancer in adults. Therefore, it is important to investigate the mechanisms associated with cell viability and invasion ability of the cells in glioblastoma multiforme. The opposite strand of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) gene is used to transcribe the cis-antisense GDNF opposite strand (GDNFOS) gene, which belongs to the long noncoding RNAs. The current study assessed the effects of GDNFOS1 overexpression and interference on GDNF expression, cell viability and invasion ability in U87 and U251 MG glioblastoma cells. Overexpression and interference were performed using constructed lentiviral vectors, including long non-coding RNA GDNFOS1 overexpression vector, pL-short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-GDNFOS1-9, pL-shRNA-GDNFOS1-49, pL-shRNA-GDNFOS1-248, pL-shRNA-GDNFOS1-9+49, pL-shRNA-GDNFOS1-9+248 and pL-shRNA-GDNFOS1-49+248. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to determine the efficiency of interference and overexpression of GDNFOS1 in U87 and U251 MG cells. GDNF protein expression in U87 and U251 MG cells was detected using western blot analysis. In addition, cell viability was detected using a cell counting kit-8 assay at 24, 48 and 72 h after GDNFOS1 overexpression or interference. A transwell invasion assay was used to detect invasion ability. Different shRNA sequences were tested and the results revealed that a combination (pL-shRNA-GDNFOS1-49+248) was most effective in the knock-down GDNFOS1. Compared with the control group, GDNF expression in U87 MG cells was significantly increased in the GDNFOS1 overexpression group and decreased in the shRNA-GDNFOS1-248 group. U87 MG cell viability was significantly increased in the GDNFOS1 overexpression group at 24, 48 and 72 h compared with the negative control group. The viability of U87 MG cells was decreased in the GDNFOS1 interference group at 72 h when compared with the control group. The relative invasive ability was significantly increased in the GDNFOS1 overexpression group when compared with the negative control group. The invasive ability was significantly decreased in the GDNFOS1 interference group when compared with the negative control group. Similar results were exhibited by the U251 MG cells. Overall, GDNF expression, cell viability and invasion ability of glioblastoma cells significantly increased with GDNFOS1 overexpression and decreased with GDNFOS1 interference.

Rationale: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a chronic fibro-inflammatory disorder which is characterized by elevated levels of serum IgG4 and infiltration of IgG4-bearing plasma cells in the involved organs. Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) are both distinct from IgG4-related disease. We herein describe a Chinese patient with IgG4-related RPF overlapping with PBC and pSS. Patient concerns: We report a case of 69-year-old male with recurrent lower abdominal pain for 10 months. Laboratory data showed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and hepatobiliary enzymes, renal dysfunction, high titers of antinuclear antibody, anti-SS-A antibody and anti-mitochondrial type 2, high immunoglobulin (Ig) G levels and elevated serum IgG4 (9 g/L). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were suggestive of retroperitoneal fibrosis and unilateral ureteral occlusion. Immunohistochemical staining for IgG4 did not demonstrate infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in the retroperitoneal mass, but revealed significant infiltration of lymphocytoplasma cells as well as fibrosis and fibrin accumulation. Diagnoses: The patient was diagnosed with IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis based on the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria. He was also diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis and primary Sjögren's syndrome. Interventions: 250 mg ursodeoxycholic acid was administered twice daily, and prednisolone was initiated at a dose of 40 mg/day and then tapered to 25 mg after 45 days. Outcomes: The size of the retroperitoneal soft tissue mass gradually reduced and the abnormal laboratory parameters were restored to normal. Lessons: This rare clinical condition has seldom been reported in the literature, which suggests that common immunogenetic factors may be involved in the development of IgG-related RPF, PBC and pSS.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been introduced as a novel endoscopic treatment for achalasia. The aim of this work is to assess the changes in esophageal motility caused by POEM in patients with achalasia.Forty-one patients with achalasia underwent POEM from September 2012 to November 2014. Esophageal motility of all patients was evaluated preoperatively and 1 month after POEM utilizing high-resolution manometry, which was performed with ten water swallows, ten steamed bread swallows, and multiple rapid swallows (MRS).In single swallows, including liquid swallows and bread swallows, all the parameters of lower esophagus sphincter resting pressure (LESP), 4-s integrated relaxation pressure (4sIRP), and intra-bolus pressure (IBP) were decreased between pre- and post-POEM patients (all p0.05). Postoperatively, the trend of distal contractile integral (DCI) and distal esophageal peristaltic amplitude declined in subtype II and subtype III (subtype II: p0.05; subtype III: p0.05), but increased in subtype I (subtype I: p0.05). In liquid swallows, the Eckardt score of subtype II patients decreased with DCI, and distal esophageal peristaltic amplitude after POEM was significantly lower compared with those showing increased values of those two parameters (p0.05). In MRS, the rate of LES relaxation increased from 66.67 to 95.24%, but without normal response in all achalasia patients.POEM reduces LES pressure in achalasia, and partly restores esophageal motility. POEM displayed varying effect on esophageal motility in patients with different patterns of swallowing. In addition, the changes in parameters associated with esophageal peristalsis correlated with decreases in Eckardt score.

