Increased mucosal nitric oxide production in ulcerative colitis is mediated in part by the enteroglial-derived S100B protein

In the central nervous system glial-derived S100B protein has been associated with inflammation via nitric oxide (NO) production. As the role of enteroglial cells in inflammatory bowel disease has been poorly investigated in humans, we evaluated the association of S100B and NO production in ulcerative colitis (UC). S100B mRNA and protein expression, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression, and NO production were evaluated in rectal biopsies from 30 controls and 35 UC patients. To verify the correlation between S100B and NO production, biopsies were exposed to S100B, in the presence or absence of specific receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) blocking antibody, to measure iNOS expression and nitrite production. S100B and iNOS expression were evaluated after incubation of biopsies with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) + interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in the presence of anti-RAGE or anti-S100B antibodies or budesonide. S100B mRNA and protein expression, iNOS expression and NO production were significantly higher in the rectal mucosa of patients compared to that of controls. Exogenous S100B induced a significant increase in both iNOS expression and NO production in controls and UC patients; this increase was inhibited by specific anti-RAGE blocking antibody. Incubation with LPS + IFN-gamma induced a significant increase in S100B mRNA and protein expression, together with increased iNOS expression and NO production. LPS + IFN-gamma-induced S100B up-regulation was not affected by budesonide, while iNOS expression and NO production were significantly inhibited by both specific anti-RAGE and anti-S100B blocking antibodies. Enteroglial-derived S100B up-regulation in UC participates in NO production, involving RAGE in a steroid insensitive pathway.

Sum-frequency generation of cw ultraviolet radiation in periodically poled LiTaO(3)

We present cw sum-frequency generation of UV radiation at 355 nm based on a high-power laser at 1064 nm and a two-stage quasi-phase-matching nonlinear interaction in periodically poled LiTaO3 crystals. In a first stage, second harmonic at 532 nm is generated. Then, the outcoming IR and green light interact in a second nonlinear crystal to generate about 7 mW of ultraviolet radiation at the sum frequency.

Myenteric neuronal loss in rats with experimental colitis: role of tissue transglutaminase-induced apoptosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Transglutaminases are tissue enzymes involved in different neuronal processes including maintenance and signalling. However, their up-regulation elicited by a variety of noxae contributes to neurodegeneration. This study tested the hypothesis that experimental inflammation evoked transglutaminase up-regulation in myenteric neurons and that this event had an impact on neuronal survival.

METHODS

Rats with or without trinitro-benzene-sulphonic acid-induced colitis were used. One week after colitis induction, longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparations were obtained from left colon to assess tissue-transglutaminase activity, protein and mRNA expression. Double labelling immunofluorescence using antibodies to neuron-specific enolase and transglutaminase was performed to identify myenteric neurons expressing transglutaminase. Additional sets of experiments evaluated the involvement of transglutaminase in the apoptotic process of cultured myenteric neurons.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, rats with colitis showed several tranglutaminase/neuron-specific enolase positive myenteric neurons. Western blot analysis and RT-PCR confirmed that in rats with colitis, the increased neuronal transglutaminase-immunoreactivity was associated with an increased enzyme expression. Similarly, transglutaminase activity was significantly higher than in controls (1100+/-280 m U/g vs. 725+/-119 m U/g, p<0.05). In cultured myenteric neurons incubation with the specific transglutaminase inducer, retinoic acid, significantly increased neuronal apoptosis, whereas the presence of cystamine significantly reduced the number of apoptotic neurons.

CONCLUSIONS

Experimental colitis evoked transglutaminase up-regulation and increased activity in myenteric neurons. This mechanism enhances neuronal susceptibility to apoptosis and could contribute to neuropathic changes during gut inflammation.

