Degradation of parathion and the reduction of acute toxicity in TiO2 photocatalysis

Photocatalytic degradation of methyl parathion was done using a circulating TiO2/UV and TiO2/solar reactor. Indoor experimental results showed that, under the photocatalysis conditions, parathion was more effectively degraded than under the photolysis and TiO2 only conditions. Parathion (38 microM) was completely degraded under photocatalysis within 90 min, and more than 80% TOC decrease after 150 minutes. The main ionic byproducts during the photocatalysis were measured, and almost complete nitrogen recovery was achieved as mainly NO3- NO2-, and NH4+, and 80% of sulfur as recovered as SO4(2)-. Organic intermediates such as nitrophenol and methyl paraoxon were also identified during the photocatalysis of parathion, and these were further degraded after 90 minutes. Microtox bioassay using Vibrio fischeri was used in evaluating the toxicity of solutions treated by photocatalysis and photolysis of parathion. The results showed that the acute toxicity expressed as EC50 almost reduced after 90 min under the photocatalysis condition whereas only 40% reduction of toxicity as EC50 was achieved in photolysis condition. The outdoor results using a TiO2/solar system were similar to the TiO2 indoor system, indicating the possibility of applying TiO2/solar system for the treatment of parathion-contaminated water.

Hickman catheter site infections after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: Single-center experience

Hickman catheter site infections are known to increase transplant-related mortality (TRM). A retrospective analysis of 103 patients who received allogeneic SCT (stem cell transplants) was performed to define the incidence and outcomes of Hickman infections. Seventy-six patients received peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) (73.8%) and 29 patients (28.2%), nonmyeloablative conditioning. During the median follow-up of 9 months, Hickman infections were observed in 10 patients (9.7%) at a median onset of 32 days posttransplantation (range, 2-102 days). The causative organisms were identified in 5 cases, including Staphylococcus species (n=4) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=1). Six events were successfully resolved with antibiotic treatment, whereas the other 4 events required the removal of the Hickman catheters with subsequent death in 2 cases. The survival duration for the Hickman infection group was shorter than that for the Hickman no infection group (83 days vs 366 days, respectively; P <.001). Myeloid engraftment was delayed in the Hickman infection group (18.0 days vs 15.0 days, respectively; P=.038), plus Hickman infections were more frequent among BMT compared with PBSCT group (22.2% vs 5.3%, respectively, P=.019). Hickman infections were associated with TRM, especially during the first 3 months posttransplantation. As such, the current results emphasize both the importance of Hickman catheter care and the need for surveillance cultures after SCT.

Clinical impact of hyperacute graft-versus-host disease on results of allogeneic stem cell transplantation

The current study defines the incidence and clinical manifestations of hyperacute graft-versus-host disease (haGVHD; fever, skin rash, diarrhea, and hepatic dysfunction) and analyzes the risk factor and the impact of haGVHD on the results of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). In all, 90 patients underwent allogeneic SCT from 71 matched siblings or 19 alternative donors. Immediate high-dose steroids were administered to 22 patients who met the criteria. The overall incidence of haGVHD was 36.7% (n=34) and haGVHD was also strongly correlated with acute (aGVHD) (P<0.001) and extensive chronic GVHD (cGVHD) (P=0.007), and found to be associated with decreased probability of relapse (P=0.0017). Early intervention with steroids within 7 days after the diagnosis of haGVHD might be associated with better survival. A survival analysis of the overall survival and disease-free survival did not reveal any difference between haGVHD+ and haGVHD- groups. In multivariate analysis, the use of an alternative donor (P=0.020) was identified as the only risk factor. Immediate high-dose steroids were effective in treating haGVHD. We conclude that in an allogeneic setting, haGVHD is not an uncommon manifestation, associated with the development of aGVHD or cGVHD. The only risk factor for haGVHD was the use of an alternative donor.