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is found in around 4% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The most common radiological finding of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement on contrast-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Herein, we report a novel brain MRI finding — non-enhanced, band-like, symmetric restricted diffusion along the anterior surface of the brainstem — of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in four patients with non-small cell lung cancer. We also identified three additional cases with similar MRI findings in a literature review. We hypothesized that the restricted diffusion along the anterior brainstem was caused by malignant cells concentrating in the cistern around the brainstem and infiltrating into the circumferential perforating arteries along the anterior brainstem surface, which then resulted in microinfarctions.

Serum pepsinogen (PG) test, as an indicator of gastric mucosal atrophy, reflects the functional and morphologic status of gastric mucosal and it is suggested to serve as a useful predictive marker for patients with gastric cancer (GC). The available classifications of gastritis, known as the Operative Link on Gastritis Assessment (OLGA) and Operative Link on Gastritis Intestinal Metaplasia (OLGIM), integrating the severity and topography of atrophy/intestinal metaplasia (IM), have been gradually accepted and used in screening for GC in recent years.To assess whether serum pepsinogen test, including PGI, PGII, PGI/PGII and gastrin-17 (G-17) could reflect the extent and topography of gastric mucosal atrophy/IM. Furthermore, to discuss the relationship between OLGA/OLGIM staging system and serum pepsinogen test in assessment of gastric atrophy/IM.The OLGA/OLGIM ranks the gastric staging according to both the topography and the severity of gastric atrophy/IM. A retrospective study was conducted with 331 patients who underwent endoscopy with consecutive biopsy sampling and reassessed according to OLGA/OLGIM staging system. Serum pepsinogen test, including PGI, PGII, PGI/PGII and G-17, as well as serological Helicobacter pylori (Hp) antibody were also measured. Results were presented as gastritis stage, serum pepsinogen level and Hp status. Baseline characteristics were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) test for continuous data and Pearson's χA total of 177 non-atrophic gastritis and 154 atrophic gastritis were analyzed, among which 40 were antrum atrophy, 32 were corpus atrophy and 82 were pan-atrophy. All patients were assessed applying the OLGA/OLGIM criteria with a mean age of 54.7 ± 10.8 years. Patients among OLGA/OLGIM Stage III-IV were presented with a lower level of serum PGI and PGI/PGII (p .05), especially for Stage IV (p = .01). For both Hp-positive patients and Hp-negative patients according to OLGA system, PGI/PGII level correlated inversely with the rising stage (p = .022; p = .028). As for OLGIM system, similar difference can be seen in PGI/PGII level in either Hp-positive patients, or Hp-negative patients (p = .036; p = .013). In addition, the percentage of G-17 1 pmol/L combined with PG-negative in antrum atrophy group was much higher than that of non-atrophy group and corpus atrophy group (25 versus 15.8 versus 6.3%) (p = .029). The proportion of G-17 15 pmol/L combined with PG-positive was apparently higher in corpus atrophy group, compared with other two groups (25 versus 11.3 versus 8.1%) (p = .023). Logistic regression modeling showed there exist significant connections between OLGA/OLGIM stages and serum pepsinogen test in patient stratification for gastric mucosal atrophy assessment (p .001, p .001).Serum pepsinogen test has a strong correlation with OLGA/OLGIM gastritis stage and could provide important information in assessment of atrophy/intestinal metaplasia.

