Peptic ulcer perforation as the first manifestation of previously unknown primary hyperparathyroidism

Argel's stemmoside C as a novel natural remedy for mice with alcohol-induced gastric ulcer based on its molecular mechanistic pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Solenostemma argel is widely distributed in Africa & Asia with traditional usage in alleviating abdominal colic, aches, & cramps. This plant is rich in phytochemicals, which must be explored for its pharmacological effects.

PURPOSE

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is the digestion of the digestive tube. PUD not only interferes with food digestion & nutrient absorption, damages one of the largest defensive barriers against pathogenic micro-organisms, but also impedes drug absorption & bioavailability, rendering the oral route, the most convenient way, ineffective. Omeprazole, one of the indispensable cost-effective proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) extensively prescribed to control PUD, is showing growing apprehensions toward multiple drug interactions & side effects. Hence, finding a natural alternative with Omeprazole-like activity & limited side effects is a medical concern.

STUDY DESIGN

Therefore, we present Stemmoside C as a new gastroprotective phytochemical agent isolated from Solenostemma argel to be tested in upgrading doses against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in mice compared to negative, positive, & reference Omeprazole groups.

METHODS

We carried out in-depth pharmacological & histopathological studies to determine the possible mechanistic pathway.

RESULTS

Our results showed that Stemmoside C protected the stomach against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers parallel to Omeprazole. Furthermore, the mechanistic studies revealed that Stemmoside C produced its effect using an orchestrated array of different mechanisms. Stemmoside C stimulates stomach defense by increasing COX-2, PGE-2, NO, & TFF-1 healing factors, IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine, & Nrf-2 & HO-1 anti-oxidant pathways. It also suppresses stomach ulceration by inhibiting leucocyte recruitment, especially neutrophils, leading to subsequent inhibition of NF-κBp65, TNF-α, IL-1β, & iNOS pro-inflammatory cytokines & JAK-1/STAT-3 inflammation-induced carcinogenicity cascade in addition to MMP-9 responsible for tissue degradation.

CONCLUSION

These findings cast light on Stemmoside C's clinical application against gastric ulcer progression, recurrence, & tumorigenicity & concurrently with chemotherapy.

A Rare Manifestation of Unknown Hyperparathyroidism as a Perforated Peptic Ulcer

Hypercalcemia is a common electrolyte abnormality with different causes. Hypercalcemia is most often associated with malignancy and primary hyperparathyroidism and malignancy together account for most cases. Primary hyperparathyroidism manifests as hypercalcemia owing to the overproduction of parathyroid hormone. In most cases, primary hyperparathyroidism manifests due to a solitary parathyroid adenoma. Based on calcium levels, hypercalcemia can be classified as mild, moderate, and severe. Hypercalcemia typically presents with non-specific clinical features. Here, we present the case of a 38-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute abdominal pain and a tender abdomen with absent bowel sounds. He had chest radiography and blood tests initially. Chest radiography showed left-sided pneumoperitoneum, and the patient was suspected to have a perforated peptic ulcer due to hypercalcemia secondary to a parathyroid adenoma during the second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The findings were confirmed by a computerized tomography scan of the abdomen, and the patient was treated with intravenous fluids for hypercalcemia and was managed conservatively for a sealed perforated peptic ulcer following discussion in the multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT). The COVID-19 pandemic led to a long waiting list and delays in the timely management of patients requiring elective surgical intervention, such as parathyroidectomy. The patient made a complete recovery and had parathyroidectomy of the inferior right lobe two months later.

Perforated gastric ulcer as the initial manifestation of hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism is characterised by autonomous production of parathyroid hormone resulting in hypercalcaemia. It is estimated that 12% of these patients present with peptic ulcer-related symptoms. The pathophysiological mechanism is not well established, but studies reveal serum calcium activating gastrin cell calcium receptors ultimately resulting in increased gastric acid production leading to peptic ulcer disease. A patient presented acutely to our service with peptic ulcer perforation in the context of incidentally elevated serum calcium levels. Further inpatient investigations lead to the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism as the first manifestation of this patient's disease.

Two rare manifestations of primary hyperparathyroidism: paralysis and peptic ulcer bleeding

Primary hyperparathyroidism revealed by thoracic spine brown tumor and peptic ulcer bleeding is rare. We presented a case of 33-year-old male patient who was admitted with paraplegia. Thoracic spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extradural lesion at T4 level. He underwent surgical decompression in T4. According to histopathologic finding and elevated serum parathormone (PTH) and hypercalcemia (total serum calcium 12.1 mg/dL), the diagnosis of brown tumor was down. Ultrasonography of his neck showed a well-defined lesion of 26 × 14 × 6 mm. The day after surgery, he experienced 2 episodes of melena. Bedside upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed gastric peptic ulcer with visible vessel. Treatment with intragastric local instillation of epinephrine and argon plasma coagulation was done to stop bleeding. After stabilization of the patient, parathyroidectomy was performed. Histologic study showed the parathyroid adenoma without any manifestation of malignancy. At discharge, serum calcium was normal (8.6 mg/dL). On 40th day of discharge, standing and walking status was normal.