Impaired gallbladder motility and delayed orocecal transit contribute to pigment gallstone and biliary sludge formation in β -thalassemia major adults

Association of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease with gallstone development: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The influence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease on gallstone development remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and gallstone development in both men and women.

METHODS

This observational cohort study included 5398 patients without gallstones who underwent > 2 health check-ups between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2020. A generalized estimation equation model was used to analyze the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and gallstone development according to repeated measures at baseline and most recent stage.

RESULTS

After adjustment, the odds ratios of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease for gallstone development in men and women were 3.019 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.901-4.794) and 2.201 (95% CI: 1.321-3.667), respectively. Among patients aged ≥ 50 years, the odds ratio for gallstone development was significantly enhanced with increasing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease component numbers in both sexes; however, no significance was observed in those aged < 50 years. Other significant risk factors for gallstone development were age (odds ratio: 1.093, 95% CI: 1.060-1.126) and waist circumference (odds ratio: 1.048, 95% CI: 1.018-1.079) in men and age (odds ratio: 1.035, 95% CI: 1.003-1.067) and current smoking (odd ratio: 5.465, 95% CI: 1.881-15.88) in women.

CONCLUSION

Although the risk factors for gallstone development differed between sexes, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease was common. Paying attention to an increase in the number of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease components in patients aged ≥ 50 years is important for gallstone prevention.

Ramadan intermittent fasting reduces visceral fat and improves gastrointestinal motility

BACKGROUND

Ramadan is a model of intermittent fasting linked with possible beneficial effects. Scarce information, however, is available about the combined effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on anthropometric and metabolic indices, gastrointestinal symptoms, and motility.

METHODS

In 21 healthy Muslims, we assessed the impact of RIF on caloric intake, physical activity, gastrointestinal symptoms and motility (gastric/gallbladder emptying by ultrasonography, orocaecal transit time by lactulose breath test), anthropometric indices, subcutaneous and visceral fat thickness (ultrasonography), glucose and lipid homeostasis.

RESULTS

Mean caloric intake decreased from a median of 2069 kcal (range 1677-2641) before Ramadan to 1798 kcal (1289-3126) during Ramadan and increased again to 2000 kcal (1309-3485) after Ramadan. Although physical activity remained stable before, during, and after RIF, body weight, body mass index and waist circumference decreased in all subjects and in both genders, together with a significant decrease in subcutaneous and visceral fat thickness and insulin resistance. The postprandial gastric emptying speed was significantly faster after than before RIF. Fasting gallbladder volume was about 6% smaller after, than before Ramadan, with a stronger and faster postprandial gallbladder contraction. After RIF, lactulose breath test documented increased microbiota carbohydrate fermentation (postprandial H2 peak), and faster orocaecal transit time. RIF also significantly improved gastric fullness, epigastric pain and heartburn.

CONCLUSIONS

RIF generates, in healthy subjects, multiple systemic beneficial effects in terms of fat burden, metabolic profile, gastrointestinal motility and symptoms. Further comprehensive studies should assess the potential beneficial effects of RIF in diseased people.

The cerebral mechanism underlying the acupoints with specific effect for gallbladder stone disease: protocol for a randomized controlled task-fMRI trial

BACKGROUND

As it has been recorded in ancient Chinese classics, Yanglingquan (GB34) and Dannangxue (EX-LE6) are two important acupoints that can regulate the function of the gallbladder. Acupuncture at these two acupoints is considered particularly effective for gallbladder disease treatment, especially for alleviating gallbladder stone disease (GSD) symptoms that can be aggravated after intaking high-fat food. However, the superior effect between the two acupoints still needs to be further explored, as well as the underlying central mechanism has never been investigated to date.

METHODS AND DESIGN

Ninety participants diagnosed with GSD will be randomly divided into group A (acupuncture at GB34), group B (acupuncture at EX-LE6), and group C (acupuncture at non-acupoint) in a ratio of 1:1:1. All of them will receive a 30-min acupuncture treatment with fatty-food cues being presented before and after acupuncture. During the task, participants will be scanned by MRI and required to rate their desire for high-/low-fat food with an 11-point Likert scale. Additionally, the participants' pain/discomfort sensation will be evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at four timepoints, including before the 1st task fMRI scan, before and after acupuncture, and after the 2nd task fMRI scan. For both behavior and fMRI data, the ANOVA analysis will be conducted among three groups to testify the immediate effect of GB34 and EX-LE6. The post hoc t-test will be employed to further explore the superiority between acupuncture with GB34 and EX-LE6. Furthermore, correlation analyses will be conducted to investigate a possible correlation between neural changes and clinical data.

