Rebamipide, a gastro-protective and anti-inflammatory drug, promotes gastric ulcer healing following eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori in a Japanese population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Continuous co-prescription of rebamipide prevents upper gastrointestinal bleeding in NSAID use for orthopaedic conditions: A nested case-control study using the LIFE Study database

BACKGROUND

Rebamipide has been widely co-prescribed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in Japan for decades. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rebamipide in preventing upper gastrointestinal bleeding in new users of NSAIDs without risk factors of NSAID-induced ulcers other than age.

METHODS

A nested case-control study was conducted using medical claims data of 1.66 million inhabitants of 17 municipalities participating in Japan's Longevity Improvement & Fair Evidence study. The cohort entry (t0) corresponded to a new user of NSAIDs for osteoarthritis or low back pain. Patients with risk factors of NSAID-induced ulcers other than age were excluded. Cases were defined as patients who underwent gastroscopy for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (occurrence date was defined as index date). A maximum of 10 controls were selected from non-cases at the index date of each case by matching sex, age, follow-up time, and type and dosage of NSAIDs. Exposure to rebamipide was defined as prescription status from t0 to index date: Non-user (rebamipide was not co-prescribed during the follow-up period), Continuous-user (rebamipide was co-prescribed from t0 with the same number of tablets as NSAIDs), and Irregular-user (neither Non-user nor Continuous-user). Conditional logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate each category's odds ratio compared to non-users.

FINDINGS

Of 67,561 individuals who met the inclusion criteria, 215 cases and 1,516 controls were selected. Compared with that of Non-users, the odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were 0.65 (0.44-0.96) for Continuous-users and 2.57 (1.73-3.81) for Irregular-users.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous co-prescription of rebamipide significantly reduced the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in an Asian cohort of new users of NSAIDs with osteoarthritis or low back pain without risk factors other than age.

Diagnostics and Treatment of Peptic Ulcer in Adults (Clinical Guidelines of the Russian Gastroenterological Association, the Russian Society of Colorectal Surgeons, the Russian Endoscopic Society and the Scientific Society for the Clinical Study of Human Microbiome)

Aim. The guidelines set out the modern methods of diagnostics and treatment of peptic ulcer and are created for gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, general practitioners, surgeons, endoscopists.

Key points. The clinical guidelines contain modern views on the etiology and pathogenesis of peptic ulcer, its clinical features, methods of laboratory and instrumental diagnostics, the main approaches to conservative and surgical treatment. They include the criteria for assessment of the quality of medical care, the algorithm of the doctor's actions, as well as information for the patient.

Conclusion. Knowledge of modern methods of diagnostics and therapy of peptic ulcers will contribute to improving the results of its treatment.

Rebamipide and Derivatives are Potent, Selective Inhibitors of Histidine Phosphatase Activity of the Suppressor of T Cell Receptor Signaling Proteins

The suppressor of T cell receptor signaling (Sts) proteins are negative regulators of immune signaling. Genetic inactivation of these proteins leads to significant resistance to infection. From a 590,000 compound high-throughput screen, we identified the 2-(1H)-quinolinone derivative, rebamipide, as a putative inhibitor of Sts phosphatase activity. Rebamipide, and a small library of derivatives, are competitive, selective inhibitors of Sts-1 with IC50 values from low to submicromolar. SAR analysis indicates that the quinolinone, the acid, and the amide moieties are all essential for activity. A crystal structure confirmed the SAR and reveals key interactions between this class of compound and the protein. Although rebamipide has poor cell permeability, we demonstrated that a liposomal preparation can inactivate the phosphatase activity of Sts-1 in cells. These studies demonstrate that Sts-1 enzyme activity can be pharmacologically inactivated and provide foundational tools and insights for the development of immune-enhancing therapies that target the Sts proteins.

Peptic ulcer: the current state of the problem

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a chronic polyetiological recurrent disease of gastroduodenal region. In most cases, the pathogenesis of PU is caused by imbalance between the aggressive factors and protective factors of the gastric or duodenal mucosa. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, are the major causative factors leading to PUD development. 65% of gastric ulcers and 80% of duodenal ulcers were found to be associated with H. pylori infection. In turn, NSAIDs account for 30% of gastric ulcers and 15% of duodenal ulcers. About 0.1–1% of  all PUs are caused by Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Abdominal pain is the leading symptom in the clinical findings of patients with exacerbation of PUD. Dyspeptic syndrome (vomiting, nausea, belching, abnormal bowel pattern) is much less common in   patients with PUD. Endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract is currently the gold standard test used in   the  diagnosis of PUD and is recommended for all patients suspected of having this disease (unless contraindicated). Antisecretory therapy including proton pump inhibitors is the main approach to the treatment of PUD, as well as the prevention of its complications. Integral to the treatment of patients with H. pylori-associated PU is the eradication therapy of the infection. It is  reasonable to use a cytoprotector rebamipide, which accelerates ulcer healing and improves the resulting scar quality, as part of the pharmacotherapy of PUD. In addition, the use of rebamipide in H. pylori eradication therapy regimens contributes to increased efficiency of elimination of the microorganisms. 

Rebamipide potentially mitigates methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation: A molecular and histochemical study

Methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent; nevertheless, the nephrotoxicity associated with its use has limited its clinical use. Rebamipide (REB) is a gastro-protective agent with diverse promising biological activities. Here, we investigated the renoprotective effects of REB against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: the normal control group, the REB group (100 mg kg^-1 day^-1 , PO, for 12 days), the MTX group (which received a single injection of 20 mg/kg, ip), and the REB + MTX group (which received 100 mg kg^-1 day^-1 REB for 7 days before and 5 days after being injected with 20 mg/kg MTX). Interestingly, MTX triggered kidney injury, characterized by renal dysfunction along with histopathological alterations. Moreover, increased reactive oxygen species level and inflammatory response were detected in the kidney of MTX-treated rats. However, REB prevented MTX-induced oxidative kidney injury and boosted an antioxidant balance. Mechanistically, REB markedly activated the NRF-2 protein and upregulated the expression of both SIRT-1 and FOXO-3 genes. Additionally, REB administration strongly inhibited the inflammatory response by downregulating both NF-κB-p65 and TLR-4. Finally, the coadministration of REB and MTX activated the mTOR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Simultaneously, REB treatment attenuated the reduction in glomerular size, the widening of the capsular spaces, and the tubular cell damage due to MTX administration. Taken together, these results indicate the potential of REB as adjuvant therapy to prevent nephrotoxicity in patients receiving MTX treatment.

[Rebamipide: evidence base for use in gastroenterology]

Rebamipide is a cytoprotective drug that has been used in practical gastroenterology for 30 years. This article summarizes the main results of the most relevant clinical studies of rebamipide in diseases of various parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine.

New Prospects of Cytoprotection in the Treatment and Prevention of Gastric and Intestinal Diseases (Resolution of an Expert Council and Literature Review)

Aim. To generalize up-to-date information on the possibilities of cytoprotection in the treatment and prevention of gastric and intestinal diseases, as well as to present the materials of an Expert Council meeting held on February 8, 2020 in Moscow under the support of the Alium company.