The aim of this study was to examine the expression of serological markers in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in China, and determine the diagnostic utility of serological markers, individually and in combination, for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD).Serum samples were obtained from 160 participants in Eastern China. Among the participants, 98 were diagnosed with CD, 33 had ulcerative colitis (UC), and 29 were healthy controls (HC). The serum samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against outer membrane porin C (anti-OmpC), Pseudomonas fluorescens bacterial sequence I2 (anti-I2), anti-laminarin (anti-L), anti-chitin (anti-C), anti-chitobioside carbohydrate antibody (ACCA), anti-laminaribioside carbohydrate antibody (ALCA), anti-mannobioside carbohydrate antibody (AMCA), and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Individually, anti-C, anti-L, ASCA-IgG, and ALCA lacked diagnostic value in the differentiation of CD. ASCA-IgA remained the most accurate marker for the diagnosis of CD, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77; however, its sensitivity and specificity were both lower than 75%. Among the combinations of the 5 markers with significant diagnosing ability for CD, combinations with any 2 of the 3 markers, ASCA IgA, AMCA, and ACCA positive, provided the best accuracy in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of CD (sensitivity and specificity both above 75%) and had the highest Youden index.Serological antibodies, when considered in combination, have remarkable value in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of CD. Especially, the combination of any 2 of the 3 markers, ASCA-IgA, AMCA, ACCA positive, appears to be optimal.

Primary splenic angiosarcoma (PSA) is the most unusual type of malignancy with early multifocal metastasis through hematogenous spread. PSA is generally believed to originate from splenic sinusoidal vascular endothelium with a high rate of metastasis and to have a poor prognosis. Its etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms have not yet been clearly described. Thus far, only approximately 200 cases have been reported. PSA has variable symptomatology with the potential to present with life-threatening complications. The diagnosis of PSA is challenging; and often late. PSA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with splenomegaly and anemia of unknown etiology. Surgical treatment with splenectomy is considered the only curative intervention for potential long-term disease-free survival. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. It is important that clinical doctors improve the understanding of PSA. Herein, we report one rare case of PSA with hepatic metastases, along with a review of the current literature.

To observe the effects of electroacupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) and Jianshi (PC 5) com- bined with granisetron on nausea and vomiting as well as serum levels of 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) in chemotherapy patients.Seventy-two chemotherapy patients who met the inclusive criteria were randomly divided into an observation group (38 cases) and a control group (34 cases). The patients in the observation group were treated with electroacupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) and Jianshi (PC 5) combined with granisetron injection; the patients in the control group were treated with electroacupuncture at sham-point 1 and sham- point 2, and the rest treatment was identical to the observation group. After 3-day treatment, the clinical indices including times of vomiting and severity of nausea, etc. were observed in the two groups.(1) At the acute stage within 24 h, the times of vomiting in the two groups were not significantly different (P0.05); at the delay stage, the severity of nausea was significantly higher in the control group (P0.05). (2) As for the comprehensive efficacy and rate of complete control, there was no obvious difference between the two groups at the acute stage (P0.05); while in the delay stage, the rate of complete control in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (P0.01). (3) Compared before and after the treatment, serum levels of 5-HT and DA were evidently reduced in the observation group (both P0.05), while those in the control group were not significantly changed after treatment (both P0.05).Electroacupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) and Jianshi (PC 5) combined with granisetron could obviously relieve the nausea in chemotherapy patients at the delay stage. The effect mechanism is possibly related to reducing the content of 5-HIT nndl nA