Secreted and Placental Membrane Forms of Folate-Binding Protein Occur Sequentially During Pregnancy in Swine1

The objective was to understand how two forms of folate-binding protein interact to accomplish folate transport during pregnancy in swine. Specific folate binding was measured in uterine flushings during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy and in allantoic fluid (secreted form) and placental membranes (membrane form) throughout later pregnancy. In addition, the localization of the secreted form of folate-binding protein (sFBP) in uterine wall sections was assessed. Uterine flushings were collected on Days 10, 13, and 15 of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Allantoic fluid and placentas were collected on Days 20, 35, 50, 70, 90, and 105 of pregnancy. Uterine-wall sections were collected on all days of the experiment. Folate binding was measured by incubation of aliquots of uterine flushings, allantoic fluid, or placental microsomal membranes with 0.5-4 nM [(3)H]folate. Uterine-wall sections were incubated with purified anti-FBP IgG or normal rabbit serum IgG to localize sFBP. Folate binding did not differ between early pregnancy and the estrous cycle in uterine flushings, was greatest from Day 50 to 70 of pregnancy in allantoic fluid, and was greatest from Day 50 of pregnancy onward in placental microsomal membranes. Staining for sFBP was present in the endometrial glands from Day 10 to 15 in cyclic gilts and from Day 10 to 20 in pregnant gilts. The pattern of folate binding and sFBP staining supports the concept that sFBP transports folate to the developing conceptus until placentation and then the placental form takes over folate transport.

Molecular cloning and endometrial expression of porcine high density lipoprotein receptor SR-BI during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy

During rapid development of the fetus, levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) are elevated in pregnant women. The receptor for HDL, scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), mediates selective cholesteryl ester uptake and is highly expressed in the human placenta. Because of the rapid growth of uterus during early pregnancy and differences in placentation between swine and humans, we hypothesized that SR-BI may be expressed in porcine endometrium to take up HDL cholesterol. The objectives of this study were to obtain the full coding region for porcine SR-BI, determine endometrial expression of SR-BI mRNA during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, and map the gene. By iterative screening of a porcine expressed sequence tag library, we obtained the full coding region of SR-BI. Endometrial expression of SR-BI in White composite gilts (n = 3-4 each) was determined by Northern blotting on Days 10, 13, and 15 cyclic gilts and Days 10, 13, 15, 20, 30, and 40 pregnant gilts. In cyclic gilts, endometrial expression of SR-BI did not change between Days 10 and 13, but increased (P < 0.01) between Days 13 and 15. In pregnant gilts, endometrial expression of SR-BI increased (P < 0.01) between Days 10 and 13, remained elevated until Day 30, and decreased (P = 0.015) on Day 40. The SR-BI gene was mapped to 46.3 cM on chromosome 14. These results show that endometrial expression of SR-BI changes during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, and suggest that SR-BI takes up HDL for endometrial development during early pregnancy.

Hickman catheter site infections after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a single-center experience

Hickman catheter site infections are known to increase transplant-related mortality. A retrospective analysis of 103 patients who received allogeneic stems cell transplants was performed to define the incidence and outcomes of Hickman infections. Seventy-six patients received peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) (73.8%) and 29 patients (28.2%) nonmyeloablative conditioning. During the median follow-up of 9 months, Hickman infections were observed in 10 patients (9.7%) at a median onset of 32 days posttransplant (range 2 to 102 days). The causative organisms identified in five cases included Staphylococcus species (n = 4) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 1). Six events successfully resolved with antibiotic treatment, while the other four required the removal of the Hickman catheter with subsequent death in two cases. The survival duration for infected patients was shorter than that for the noninfected group (83 days vs 366 days, P < .001). Myeloid engraftment was delayed in the infected group (18.0 days vs 15.0 days, P = .038) and this complication was more frequently observed among the BMT compared with PBSC group (22.2% vs 5.3%, P = .019). Hickman infections were associated with transplant-related mortality especially during the first 3 months posttransplant. As such, the current results emphasize both the importance of Hickman catheter care and the need for surveillance cultures after stem cell transplantation.