General provisions. The conducted Expert Council meeting was aimed at discussing the importance of improving the cytoprotective properties of the gastric and intestinal mucous membrane in the treatment of its lesions. It was shown that Rebamipide exhibits positive effects on various parts of the protective barrier of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), primarily due to its stimulating action on the production of prostaglandins playing a key role in maintaining the cytoprotective properties of the gastrointestinal mucosa. The possibilities of applying Rebamipide for the treatment and prevention of erosive and ulcerative gastrointestinal lesions caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) and antithrombotic drugs were demonstrated. In the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, Rebamipide is recommended for patients refractory to therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and for those with non-acid reflux. The efficacy of Rebamipide in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, as well as functional dyspepsia and chronic gastritis, was confirmed.

Conclusions. Rebamipid is a highly effective drug positively affecting various cytoprotection links, thus being suitable for the treatment and prevention of erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as gastroenterological diseases of various etiologies.

Conflict of interest: The Expert Council meeting was supported by the Alium company.

Rebamipide using in gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment

Rebamipide is a mucoprotective drug which was developed in Japan in 1990. The therapeutic effect of rebamipide based on the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 and increasing level of prostaglandins, inhibition of oxygen free radicals production, epidermal growth factor stimulation, vascular endothelial growth factor, nitric oxide, and decreasing of lipid peroxidation and neutrophils migration. The combination of proton pump inhibitors and rebamipide is more effective in relieving of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and reducing recurrence rate of disease. Using rebamipide in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease is justified because this drug has a unique mechanism of action, which eliminating the main stages of pathogenesis of the disease.

Comparison of efficacy of pharmacological therapies for gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcers: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of various anti-ulcer medications in preventing delayed bleeding and promoting ulcer healing after ESD.Methods: Asystematic search was conducted for articles up to August2019. The treatments of iatrogenic ulcer were analyzed by Bayesian network meta-analysis.Results: The analysis included 28 studies. Six treatments were compared. For the prevention of delayed bleeding, potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) alone was superior to proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) alone [RR = 1.02, 95%CI (1.00, 1.05)]. Treatments based on P-CAB tended to be better than the non-P-CAB groups [RR = 1.05, 95%CI (1.03, 1.07)]. Concerning the ulcer healing rate at 4 weeks, the combined treatment of PPI and mucoprotective agent (MP) was superior to PPI alone [RR = 1.81, 95%CI (1.19, 2.76)] and P-CAB alone [RR = 2.75, 95%CI (1.02, 7.44)]. At 8 weeks, PPI+MP and P-CAB+MP tend to be superior to than the other four groups. The healing effect of MP-based therapies was better than that of non-MP groups at 4 weeks [RR = 1.63, 95%CI (1.32, 2.01)] and 8 weeks [RR = 1.06, 95%CI (1.02, 1.11)].Conclusion: P-CAB may prevent delayed bleeding, but not significantly. MP agents have the potential to heal post-ESD ulcers.

Pharmacological and clinical feature of rebamipide: new therapeutic targets

Rebamipide is a cytoprotector developed in Japan where it has been successfully used for the treatment of stomach diseases for 30 years. Initially discovered effects of the drug included the induction of prostaglandins and the elimination of free oxygen radicals. Recent studies discovered new therapeutic targets of the drug, its new forms that made possible using rebamipid for the treatment of such diseases as NSAID enteropathy, ulcerative colitis, radiation colitis, pouchitis, enteropathy with impaired membrane digestion. It is used in endoscopy, ophthalmology, chemotherapy, rheumatology. The aim of this review is to present current information about the pharmacological and clinical feature of rebamipide and to study its therapeutic potential.

Role of mucoprotective agents in endoscopic submucosal dissection-derived ulcers: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Currently, it is still unclear whether adding a mucoprotective agent to a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) results in better outcomes compared with using a PPI alone in patients with post-gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) ulcers. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of PPI alone versus combination treatment in healing of post-gastric ESD ulcers, as well as on delayed bleeding and amount of blood transfused.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and ISI Web of knowledge databases, up until May 2017, for randomized trials comparing PPI alone versus PPI plus a mucoprotective drug in achieving ulcer healing in patients undergoing gastric ESD was performed. The primary outcome is scarring stage on endoscopic assessment at 4 or 8 weeks after gastric ESD.

RESULTS

From an initial 3071 citations, eight articles (n = 953 lesions from 934 patients) were analyzed. Patients receiving combination treatment achieved a scarring stage significantly more often than those on a PPIs alone at 4 or 8 weeks after ESD, (risk ratio = 1.36, 95% CI; 1.06-1.75). No study reported amount of blood transfused. There were no significant between treatment-group differences in terms of delayed bleeding (risk ratio = 0.58, 95% CI; 0.17-1.99). Neither location of ulcer nor Helicobacter pylori infection was related to ulcer scarring stage.

CONCLUSION

The limited evidences suggested combination treatment may be more effective in accelerating the process of ulcer healing in patients undergoing gastric ESD than the use of PPI alone, but does not appear to alter delayed bleeding risk.

Efficacy and safety of the use of rebamipide in the scheme of triple eradication therapy of Helicobacter pylori infection: a prospective randomized comparative study

Purpose of the study. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the use of rebamipide as part of the triple eradication therapy (ET) scheme of Helicobacter pylori infection. Materials and methods. A prospective, randomized comparative study included 94 patients with uncomplicated H. pylori-associated stomach / duodenal ulcer. In the process of randomization, patients are divided into three groups depending on the intended therapy. The first group (n=36) received a classical triple scheme of the first-line ET (omeprazole 20 mg twice a day, amoxicillin 1000 mg twice a day, clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day) for 10 days. Patients of the second group (n=33) were assigned a classical triple scheme of ET with the inclusion of rebamipide (omeprazole 20 mg twice a day, amoxicillin 1000 mg twice a day, clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day, rebamipide 100 mg 3 times a day day) for 10 days. Patients of the third group (n=25) were assigned a classical triple scheme of ET with the inclusion of rebamipide (omeprazole 20 mg twice a day, amoxicillin 1000 mg twice a day, clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day, rebamipide 100 mg 3 times a day) in for 10 days, with the prolongation of the administration of rebamipide for the next 20 days. The effectiveness of ET was determined by the respiratory test after 6 weeks after the end of treatment. Adverse events were recorded by patients in specially developed diaries. All patients with gastric ulcer at the 6th week underwent a histological examination of the biopsy specimens of the antrum and the body of the stomach, assessing the inflammatory activity of the process on a point system in accordance with the updated Sydney system. Results and discussion. Efficiency of H. pylori eradication in the first group was 77.7% (ITT), 82.3% (PP), in the second group - 81.8% (ITT), 84.4% (PP), and in the third group - 84% (ITT), 87.5% (PP). The use of rebamipide in the triple ET regimen was associated with an increase in H. pylori eradication efficiency, both with simultaneous use with the scheme [odds ratio (OR) 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32-4.24], and with subsequent prolonged admission (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.34-6.7). A somewhat more pronounced dynamics of the epithelization of erosive and ulcerative changes in the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum to the 21st and 28th days in the third group of patients was noted. The incidence of adverse events between the groups was comparable: 22.2% in the first group, 24.2% in the second group and 20% in the third group. In the pathomorphological evaluation of biopsy specimens of patients with gastric ulcer at the 6th week after the treatment, significant differences were revealed between the first and third groups in terms of the inflammatory activity in the antrum stomach (2±0.63 vs. 1.4±0.52; p=0,0399). The conclusion. The inclusion of rebamipide in the classical triple scheme of H. pylori ET increases the effectiveness of treatment and does not affect the safety profile. In the post-eradication period, it is advisable to continue the use of rebamipide to potentiate the repair of the gastric mucosa and regress the inflammatory processes.