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic, non-specific granulomatous inflammatory disorder that commonly affects the small intestine and is a phenotype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CD is prone to relapse, and its incidence displays a persistent increase in developing countries. However, the pathogenesis of CD is poorly understood, with some studies emphasizing the link between CD and the intestinal microbiota. Specifically, studies point to the brain-gut-enteric microbiota axis as a key player in the occurrence and development of CD. Furthermore, investigations have shown white-matter lesions and neurologic deficits in patients with IBD. Based on these findings, brain activity changes in CD patients have been detected by blood oxygenation level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI). BOLD-fMRI functions by detecting a local increase in relative blood oxygenation that results from neurotransmitter activity and thus reflects local neuronal firing rates. Therefore, biochemical concentrations of neurotransmitters or metabolites may change in corresponding brain regions of CD patients. To further study this phenomenon, brain changes of CD patients can be detected non-invasively, effectively and accurately by BOLD-fMRI combined with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). This approach can further shed light on the mechanisms of the occurrence and development of neurological CD. Overall, this paper reviews the current status and prospects on fMRI and MRS for evaluation of patients with CD based on the brain-gut-enteric microbiota axis.

To assess the short- and long-term efficacy and safety of treating functional dyspepsia (FD) by Chinese medical syndrome typing (CMST).A randomized, positive-drug parallel controlled study was conducted. Recruited were 170 FD patients who were randomly assigned to the test group (13 cases, treated by Chinese herbs) and the control group (34 cases, treated by Western medicine) in the ratio of 4:1. Different recipes were administered to patients in the test group according to CMST at the 1st, 2nd, and 4th week, respectively, while those in the control group took Domperidone or Esomeprazole Magnesium Enteric-coated Tablet according to Roma III Criteria. The therapeutic efficacy was observed at the 1st, 2nd, and 4th week of the treatment, including (1) clinical symptom score; (2) the score of SF-36 quality of life scale; (3) safety (4) compliance; (5) satisfaction; (6) the relapse rate; (7) cost-effectiveness ratio (C/E). The follow-up were performed at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th month.Sixteen patients fell off in the test group and 4 fell off i the control group, and the expulsion rate being 11.76% in the two groups, showing no statistical difference ( P0.05). The clinical symptom scores in the test group decreased from 5.62 +/- 2.30 before treatment to 1.41 +/- 1.22 after 4-week treatment, showing statistical difference (P0.01), but with no statistical difference when compared with the control group at the same time point (P0.05). The healing rate and the total effective rate at week 4 were 38.24% and 86.76% respectively in the test group, and they were 60.00% and 65.00% at 6-month withdrawal. They were 41.18%, 79.41%, 46.67%, and 50.00%, respectively, in the control group. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (P0.05). The scores of physical component-summary (PCS) and mental component-summary (MCS) both increased after 4-week treatment in the two groups, showing no statistical difference when compared with before treatment (P0.05). There was statistical difference in the scores of PCS and MCS between at 6-month withdrawal and before treatment (P0.05), but there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P0.05). No obvious adverse reaction occurred in the two groups. The compliance and satisfaction after 4-week treatment were 95.59% and 91.91% in the test group, and 94.12% and 91.18% in the control group, showing no statistical difference between the two groups (P0.05). The relapse rate in the test group was 10.29%, 19.12%, and 29.41%, respectively, after 1, 3, 6-month withdrawal, lower than that of the control group (17.65%, 23.53%, and 35.29%, respectively) at the same time point, but with no statistical difference. The C/E ratio of the test group/the control group was 15.59: 16. 53 at 4-week treatment and 22.27:28.28 after 6-month withdrawal respectively. The further analysis of incremental cost/incremental effectiveness showed that the ratio in the long-term decreased from 5.44 to 2.35 in the test group.The 4-week treatment of CMST had definite short- and long-term efficacy on FD patients, and improved their quality of life. It had better safety, compliance, and satisfaction. It was dominant in lower relapse rate and the cost/effectiveness. Therefore, it was worth spreading.