[Recycle of jute bags; asbestos in agriculture, exposure and pathology ]

During the last four years, a deeper examination of malignant mesothelioma (MM) cases occurred within non asbestos textile industry highlighted asbestos past exposure in several textile industrial divisions. In spite of that, poor information about recycled textile bags previously containing asbestos fibres is available to the National Mesothelioma Registry, although holding a remarkable data bank on more than 3500 work histories and sources of asbestos exposures. Besides the analysis of the exposure circumstances and the registered health effects of the past exposure within the recycling activity, the aim of this research was to relate the possible involvement of the agricultural sector, where the use of recycled jute bags was very diffused. The MM cases were collected from the Mesothelioma Registry of Brescia, asbestosis, pleural plaques and lung cancer cases were collected from the Occupational Diseases Archive of the Local Public Occupational Health Service of the Province of Brescia. During the 1977-2006 period, 8 cases of MM, 4 cases of pulmonary asbestosis, 4 of isolated bilateral pleural plaques and I of lung cancer in pulmonary asbestosis, were observed among workers employed in bags recycling activity in 4 small companies, one of them still operating, employing about 50 workers. Even more, among the 65 MM cases classified by the Registry with "unknown asbestos exposure" (UAE), the most relevant frequency of working histories concerned the agriculture sector. Confirming a past signalling, the investigations underlined the cross linkage between this working activity and the diffusion of recycled bags in the agriculture sector. In the Province of Brescia, the activities of these small jute bags recycling plants were linked, even geographically, to the asbestos cement manufacture plant using a huge number of bags, roughly until mid seventies. Therefore, a large number of these recycled bags, previously containing asbestos, were generally used for harvesting and trading agricultural typical products of northern Italy. According to the 2003 National Mesothelioma Registry Guide Lines, MM in agricultural workers are still classified as UAE due to poor information available. In the light of these new findings, it looks reasonable to review the UAE within agriculturalists attributing a new classification of "possible" occupational asbestos exposure, although other exposure circumstances might have occurred in the past.

Failure of first-line eradication treatment significantly increases prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Helicobacter pylori clinical isolates

OBJECTIVES

Helicobacter pylori infection is a major health problem worldwide, and effective eradication of the infection is mandatory. The efficacy of recommended eradication regimens is approximately 70%. To avoid treatment failure and the consequent development of secondary resistance(s), it is important to choose the most appropriate first-line treatment regimen. This choice should also be made based on the knowledge of the antimicrobial resistance peculiar to a given geographical area. We evaluated the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant H pylori strains isolated from naive patients and from patients with previous unsuccessful treatments.

METHODS

This study examined 109 H pylori-infected subjects (Group 1) who had never received an eradication treatment and 104 H pylori-infected subjects (Group 2) who had failed one or more eradication treatments. Resistance to amoxicillin (AMO), tetracycline (TET), clarithromycin (CLA), metronidazole (MET) and levofloxacin (LEV) was determined using the epsilometer test. The significance of differences was evaluated by the chi2 test.

RESULTS

The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was 0% versus 3.1% to AMO, 0% versus 2% to TET, 27% versus 41.3% to MET (p<0.05), 18% versus 45.8% to CLA (p<0.05) and 3% versus 14.6% to LEV (p<0.05) in Group 1 vs Group 2, respectively. In Group 2, there was an increased prevalence of H pylori strains resistant to multiple antimicrobials.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the high prevalence of H pylori strains resistant to CLA and MET, and indicates that unsuccessful treatments significantly increase resistance. Choosing eradication regimens other than standard triple therapy as a first-line therapy should be advisable in areas with high primary antimicrobial resistance prevalence.

Tissue ghrelin level and gastric emptying rate in adult patients with celiac disease

Celiac disease (CD) patients show a number of gastrointestinal motor abnormalities. Ghrelin, a gastric peptide implicated in short-term feeding control and long-term body weight regulation, has been recently considered a key regulator of gastric motility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastric emptying rate of solids and the density of ghrelin-immunopositive cells in adult CD patients before and at least 1 year after starting a gluten-free diet. Twenty CD patients (M 8/F 12; mean age 36 years) and 10 controls underwent endoscopy with gastric and duodenal biopsies and 13C-octanoic acid breath test to measure gastric emptying of solids. Celiac disease patients repeated the protocol at least 1 year after starting gluten-free diet. Ghrelin tissue levels were evaluated by immunohistochemistry on gastric mucosa specimens. Gastric emptying time was normal in all control subjects (t(1/2) = 89 +/- 16 min) while it was delayed in CD patients prior to gluten-free diet (t(1/2) = 252 +/- 101 min; P < 0.005). The mean number of ghrelin-positive cells/field (x 400) was 14.4 +/- 2.7 in controls and 25.3 +/- 5.7 in CD patients respectively (P < 0.0001). Gluten withdrawal was effective in normalizing gastric emptying time in all CD patients (97 +/- 14 min; P < 0.0001) and resulted in a significant reduction of the density of ghrelin-immunopositive cells (19.8 +/- 5.4; P < 0.0001). The density of ghrelin-positive cells correlated directly with the degree of duodenal damage (P < 0.001) and inversely with the body mass index of CD patients (P < 0.0001). However, in neither CD patients nor controls, a correlation between tissue ghrelin levels and gastric emptying rate was detected. In conclusion, tissue ghrelin level does not correlate with gastric emptying rate in adult CD patients and in controls.