Rebamipide solution: a novel submucosal injection material to promote healing speed and healing quality of ulcers induced by endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Rebamipide is administered perorally to protect the gastric mucosa. We assessed the efficacy and safety of a novel rebamipide solution as a submucosal injection material for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) using an in vivo porcine model.

METHODS

An endoscopist blinded to the test agents performed ESDs of hypothetical 30 mm lesions using a 2% rebamipide solution at 2 sites (rebamipide group) and a saline solution at 2 other sites (control group) in the stomachs of 8 pigs. The technical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. The gastric ulcer stages were evaluated by endoscopy once weekly for 4 weeks after the ESD to determine the healing score (1-6). The pigs were killed at 1 week (n = 2), 2 weeks (n = 2), and 4 weeks (n = 4) after the ESD for pathologic evaluation of ESD-induced ulcers and scarring.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in any of the technical outcomes between the 2 groups, and no adverse events related to the ESD in any of the animals. The healing score was significantly higher in the rebamipide group than in the control group at 2 weeks (P = .027), 3 weeks (P = .034), and 4 weeks (P = .012). In the histopathologic assessment, fibrosis was significantly less extensive in the rebamipide group than in the control group at 2 weeks (P = .02) and 4 weeks (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

The rebamipide solution appeared to promote both the speed and quality of healing of ESD-induced ulcers by suppressing fibrosis.

Rebamipide ameliorates atherosclerosis by controlling lipid metabolism and inflammation

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by the accumulation of excess lipid in the aorta and the severity is regulated by T lymphocytes subsets. Rebamipide has therapeutic activity in collagen induced arthritis (CIA) by controlling the balance between T helper (Th) 17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells. In this study, we aimed to determine whether rebamipide reduces the development of atherosclerosis. To investigate the therapeutic effect of rebamipide, ApoE-KO mice fed a western diet were administered rebamipide orally for 8 weeks. Mice were sacrificed followed by the evaluation of plaque formation in the aorta or immunohistochemistry for IL-17 and Foxp3. Serum was also prepared to determine the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. The ability of rebamipide to regulate lipid metabolism or inflammation was confirmed ex vivo.

[Possibilities for optimization of eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection in modern clinical practice]

A steady decline in the effectiveness of standard eradication therapy (ET) regimens for Helicobacter pylori infection necessitates a search for ways of their optimization, by enhancing the efficiency of treatment protocols and by improving their safety and tolerability. The review systematizes the data available in the literature on main accessible methods for optimizing ET regimens. Among the optimization methods that can considerably enhance the efficiency of ET regimens, one may identify their addition of a bismuth agent (by 10-20%), the use of rebamipide (by 11.9%), adjuvant therapy with probiotics (by 8.1-13%), or double-dose proton pump inhibitors (by 8%). Only adjuvant therapy with probiotics results in a significant decrease in the incidence of side effects from ET. In posteradication period, rebamipide should be used to potentiate gastric mucosal repair and to regress inflammatory processes.

Determination of the adequate dosage of rebamipide, a gastric mucoprotective drug, to prevent low-dose aspirin-induced gastrointestinal mucosal injury

Small intestinal mucosal injury caused by low-dose aspirin is a common cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. We aimed to investigate the protective effects and optimal dose of rebamipide for low-dose aspirin-induced gastrointestinal mucosal injury. In this prospective randomized trial, 45 healthy volunteers (aged 20–65 years) were included and divided into three groups. The groups received enteric-coated aspirin 100 mg (low-dose aspirin) plus omeprazole 10 mg (Group A: proton pump inhibitor group), low-dose aspirin plus rebamipide 300 mg (Group B: standard-dose group), or low-dose aspirin plus rebamipide 900 mg (Group C: high-dose group). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and video capsule endoscopy were performed, and the fecal occult blood reaction and fecal calprotectin levels were measured before and two weeks after drug administration. Although the fecal calprotectin levels increased significantly in Group A, they did not increase in Groups B and C. The esophagogastroduodenoscopic and video capsule endoscopic findings and the fecal occult blood test findings did not differ significantly among the three groups. In conclusion, standard-dose rebamipide is sufficient for preventing mucosal injury of the small intestine induced by low-dose aspirin, indicating that high-dose rebamipide is not necessary.

Rebamipide does not protect against naproxen-induced gastric damage: a randomized double-blind controlled trial

Background

Rebamipide is a gastroprotective agent with promising results against gastric damage induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The present study evaluated if rebamipide protects against naproxen-induced gastric damage in healthy volunteers. Changes in gastric PGE2 tissue concentration were also evaluated.

Methods

After a preliminary endoscopy to rule out previous gastric macroscopic damage, twenty-four healthy volunteers of both sexes were divided into 2 groups. One group received sodium naproxen 550 mg b.i.d. plus placebo for 7 days, while the other group received sodium naproxen 550 mg b.i.d. plus rebamipide 100 mg b.i.d. At the end of treatment, a new endoscopy was performed. Gastric macroscopic damage was evaluated by the Cryer score and by the modified Lanza score. The primary outcome measure of the trial was the macroscopic damage observed in each treatment group at the end of treatment. Biopsies were collected at both endoscopies for PGE2 quantification and histopathological analysis (secondary outcomes). Tissue PGE2 was quantified by ELISA. The randomization sequence was generated using 3 blocks of 8 subjects each. Volunteers and endoscopists were blind to whether they were receiving rebamipide or placebo.

Results

All recruited volunteers completed the trial. Sodium naproxen induced gastric damage in both groups. At the end of the study, median Cryer score was 4 in both groups (Difference = 0; 95%CI = −1 to 0; p = 0.728). In the placebo group, the mean tissue PGE2 concentration was 1005 ± 129 pg/mL before treatment and 241 ± 41 pg/mL after treatment (p < 0.001). In the rebamipide group, the mean tissue PGE2 concentration was 999 ± 109 pg/mL before treatment, and 168 ± 13 pg/mL after treatment (p < 0.001). There was no difference in mean tissue PGE2 between the two groups (difference = 5; 95%CI from −334.870 to 345.650; p = 0.975). No significant change was observed at the histopathological evaluation, despite the evident macroscopic damage induced by naproxen.

Conclusion

Rebamipide does not protect against naproxen-induced gastric damage in healthy volunteers.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02632812. Registered 14 December 2015.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12876-016-0472-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Factors associated with healing of artificial ulcer after endoscopic submucosal dissection with reference to Helicobacter pylori infection, CYP2C19 genotype, and tumor location: Multicenter randomized trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Healing speed of peptic ulcer is affected by a number of factors, including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and intragastric pH. Acid inhibition exerted by proton pump inhibitors differs by CYP2C19 genotype. Herein, we investigated whether healing speed of artificial ulcers formed after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was influenced by H. pylori infection, CYP2C19 genotype, or other factors.