To observe the effects of Zhizhu Tongbian Decoction (ZTD) on the enteric nervous system, mRNA expressions of glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the slow transit constipation (STC) rats.Thirty STC rat model was established by gastric irrigation of rhubarb. After the model building, they were randomly divided into three groups, i. e., the model group, the high dose ZTD group, and the low dose ZTD group, 10 in each. Another 10 rats were selected as the blank control group. Rats in the high dose ZTD group and the low dose ZTD group were administered with ZTD (at the daily dose of crude drug 4.8 g/kg and 2.4 g/kg respectively) by gastrogavage. Normal saline was given to rats in the blank control group and the model group. The ink propelling rate was determined using ink propelling test. Meantime, mRNA expressions of GDNF and NOS in the rat colon were measured using reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Compared with the blank control group, the ink propelling rate and GDNF mRNA expression decreased, and NOS mRNA increased in the model group, showing statistical difference (P0.01, P0.05). Compared with the model group, the ink propelling rate increased in the high and low dose ZTD groups (P0.01, P0.05). The mRNA expressions of GDNF increased and the mRNA expressions of NOS decreased in the high dose ZTD group with statistical difference (P0.01, P0.05). But there was no difference in any index between the high and low dose ZTD groups.High dose ZTD could obviously improve the intestinal transmission function possibly through up-regulating the mRNA expressions of GDNF and down-regulating the mRNA expressions of NOS in STC rats.

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of itopride vs other drugs (placebo, domperidone, mosapride) for functional dyspepsia (FD).Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of itopride for FD were retrieved from databases. Relevant information was extracted and analyzed, using the relative risk (RR) and weighted mean deviation, as appropriate. A random or fixed effect model was used, based on the heterogeneity of the included articles, and visual inspection of funnel plots was used to evaluate publication bias.Nine RCTs enrolling 2620 FD cases were included; 1372 cases received itopride treatment and 1248 cases received placebo or other drugs (control groups). Compared with control groups, itopride had superior RR values of 1.11 [95%CI: (1.03, 1.19), P = 0.006], 1.21 [95%CI: (1.03, 1.44), P = 0.02], and 1.24 [95%CI: (1.01, 1.53), P = 0.04] for global patient assessment, postprandial fullness, and early satiety, respectively. For the Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire score, the weighted mean deviation was -1.38 [95%CI: (-1.75, -1.01), P0.01]. The incidence of adverse effects was similar in the itopride and control groups. The funnel plots for all indicators showed no evidence of publication bias.Itopride has good efficacy in terms of global patients assessment, postprandial fullness, and early satiety in the treatment of patients with FD and shows a low rate of adverse reactions. Itopride can greatly improve FD syndromes-score.

To study the expression of Akt and MAPK in the stomach and colon of slow transit constipation (STC) in rats, as well as the effect of exogenous glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on it.Forty-four SD rats were divided into control group and model group randomly. The STC model group was established by gastric irrigation of rhubarb for 3.5 months. The control group was received normal saline. After model building, each group was equally divided into 2 subgroup randomly, administrated with exogenous GDNF and normal saline by vein injection for one week respectively. The expression of Akt and MAPK in stomach and colon was detected by immunohistochemistry.(1) The expression of Akt in the stomach tended to weaker in STC rats comparing with the normal rats (P0.05), but it was stronger in STC plus GDNF group than in STC group (P0.05). (2) The expression of Akt and MAPK in the colon was weaker in STC group than in the normal group (all P0.05), and was stronger in STC plus GDNF group than in STC group (all P0.05). (3) The expression of MAPK in the stomach in STC group was weaker than in normal group (P0.05), and was stronger in STC plus GDNF group than in STC group (P0.01). There was no significant difference among STC plus GDNF group, normal group and GDNF group (P0.05).Long term consumption of rhubarb could induce STC by down-regulating the expression of Akt and MAPK in digestive tract. Exogenous GDNF may have a potential role on the etiology of STC.