Sweetened carbonated drinks do not alter upper digestive tract physiology in healthy subjects

Sweetened carbonated beverages are widely consumed, which has fuelled several conflicting opinions about their effects on upper digestive tract functions. We aimed to evaluate the effect of sweetened carbonated drinks, consumed with a standard meal, on gastro-oesophageal reflux, gastric emptying and gallbladder contraction and postmeal sensations in healthy subjects. Thirteen healthy volunteers (seven women, six males; median age 22 years) were tested following the intake of 300 mL sweetened water containing increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide (seven subjects), and of 300 mL sweetened commercial flavoured drink with and without carbon dioxide (six subjects). Gastro-oesophageal reflux, gastric emptying and gallbladder contraction were studied by pH-impedance, octanoic acid breath test and ultrasound respectively. Gastro-oesophageal refluxes were significantly increased 1 h after meal with both water and commercial beverages; only sweetened water without carbon dioxide determined a persistently increasing number of refluxes 2 h postmeal. No differences were found for gastric emptying, gallbladder contraction or postmeal symptoms with any of the beverages tested. This study shows that 300 mL of sweetened carbonated beverage with different levels of carbonation or a commercial soft drink do not modify the physiology of the upper digestive tract.

Interleukin-13 mucosal production in Helicobacter pylori-related gastric diseases

A shift from Th1 (IFN-gamma) towards Th2 (IL-4)-type immune response was found in patients with gastric cancer and dysplasia. Recently, IL-13 has been described as a central mediator of Th2-dominant immune response in different inflammatory diseases.

AIM AND METHODS

to analyse, by Enzyme-Linked-Immuno-SPOT (ELISPOT) assay and immunohistochemistry, the IL-13 production of mononuclear cells obtained from gastric biopsies of 19 H. pylori-negative subjects and 23 H. pylori-positive patients.

RESULTS

By ELISPOT, we did not find any significant variation of the spot range number of IL-13, IL-4 and IFN-gamma secreting cells, irrespective of H. pylori status. After antigenic exposition, the spot range for IL-13, IL-4 and IFN-gamma significantly increased (p<.0001) only in H. pylori-positive patients. A prevalent Th1 (IFN-gamma) immunoresponse was observed in 2/23 cases with active gastritis, while a prevalent Th2 (IL-13 and IL-4) was detected in 5/23 cases all with atrophic chronic gastritis of whom two with intestinal metaplasia. By immunohistochemistry, IL-13, IL-4 and IFN-gamma were detectable in all cases directly related to the inflammatory infiltrate. In the two cases with intestinal metaplasia, IL-13 and IL-4 were localised in both inflammatory and epithelial cells. This immunopattern was confirmed in selected additional 10 cases of H. pylori-positive chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia and 10 cases of intestinal type gastric cancer.

CONCLUSION

These preliminary results suggest that IL-13 could be implicated in the different outcome of H. pylori infection.

Gastric adenomas: relationship between clinicopathological findings, Helicobacter pylori infection, APC mutations and COX-2 expression

Gastric adenomas are rare neoplastic growths characterized by localized polypoid proliferations of dysplastic epithelium that tend to progress to infiltrating adenocarcinoma. Therefore, the identification of molecular markers that could reliably recognize adenomas at risk of progression is advocated in the clinical management. In this study we investigated, in a series of gastric adenoma specimens from an area at high risk of gastric cancer, the relationship between clinicopathological characteristics of adenoma and Helicobacter pylori infection, APC mutational status, and COX-2 and the down-stream enzyme mPGES1 expression. Helicobacter pylori infection, detected in 24%, and 33% by histology and PCR analyses, respectively, did not show any relationship with growth pattern, localization, size, dysplasia grade and presence of synchronous cancer. Pathogenetic mutations of MCR region (codons 1269-1589) of the APC gene were detected only in one case corresponding to a single, small size, low grade, H. pylori-negative adenoma. The expression of COX-2 largely matched that of mPGES(1). Both were overexpressed in 79% of cases showing a relationship with high-grade dysplasia, size >10 mm and presence of a synchronous carcinoma. In conclusion, COX-2 may play a key role in the development and progression of gastric adenoma and could be an attractive target in the management of gastric adenoma at major risk of cancer development.