METHODS

A total of 96 H. pylori-positive patients with gastric tumors scheduled for ESD were randomly assigned to receive eradication therapy for H. pylori before ESD (pre-ESD eradication) (n = 44) or after (post-ESD eradication) (n = 52). Patients received eradication therapy consisting of lansoprazole 30 mg, amoxicillin 750 mg, and clarithromycin 200 mg twice daily for 1 week. After ESD, lansoprazole 30 mg was given once daily for 8 weeks. Ulcer size was endoscopically measured on the next day and at 4 and 8 weeks after ESD.

RESULTS

Mean reduction rate of artificial ulcer area in the pre-ESD eradication group was 94.7% ± 5.5% at 4 weeks, which was similar to that in the post-ESD eradication group (94.7% ± 6.7%, P = 0.987), irrespective of CYP2C19 genotype. In multivariate analyses, location of gastric tumor (middle and upper, odds ratio: 4.05, 95% CI: 1.620-10.230, P = 0.003) was a factor for 97% reduction of artificial ulcer area at 4 weeks post-ESD, but CYP2C19 genotype and H. pylori infection were not.

CONCLUSION

Healing speed of ESD-induced artificial ulcer was affected by tumor location, but not by time of H. pylori eradication, resected size, or CYP2C19 genotype.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for peptic ulcer disease 2015

The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology (JSGE) revised the evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for peptic ulcer disease in 2014 and has created an English version. The revised guidelines consist of seven items: bleeding gastric and duodenal ulcers, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy, non-eradication therapy, drug-induced ulcer, non-H. pylori, non-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ulcer, surgical treatment, and conservative therapy for perforation and stenosis. Ninety clinical questions (CQs) were developed, and a literature search was performed for the CQs using the Medline, Cochrane, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases between 1983 and June 2012. The guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Therapy is initially provided for ulcer complications. Perforation or stenosis is treated with surgery or conservatively. Ulcer bleeding is first treated by endoscopic hemostasis. If it fails, surgery or interventional radiology is chosen. Second, medical therapy is provided. In cases of NSAID-related ulcers, use of NSAIDs is stopped, and anti-ulcer therapy is provided. If NSAID use must continue, the ulcer is treated with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or prostaglandin analog. In cases with no NSAID use, H. pylori-positive patients receive eradication and anti-ulcer therapy. If first-line eradication therapy fails, second-line therapy is given. In cases of non-H. pylori, non-NSAID ulcers or H. pylori-positive patients with no indication for eradication therapy, non-eradication therapy is provided. The first choice is PPI therapy, and the second choice is histamine 2-receptor antagonist therapy. After initial therapy, maintenance therapy is provided to prevent ulcer relapse.

Efficacy and safety of 1-week Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy and 7-week rebamipide treatment after endoscopic submucosal dissection of early gastric cancer in comparison with 8-week PPI standard treatment: a randomized, controlled, prospective, multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been developed for early gastric cancer (EGC). Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy has been reported to have a preventive effect against metachronous recurrence of EGC after ESD. However, the efficacy and safety of eradication therapy on ESD-induced ulcer healing are not clear. In a randomized control study, we compared the standard therapy (8-week proton pump inhibitor) and eradication therapy combined with subsequent treatment with 7-week rebamipide for healing ESD-induced ulcers.

METHODS

A multicenter, randomized, open-label study was conducted. In group A, patients received 20 mg of omeprazole for 56 days. In group B, patients received 40 mg of omeprazole, 1,500 mg of amoxicillin, and 800 mg of clarithromycin for 7 days, and then 300 mg of rebamipide for 49 days. The primary end point was to evaluate the scarring ratio.

RESULTS

The scarring rate in group A was significantly higher than that in group B [85.0 % (34/40) vs. 56.8 % (21/37), P = 0.011]. The scarring rate of ulcers with an area ≥565.5 mm(2) in group A was significantly higher than that in group B [78.9 % (15/19) vs. 37.5 % (6/16), P = 0.018]. There was no significant difference between the groups in the scarring rate of smaller ulcers. No serious adverse events were observed in any of the patients in either group.

CONCLUSION

H. pylori eradication therapy and 7-week rebamipide monotherapy were not superior to PPI monotherapy, but this combination therapy for smaller sized ulcers was an optimal therapeutic option for healing. Serious adverse events were not observed in either group.

Efficacy of proton pump inhibitors plus rebamipide for endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcers: A Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM: To compare the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) plus rebamipide vs PPIs alone for the treatment of ulcers induced by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

METHODS: Keyword and MeSH searches of PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Database and CNKI from the inception of each database to February 2015 were performed to identify all available randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of PPIs plus rebamidide and PPIs alone on healing ulcers after ESD. Two independent reviewers assessed the studies for inclusion and exclusion based on methodological quality criteria.

RESULTS: A total of five studies involving 670 patients were included. The pooled data suggested a significantly higher rate of ulcer healing after ESD among patients treated with PPIs plus rebamipide than those treated with PPIs alone (OR = 2.68, 95%CI: 1.81-3.97). The combination therapy was found to be significantly more effective than the use of PPIs alone for all ESD ulcers greater than 20 mm in size (OR = 4.77, 95%CI: 2.22-10.26). The ulcer reduction rate in the combination group was higher than that in the PPI alone group after four weeks of treatment (MD = 68.39, 95%CI: 35.73-101.05).

CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis indicate that the combination therapy of PPIs plus rebamipide is more efficient than PPI monotherapy in healing ESD-induced ulcer, particularly large ulcers. However, more high-quality trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Effective healing of endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcers by a single week of proton pump inhibitor treatment: a retrospective study

Background

Although artificial ulcers generally heal faster than Helicobacter pylori-related or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-related peptic ulcers, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)-induced gastric ulcers are usually treated with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for 4–8 weeks. The effect of oral administration of a PPI for 1 week on ESD-induced gastric ulcers has not yet been evaluated. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of oral PPI for 1 week in patients with ESD-induced ulcers.

Methods

We selected 45 patients who underwent ESD for gastric mucosal tumors between June 2005 and July 2006 at Toyama University Hospital, and who met our inclusion criteria. All patients received omeprazole intravenously for 2 days after ESD and then orally for 1 week to prevent bleeding. Twenty two patients received no further omeprazole therapy (1-week group) and the rest received omeprazole orally for 7 more weeks (8-week group). Follow-up endoscopy was performed at 1 day, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after ESD. We compared the ulcer healing rates between both groups.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups in the ulcer-healing rate, because ulcers healed in 22 (96%) and 20 (91%) patients from the 8-week and 1-week groups, respectively.

Conclusions

In our study, oral administration of omeprazole for 1 week was sufficient to achieve healing of ESD-induced artificial gastric ulcers. A larger prospective trial will be required to confirm these findings.