Environmental assessment of water, sediment and plants in the Mankyeong River, ROK

This study was carried out to evaluate water quality, sediment and plant vegetation in eight tributaries of the Mankyeong River for enhancement of natural purification. Among the tributaries, the Iksancheon water had the highest concentration of BOD, T-N and NH4-N due to inflow of swine wastes from the livestock district. The Yucheon water had the highest level of electrical conductivity and SO4(2-) due to inflow of mis-treated wastewater from industrial districts. The Tabcheon had generally similar concentrations of nitrogen and phosphate to that of the upstream of the Mankyeong River: agricultural activity along the Tabcheon appeared to have little negative influence to the water quality. Among various sediments, concentration of organic matter, nitrogen and phosphate were high in the Iksancheon and the Yucheon due to the livestock wastes and industrial wastes. There were 282 species of plants during summer with 43 aquatic plants, 57 hydrophytes, 178 waterside plants and 4 terrestrial plants. Some plant resources were recommended due to much absorption of nitrogen and phosphate for enhancement of natural purification. C. demersum and H. verticillata were recommended in the submerged aquatic plants, H. dubia, N. indica and N. subinteperrimum in the floating leaf aquatic plants, P. communis, Z. latifolia and T. orientalis in the emerged aquatic plants, C. scutata and P. distichum in the waterside plants.

Risk factors for late cytomegalovirus infection after allogeneic stem cell transplantation using HLA-matched sibling donor: donor lymphocyte infusion and previous history of early CMV infection

An increased incidence of late cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has been reported during the last decade since the introduction of ganciclovir (GCV) prophylaxis or GCV pre-emptive therapy. Given that a donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) can induce more severe GVHD, this may predispose a patient to late CMV infection. In all, 64 patients (median age 36, M/F 38/26) underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) using a matched sibling donor with bone marrow (n=9) or peripheral blood stem cells (n=55). The overall incidence of CMV infection, early and late CMV infection was 46.9 (30/64), 42.2 (27/64), and 16.4% (9/55), respectively. Early CMV infection was treated with GCV pre-emptive therapy that produced a 92.6% success rate. Among the 20 patients who received 35 DLIs, late CMV infection developed in eight (42.1%) of 19 evaluable cases with a median onset at 127 days post transplant. Risk factors for late CMV infection in a logistic regression analysis included DLIs (P=0.001) and a previous history of CMV infection (P=0.006). In conclusion, late CMV infection was strongly associated with DLIs and a previous history of early CMV infection. Accordingly, extended surveillance of CMV antigenemia is recommended for patients receiving DLIs or who have a previous history of CMV infection.

Transplantation outcome in allogeneic PBSCT patients according to a new chronic GVHD grading system, including extensive skin involvement, thrombocytopenia, and progressive-type onset

Patients who had suffered chronic GVHD after an allogeneic PBSCT were evaluated using a new chronic GVHD grading system. The study included 36 consecutive adult patients with hematological diseases, who survived at least until day 90 following allogeneic PBSCT and who could be evaluated for chronic GVHD. Extensive skin involvement was observed in five patients, thrombocytopenia in 14, and progressive-type onset in 10, while grade 1 chronic GVHD appeared in 21 patients, grade 2 in 10, and grade 3 in five. There was a significant difference in the probability of relapse between the groups with grade 1 and 2+3 chronic GVHD (55.3 vs 16.4%, P=0.0211). The difference was particularly marked in patients with high-risk hematological malignancies (grade 1 vs grade 2+3, 75 vs 0%, P=0.0115). With a median follow-up of 12 months (range, 4-52 months), 22 (66.1%) patients were still alive. The estimated 2-year survival rate for the whole population was 57.6%, while that for the group with chronic GVHD grade 1 and grade 2+3 was 53.5 and 56.3%, respectively (P=0.4387). Accordingly, there was a significant difference in the probability of relapse between the groups with grade 1 and grade 2+3 chronic GVHD.

Nicardipine versus Nitroprusside Infusion as Antihypertensive Therapy in Hypertensive Emergencies

This prospective study compared the efficacy of nicardipine and nitroprusside for treating hypertensive emergencies by measuring haemodynamic indices and serum catecholamine levels. Patients admitted to the emergency department with a hypertensive crisis and acute pulmonary oedema received intravenous infusions of nitroprusside (starting dose 1 μg/kg per min, n = 20) or nicardipine (starting dose 3 μg/kg per min, n = 20). Both groups experienced significant declines in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after treatment, but there were no significant time-dependent differences between the groups. Heart rate decreased in the nicardipine group and increased in the nitroprusside group, but neither change was significant. Respiration rate decreased and capillary oxygen saturation rate increased after treatment in both groups. Adrenaline and noradrenaline levels decreased significantly after treatment in both groups; noradrenaline levels were significantly decreased in the nicardipine-treated group compared with the nitroprusside-treated group. Injectable nicardipine is easy to use and as effective as nitroprusside for treating hypertensive crisis with acute pulmonary oedema.