Gastrokine 1 expression in patients with and without Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

To understand the molecular changes underlying Helicobacter pylori-related gastric diseases is mandatory to prevent gastric cancer. Proteomic technology is providing a rapid expansion of the basic knowledge, particularly in the discovery of new biomarkers involved in the tumourigenesis.

AIM

To characterise changes in protein expression level of the gastric mucosa in H. pylori-infected patients.

METHODS

The population enrolled comprised 41 dyspeptic patients. Proteins extracted from gastric mucosal specimens were analysed by 2-dimensional electrophoresis, sequenced by MALDI-TOF and identified by Edman's degradation.

RESULTS

Twenty-one out of 41 patients had H. pylori infection of whom 17 had anti-CagA IgG antibodies. Several proteins were identified, of which Rho guanosine diphosphatase dissociation inhibitor alpha and heat shock protein 27 increased and glutathione transferase and antrum mucosa protein-18 decreased in H. pylori-positive in respect to H. pylori-negative patients. Interestingly, antrum mucosa protein-18, currently referred as gastrokine-1, showed two isoforms differing in the first N-terminal amino acid residue. Both gastrokine-1 isoforms were observed in the H. pylori-negative group whereas a lower expression or even absence of the gastrokine-1 basic isoform was found in a subgroup (7/21) of H. pylori-positive patients with moderate-severe gastritis.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated the presence of gastrokine-1 isoforms of which the basic isoform was reduced in a subset of patients with H. pylori infection.

Levobupivacaine versus racemic bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia in orthopaedic major surgery

AIM

Levobupivacaine, a new local anaesthetic, has been recently introduced into clinical practice because of its lower toxic effects for heart and central nervous system. It has been already investigated in epidural and loco-regional techniques, but more has to be known regarding its characteristics in spinal anaesthesia. The aim of our study was to compare clinical and anaesthetic features of levobupivacaine and racemic bupivacaine when intrathecally administered in 60 patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgical procedures.

METHODS

Three ml of glucose-free levobupivacaine 0.5% (group L) or 3 ml of isobaric bupivacaine 0.5% (group B) were administered in 30 patients each. Sensory and motor blockades were evaluated by the pinprick test and a modified Bromage score, respectively. Vital parameters, postoperative VAS and rescue analgesia were recorded as well.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences between groups were observed either in anaesthetic potencies or postoperative pain. Either heart rate or mean arterial pressure slightly decreased in both groups, with no preoperative significant differences. Nevertheless, spinal puncture was accompanied by severe hypotension and bradycardia in 2 patients of group B. In both cases, hemodynamics were promptly and successfully treated, with no sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, levobupivacaine results a valid alternative to racemic bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia, the latter remaining a cheap and effective local anaesthetic yet. Notwithstanding the complete absence of any significant hemodynamic complications in the patients of group L, further and larger studies are needed in order to assess if levobupivacaine is preferable to bupivacaine for minimizing the possible cardiovascular impact of spinal anaesthesia.

Diagnostic accuracy of the serum profile of gastric mucosa in relation to histological and morphometric diagnosis of atrophy

BACKGROUND

Histology is the gold standard for diagnosis of atrophy but is hampered by observer variation. A reliable method to overcome this issue is morphometric analysis of gastric mucosa. Serum pepsinogens and gastrin have been proposed in the diagnostic work-up of gastric atrophy although diagnostic accuracy of these tests is considered unsatisfactory.

AIM

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of gastric serum profile in relation both to morphological and morphometric diagnosis of gastric atrophy.

METHODS

Ninety-four dyspeptic out-patients underwent upper endoscopy and evaluation of serum levels of PGI, PGII and 17-gastrin. Diagnostic accuracy of gastric serum profile was tested by receiver operating characteristic curves and by evaluation of sensitivity and specificity in relation to both histology and morphometric analyses.

