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Koeda M, Momma E, Tanabe T, Kitasako Y, Hoshikawa Y, Hoshino S, Kawami N, Iwakiri K. Differences in salivary secretion and epidermal growth factor concentrations in mild reflux esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease. Esophagus 2023; 20:317-324. [PMID: 36344779 DOI: 10.1007/s10388-022-00966-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex differences in salivary secretion have been reported among healthy subjects. In the present study, salivary secretion and salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations were investigated in mild reflux esophagitis patients, non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients, and healthy controls by matching the sex ratio. METHODS Thirty-three (male:female = 11:22) patients with NERD, 33 (11:22) with mild reflux esophagitis, and 33 (11:22) healthy controls were recruited for this case-control study. Salivary secretion was assessed as follows: each patient chewed sugar-free gum for 3 min prior to endoscopy, and the amount of saliva secretion, salivary pH, and salivary pH after acid loading as an index of the acid-buffering capacity were measured. Salivary EGF concentrations were measured by ELISA. RESULTS No significant differences were observed in the amount of saliva secretion, salivary pH, or the acid-buffering capacity between the mild reflux esophagitis and NERD groups. However, the amount of saliva secretion and the acid-buffering capacity in the mild reflux esophagitis group and the amount of saliva secretion, salivary pH, and the acid-buffering capacity in the NERD group were significantly lower than those in the healthy control group. No significant differences were noted in salivary EGF concentrations between the mild reflux esophagitis and NERD groups. CONCLUSION After matching the sex ratio, the saliva secretion was significantly lower in patients with mild reflux esophagitis and NERD than in healthy controls. However, no significant differences were observed in the amount of saliva secretion or salivary EGF concentrations between both groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Koeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Eri Momma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Tomohide Tanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Yuichi Kitasako
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
- Cariology and Operative Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Dental Clinic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2-2-1, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Hoshikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Shintaro Hoshino
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Kawami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Iwakiri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan.
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Koeda M, Tanabe T, Kitasako Y, Momma E, Hoshikawa Y, Hoshino S, Kawami N, Kaise M, Iwakiri K. Saliva secretion is reduced in mild reflux esophagitis patients. Esophagus 2022; 19:351-359. [PMID: 34536162 DOI: 10.1007/s10388-021-00880-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Salivary secretion in patients with mild reflux esophagitis has not been examined. In this study, saliva secretion and salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) in patients with mild reflux esophagitis were investigated. METHODS Thirty-eight mild reflux esophagitis patients and 38 control subjects were recruited for this case-control study. Saliva secretion testing was performed. Saliva secretion was assessed as follows: each patient chewed sugar-free gum for 3 min prior to endoscopy, and the volume and pH of saliva before and after acid loading as an index of the acid-buffering capacity were measured. The salivary EGF concentration was assessed by ELISA. RESULTS The volume of saliva secreted was significantly (p = 0.0412) lower in the mild reflux esophagitis group than in the control group, with medians (25th-75th percentile) of 4.2 mL/3 min [2.6-6.2] and 6.0 [3.9-8.0], respectively. No significant differences were observed in salivary pH (the mild reflux esophagitis group: 7.1 [6.9-7.2], the control group 7.2 [7.1-7.3]). Salivary pH after acid loading was significantly (p = 0.0009) lower in the mild reflux esophagitis group (5.9 [5.5-6.3]) than in the control group (6.3 [6.2-6.5]). No significant differences were noted in salivary EGF concentrations (the mild reflux esophagitis group: 1739.0 pg/mL [1142.3-3329.0], the control group: 1678.0 [1091.8-2122.5]. CONCLUSION The secretion volume and acid-buffering capacity of stimulated saliva were reduced in patients with mild reflux esophagitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Koeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Tomohide Tanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Yuichi Kitasako
- Cariology and Operative Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Dental Clinic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2-2-1, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eri Momma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Hoshikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Shintaro Hoshino
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Kawami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kaise
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Iwakiri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan.
