Quantitative analysis of the immune cells in the anal mucosa

The prevalence of anoperineal diseases, i.e. sexual transmitted infections, is increasing particularly in AIDS, a fact which is likely due to the alteration of mucosal immunity. However, no data were available on normal anal status. In order to study anal immunity in man, we characterized lymphocytes subtypes and Langerhans' cells (LC) using quantitative morphometric analysis and immunohistochemistry. Anal normal mucosal samples obtained from surgical specimens of 45 patients (30 suffering from hemorrhoids and 15 from fissurations) were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was performed on frozen sections with antibodies recognizing CD1a (LC), CD3 (T lymphocytes), CD4 (T4), CD8 (T8) and CD22 (B-lymphocytes). Immunostained cells were counted per square millimeter of mucosal epithelium. The surface of CD1a cells was measured using a computerized software program and a percentage of CD1a immunostained area was calculated in comparison to the whole mucosal surface. LC and T-Lymphocytes were found in the squamous epithelium in all analyzed samples. The mean values of LC number were 84.13 +/- 9.6 and 64.77 +/- 9.8 in hemorroid- and fissure-patients, respectively. The mean values of LC area (% of CD1a stained area over total mucosal surface) were 3.89 +/- 0.44 and 4.84 +/- 0.64, respectively. In the two groups, the number of intraepithelial CD8 lymphocytes was higher than that of CD4 lymphocytes. These data suggest for the first time that anal mucosa could be considered as a part of MALT system.

[Factors of gastroesophageal acid reflux in severe obesity]

OBJECTIVE

To study in morbid obesity the relationship between the degree of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) and the excess of body weight, or the related factors such as the energy intake or the fat distribution (waist-hip ratio).

METHODS

In 20 morbid obese subjects (body weight: 125 +/- 32 kg) consulting in a weight-loss programme, anthropometric measurements, 3-hr oesophageal pHmetry, double isotope labelled meal for studying gastric emptying, study of gastric acid and pepsin secretions using PEG 4,000 as marker, and upper endoscopy were performed.

RESULTS

Nine out of the 20 patients had more than 10 GER per 3-hr period. Seven patients had at least one GER symptom per day. In 6 patients, pH was under 4 for more than 10% of the time. The total number of GER and the number of GER of more than 5 min duration were correlated to the body mass index (P = 0.016 and P < 0.05 respectively). The number of GER was also correlated to the android type of overweight (P < 0.03). These relationships persisted when sex, age, smoking, and obesity complications (such as diabetes) were taken into account. There was a positive correlation between the number of GER and energy and lipid intake (energy intake: 3,119 +/- 1,082 kcal/day; P < 0.003 for both). The degree of GER was positively related to basal acid output (P = 0.049), and to sham feeding-stimulated acid output (P = 0.05); it was negatively related to gastric emptying half time, but was not correlated with basal or stimulated pepsin output. A relationship was found between body mass index (BMI) and gastric emptying half time for solid (P = 0.002) and liquid phases (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

GER seems to be common in long lasting morbid obesity. The number of refluxes increased with waist/hip ratio, BMI and energy or fat intake. GER was also increased by decreased gastric emptying rate, which was in part determined by BMI. The real prevalence of GER in morbid obeses must be determined by a large prospective study.

[Effect of prolonged treatment with proton pump inhibitors on serum gastrin levels and the fundus mucosa. Preliminary results]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the evolution of fundic argyrophil cell density and hyperplasia grading, fundic chronic gastritis grading and serum gastrin levels in patients treated with proton pump inhibitors.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients treated with proton pump inhibitors for gastroesophageal reflux and/or duodenal ulcer were studied. No patient had a gastric ulcer. The studied parameters were serum gastrin levels, fundic argyrophil cell density, the degree of fundic argyrophil cell hyperplasia, the grade of fundic atrophic gastritis and the presence of Helicobacter pylori. The first point of the study was 7 months (range: 0-42 months) and the last point 33 months (range: 7-72 months) after the beginning of the treatment.