RESULTS

As far as concern to histological evaluation, only PGI/PGII ratio showed an acceptable diagnostic accuracy in discrimination of gastric atrophy, while, when morphometric analysis was considered as reference, both serum PGI level and PGI/PGII ratio showed an excellent performance. However, both PGI and PGI/PGII ratio showed low sensitivity and high specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Serological gastric profile corresponds better with the morphometric diagnosis of atrophy, even if, because of the low sensitivity, today this could only be used as screening test of chronic atrophic gastritis.

Expression of carbonic anhydrase 9 at the invasion front of gastric cancers

BACKGROUND

Carbonic anhydrase IX (MN/Ca9) catalyses the reversible metabolism of carbon dioxide to carbonic acid and has also been linked to malignant transformation and hypoxia in various cancers.

AIMS

To assess the expression and biological role of Ca9 in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Using gastric cancer cell lines and tissues, we studied expression of Ca9 by western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction. Biological changes after Ca9 transfection and after treatment with 5'-azadeoxycytidine were also analysed in cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

Non-cancerous tissues strongly expressed Ca9 with membranous localisation. In contrast, Ca9 expression was frequently lost in gastric cancers (p<0.001). However, gastric cancers that retained Ca9 expression in cancer cells exhibited a shorter postoperative survival (p = 0.028). In vitro analysis revealed that loss of Ca9 expression in gastric cancer cell lines was restored after treatment with 5'-azadeoxycytidine and was associated with increased invasion (p<0.01). Moreover, AGS cells transfected with Ca9 exhibited significantly increased cell proliferation (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A subgroup of gastric cancers retain Ca9 expression in cancer cells at the invasion front. While loss of Ca9 expression is regulated in part by methylation, re-expression of Ca9 is associated with increased invasion, supporting the hypothesis that increased Ca9 expression may contribute to invasion and thus advanced disease and tumour progression in a subset of gastric cancers.

Assessing soil respiration by means of near-infrared diode laser spectroscopy

High-resolution diode laser spectroscopy in the near-infrared region is applied to the accurate measurement of soil respiration. In particular, the use of a diode-laser-based spectrometer has allowed the implementation, for the first time, of a static accumulation method capable of measuring soil respiration from continuous measurements of CO(2) concentrations, with minor perturbation on soil respiration as well as on CO(2) transport and emission. The system has been tested in a laboratory experiment by detection of CO(2) production from sandy matrices, inoculated with active soil microbes and supplied with different amounts of decomposable plant material. Respiration rates of all samples were then retrieved using a diffusion model. The results of the laboratory tests are in agreement with those expected on the basis of sample composition. Examples of operation with real soil samples are also reported. We discuss the possible field application of the system, in conjunction with closed static soil chambers.

Review article: helicobacter pylori and molecular events in precancerous gastric lesions

Gastric cancer can be divided into intestinal type and diffuse type that differ substantially in epidemiology and pathogenesis. The most important aetiological factor associated both with intestinal and diffuse gastric cancer, is Helicobacter pylori. Exposure of gastric epithelial cells to H. pylori results in an inflammatory reaction with the production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide that, in turn, deaminates DNA causing mutations. The complex interplay between H. pylori strain, inflammation and host characteristics may directly promote diffuse type gastric cancer or induce a cascade of morphological events, i.e. atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia, finally leading to intestinal type gastric cancer. Two mechanisms, genetic and epigenetic have been held to play a role in the molecular alterations underlying gastric carcinogenesis. The former, comprising changes in the DNA sequence, is irreversible; the latter, involving DNA methylation, is potentially reversible by eliminating the triggering agents. If H. pylori is eradicated before development of stable mutations, the risk of gastric cancer will likely be prevented. Thus, eradication of H. pylori might immediately reduce the risk of diffuse type gastric cancer, whereas prevention of intestinal type gastric cancer may be less effective if patients are treated later in the evolution of the carcinogenic process.

Effects of remifentanil on human heart electrical system. A transesophageal pacing electrophysiological study

AIM

Previous studies have shown that the administration of remifentanil (a micro-agonist opioid) is often accompanied by bradyarrhythmias preventable or manageable by parasympatholytic drugs. The aim of this paper is to evaluate if these negative chronotropic effects are exclusively due to an increased parasympathetic activity or to a direct action of remifentanil on heart conduction fibres.