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Fass R, Boeckxstaens GE, El-Serag H, Rosen R, Sifrim D, Vaezi MF. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2021; 7:55. [PMID: 34326345 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-021-00287-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder in adults and children. The global prevalence of GERD is high and increasing. Non-erosive reflux disease is the most common phenotype of GERD. Heartburn and regurgitation are considered classic symptoms but GERD may present with various atypical and extra-oesophageal manifestations. The pathophysiology of GERD is multifactorial and different mechanisms may result in GERD symptoms, including gastric composition and motility, anti-reflux barrier, refluxate characteristics, clearance mechanisms, mucosal integrity and symptom perception. In clinical practice, the diagnosis of GERD is commonly established on the basis of response to anti-reflux treatment; however, a more accurate diagnosis requires testing that includes upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and reflux monitoring. New techniques and new reflux testing parameters help to better phenotype the condition. In children, the diagnosis of GERD is primarily based on history and physical examination and treatment vary with age. Treatment in adults includes a combination of lifestyle modifications with pharmacological, endoscopic or surgical intervention. In refractory GERD, optimization of proton-pump inhibitor treatment should be attempted before a series of diagnostic tests to assess the patient's phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Fass
- The Esophageal and Swallowing Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, MetroHealth Medical System, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Guy E Boeckxstaens
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hashem El-Serag
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rachel Rosen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Sifrim
- Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Royal London Hospital, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Michael F Vaezi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Tanabe T, Koeda M, Kitasako Y, Momma E, Hoshikawa Y, Hoshino S, Kawami N, Kaise M, Iwakiri K. Stimulated saliva secretion is reduced in proton pump inhibitor-resistant severe reflux esophagitis patients. Esophagus 2021; 18:676-683. [PMID: 33590389 DOI: 10.1007/s10388-021-00825-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Salivary secretion in patients with proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)-resistant severe reflux esophagitis has not been examined. In this study, saliva secretion and salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) in patients with PPI-resistant severe reflux esophagitis were investigated. METHODS We recruited 22 PPI-resistant and 22 PPI-responsive severe reflux esophagitis patients who were not infected with Helicobacter pylori. Saliva secretion testing and esophageal manometry using high-resolution manometry were performed. Saliva secretion was assessed as follows: each patient chewed sugar-free gum for 3 min prior to endoscopy and the amount and pH of saliva as well as the pH of saliva after acid loading as an index of the acid-buffering capacity were measured. The salivary EGF concentration was assessed by ELISA. RESULTS The amount of saliva secreted was significantly lower in the PPI-resistant group than in the PPI-responsive group, with medians (25th-75th percentile) of 3.7 (2.2-6.8) and 4.9 (4.0-7.8) mL, respectively (p = 0.029). Salivary pH was significantly lower in the PPI-resistant group [6.9 (6.7-7.2)] than in the PPI-responsive group [7.2 (7.1-7.4), p = 0.001]. Salivary pH after acid loading was significantly lower in the PPI-resistant group [5.6 (5.3-5.9)] than in the PPI-responsive group [6.4 (6.1-6.5), p = 0.002]. The salivary EGF concentration was significantly higher in the PPI-resistant group [3211.5 (1865.0-4121.5)] than in the PPI-responsive group [1816.0 (1123.5-2792.3), p = 0.041]. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of esophageal motility abnormalities. CONCLUSION Stimulated saliva secretion was reduced in PPI-resistant severe reflux esophagitis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohide Tanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Mai Koeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Yuichi Kitasako
- Cariology and Operative Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Dental Clinic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2-2-1, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eri Momma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Hoshikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Shintaro Hoshino
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Kawami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kaise
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Iwakiri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan.