Agricultural recycling of the by-product concentrate of livestock wastewater treatment plant processed with VSEP RO and bio-ceramic SBR

One of the problems in a reverse osmosis process for livestock wastewater treatment is disposal of the by-product concentrate. The agricultural recycling of the concentrate is more cost saving than a further treatment. Application of the concentrate reduces the chemical fertilizer amendment. The agricultural recycling of the concentrate from the Kimhae livestock wastewater treatment plant, processed with the VSEP RO and bio-ceramic SBR, was studied. The concentrate includes non-biodegradable humic ubstance and residual inorganic ions (NH4+, NO3-, PO4(3-), K+, etc.). The contents of N, P and K were 1,650, 382 and 2,059 mg L(-1), respectively. The total acidity of humic acids extracted from the concentrate was 5.17 cmol(+) g(-1), composed of 2.38 cmol(+) g(-1) of carboxylic group and 2.79 cmol(+) g(-1) of phenolic hydroxyl group. Coliforms and E. coli were not detected in the concentrate. The yield of rice plant with the concentrate applied to it resulted in similar production to that with chemical fertilizer applied. The water extractable nitrate content of the concentrate-applied land did not exceed that of chemical fertilizer applied, at soil depths of 30 and 60 cm. The percolated amount of nitrate into the water table in arable land with the concentrate applied showed a similar level to that treated with the chemical fertilizer.

A pilot study of cytoreductive chemotherapy combined with infusion of additional peripheral blood stem cells reserved at time of harvest for transplantation in case of relapsed hematologic malignancies after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplant

Reharvesting leukocytes from donors for a donor leukocyte infusion (DLI) is inconvenient and occasionally impossible in case of unrelated donors. It is well known that the effect of a growth factor-primed DLI is comparable to that of a nonprimed DLI. In total, 42 patients with hematologic malignancies and a high risk of relapse were allocated, on an intent-to-treat basis, a peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) from HLA-matched sibling donors, and then at the time of harvest, additional peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) were also reserved for a therapeutic primed DLI in case of relapse. In all, 12 patients who relapsed after allogeneic PBSCT were treated with mainly cytarabine-based chemotherapy followed by a cryopreserved PBSC infusion. The median dose of CD3+ and CD34+ cells for the primed DLIs was 1.43 x 10(8)/kg and 4.75 x 10(6)/kg, respectively. Six of the 12 relapsed patients exhibited a complete response after the primed DLI, plus their 1-year survival rate was 33%. The new development or progression of graft-versus-host disease after a primed DLI was observed in 50% of the patients. Overall, the survival at 1 year was 16.7%. Accordingly, the induction of a graft-versus-leukemia effect through a primed DLI, using additional PBSCs reserved at the original time of harvest, would appear to be feasible for patients with relapsed hematologic malignancies. Furthermore, this approach is also more convenient for donors.

Differential expression of six novel peroxidase cDNAs from cell cultures of sweetpotato in response to stress

Six peroxidase (POD) cDNAs were isolated from suspension cultures of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) by cDNA library screening, and their expression was investigated with a view to understanding the physiological functions of each POD in relation to environmental stress. The gene products encoded by these cDNAs could be divided into two groups, anionic PODs (SWPA4, SWPA5, SWPA6) and basic PODs (SWPB1, SWPB2, SWPB3), on the basis of the predicted pI values of the mature proteins. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the six POD genes showed diverse expression patterns in various tissues of intact plants, a various stages of growth in suspension cultures, and in leaf tissues exposed to different stresses. The six genes from which they were derived are predominantly expressed in cultured cells of sweetpotato. Thus, transcripts of swpa4 were not detected in any tissues of the intact plant. The genes swpa6 and swpb1 were highly expressed in root tissues, whereas swpa6 and swpb3 were highly expressed in stem tissues. During suspension culture, the expression patterns of the six genes differed from each other. The level of swpa4, swpa5, swpb2 and swpb3 transcripts progressively increased during culture, whereas swpa6 and swpb1 showed high expression levels regardless of the age of the culture. In leaf tissues the six POD genes responded differently to various abiotic stresses. In particular, swpa4 was highly induced by several abiotic stresses, including exposure to hydrogen peroxide (440 mM) or NaCl (100 mM), and wounding of leaf tissues, suggesting that this POD gene is inducible by many stresses. Based on the different expression patterns of these POD genes, we propose that each POD may have different enzymatic properties and physiological functions during cell growth and development.