METHODS

A transesophageal pacing electrophysiological study on 40 healthy subjects scheduled for orthopaedic surgical treatment under general anaesthesia has been carried out. We determined either the correct sinus recovery time or the occurrence of Wencke-bach atrio-ventricular block in the awake state and, again, during remifentanil administration.

RESULTS

In all patients either a significant depression of sino-atrial automatism or a decrease of atrio-ventricular node conduction reserve was noticed. In 2 cases, in particular, a sinus arrest and a junctional rhythm, respectively, both spontaneously recovered were observed. CONCLUSION. Atropine normalized all parameters, confirming that remifentanil-associated hypokinetic cardiac phenomena are exclusively vagally mediated.

Is there a link between environmental factors and a genetic predisposition to cancer? A lesson from a familial cluster of gastric cancers

To determine the prevalence of gastric precancerous lesions and mucosal genetic alterations in relatives of a cluster of familial gastric cancer (FGC), we studied a kindred spanning two generations. The founder, daughter and niece underwent surgery for gastric cancer (GC); a son and other two daughters of the founder, presented with chronic dyspepsia. In all subjects, gastric mucosa samples were analysed for pathological features, Helicobacter pylori infection, microsatellite (MIN) and chromosomal (CIN) instability. The overexpression of mp53 and c-myc, and cytoplasmic beta-catenin delocalisation were found in the 2 younger cancer patients. All GC and gastritis patients had normal E-cadherin expression and were MIN-negative. Aneuploidy characterised all GC cases, and mixed euploid and aneuploid cell populations were present in the gastric biopsies from two of three 'at-risk' relatives. These two subjects, one of whom had severe active gastritis, and gastric mp53 and c-myc expression, were CagA-positive H. pylori-infected. DNA aneuploidy, p53 and c-myc expression disappeared after H. pylori eradication. In this FGC cluster, genetic abnormalities were found in first-degree relatives (3 patients) only in presence of H. pylori infection (2 cases H. pylori-positive versus 1 case H. pylori-negative) supporting the hypothesis that, besides the influence of a genetic profile, FGC may be, at least partly, mediated by intrafamilial clustering of H. pylori infection.

Reflux oesophagitis in adult coeliac disease: beneficial effect of a gluten free diet

BACKGROUND

Coeliac disease patients show a number of gastrointestinal motor abnormalities, including a decrease in lower oesophageal sphincter pressure. The prevalence of endoscopic oesophagitis in these subjects however is unknown.

AIM

To evaluate whether untreated adult coeliac patients had an increased prevalence of reflux oesophagitis and, if so, to assess whether a gluten free diet exerted any beneficial effect on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) symptoms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied 205 coeliac patients (females/males 153/52, median age 32 years) who underwent endoscopy for duodenal biopsy and 400 non-coeliac subjects (females/males 244/156, median age 37 years) referred for endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Each patient was given a questionnaire for evaluation of GORD symptoms prior to and 4-12 months after endoscopy. Coeliac patients were given a gluten free diet. Oesophagitis patients of both groups, following an eight week course of omeprazole, were re-evaluated for GORD symptoms at four month intervals up to one year. Significance of differences was assessed by Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Oesophagitis was present in 39/205 (19%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 13.8-25.0%) coeliac patients and in 32/400 (8%, 95% CI 5.5-11.1%) dyspeptic subjects. At the one year follow up, GORD symptoms relapsed in 10/39 (25.6%, 95% CI 13-42.1%) coeliacs with oesophagitis and in 23/32 (71.8%, 95% CI 53.2-86.2%) non-coeliac subjects with oesophagitis.

CONCLUSION

Coeliac patients have a high prevalence of reflux oesophagitis. That a gluten free diet significantly decreased the relapse rate of GORD symptoms suggests that coeliac disease may represent a risk factor for development of reflux oesophagitis.

Transesophageal atrial pacing in the management of re-entry supraventricular tachyarrhythmias occurring during general anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVTs) represent an intraoperative risk factor that should be always prevented/managed. The commonly used anti-arrhythmic drugs are accompanied by intrinsic hazards, such as pro-arrhythmic and toxic effects or unpredictable onset and duration of action. We underline the therapeutic use of transesophageal atrial pacing (TAP) for the interruption of particular re-entry SVTs occurred during surgical procedures in general anaesthesia.