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Tack J, Camilleri M, Chang L, Chey WD, Galligan JJ, Lacy BE, Müller-Lissner S, Quigley EMM, Schuurkes J, De Maeyer JH, Stanghellini V. Systematic review: cardiovascular safety profile of 5-HT(4) agonists developed for gastrointestinal disorders. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 35:745-67. [PMID: 22356640 PMCID: PMC3491670 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2012.05011.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2011] [Revised: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nonselective 5-HT(4) receptor agonists, cisapride and tegaserod have been associated with cardiovascular adverse events (AEs). AIM To perform a systematic review of the safety profile, particularly cardiovascular, of 5-HT(4) agonists developed for gastrointestinal disorders, and a nonsystematic summary of their pharmacology and clinical efficacy. METHODS Articles reporting data on cisapride, clebopride, prucalopride, mosapride, renzapride, tegaserod, TD-5108 (velusetrag) and ATI-7505 (naronapride) were identified through a systematic search of the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase and Toxfile. Abstracts from UEGW 2006-2008 and DDW 2008-2010 were searched for these drug names, and pharmaceutical companies approached to provide unpublished data. RESULTS Retrieved articles on pharmacokinetics, human pharmacodynamics and clinical data with these 5-HT(4) agonists, are reviewed and summarised nonsystematically. Articles relating to cardiac safety and tolerability of these agents, including any relevant case reports, are reported systematically. Two nonselective 5-HT(4) agonists had reports of cardiovascular AEs: cisapride (QT prolongation) and tegaserod (ischaemia). Interactions with, respectively, the hERG cardiac potassium channel and 5-HT(1) receptor subtypes have been suggested to account for these effects. No cardiovascular safety concerns were reported for the newer, selective 5-HT(4) agonists prucalopride, velusetrag, naronapride, or for nonselective 5-HT(4) agonists with no hERG or 5-HT(1) affinity (renzapride, clebopride, mosapride). CONCLUSIONS 5-HT(4) agonists for GI disorders differ in chemical structure and selectivity for 5-HT(4) receptors. Selectivity for 5-HT(4) over non-5-HT(4) receptors may influence the agent's safety and overall risk-benefit profile. Based on available evidence, highly selective 5-HT(4) agonists may offer improved safety to treat patients with impaired GI motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tack
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Leuven, Belgium.
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Abstract
Cisapride, the prototype serotonergic agent, evolved from a body of research that defined the key roles of serotonergic receptors in gastrointestinal motor and sensory function. Impressed by its in vitro properties and encouraged by clinical trial data, cisapride became the drug of choice for the treatment of a wide range of motility disorders and clinicians appeared impressed by its efficacy and comfortable with its side-effect profile. Once serious cardiac events began to be reported in association with cisapride therapy, dark clouds rapidly gathered and soon enveloped the drug, leading to its widespread withdrawal from markets. What lessons can we learn from the story of cisapride? How can its brief but spectacular rise and equally sensational demise inform the development of new drugs which are so sorely needed in the management of motility and functional gastrointestinal disorders? This review explores the background to the development of cisapride, its history in clinical trials and the experience with adverse events and, in so doing, attempts to identify lessons for the future in the therapeutics of enteric neuromodulatory drugs.