To explore the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the regulation of the network relationship between differential proteins.Sixteen female SD rats of clean grade were randomly divided into IBS group (n = 8) and control group (n = 8). A rat model of IBS was established by a special odor of mothball as a conditional stimulation and colorectal distension plus the classic conditions of physical restraint as a non-conditional stimulation in turn. The total proteins were extracted from colon mucosa of two different rat groups. After preparation of total proteins, solubilized proteins were separated by two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis. Those differential protein spots were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The identified proteins were classified through an online web gene ontology tool. Some of the valuable differently expressed proteins were chosen for further verification by Western blotting.Intensity changes of 19 spots were detected among 1396 protein spots. A total of 13 different proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF MS successfully; eight of these were up-regulated and five down-regulated in colon mucosa of IBS rat. The eight over-expressed proteins were cytokeratin 8, protein disulfide isomerase A3 (PDIA3), peroxiredoxin-6, cathepsin S, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein F, eukaryotic translation initiation factor, carbonyl reductase 1, glyoxalase I; five under-expressed proteins were alpha-enolase, transgelin, serpinB5, cardiac alpha-actin 1 and 40S ribosomal protein SA. The results of Western blotting confirmed that PDIA3 was indeed over-expressed in colonic mucosa of IBS rat.Some proteins related to immunity of intestinal tract, inflammation and nerve are differently expressed in colonic mucosa of IBS rat. It is suggested that immunity, inflammation and neuro-endocrine network in gut are associated with the pathogenesis of IBS.

To investigate the distribution and expression of glial cell line-derived neutrophil factor(GDNF)in colon of slow transit constipation (STC) rats and the effect of exogenous GDNF on colon transit.Forty-eight SD rats were divided randomly into controlled group and model group. The models were established by gastric irrigation of rhubarb for 3.5 months. The control group received normal saline. The models were successfully established and then the rats were divided randomly into four groups. They were a normal group, GDNF group, STC model group and a STC models plus GDNF group. Half of the rats in model and control group were administrated with exogenous GDNF intravenously for one week. The expression of GDNF and GDNF-mRNA in colon was detected with immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. The colon transmit speed was measured with Chinese ink driving test.The colon transmit of the STC model group, the normal group, the STC models plus GDNF group and GDNF group were (60.00 +/- 5.62)%, (74.44 +/- 2.19)%, (74.67 +/- 7.07)% and (88.54 +/- 3.22)%. There was significant difference between the normal group and the STC model group (P0.01) as well as the STC models plus GDNF group and the STC model group (P0.01). The expression of GDNF with reverse transcriptase PCR in the STC model group, the normal group and the STC models plus GDNF group was 1.38, 2.29 and 2.21 respectively, with significant difference between the STC models and the normal group (P = 0.01) and between the STC models and the STC models plus GDNF group (P = 0.017). However, there was no significant difference between the normal group and the STC models plus GDNF group (P0.05).The down regulation of GDNF in colon may play an important role in pathogenesis of STC. Exogenous GDNF may improve the colon motor function by up-regulation of GDNF.

To study the acid exposure characteristic of the subtypes of non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD) and discuss the value of rabeprazole in its diagnosis.32 cases of the NERD were subdivided into three groups--14 cases with abnormal acid reflux, 11 with acid hypersensitive oesophagus and the remaining 7 with functional heartburn. All the cases were treated with rabeprazole 10 mg bid for 2 weeks.(1) Acid exposure in each group: In the abnormal acid reflux group, the total degree of acid reflux, the degree of long reflux, the time of pH4 and the time percentage of pH4 were obviously increased as compared with the groups of acid hypersensitive oesophagus and functional heartburn; the symptom index of the group with acid hypersensitive oesophagus was apparently higher than that of the group of functional heartburn [(81.0 +/- 22.5)% vs (8.6 +/- 14.8)%, P0.01]. (2) Comparison of symptoms: There was no obvious difference in the score of typical symptoms and total score of symptoms before therapy among the groups; the score extraesophageal symptoms in the acid hypersensitive oesophagus group was much higher than that in the abnormal acid reflux group (4.0 +/- 3.8 vs 0.9 +/- 2.2, P0.05). (3) The curative effect: The score of oesophageal symptoms and the total score of symptoms in the abnormal acid reflux and the acid hypersensitive oesophagus groups after treatment with rabeprazole for 1 and 2 weeks showed obvious decrease, while in the functional heartburn group the scores showed only a declining trend, but with no statistical significance, and there was obvious distinction of the total score of symptoms in the abnormal acid reflux group as compared with the other two groups after 2 weeks of therapy. (4) The total effective rate was 56.3% and 68.8% after 1 week and 2 weeks of therapy. Rabeprazole test showed that the sensitivity and specificity for abnormal acid reflux and acid hypersensitive oesophagus were 64.0% and 71.4% after 1 week and 80.0% and 71.4% after 2 weeks of therapy.(1) The main manifestations shown by the acid exposure of abnormal acid reflux are the increase of total degree of acid reflux, the degree of long reflux and the time of pH4. (2) The patients with hypersensitive oesophagus may be much more likely to suffer from extraesophageal symptoms. (3) Rabeprazole diagnosis test is valuable in the diagnosis and subdivision of non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease.