RESULTS

Serum gastrin levels significantly increased with treatment. Fundic argyrophil cell density did not change significantly. In 3 patients (9%), serum gastrin levels were twice the normal upper limit. The highest serum gastrin levels (249 and 665 pg/mL) were noted in the 2 patients treated with the highest doses of proton pump inhibitors. Micronodular hyperplasia of the fundic argyrophil cells was observed in 2 patients treated with omeprazole 20 mg/d for 4 years and lansoprazole 90 mg/d for 6 years, respectively. Non active superficial chronic gastritis was noted in 2 patients. Serum gastrin levels were significantly correlated with cell densities.

CONCLUSION

There were minor modifications of fundic argyrophil cell population and of gastrinaemia during the study period. They were not related to chronic atrophic gastritis. However, survey is mandatory in patients treated with high dose proton pump inhibitors, in those in whom gastrinaemia is elevated and when treatment duration is longer than 5 years.

Fundic argyrophil carcinoid tumor in a patient with sporadic-type Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

In the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, fundic argyrophil carcinoid tumors occur almost exclusively in the small subgroup of patients who also have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. In these patients, tumor development seems related to the same genetic alterations as those observed in other endocrine tumors related to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. We report here the second detailed case of a patient with sporadic Zollinger-Ellison syndrome who developed an argyrophil carcinoid tumor in nonatrophic fundic mucosa, suggesting that chronic hypergastrinemia may lead to fundic carcinoid development in nongenetically predisposed patients.

Localization of gastrinomas by endoscopic ultrasonography in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

BACKGROUND

Preoperative localization of gastrinomas by current imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scan and angiography is still difficult because of the small size of tumor(s) in most patients undergoing operation. This study evaluated the diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasonography.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients presenting with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome underwent exploratory laparotomy after preoperative attempts to identify the gastrinoma(s) by CT scan, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasonography. Surgery included intraoperative ultrasonography and duodenal transillumination in all cases. The sensitivity and specificity of imaging techniques were then evaluated.

RESULTS

At least one tumor was found in 19 patients (four had two tumors and one had multiple tumors). Duodenal, lymph node, and pancreatic gastrinomas were found in 42%, 38%, and 17% of the patients, respectively. Sensitivity of endoscopic ultrasonography was 50% for duodenal wall tumors (conventional endoscopy, 40%), 75% for pancreatic tumors (CT scan, 25%), and 62.5% for tumoral lymph nodes (CT scan, 0%). The specificity of all techniques was excellent. Correct diagnosis was made by endoscopic ultrasonography alone in 41% of the patients. The combination of conventional endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography provided correct diagnosis in 60% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic ultrasonography should be considered as a first-choice imaging technique for preoperative detection of gastrinomas. Although small duodenal gastrinomas are still obviously difficult to detect, an accurate exploration of the pancreatic area was provided by this technique.

Assessment of dysplasia, mucosal mucins, p53 protein expression, and DNA content in ulcerative colitis patients with colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis

BACKGROUND

Patients with ileorectal anastomosis after colectomy for ulcerative colitis remain at risk of developing rectal malignancy. Detection of mucosal dysplasia has been used for regular screening but is difficult in inflammatory mucosa, prompting the search for complementary markers.

METHODS

This prospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of dysplasia, the predominance of sialomucin, DNA aneuploidy, and p53 overexpression as possible predictors of colorectal tumourigenesis, in the rectal mucosa of an unselected group of 27 patients with ileorectal anastomosis performed for ulcerative colitis. Patients had neither neoplastic nor dysplastic lesions on the colectomy specimen and the retained rectum at the time of surgery. One biopsy specimen of each lateral rectal wall was studied, using routine histology, mucin histochemistry, DNA flow cytometry, and the streptavidin-biotin complex method with D07 monoclonal antibodies directed towards the p53 protein.