METHODS

Our study was carried out in 25 patients characterized by a personal clinical history of transient tachyarrhythmic episodes, subjected to general anaesthesia obtained by midazolam, propofol, N2O e O2, sevoflurane, fentanil and vecuronium bromide. We used TAP bursts of 3-5 sec, their minimal pacing rate being equivalent to the tachyarrhythmia cycle length, with an impulse intensity ranging from 18 to 25 mA. In such conditions, the re-entry was interrupted by the induction of refractoriness of the wave-front that sustained the underlying arrhythmogenic circuit.

RESULTS

During the study, the following arrhythmias occurred in 7 out of all patients: 1 type I atrial flutter, 3 nodal tachycardias, 1 antidromic and 2 orthodromic atrioventricular tachycardias, respectively. TAP assured either atrial capture or prompt suppression of arrhythmias in all cases. Low intensity impulses did not ever allow ventricular capture.

CONCLUSIONS

TAP can be considered as a valid therapeutic device for the management of re-entry SVTs occurred during general anaesthesia, resulting it effective, safe and easy-practicable.

Up-regulation of heparin binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor and amphiregulin expression in Helicobacter pylori-infected human gastric mucosa

BACKGROUND

Host response plays a major role in pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori-induced gastroduodenal disease including adenocarcinoma of distal stomach. Epidermal growth factor-related growth factors are important modulators of gastric homeostasis in normal and damaged gastrointestinal mucosa.

AIM

To evaluate expression of heparin binding epidermal growth factor and amphiregulin in antral mucosa of Helicobacter pylori-infected and non-infected dyspeptic patients and to correlate levels of heparin binding-epidermal growth factor and amphiregulin mRNA with mitogenic activity of gastric epithelial cells.

METHODS

A total of 10 Helicobacter pylori-infected and 15 Helicobacter pylori non-infected (10 with and 5 without gastritis) dyspeptic patients were studied. Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection was based on rapid urease test and histology. Heparin binding-epidermal growth factor and amphiregulin mRNA expression in antral mucosa were assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression and localization of both peptides were determined by immunohistochemistry. Mitogenic activity of antral gastric mucosa was assessed by determination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen labelling index by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Heparin binding-epidermal growth factor and amphiregulin mRNA expression increased in Helicobacter pylori-infected vs Helicobacter pylori non-infected patients. Heparin binding-epidermal growth factor and amphiregulin immunostaining was more intense and deeper in gastric gland compartment in infected mucosa than in non-infected mucosa. Increase in heparin binding-epidermal growth factor and amphiregulin mRNA expression significantly correlated with increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen labelling index.

CONCLUSIONS

Helicobacter pylori gastritis is associated with up-regulation of heparin binding-epidermal growth factor and amphiregulin which correlates with increased mitogenic activity of gastric mucosa. Increased heparin binding-epidermal growth factor and amphiregulin expression is postulated to contribute to reparative response of gastric mucosa to Helicobacter pylori infection.

Gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia changes 8 years after Helicobacter pylori eradication. A blind, randomised study

BACKGROUND

Chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are regarded as predisposing factors for gastric cancer associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, and their severity appears to influence gastric cancer risk. Our purpose was to determine the outcome of chronic gastritis after H. pylori eradication in a long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Fifty-four consecutive patients with duodenal ulcer and H. pylori infection were enrolled in the study. Endoscopic examination with antral and corporal biopsy was done at baseline and yearly after conventional eradication therapy (omeprazole 40 mg b.i.d., amoxocyllin 1 g b.i.d and clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d.). Gastritis, atrophy, and metaplasia were graded according to the updated Sydney System.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients were successfully treated; infection persisted in 14 and 16 dropped out (during the first 5 years of follow-up). Inflammation and mean neutrophil activity significantly decreased in patients in whom H. pylori was eradicated. Glandular atrophy improved in 2 and disappeared in 5/17 patients, whereas intestinal metaplasia improved in 3 and disappeared in 2/12. In the patients in whom H. pylori persisted, inflammatory infiltrate, atrophy and intestinal metaplasia had not significantly decreased during follow-up. In contrast, glandular atrophy worsened in 2 and developed in 5/7 patients. Similarly, intestinal metaplasia did not improve when present and developed in 5/13 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

In a long-term follow-up, H. pylori eradication does not affect glandular atrophy, but it seems to prevent the development of precancerous lesions such as intestinal metaplasia.