AIM: To examine the effect of aqueous fructus aurantii immaturus (FAI) extracts on the intestinal plexus of cathartic colons. METHODS: Cathartic colons were induced in rats with dahuang, a laxative used in traditional Chinese medicine. Once the model was established (after approximately 12 wk), rats were administered mosapride (1.54 mg/kg) or various doses of aqueous FAI extracts (1-4 g/kg) for 14 d. Transit function was assessed using an ink propulsion test. Rats were then sacrificed, and the ultramicrostructure of colonic tissue was examined using transmission electron microscopy. The expression of the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4 (5-HTR4) and neurofilament-H was assessed in colon tissues using real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Mosapride and high dose (4 g/kg) of aqueous FAI extracts significantly improved the bowel movement in cathartic colons compared to untreated model colons as measured by the intestinal transit rate (70.06 ± 7.25 and 72.02 ± 8.74, respectively, vs 64.12 ± 5.19; P < 0.05 for both). Compared to controls, the ultramicrostructure of cathartic colons showed signs of neural degeneration. Treatment with mosapride and aqueous FAI extracts resulted in recovery of ultrastructural pathology. Treatment with mosapride alone upregulated the gene and protein expression of 5-HTR4 compared to untreated controls (P < 0.05 for both). Treatment with aqueous FAI extracts (≥ 2 g/kg) increased 5-HTR4 mRNA levels (P < 0.05), but no change in protein level was observed by Western blot or immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein levels of neurofilament-H were significantly increased with mosapride and ≥ 2 g/kg aqueous FAI extracts compared to controls (P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Aqueous FAI extracts and mosapride strengthen bowel movement in cathartic colons via increasing the expression of 5-HTR4 and neurofilament-H.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of nerve growth factor receptor p75 in a normal and cathartic colon and its significance in the formation of the cathartic colon in rats. METHODS: Sixty Sprague–Dawley rats were equally divided into normal control group, rhubarb group and phenolphthalein group. A model of the cathartic colon was constructed by gastric infusion with rhubarb or phenolphthalein in rats. The first dose of rhubarb and phenolphthalein was both 200 mg/kg/d and was increased by 200 mg/kg/d with each passing day. The last dose of rhubarb and phenolphthalein was 3200 mg/kg/d and 4200 mg/kg/d, respectively. The transit function of colon was measured by the Chinese ink expulsion test; the p75 in colon wall was determined by the immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: The transit speed was much slower in the cathartic colon group than that in the control group. The imprinted Chinese ink length and the ratio of imprinted length/total colon length in the rhubarb-induced cathartic colon was significantly shorter than that of the control group (77.38 ± 8.42 vs 94.25 ± 7.07 cm, P