RESULTS

Seventeen, seven, and three patients showed inflammatory lesions of inactive, moderate, and severe active colitis, respectively. Dysplasia, sialomucin predominance, DNA aneuploidy, and p53 overexpression were not detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of malignant transformation of the rectal mucosa after ileorectal anastomosis seemed to be low in this ulcerative colitis group without high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma in the previous colectomy specimen, carefully followed up endoscopically and histologically. It remains to be evaluated which of the methods studied above will optimize the histopathologic surveillance of the rectal mucosa of ulcerative colitis patients with ileorectal anastomosis.

Regression of inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver under conservative therapy

Inflammatory pseudotumors (IPT) of the liver are rare benign tumors of unknown origin. Most previously reported cases were initially misdiagnosed and treated surgically; thus, their course under medical treatment remains unclear. We report an additional case of hepatic IPT with a favorable outcome under medical treatment without surgical resection. New imaging and pathologic features of this disease are presented that may facilitate preoperative recognition and appropriate treatment.

[Diagnosis of colitis caused by cytomegalovirus infection in AIDS. Comparative value of total colonoscopy and rectosigmoidoscopy (apropos of 24 cases). AIDS GIT]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the respective diagnostic value of flexible rectosigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy in the cytomegalovirus colitis.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with AIDS were studied retrospectively. The entry criteria were: flexible rectosigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, with 2 rectal and 2 caecal biopsies, presenting cytomegalovirus inclusions bodies linked to an inflammation at least on one colonic biopsy.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients had 29 colonoscopies. In 16 cases colonoscopy was performed to the caecum. The endoscopic findings of the 16 full colonoscopies were: 7 right colitis, 5 diffuse colitis, 2 bisegmentary colitis, 1 proctitis and 1 non endoscopic lesion. The histologic findings of the 16 full colonoscopies were: 5 cytomegalovirus inclusions on rectal biopsies and 16 on caecal biopsies. For the 13 incomplete colonoscopies, 11 had inclusions on rectal biopsies. So the flexible rectosigmoidoscopy was not sufficient to find inclusions 13 times out of 29.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that in the cytomegalovirus colitis, inclusions predominate in the caecum, isolated right colitis exists and extra-colonic cytomegalovirus disease is not always found. For these reasons full colonoscopy is necessary for diagnosis in patients with normal flexible rectosigmoidoscopy.

Evaluation of transferrin-binding protein 2 within the transferrin-binding protein complex as a potential antigen for future meningococcal vaccines

Because the meningococcal transferrin receptor was shown to elicit bactericidal and protective antibodies in laboratory animals, we undertook a study of the protective role of each of the polypeptides within the Tbp1-Tbp2 complex. We developed a procedure to purify from Neisseria meningitidis B16B6 the two proteins in milligram amounts and raised specific antisera in rabbits and mice. Only antisera specific for Tbp2 displayed bactericidal activity against the parent strain. Mice immunized with purified Tbp2 survived a lethal challenge to a similar degree as animals immunized with the Tbp1-Tbp2 complex, demonstrating that Tbp2 played an important role in the protective activity observed with the complex. Both Tbp1- and Tbp2-specific antisera inhibited transferrin binding to the purified receptor in a solid-phase binding assay, suggesting that the antibodies were able to interact with the Tbp1 molecule only when it was removed from its membrane environment. Finally, Tbp2-specific immunoglobulins were able to lower the growth rate of the meningococci when human transferrin was their sole iron source. Therefore, in all four different systems tested, Tbp2 or antibodies specific for Tbp2 displayed biological characteristics close to those of the Tbp1-Tbp2 complex. This suggests that Tbp2 plays an important role in the protective activity of the complex, eliciting antibodies that are not only bactericidal but also inhibitory for meningococcal growth.