Impact of transplanted CD34+ cell dose in allogeneic unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

The impact of the CD34+ cell dose on chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and the clinical outcome was analyzed in 41 consecutive adult patients submitted to allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from HLA-identical siblings. The patients were classified into 'low' or 'high' CD34+ cell dose groups based on whether they received less or more than a median CD34+ cell dose of 10.5 x 10(6)/kg, respectively. There was a significant difference in the incidence of extensive cGVHD (low vs high group, 25.0 vs 66.7%, P=0.021) and relapse (47.6 vs 20.0%, P=0.049) between the two groups. With a median follow-up of 335 days, the 3-year survival estimate for the whole population was 47.9%, while that for the low and high groups was 29.9 and 67.8%, respectively (P=0.0434). An inverse relation was noted between the relapse rate and the incidence of extensive cGVHD (P=0.043). It would appear reasonable that the optimal dose of CD34+ cells should be determined based on the disease status or aggressiveness of the malignant cells in each patient. Yet, in the case of patients with a high risk of relapse, transplantation with a CD34+ cell dose of >10.5 x 10(6)/kg would seem to be acceptable to minimize the risk of relapse.

Meta-analysis: proton pump inhibitor or H2-receptor antagonist for Helicobacter pylori eradication

AIM

To compare H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors as adjuvants to triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication.

METHODS

H. pylori-infected patients with peptic ulcer were randomized to receive either 300 mg nizatidine or 30 mg lansoprazole plus 1 g amoxicillin and 500 mg clarithromycin taken b.d. for 7 days. H. pylori eradication was assessed 4 weeks after therapy. Using meta-analytical techniques, we combined the results of this study with other randomized controlled comparisons of H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors as adjuvants to triple therapy.

RESULTS

One hundred and one patients were randomized. H. pylori eradication was 94% (47/50) [95% confidence interval (CI), 83-99%] (intention-to-treat) in the H2-receptor antagonist group vs. 86% (44/51) (95% CI, 74-94%) in the proton pump inhibitor group (P = 0.3). There has been a total of 12 similar studies (1415 patients). The overall efficacy was similar in intention-to-treat analysis: 78% (549/701) with H2-receptor antagonists vs. 81% (575/714) with proton pump inhibitors (odds ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.66-1.12). A non-significant trend favouring H2-receptor antagonist (79% vs. 69%; odds ratio, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.76-1.71; P = 0.5) was seen in the comparison of clarithromycin-containing regimens. In contrast, in non-clarithromycin-containing trials, there was a slight, but significant, advantage with proton pump inhibitors (85% vs. 78%; odds ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45-0.92; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Overall, proton pump inhibitor and H2-receptor antagonist antisecretory agents appear to be similarly effective as adjuvants for H. pylori triple therapy. It is unlikely that the direct anti-H. pylori effect of proton pump inhibitors is responsible for their ability to enhance anti-H. pylori therapy.

Effect of cooking on the formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine in Korean dried seafood products

Only N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was detected when N-nitrosamines (NA) were analysed in seven dried seafood products, either uncooked or cooked. The cooking methods used were a briquet fire, a gas range, an electric oven, a microwave oven, a steam cooker and an electric coil cooker. The contents of NDMA ranged from 1.0 to 46.9 microgram kg(-1) in uncooked products. When these samples were cooked, regardless of the cooking method, the content of NDMA tended to increase, ranging from 1.1 to 630.5 microgram kg(-1). In general, indirect heating such as a steam cooker and a microwave oven, as compared with direct heating such as a gas range and a briquet fire, caused less increase in NDMA during cooking.