Small bowel injury in low-dose aspirin users

The use of low-dose aspirin (LDA) is well known to be associated with an increased risk of serious upper gastrointestinal complications, such as peptic ulceration and bleeding. Until recently, attention was mainly focused on aspirin-induced damage of the stomach and duodenum. However, recently, there has been growing interest among gastroenterologists on the adverse effects of aspirin on the small bowel, especially as new endoscopic techniques, such as capsule endoscopy (CE) and balloon-assisted endoscopy, have become available for the evaluation of small bowel lesions. Preliminary CE studies conducted in healthy subjects have shown that short-term administration of LDA can induce mild mucosal inflammation of the small bowel. Furthermore, chronic use of LDA results in a variety of lesions in the small bowel, including multiple petechiae, loss of villi, erosions, and round, irregular, or punched-out ulcers. Some patients develop circumferential ulcers with stricture. In addition, to reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal lesions in LDA users, it is important for clinicians to confirm the differences in the gastrointestinal toxicity between different types of aspirin formulations in clinical use. Some studies suggest that enteric-coated aspirin may be more injurious to the small bowel mucosa than buffered aspirin. The ideal treatment for small bowel injury in patients taking LDA would be withdrawal of aspirin, however, LDA is used as an antiplatelet agent in the majority of patients, and its withdrawal could increase the risk of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. Thus, novel means for the treatment of aspirin-induced enteropathy are urgently needed.

Proton pump inhibitor alone vs proton pump inhibitor plus mucosal protective agents for endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Mucosal protective agents may improve healing of patients with endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcers. The present study systematically evaluated published clinical trials to determine whether combined therapeutic use of mucosal protective agents and proton pump inhibitors can improve the outcome of patients with endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcers compared to treatment with proton pump inhibitors alone. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Igaku-Chuo-Zasshi database were searched to identify eligible randomized trials for systematic review. We identified 11 randomized trials for inclusion in our study (1,160 patients). Pooled endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcer healing rates were 45.8% and 34.4% for patients with or without mucosal protective agents, respectively. The odds ratio was 2.28 (95% confidence interval, 1.57-3.31) with no significant study heterogeneity. In conclusion, the systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the combined therapeutic use of proton pump inhibitors and mucosal protective agents improved healing rates of endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcers compared to treatment with proton pump inhibitor monotherapy.

Proton pump inhibitor alone vs proton pump inhibitor plus mucosal protective agents for endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Mucosal protective agents may improve healing of patients with endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcers. The present study systematically evaluated published clinical trials to determine whether combined therapeutic use of mucosal protective agents and proton pump inhibitors can improve the outcome of patients with endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcers compared to treatment with proton pump inhibitors alone. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Igaku-Chuo-Zasshi database were searched to identify eligible randomized trials for systematic review. We identified 11 randomized trials for inclusion in our study (1,160 patients). Pooled endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcer healing rates were 45.8% and 34.4% for patients with or without mucosal protective agents, respectively. The odds ratio was 2.28 (95% confidence interval, 1.57–3.31) with no significant study heterogeneity. In conclusion, the systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the combined therapeutic use of proton pump inhibitors and mucosal protective agents improved healing rates of endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcers compared to treatment with proton pump inhibitor monotherapy.

Protective effects of garlic extract, PMK-S005, against nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-induced acute gastric damage in rats

BACKGROUND

PMK-S005 is synthetic s-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC), a sulfur-containing amino acid, which was initially isolated from garlic. The antioxidant and anti-inflammation activities of SAC have been demonstrated in diverse experimental animal models.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the gastroprotective effects of PMK-S005 against NSAIDs-induced acute gastric damage in rats.

METHODS

Eight-week SD rats were pretreated with PMK-S005 (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg) or rebamipide (50 mg/kg) 1 h before administration of NSAIDs including aspirin (200 mg/kg), diclofenac (80 mg/kg), and indomethacin (40 mg/kg). After 4 h, the gross ulcer index, histological index, and gastric mucus level were determined. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), TNF-α, IL-1β, PGE2, and LTB4 levels were estimated in the gastric mucosal tissue by ELISA. Protein expressions of cPLA2, COX-1, and COX-2 were assessed by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with PMK-S005 significantly attenuated the NSAIDs-induced gastric damage and increased the gastric mucus level. In addition, PMK-S005 attenuated increases in MPO, TNF-α, and IL-1β production. The expressions of cPLA2 and COX-2 induced by NSAIDs were decreased by PMK-S005 pretreatment. PMK-S005 did not cause suppression of PGE2 synthesis induced by NSAIDs, but LTB4 production was significantly suppressed by PMK-S005. The effects of PMK-S005 were consistently maximized at a concentration of 5 mg/kg, which were frequently superior to those of rebamipide.

CONCLUSIONS

These results strongly suggest that PMK-S005 can be a useful gastroprotective agent against acute gastric mucosal damage by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines, down-regulating cPLA2, COX-2 and LTB4 expression, and increasing the synthesis of mucus.

Effect of supplementation with rebamipide for Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Several studies have reported that the application of rebamipide during the eradication of Helicobacter pylori can improve the eradication rate. However, the efficacy and safety are controversial. The present study systematically evaluated whether rebamipide improves the eradication rate of H. pylori by conducting a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

Literature searches were conducted in the following database: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Igaku-chuo-zasshi database in Japan. A meta-analysis of all RCTs comparing rebamipide supplementation with non-rebamipide-containing therapy was performed.

RESULTS

We identified six randomized trials (611 patients). Pooled H. pylori eradication rates by per-protocol analysis were 73.3% and 61.4% for patients with or without rebamipide, respectively. The odds ratio was 1.74 (95% confidence interval. 1.19-2.53).

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementation with rebamipide might be effective in increasing the H. pylori eradication rates of proton-pump inhibitor-amoxicillin dual therapy.

Rebamipide plus proton pump inhibitor versus proton pump inhibitor alone in the treatment of endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced gastric ulcer: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was the main prescription for gastric ulcer after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Some randomized controlled trials showed that a combination of rebamipide and PPI appears to be more efficient than PPI alone for the treatment of ESD-induced gastric ulcer. However, the sample sizes in these trials were limited and the conclusions were underpowered.This meta-analysis was conducted with 5 randomized controlled trials using the combination of rebamipide and PPI for healing ESD-induced ulcer compared with PPI monotherapy. Relevant studies were searched via MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases by using terms such as "rebamipide," "proton pump inhibitor," "endoscopic submucosal dissection," "drug therapy," and "gastric ulcer or artificial ulcer."Five studies were included in this meta-analysis. The number of total patients was 626, with 317 patients in the combination group and 309 patients in the PPI alone group. The heterogeneity among these 5 studies was low (I = 22%, P = 0.28). All 5 studies considered scarring stage 1 rate as a primary endpoint, and the scarring stage 1 rate in combination group (115/317) was higher than that in PPI alone group (63/309) (odds ratio 2.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.76-3.88). The mean difference of initial ulcer size between 2 groups was -4.46 (95% CI -266.61 to -257.69, P = 0.97), but it enlarged to 68.38 (95% CI 35.72-101.05, P < 0.00001) in the 4th week.This meta-analysis demonstrates that combination therapy is more efficient than PPI monotherapy in healing ESD-induced gastric ulcer.

Comparative study of esomeprazole and lansoprazole in triple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Japan

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of esomeprazole-based triple therapy compared with lansoprazole therapy as first-line eradication therapy for patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in usual post-marketing use in Japan, where the clarithromycin (CAM) resistance rate is 30%.