M or M-like protein gene polymorphisms in human group G streptococci

Many group G streptococci (GGS) isolated from infected humans (but not from animal sources) express M or M-like proteins with biological, immunochemical, and genetic features similar to those of group A streptococci (GAS). To further elucidate the recently proposed M-like protein gene (emmL gene) polymorphisms in GGS, Southern blots of genomic DNAs from 38 epidemiologically unrelated GGS strains isolated from human specimens and 12 GGS strains recovered from animal sources were hybridized with oligonucleotide probes designed to specifically detect GAS M class I and M class II M protein (emm) genes. All human-associated GGS strains showed DNA homology to the GAS M class I emm gene probe, whereas no hybridization was found with DNA from any of the animal-associated strains. The emmL genes from all human isolates were amplified by PCR, and the complete sequence of the emmL gene of the Rebecca Lancefield grouping strain D166B was determined. Again, this gene exhibited the structural features typical for emm genes of M class I GAS. The 5' regions of the PCR-amplified emmL genes of the remaining 37 human GGS strains were sequenced. This region showed a sequence diversity similar to that known for GAS emm genes. When strains whose N-terminal emmL gene sequences showed a homology of > 95% were defined as belonging to one genetic type, 30 strains were segregated into six distinct genetic types, whereas the remaining 8 strains each exhibited a unique emmL gene sequence. A high degree of homology between the N-terminal emmL gene segments of six GGS strains and the corresponding regions of either the emm12 or the emm57 gene of GAS was found, suggesting a horizontal gene transfer between strains of these species of beta-hemolytic streptococci. Besides a further understanding of the evolution of GGS emmL genes, the observed emmL gene polymorphisms in GGS could provide the basis for a molecular subspecies delineation of strains and offers the potential of typing GGS for epidemiological purposes.

[Helicobacter pylori, a rediscovered bacterium. Implication in gastroduodenal diseases]

Helicobacter pylori is a microaerophilic bacterium initially found in the gastric antrum of patients with peptic ulcer disease. As a result, H. pylori is now believed to have a pathophysiologic role in gastritis as well as in peptic ulcer disease. Several recent studies showed that it may be associated with duodenal ulcer relapse and that eradication therapy using antibiotics may significantly decrease the ulcer recurrence rate in duodenal ulcer patients. Moreover, epidemiological studies suggest that it may increase the relative risk of carcinoma in the stomach and preliminary studies seem to indicate that some low-grade lymphoma in the stomach may regress after H. pylori eradication. Although the mechanisms by which H. pylori induces mucosal injury and/or neoplasm is not clearly understood, several modifications in gastric functions have been reported. The most specific way of detecting H. pylori in tissue is a combination of culture and histologic staining of mucosal biopsy specimens obtained by endoscopy. Rapid urease test, cytology and PCR procedures performed on biopsies may give rapid, sensitive and specific results. Breath test using 13C- or 14C-radiolabelled urea and serology tests are of particular importance when H. pylori diagnosis is needed via no invasive procedures. Helicobacter pylori is supposed to interact with G and D cells. Gastrin and somatostatin are synthetized and released from antral G and gastric D cells respectively. The gastric D cells are in close contact with either G and parietal cells. Gastrin stimulates gastric acid secretion and epithelial gastric cell proliferation (parietal and EC-L cells) while somatostatin inhibits these effects. Chronic gastritis is associated with fundic duodenal ulcer disease. In this situation, basal gastrin and meal- or bombesin-stimulated gastrin in the serum (especially gastrin G17) have been found to be higher in H. pylori positive than in negative patients. Moreover, gastrin decreases up to normal levels after eradication of H. pylori. The long term effect of a such hypergastrinemia is not so far established. The mechanism underlaying hormonal modification is poorly understood. Since no G/D cell ratio modification could be found after H. pylori eradication while the amount of somatostatin increases, one would suggest functional alteration of either G or D cells in the H. pylori-related chronic gastritis. The role of inflammatory mediators on the gastrin release and the processing of progastrin induced by the bacterium need further investigations.