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Chen CL, Yi CH, Liu TT, Orr WC. Altered sensorimotor responses to esophageal acidification in older adults with GERD. Scand J Gastroenterol 2010; 45:1150-5. [PMID: 20545468 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2010.496493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the effect of intraluminal acidification on esophageal sensory perception and motor activity between older and younger patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). MATERIAL AND METHODS All 40 subjects had saline and hydrochloric acid infused into the mid-esophagus. The esophageal perception to acid infusion was documented including lag time, intensity rating, and sensitivity score. Esophageal body motility was recorded. RESULTS The younger group had a shorter lag time to initial heartburn perception (p = 0.01) and a greater sensory intensity rating (p = 0.001). The acid infusion sensitivity score was lower in the older patients (p = 0.001). Age positively correlated to lag time to initial symptom perception (r = 0.44, p = 0.005), but negatively correlated to sensory intensity (r = -0.40, p = 0.01) and acid infusion sensitivity score (r = -0.39, p = 0.01). When compared with saline infusion, acid infusion induced a significant increase in the deglutition frequency in younger patients (0.51 vs. 0.67, p = 0.005), but not in older patients (0.59 vs. 0.65, p = 0.67). CONCLUSIONS Age-related decrease in sensorimotor response to esophageal acidification may be an important element in the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of GERD in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Lin Chen
- Department of Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
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Chen CL, Yi CH, Liu TT, Orr WC. DOES ESOPHAGEAL ACID SENSITIVITY ALTER IN OLDER ADULTS WITH GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE? A PRELIMINARY REPORT. J Am Geriatr Soc 2009; 57:2382. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2009.02607.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Fujinami H, Kudo T, Miyazaki T, Hosokawa A, Mihara H, Ando T, Sugiyama T. The modified glucose clearance test: a novel non-invasive method for differentiating non-erosive reflux disease and erosive oesophagitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2008; 28:1259-64. [PMID: 18761705 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2008.03842.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired salivary secretion has been reported to cause abnormal acid clearance from the oesophagus in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, few studies have explained the differences between non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and erosive oesophagitis (EO) with respect to salivary secretion. Aim To elucidate these differences, we measured salivary secretion by using the modified glucose clearance test (mGCT). METHODS All subjects completed endoscopic examinations, the frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD questionnaire and the mGCT comprising a resting GCT (measured as RGC time) and a chewing-stimulated GCT (SGC time). RESULTS Resting glucose clearance time was 18.5 min in control group and significantly longer in NERD and EO groups (28.5 and 39.0 min respectively). SGC time was 6.1 min in control group and 7.2 min in NERD group and significantly longer in EO group (10.2 min) than in the control and NERD groups. CONCLUSIONS In the EO group, both resting and stimulated salivary secretions were less than in control group. However, in the NERD group, resting salivary secretion was decreased, but stimulated salivary secretion was similar to that of the control group. Therefore, these results may help in explaining the differences in the pathogenesis of NERD and EO.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Fujinami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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Gilani AH, Ghayur MN, Saify ZS, Ahmed SP, Choudhary MI, Khalid A. Presence of cholinomimetic and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory constituents in betel nut. Life Sci 2004; 75:2377-89. [PMID: 15350815 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2004.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2003] [Accepted: 03/29/2004] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In this investigation, we report the presence of cholinomimetic and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory constituents in betel nut, the most commonly used drug in the world after tobacco, ethanol and caffeine. The crude extract of betel nuts or Areca catechu (Ac.Cr) caused a dose-dependent (0.3-300 microg/mL) spasmogenic effect in the isolated rabbit jejunum. The spasmogenic effect was blocked by atropine, similar to that of acetylcholine (ACh), suggestive of muscarinic receptor mediated effect. Both the extract (0.3-10 microg/mL) and physostigmine (0.1-3.0 microM) potentiated the effect of a fixed dose of ACh (10 microM) in a dose-dependent fashion, suggesting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effect. This effect was confirmed in the in vitro assay where both the crude extract (1-100 microg/mL) and physostigmine inhibited the enzyme. In the in vivo model of gastrointestinal transit, Ac.Cr (10-30 mg/kg) enhanced the travel of charcoal meal and also exhibited a laxative effect in mice. The plant extract was subjected to activity-directed fractionation and all resultant fractions showed atropine-sensitive spasmogenicity in rabbit jejunum and also AChE inhibitory effect at doses similar to that for the parent crude extract, the ethyl acetate fraction being slightly less potent. Some of the known constituents of betel nut, including arecoline, were tested for the possible inhibitory effect on AChE, none were found active. The study provides first evidence for the presence of AChE inhibitory constituents in betel nut, though additional direct muscarinic stimulatory effect cannot be ruled out and this study provides sound scientific basis for some of the folkloric uses associated with betel nut chewing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar H Gilani
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi-74800, Pakistan.
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