METHODS: For this multicenter, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial, we recruited patients (≥ 20 years of age) with H. pylori infection from 20 hospitals in Japan. We randomly allocated patients to esomeprazole therapy (esomeprazole 20 mg, CAM 400 mg, amoxicillin (AC) 750 mg for the first 7 d, with all drugs given twice daily) or lansoprazole therapy (lansoprazole 30 mg, CAM 400 mg, AC 750 mg for the first 7 d, with all drugs given twice daily) using a minimization method with age, sex, and institution as adjustment factors. Our primary outcome was the eradication rate by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses. H. pylori eradication was confirmed by a urea breath test from 4 to 8 wk after cessation of therapy.

RESULTS: ITT analysis revealed the eradication rates of 69.4% (95%CI: 61.2%-76.6%) for esomeprazole therapy and 73.9% (95%CI: 65.9%-80.6%) for lansoprazole therapy (P = 0.4982). PP analysis showed eradication rate of 76.9% (95%CI: 68.6%-83.5%) for esomeprazole therapy and 79.8% (95%CI: 71.9%-86.0%) for lansoprazole therapy (P = 0.6423). There were no differences in adverse effects between the two therapies.

CONCLUSION: Esomeprazole showed non-inferiority and safety in a 7 day-triple therapy for eradication of H. pylori compared with lansoprazole.

Efficacy of treatment with rebamipide for endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcers

AIM: To prospectively compare the healing rates of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)-induced ulcers treated with either a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) or rebamipide.

METHODS: We examined 90 patients with early gastric cancer who had undergone ESD. All patients were administered an intravenous infusion of the PPI lansoprazole (20 mg) every 12 h for 2 d, followed by oral administration of lansoprazole (30 mg/d, 5 d). After 7-d treatment, the patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups and received either lansoprazole (30 mg/d orally, n = 45; PPI group) or rebamipide (300 mg orally, three times a day; n = 45; rebamipide group). At 4 and 8 wk after ESD, the ulcer outcomes in the 2 groups were compared.

RESULTS: No significant differences were noted in patient age, underlying disease, tumor location, Helicobacter pylori infection rate, or ESD-induced ulcer size between the 2 groups. At both 4 and 8 wk, the healing rates of ESD-induced ulcers were similar in the PPI-treated and the rebamipide-treated patients (4 wk: PPI, 27.2%; rebamipide, 33.3%; P = 0.5341; 8 wk: PPI, 90.9%; rebamipide, 93.3%; P = 0.6710). At 8 wk, the rates of granulation lesions following ulcer healing were significantly higher in the PPI-treated group (13.6%) than in the rebamipide-treated group (0.0%; P = 0.0103). Ulcer-related symptoms were similar in the 2 treatment groups at 8 wk. The medication cost of 8-wk treatment with the PPI was 10945 yen vs 4889 yen for rebamipide. No ulcer bleeding or complications due to the drugs were observed in either treatment group.

CONCLUSION: The healing rate of ESD-induced ulcers was similar with rebamipide or PPI treatment; however, rebamipide treatment is more cost-effective and prevents granulation lesions following ulcer healing.

Anti-gastritis and wound healing effects of Momordicae Semen extract and its active component

Momordicae Semen, Momordica cochinchinensis Springer (Cucurbitaceae), has long been known to effectively relieve boils, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. In this study, we investigated whether Momordicae Semen extract (MSE) has anti-gastritis effects in various rodent models and also explored possible mechanisms for the gastroprotective effects of MSE. MSE provided remarkable protective effects, comparable to those of rebamipide, in ethanol- and diclofenac-induced acute gastritis. In addition, it has demonstrated protective effect in a Helicobacter pylori-insulted chronic gastritis model. MSE also showed wound healing effect on cutaneous injury of mice and stimulated calcitonin gene-related peptide and somatostatin receptors, which may be related to its anti-gastritis effects. In a single oral dose toxicity study, the approximate lethal dose of MSE was determined at >2000 mg/kg/day. The NOAEL was set to be 2000 mg/kg/day from the repeated oral dose toxicity study. Moreover, momordica saponin I, a major ingredient of MSE, treatment decreased gastric mucosa damage indices in the ethanol- and diclofenac-induced acute gastritis models. The results suggest that MSE could be a promising gastroprotective herbal medicine and momordica saponin I might be used as an active marker compound for MSE.

Strategies for peptic ulcer healing after 1 week proton pump inhibitor-based triple Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in Japanese patients: differences of gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy alone is insufficient to ensure healing of large ulcers with H. pylori-positive gastric ulcer (GU). The question of what is the optimum antiulcer treatment following H. pylori eradication therapy has not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, the ulcer healing effects of eradication therapy itself with H. pylori-positive duodenal ulcer (DU) have not been investigated. In GU study, the eradication therapy + proton pump inhibitor (PPI) group (group A) were administered eradication therapy followed by 7 weeks of a PPI, and the eradication therapy + gastroprotective drug (GP) group (group B) eradication therapy followed by 7 weeks of a GP. In DU study, the eradication therapy + PPI group (group C) were administered eradication therapy followed by 5 weeks of a PPI, and the eradication therapy only group (group D) was eradication therapy alone. In GU study, healing rates for ulcer of ≥15 mm in diameter were significant greater in the group A. In DU study, high healing rates were seen both the group C and D. In conclusion, a PPI could significantly heal GU than a GP after eradication therapy in GU. Meanwhile, the eradication alone is sufficient for DU.

Combination of proton pump inhibitor and rebamipide, a free radical scavenger, promotes artificial ulcer healing after endoscopic submucosal dissection with dissection size >40 mm

In our previous study, the healing effect of proton pump inhibitor plus rebamipide for endoscopic submucosal dissection-related artificial ulcer smaller than 40 mm showed statistical significance. However, such effect of the combination was not yet clear for ulcers with dissected diameter more than 40 mm. The aim of this present study was to resolve this problem under sufficient statistical power, with adequate sample size. We conducted a randomized controlled study. Either the proton pump inhibitor mono-therapy or the combination therapy was prescribed for 28 days after endoscopic submucosal dissection. Eighty-seven patients were eligible for outcome evaluation. Combination therapy was significantly superior to mono-therapy, 27.8% vs 0% reached healing stage (scar stage) in cases with ulcers of dissection diameter more than 40 mm. In conclusion, the combination therapy with rebamipide was favorable regimen in patients with larger artificial ulcer after endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Can rebamipide and proton pump inhibitor combination therapy promote the healing of endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcers? A randomized, prospective, multicenter study

BACKGROUND

There has been no consensus regarding the optimal treatment durations and drug regimens in patients with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)-induced ulcers.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and rebamipide combination therapy compared with PPI monotherapy for ESD-induced ulcer healing.

DESIGN

Randomized, prospective, controlled study; clinical trial.

SETTING

Five hospitals in a University Medical Center group in Korea.

PATIENTS

This study involved 290 adults (309 lesions) who underwent ESD for gastric adenoma or early gastric cancer.

INTERVENTION

PPI and rebamipide combination therapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The ulcer healing rate at 4 weeks after ESD.

RESULTS

The ulcer healing rates at 4 weeks after ESD in the PPI and rebamipide combination therapy group were significantly higher than those in the PPI alone group, both in the full analysis (94.9% vs 89.9%; P < .0001) and in the per-protocol analysis (94.5% vs 91.2%; P = .020). This combination therapy was an independent predictive factor for a high ulcer healing rate (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.572; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.615-11.876; P = .014). Additionally, the combination therapy group exhibited a higher quality of ulcer healing than the PPI monotherapy group (reviewer 1: P = .027; OR 1.949; 95% CI, 1.077-3.527; reviewer 2: P = .027; OR 1.933; 95% CI, 1.074-3.481).