Pouchitis--a poorly understood entity

Pouchitis is an increasing drawback to patients who undergo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis; complication overshadows the overall good functional results of this sphincter-saving operation. There is a need for cooperative, multicenter, and longitudinal studies of patients undergoing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, to unravel the etiology and pathophysiology of pouchitis. Because of the absence of a mucosal inflammation before pouch construction, patients operated on for familial adenomatous polyposis are the perfect control group. Thus, it may be possible to elucidate and define the sequence that leads to pouchitis, including overgrowth of a colonic type flora, transformation of the histology to an epithelium with colonic features, an altered biochemical milieu in the lumen (volatile fatty acids, secondary bile acids), and changes in mucosal defense mechanisms.

Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy in forty-eight patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. GRESZE: Groupe d'Etude du Syndrome de Zollinger-Ellison

In patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which is either sporadic or integrated into multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, accurate localization of all the tumours is difficult and may have therapeutic implications. In an attempt to improve this localization, somatostatin receptor scintigraphy using [111In-DTPA-D-Phe1]-octreotide was performed prospectively in 48 consecutive patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Thirty of them had the sporadic type of this disease. Scintigraphic data were compared with data obtained by conventional imaging methods, and also, in 32 selected patients, with those obtained by endoscopic ultrasonography. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy showed abnormal tracer uptake in 39 patients (81%), in whom it correctly identified 50 of the 60 tumoral sites (83%) previously localized by the other imaging methods. In 17 patients (35%) somatostatin receptor scintigraphy disclosed abnormal tracer uptake at 18 different tumoral sites: 14 were located in the abdomen, including four in the liver and eight in the duodenopancreatic area, and four outside the abdomen, including two in the mediastinum. Six of the ten tumoral sites which were not correctly identified by somatostatin receptor scintigraphy were located in the duodenopancreatic area. However, in the 20 patients for whom conventional techniques failed to visualize any tumour in the duodenopancreatic area, somatostatin receptor scintigraphy was positive in ten (50%) whereas endoscopic ultrasonography was only positive in five (25%). In our patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, somatostatin receptor scintigraphy appeared to be a useful new addition to the battery of tests used for tumour detection.

Mechanisms of decreased food intake during weight loss in adult Crohn's disease patients without obvious malabsorption

Because weight loss is common in colonic Crohn's disease and is poorly correlated with disease activity, we analyzed food intake in 63 patients without malabsorption, 30 patients with weight loss (9.2 +/- 4.2 kg), and 33 patients without weight loss. Energy and protein intakes were lower in patients with weight loss than in those with stable weight (P < 0.01). In the former group, food restrictions were more numerous (P < 0.01) and visual analog scales showed less hunger, decreased appetite, and fewer sensations of pleasure related to eating, as compared with the other group (P < 0.01). Food intake reduction was also related to depressive mood and medical advice. However, there was no difference between groups in fecal energy wasting and resting energy expenditure. Weight loss in Crohn's disease may be due to a decrease in food intake rather than to an increase in energy cost of the disease. Thus, focus of attention on the diet is crucial to prevent malnutrition.

Polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsy specimens: comparison with culture, rapid urease test, and histopathological tests

Ulcer recurrence is probably related to residual Helicobacter pylori (H pylori). Histological examination and culture are considered to be the most specific tests. CLO test is a rapid but less specific test, which is usually used as an alternative test to culture. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of a simplified polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay as a procedure for the diagnosis of gastric H pylori infection of patients. Biopsy specimens were obtained from antral mucosa of 58 patients at endoscopy and submitted to four tests for detection of H pylori. The bacteria were found in 53%, 43%, 48%, and 50% of patients according to the results of PCR, CLO test, culture, and histological examination. Twenty three patients had both negative histology and negative culture and PCR was negative in all of these. Thirteen patients were not classified because only histology or culture was positive and 10 of these had a positive PCR test. When the diagnosis of H pylori was established by agreement with both histology and culture or three positive tests out of four, 29 patients were H pylori positive (28 having had three positive tests and one displaying positive histology and culture), and 26 were negative, and three undetermined. PCR proved the most sensitive and specific test. These results suggest the simplified PCR assay may be a valuable test for the detection of H pylori.