To estimate the effects of teprenone on protecting gastric mucosa against steroids-induced damage.Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 equal groups: normal control group, undergoing gastric infusion of normal saline for 7 days and fasting since the 4 th day for 4 days; model control group, undergoing gastric infusion of normal saline for 7 days and fasting and hypodermal injection of prednisolone 40 mg/kg since the 4 th day for 4 days; low dose teprenone group, undergoing gastric infusion of teprenone 50 mg/kg for 7 days and fasting and hypodermal injection of prednisolone 40 mg/kg since the 4 th day; middle dose teprenone group, undergoing gastric infusion of teprenone 50 mg/kg for 7 days and fasting and hypodermal injection of prednisolone 40 mg/kg since the 4 th day; and high dose teprenone group, undergoing gastric infusion of teprenone 200 mg/kg for 7 days and fasting and hypodermal injection of prednisolone 40 mg/kg since the 4 th day. Samples of gastric mucosa were taken out 24 hours after the last drug administration to calculate the ulcer index and observe the histological changes. Blood samples were collected from the abdominal cardinal vein. The levels of plasma ET-1 and prostaglandin E2 were examined by radioimmunoassay. Serum level of nitric oxide (NO) was determined by Griess method.In the model control group, the ulcer index, grade of histological lesions and ET-1 level increased significantly compared with the normal control group (44.5 vs. 0, 5.5 vs. 0, and 399 pg/ml +/- 74 pg/ml vs. 279 pg/ml +/- 56 pg/ml, all P0.01), the PGE(2) level decreased significantly. (154 pg/mg +/- 83 pg/mg vs 337 pg/mg +/- 112 pg/mg, P0.01), and the NO level did not changed significantly. In the 3 teprenone groups, the ulcer index decreased (32.5, 23.0, and 23.0 vs. 44.5, all P0.01), grade of histological lesions decreased (3.0, 3.0, and 1.5 vs. 5.5, all P0.01), ET-1 level decreased (299 pg/ml +/- 99 pg/ml, 284 pg/ml +/- 85 pg/ml, and 189 pg/ml +/- 32 pg/ml vs. 399 pg/ml +/- 74 pg/ml, P0.05, P0.01, and P0.01), the No level increased (56 micromol/L +/- 16 micromol/L, 62 micromol/L +/- 12 micromol/L, and 83 micromol/L +/- 9 micromol/L vs. 27 micromol/L +/- 5 micromol/L, all P0.01), and the PGE(2) level increased (190 pg/mg +/- 58 pg/mg, 196 pg/mg +/- 35 pg/mg, 241 pg/mg +/- 65 pg/mg vs. 154 pg/mg +/- 83 pg/mg, P0.05, P0.05, and P0.05) compared with the model control group.Teprenone is a beneficial cytoprotective agent of gastric mucosa. Pretreatment with teprenone has gastroprotective effect against steroids-induced mucosal damage to a certain extent with a mechanism related to ET-1, NO, and PGE(2) concentrations in blood or gastric mucosa.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of muscovite in preventing small bowel injury induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). METHODS: We recruited and screened thirty-two healthy volunteers who were randomly allocated equally into two groups: an NSAID control group, who received 75 mg slow-release diclofenac, twice daily for 14 d; and an NSAID-muscovite group, who received 3 g of muscovite in addition to the 75 mg of slow-release diclofenac, twice daily for 14 d. For gastroprotection, both groups were administered 20 mg/d of the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole. All eligible subjects underwent video capsule endoscopy (CE) prior to and 14 d after treatment. RESULTS: Thirty subjects (NSAID-muscovite group, n =16; NSAID control group, n =14) finally completed the whole trail. At the baseline CE examination, no statistically significant differences between the two groups have been observed. However, after 14 d of drug treatment, a significant difference was observed in the percentage of subjects with mucosal breaks when comparing the NSAID-muscovite group with the NSAID control group. While 71.4% (10/14) of subjects in the NSAID control group had at least one mucosal break, co-administration of muscovite in the NSAID-muscovite group reduced the rate to 31.3% (5/16) (P = 0.028). Moreover, higher number of mucosal breaks was found in the NSAID control group vs that in the NSAID-muscovite group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Muscovite co-therapy reduced the incidence of small intestinal injury after 14 d of diclofenac administration.

To investigate the effect of H pylori eradication on atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia (IM).Two hundred and fifty-nine patients with atrophic gastritis in the antrum were included in the study, 154 patients were selected for H pylori eradication therapy and the remaining 105 patients served as untreated group. Gastroscopy and biopsies were performed both at the beginning and at the end of a 3-year follow-up study. Gastritis was graded according to the updated Sydney system.One hundred and seventy-nine patients completed the follow-up, 92 of them received H pylori eradication therapy and the remaining 87 H pylori-infected patients were in the untreated group. Chronic gastritis, active gastritis and the grade of atrophy significantly decreased in H pylori eradication group (P0.01). However, the grade of IM increased in H pylori -infected group (P0.05).H pylori eradication may improve gastric mucosal inflammation, atrophy and prevent the progression of IM.