LIMITATIONS

Open-label study.

CONCLUSION

PPI and rebamipide combination therapy had a superior 4-week ESD-induced ulcer healing rate and quality of ulcer healing compared with PPI monotherapy. (

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01167101.).

Contributing factors to gastric ulcer healing after endoscopic submucosal dissection including the promoting effect of rebamipide

BACKGROUND

The healing process for artificial ulcers resulting from endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric cancer is not understood.

AIM

To clarify factors that promote healing and the additional healing effects of rebamipide, we conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and combination PPI plus rebamipide treatments.

METHODS

One hundred and seventy patients with early gastric cancers that had undergone ESD were enrolled. Follow-up endoscopy was scheduled at 4-6 weeks after ESD. We assessed marginal healing and basal healing independently by endoscopic observation. Marginal healing was determined by a regenerating epithelium and/or converging folds around the periphery of the ulcer. Basal healing was declared when the ulcer was covered by white coat thinning such that basal granulation could be seen. The sizes of the artificial ulcers were divided into normal size (area <1,200 mm(2)) or large size (area ≥ 1,200 mm(2)).

RESULTS

Initial ulcer size and duration after ESD were significantly correlated with both marginal and basal healing rates by univariate analysis. The marginal healing rate of antral lesions was higher than that of body lesions. Multivariate analysis showed a large-sized ulcer was the only significant predictor of delayed healing, with delayed healing defined as no observed marginal or basal healing (p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis for the effect of rebamipide on large-sized ulcers showed a significantly higher rate of basal healing in the combination PPI and rebamipide group (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Healing in ESD-induced ulcers was dependent on the initial ulcer size. In large-sized ulcers, rebamipide promotes basal healing.

Can a Strychnos species be used as antiulcer agent? Ulcer healing action from alkaloid fraction of Strychnos pseudoquina St. Hil. (Loganiaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Strychnos pseudoquina St. Hil. (Loganiaceae) is one Brazilian native medicinal species described in the first edition of the Brazilian Official Pharmacopoeia in 1929. This medicinal plant, popularly known as "quina-quina", "quina-branca" or "casca aromatica was very commonly used in folk medicine in tea form obtained from the bark and/or leaves as tonic, antipyretic, antimalarial and mainly against diseases of the liver, spleen and stomach.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Previous study already characterized the gastroprotective action of this species The aim of the present study is to elucidate the mechanism of the healing process mediated by the methanolic extract (ME) and their enriched alkaloid fraction (EAF) from Strychnos pseudoquina in chronic gastric ulceration induced by 5% acetic acid in rats, an experimental model that accurately reflects human gastrointestinal disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The ME and EAF was administered orally in a single dose (based on previously study of dose-response curve) for 14 days after chronic ulceration was induced in rats. The healing effect of ME and EAF was evaluated by macroscopic and morphometric analyses, immunohistochemical assay (PCNA and SOD) and anti-Helicobacter pylori effect was evaluated by in vitro assay.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that EAF significantly reduced border internal (42%) and external (38%) lesion area (mm(2)) by macroscopic analyses (P<0.05). Animals treated with EAF stimulated some proliferative factors by increasing the height of epithelial regenerative area and the expression of PCNA-positive nuclei. The number of vessels in gastric mucosa of rats treated with EAF reveals an expressive increase (4 times more than vehicle treatment) of vessels that stimulate cells proliferation in the healing region. These results suggest that the recovery of vascularization of the ulcerated area is involved in the healing action of alkaloid fraction of Strychnos pseudoquina. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of 75 μg/ml from EAF showed an effective in vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori action of this fraction. EAF also was quite effective in the process of SOD release that is an important protective factor against bacterial agents. The efficacy of EAF was accomplished safely without presenting any alteration of toxicological parameters during 14 day of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The expressive gastric healing effect by increasing cellular proliferation together with expression of SOD activity and antibacterial action against Helicobacter pylori confirm the efficacy of this species in heal gastric mucosa and these results are a important contribution to the knowledge of a crude drug presents at the Brazilian Official Pharmacopoeia since 1929.

A randomized controlled trial of rebamipide plus rabeprazole for the healing of artificial ulcers after endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an increasingly common technique for the resection of early gastric cancers. Although 8 weeks of treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) reportedly heals most patients with ESD-derived artificial ulcers, it does not heal those with severe atrophic gastritis, for whom there is little data. This study examined whether healing rates of the latter especially were improved by the addition of the non-PPI mucosal healing agent rebamipide after ESD.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to two treatment groups for 8 weeks following ESD: patients in the PPI group received daily rabeprazole alone (20 mg), whereas those in the combination group received daily rabeprazole (20 mg) and rebamipide (300 mg). At the primary endpoint (56 days after ESD) we determined the proportion of patients in whom ulcers had healed to scar-stage (S-stage, complete healing). A pre-specified subgroup analysis examined ulcer healing in patients with severe atrophic gastritis.

RESULTS

Overall, progression to S-stage occurred in 54.8% in the PPI group, and 86.7% in the combination group (odds ratio 5.3, 95% confidence interval 1.50-19.02, p = 0.006). Among those patients with severe atrophic gastritis, healing to S-stage occurred in 30.0% in the PPI group, and in 92.9% in the combination group (odds ratio 30.3, 95% confidence interval 2.63-348.91, p = 0.0023).

CONCLUSION

Treatment with a PPI plus rebamipide improved healing rates at 8 weeks for patients with ESD-derived artificial ulcer, and appeared to be particularly effective for patients with severe atrophic gastritis.

Rebamipide has the potential to reduce the intensity of NSAID-induced small intestinal injury: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial evaluated by capsule endoscopy

BACKGROUND

A study reported that rebamipide was effective at reducing short-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced enteropathy. The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate the effect of the co-administration of rebamipide on small intestinal injuries induced by short-term NSAID treatment.

METHODS

Eighty healthy male volunteers were randomly assigned to two study groups: a control group (N = 40), which received NSAID (diclofenac sodium, 75 mg/day) and omeprazole (20 mg/day) treatment along with a placebo; and a rebamipide group, which received NSAID, omeprazole and rebamipide (300 mg/day). Small intestinal injuries (mucosal breaks plus denuded areas) were evaluated by capsule endoscopy before and after 14 days of treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 38 control subjects and 34 rebamipide subjects completed the treatment and were evaluated by capsule endoscopy. NSAID therapy increased the mean number of mucosal injuries per subject from a basal level of 0.1 ± 0.3 to 16 ± 71 and 4.2 ± 7.8 in the control and rebamipide groups, respectively, but the difference was not significant. The difference in the percentage of subjects with at least one mucosal injury post-treatment was also not significant (control 63%; rebamipide 47%). Limiting our analysis to subjects with mucosal injuries, rebamipide co-treatment had the tendency to reduce the mean number of mucosal injuries per subject from 25 in the control group to 8.9 in the rebamipide group (multiple comparisons test; p = 0.088, Mann-Whitney U test; p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Rebamipide co-therapy had the potential to reduce the intensity of small intestinal injury induced by 2-week administration of diclofenac.