[Zollinger-Ellison syndrome]

Medical management of patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome has considerably evolved since initial reports in 1955 and especially over the last decade. Control of gastric hypersecretion by effective antisecretory drugs, accurate localization and staging of the tumoral process by modern medical imaging techniques as well as progress in surgical skill undoubtedly account for higher rates of gastrinoma definitive or long-lasting cure. Elective surgery for gastrinoma removal may indeed be safely undertaken in selected patients. Current diagnostic and treatment strategies have been discussed here, by reference to the literature and a large personal series of patients followed at Bichat-Claude-Bernard Hospital for 30 years. The specific case of gastrinoma associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type I is also discussed.

[Female dyschesia, functional associations and pelvic disorders]

OBJECTIVES

Although the usual methods of exploring anorectal disorders give information on specific aspects of defecation, they do not take into account the related effect of disorders involving the pelvic contents including the genital and urinary tract. We therefore used physical examination and global imaging to demonstrate the effect of urinary and genital anomalies in female patients with dyschesia.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted in 50 consecutive female patients (age range 21-83) who consulted for dyschesia. The following protocol was used. History taking included a search for urinary and gynaecology surgery or medical treatment and the number of pregnancies and instrumental deliveries as well as a precise scoring of defecation disorders. The general physical examination included a search for signs of prolapsus or ulcerations. A rectocolpocystogram was performed in all patients.

RESULTS

There were 7 patients under 40 years of age, 25 from 41 to 61 years and 18 over 61. Urinary incontinence was the most frequent functional complaint (80%). In 92% of the patients, the rectocolpocystogram revealed associated anatomic anomalies. Dynamic stimulation was associated with cervicocystoptosis (72%), hysteroptosis (50%) and rectocele (66%).

CONCLUSION

Female dyschesia is a complex phenomena involving the anatomic status of the urinary, genital and anorectal tracts. Therapeutic management should be based on a complete examination including an evaluation of the pelvic contents and the perineum.

Antacid activity of calcium carbonate and hydrotalcite tablets. Comparison between in vitro evaluation using the "artificial stomach-duodenum" model and in vivo pH-metry in healthy volunteers

Antacid activity of calcium carbonate (CAM, Rennie) and of hydrotalcite (HYD) containing tablets has been assessed in vitro using computer-controlled "artificial stomach-duodenum" model, including or not a piece of hog gastric mucosa in the gastric reservoir, and simulating the constant flux system or the normal gastroduodenal flux regulation. The data obtained under the latter condition were compared to those obtained in vivo by pH-metry in 12 healthy volunteers, in response to one administration of 2 tablets. The theoretical maximal capacity was similar when 1 tablet of CAM or of HYD was added to the gastric contents, including or not a piece of gastric mucosa, close to 95 H+ mmol. The reduction of acid load penetrating into the duodenum and the duodenal pH were of the same magnitude in response to both antacids. When normal gastroduodenal flux regulation was simulated, a dose-response curve, constructed by 1, 2 or 3 tablets, resulted in the same antacid characteristics in response to both antacids. The maximal gastric and the mean duodenal pH values obtained with CAM were, however, higher than with HYD, corresponding to a greater neutralizing activity developed by CAM than by HYD. The comparison between in vivo administration of two tablets of each antacid and the in vitro model simulating normal gastroduodenal flux regulation in response to the addition of two tablets resulted in similar data. The maximal pH values obtained in in vivo assays were slightly lower than in vitro, depending on the ratio of antacid amount to gastric acid content, well established in in vitro conditions and unknown in in vivo situations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)