Characterization of porcine uterine estrogen sulfotransferase

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) for uterine capacity is located on chromosome 8. Comparison of porcine and human genetic maps suggested that the estrogen sulfotransferase (STE) gene may be located near this region. The objectives of this study were to clone the full coding region for STE, compare endometrial STE gene expression between Meishan and White composite pigs during early pregnancy, and map the STE gene. We obtained a clone (1886 bp) containing the full coding region of STE by iterative screening of an expressed sequence tag library. Endometrial STE mRNA expression in White composite gilts was determined by Northern blotting on days 10, 13, and 15 of the estrous cycle; and on days 10, 13, 15, 20, 30, and 40 of pregnancy. STE mRNA expression was elevated (P < 0.01) on days 20 and 30 of pregnancy compared to other days of the cycle or pregnancy. Endometrial STE mRNA expression during early pregnancy, determined using real-time RT-PCR, was elevated (P < 0.01) on day 20 compared to day 15, decreased (P = 0.02) between days 20 and 30, and decreased further (P < 0.01) between days 30 and 40 in both Meishan and White composite pigs. Expression of STE mRNA was greater (P = 0.01) in White composite pigs compared to Meishan pigs. Using a microsatellite from an STE containing BAC genomic clone, the STE gene was mapped to 65 centimorgans on chromosome 8. Because STE mRNA expression differs between Meishan and White composite pigs, the STE gene may be a candidate for the uterine capacity QTL.

GM-CSF-based mobilization effect in normal healthy donors for allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

It is important to optimize methods to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells into peripheral blood (PB) for successful allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation. Our primary intent was to investigate the role of GM-CSF for mobilization in normal healthy donors and to compare its efficacy in mobilizing stem cells alone, in concurrent combination and in sequential combination with G-CSF in this study. We analyzed the results of the PBSC harvest through large volume leukapheresis from 48 normal healthy donors mobilized by three different regimens including GM-CSF. Donors were assigned sequentially to one of the following regimens for mobilization: GM-CSF 10 microg/kg/day alone (group 1, n = 9); concurrent combination (group 2, n = 20) of G-CSF 5 microg/kg/day and GM-CSF 5 microg/kg/day; sequential combination (group 3, n = 19) of GM-CSF alone 10 microg/kg/day for 3 days followed by G-CSF alone 10 microg/kg/day for 2-3 days. The harvested CD34(+) cell count (P < 0.05) was statistically higher in group 3 than in group 1 or 2. Pre-collection WBC count in donors (P < 0.05), harvested MNC (P < 0.05) and CD3(+) cell count (P < 0.05) of group 2 or 3 were significantly higher than those of group 1. Recipients who received stem cells mobilized with combination regimens showed an earlier recovery of WBC and platelets count than those with GM-CSF alone. The incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease was not statistically different among three recipient groups. GM-CSF-based mobilization was well tolerated in normal healthy donors. The sequential combination regimen appears to be an excellent mobilization strategy and might be preferred as the optimal method in some clinical situations that need a higher number of stem cells.

Effect of rebamipide in treatment of Helicobacter pylori-associated duodenal ulcer: attenuation of chemokine expression and nitrosative damage

Production of cytokines along with increased activity of nitric oxide synthase has been implicated as one of the contributing mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori-mediated gastroduodenal diseases. We aimed to evaluate the effect of rebamipide in treating Helicobacter pylori-associated duodenal ulcers in terms of cytokine production and nitrosative damage of the gastric mucosa. In patients with duodenal ulcers, rebamipide or placebo were given randomly after eradication. Mucosal cytokine production was measured by enzyme linked immunoassay, and nitrotyrosine immunoexpression was measured by immunohistochemistry. The inflammatory activity and degree of neutrophil infiltration were graded accordingly. The mucosal production of RANTES, interleukin-8, and TNF-alpha showed a significant decrease after eradication in patients with rebamipide after-treatment. The nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity of gastric epithelium was significantly decreased in the rebamipide group. Rebamipide treatment after eradication resulted in a significant reduction in chemokine production along with nitrotyrosine immunoexpression in Helicobacter pylori-associated duodenal ulcers.