Gastroduodenal mucosal injury in patients taking low-dose aspirin and the role of gastric mucoprotective drugs: possible effect of rebamipide

The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of mucosal injury in patients taking low-dose aspirin in Japan and examine the effect of gastric mucoprotective drugs on aspirin-related gastroduodenal toxicity. We selected 530 patients who had taken low-dose aspirin for 1 month or more after undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy from 2005 through 2006 at Teikyo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Endoscopic records were retrospectively reviewed to determine the presence of massive bleeding and mucosal injury (ulcer or erosion). The influence of clinical factors, including co-administration of gastroprotective drugs, was also examined. Hemorrhage was observed in 25 patients (3.7%) and mucosal injury (36.2%) in 192 patients. The presence of Helicobacter pylori antibody was a significant risk factor associated with mucosal injury. Patients taking any gastroprotective drug showed a significantly lower rate of mucosal injury than those not taking these drugs. Patients taking rebamipide concomitantly with proton pump inhibitors or histamine 2 receptor antagonists had mucosal injury less frequently than those taking acid suppressants plus other mucoprotective drugs. In conclusion, these results show the possible gastroprotective effects of rebamipide, suggesting that it may be a good choice in aspirin users with gastroduodenal toxicity that is not suppressed by acid suppressants alone.

Rebamipide: a gastrointestinal protective drug with pleiotropic activities

Rebamipide, a gastroprotective drug, was developed in Japan and was proven to be superior to cetraxate, the former most prescribed drug of the same category, in 1989 in the treatment for gastric ulcers. The initially discovered basic mechanisms of action of rebamipide included its action as a prostaglandin inducer and oxygen free-radical scavenger. In the last 5 years, several basic and clinical studies have been performed for functional dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, NSAID-induced gastrointestinal injuries, gastric ulcer following eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori, gastric ulcer after endoscopic surgery and ulcerative colitis. In addition, several molecules have been identified as therapeutic targets of rebamipide to explain its pleiotropic pharmacological actions. The aim of this article is to provide an update on the pharmacological and clinical profile of rebamipide and to explore further possibilities for additional indications.

Sofalcone, a gastroprotective drug, promotes gastric ulcer healing following eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori: a randomized controlled comparative trial with cimetidine, an H2-receptor antagonist

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

According to reports in Japanese patients, 1 week of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy alone is not adequate for healing of gastric ulcers; 7-8 weeks of anti-ulcer therapy are subsequently required. We compared a gastroprotective drug, sofalcone, and an H(2)-receptor antagonist, cimetidine, in terms of promoting ulcer healing after 7 weeks of administration following 1 week of eradication therapy.

METHODS

Eradication therapy was administered to 64 patients with H. pylori-positive active gastric ulcer at least 10 mm in diameter, after which 32 patients each received 7 weeks of ulcer treatment with sofalcone (300 mg/day) or cimetidine (800 mg/day).

RESULTS

The H. pylori eradication rate was 81.3% (intention-to-treat: ITT) and 81.3% (per protocol: PP) in the sofalcone group, and 62.5% (ITT) and 64.5% (PP) in the cimetidine group. The ulcer healing rate after 8 weeks was 71.9% (ITT) and 71.9% (PP) in the sofalcone group, and 71.9% (ITT) and 71.0% (PP) in the cimetidine group. The rate of a flat pattern of scarred mucosa was 43.5% (ITT) and 43.5% (PP) in the sofalcone group, and 47.8% (ITT) and 50.0% (PP) in the cimetidine group. No significant differences were seen between the two groups in terms of H. pylori eradication rate, ulcer healing rate and flat pattern rate.

CONCLUSION

Sofalcone promoted gastric ulcer healing during 7 weeks of treatment following 1 week of eradication therapy, and the healing rate was equivalent to that of cimetidine. Symptom disappearance rates were significantly better in the sofalcone group than in the cimetidine group. This may be a useful way of using a gastroprotective drug in the H. pylori era.

A Review of Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Gastrointestinal Injury: Focus on Prevention of Small Intestinal Injury

Capsule endoscopy and balloon endoscopy, advanced modalities that allow full investigation of the entire small intestine, have revealed that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause a variety of abnormalities in the small intestine. Recently, several reports show that traditional NSAIDs (tNSAIDs) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) can induce small intestinal injuries. These reports have shown that the preventive effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) does not extend to the small intestine, suggesting that concomitant therapy may be required to prevent small intestinal side effects associated with tNSAID/ASA use. Recently, several randomized controlled trials used capsule endoscopy to evaluate the preventive effect of mucoprotective drugs against tNSAID/ASA-induced small intestinal injury. These studies show that misoprostol and rebamipide reduce the number and types of tNSAID-induced small intestinal mucosal injuries. However, those studies were limited to a small number of subjects and tested short-term tNSAID/ ASA treatment. Therefore, further extensive studies are clearly required to ascertain the beneficial effect of these drugs.

Clinical trial: rebamipide promotes gastric ulcer healing by proton pump inhibitor after endoscopic submucosal dissection--a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is useful for treating gastric tumors. Several trials have shown the efficacy of 4 or 8 weeks of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) administration for post-ESD ulcers. However, if the size of the post-ESD ulcer is larger than predicted, PPI administration alone might not be sufficient for the ulcer to heal within 4 weeks. We examined the efficacy of a combination therapy of PPI and rebamipide, a mucosal-protective antiulcer drug, on the acceleration of post-ESD ulcer healing.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to either the PPI and rebamipide therapy or the PPI alone. Sixty-two consecutive patients with gastric tumors gave informed consent for enrolling in the study. In all cases, the estimated size of the post-ESD ulcer was larger than 20 mm. Oral administration of the drug was started on the 2nd day post-ESD and continued to the 28th day.

RESULTS

All patients received the assigned pharmaceuticals and adhered well to the treatment regimen for 28 days. The endpoint ulcers reached S1 (scar stage) in 11/31 (36%) patients in the PPI-only group and in 21/31 (68%) in the combination group (P = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of PPI plus rebamipide was more effective than the PPI alone for treating ulcers larger than 20 mm within 4 weeks after ESD.

Rebamipide, a cytoprotective drug, increases gastric mucus secretion in human: evaluations with endoscopic gastrin test

We have previously developed a rapid, simple endoscopic method for evaluating gastrin-stimulated maximal acid output (the endoscopic gastrin test, EGT). In EGT, gastric fluid newly secreted over 10 min after gastrin stimulation is collected under direct endoscopic visualization. In this study, employing the EGT, we evaluated the effect of rebamipide, a cytoprotective anti-ulcer drug, on gastric mucus secretion. In ten Helicobacter pylori-negative healthy volunteers, gastric juice was collected by EGT prior to and after 4-week administration of rebamipide. The collected gastric juice was subjected to analysis for gastric mucus output. Total gastric mucin output was significantly increased by 53% by rebamipide administration from 3.2 +/- 1.2 mg hexose/10 min to 4.9 +/- 2.2 mg hexose/10 min (P < 0.01). Further analysis by ion-exchange chromatography revealed that rebamipide administration induced a specific increase in acidic mucin rich in sialic acid. Applying EGT, this study demonstrated that rebamipide administration increased gastric mucus secretion in human.