DISCUSSION

In comparison to the non-acupoint, the results will firstly explore the superior effect between acupuncture with GB34 and EX-LE6 on GSD patients by observing their behavioral and neural response change to fatty-food cue, and then to investigate the underlying central mechanism.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000034368 . Registered on 3 July 2020.

Sourdough Fermented Breads are More Digestible than Those Started with Baker's Yeast Alone: An In Vivo Challenge Dissecting Distinct Gastrointestinal Responses

As a staple food, bread digestibility deserves a marked nutritional interest. Combining wide-spectrum characterization of breads, in vitro nutritional indices, and in vivo postprandial markers of gastrointestinal function, we aimed at comparing the digestibility of sourdough and baker's yeast breads. Microbiological and biochemical data showed the representativeness of the baker´s yeast bread (BYB) and the two sourdough breads (SB and t-SB, mainly differing for the time of fermentation) manufactured at semi-industrial level. All in vitro nutritional indices had the highest scores for sourdough breads. Thirty-six healthy volunteers underwent an in vivo challenge in response to bread ingestion, while monitoring gallbladder, stomach, and oro-cecal motility. SB, made with moderate sourdough acidification, stimulated more appetite and induced lower satiety. t-SB, having the most intense acidic taste, induced the highest fullness perception in the shortest time. Gallbladder response did not differ among breads, while gastric emptying was faster with sourdough breads. Oro-cecal transit was prolonged for BYB and faster for sourdough breads, especially when made with traditional and long-time fermentation (t-SB), whose transit lasted ca. 20 min less than BYB. Differences in carbohydrate digestibility and absorption determined different post-prandial glycaemia responses. Sourdough breads had the lowest values. After ingesting sourdough breads, which had a concentration of total free amino acids markedly higher than that of BYB, the levels in blood plasma were maintained at constantly high levels for extended time.

Gastrointestinal defects in gallstone and cholecystectomized patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Several gallstone patients complain of dyspeptic symptoms, irrespective of the presence of typical colicky pain. Symptoms often persist after a cholecystectomy. Systematic studies on dyspepsia and dynamic gastrointestinal motor function are missing in gallstone patients with preserved gallbladder or after a cholecystectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-six gallstone patients (age 55 ± 2 years; 15M, 31F) and 24 cholecystectomized patients (age 57 ± 2 years; 6M, 18F) (no difference in type and volume of gallstones between the two groups) were compared against a group of 65 healthy controls (age 51 ± 2 years; 30M, 35F). Dyspepsia occurring in the prior months was assessed by a questionnaire, gastric and gallbladder emptying by functional ultrasonography and orocecal transit time by a hydrogen breath test using a lactulose-enriched standard liquid meal.

RESULTS

Gallstone patients had significantly greater dyspepsia, fasting and residual gallbladder volumes, and slower gallbladder emptying, gastric emptying and small intestinal transit time than controls. In cholecystectomized patients, gastric emptying further delayed, compared to gallstone patients and controls.

CONCLUSION

Gallstone patients with the gallbladder "in situ" or after a cholecystectomy display dyspeptic symptoms. Symptoms are associated with multiple gastrointestinal motility defects involving the gallbladder, stomach and small intestine. After cholecystectomy, gastric emptying worsens.

Big data and analysis of risk factors for gallbladder disease in the young generation of Korea

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Few studies have examined the risk factors for gallbladder (GB) disease in young adults. This study aimed to evaluate risk factors for GB disease in young adults based on big data in Korea.

METHODS

All participants underwent routine checkup at the Korea Medical Institute from June 2014 to May 2015. After excluding 677 individuals with missing information in records, 724,114 individuals (435,635 men, 288,479 women) were finally included. The definition of abnormal GB finding included stones, sludge, polyps, and adenomyomatosis detected using ultrasonography. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS software version 9.2.

RESULTS

Overall, 27,130 (17.5%) individuals were diagnosed as having abnormal GB finding in the young age group (N = 154,463, aged 20-39 years). In men, significant differences in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol levels were observed between the abnormal GB finding group and normal GB group (p < 0.05). In women, a significant difference in smoking history was noted between the abnormal GB finding group and normal GB group (p < 0.05). The prevalence rate of GB stones was 1.9% (27,979/154,463) in the young age group. High body mass index (BMI), large thigh circumference, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level in women and low HDL level in men were independent risk factors for the presence of GB stones (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this study, obesity-related factors (BMI, waist size, thigh circumference, and cholesterol, LDL, and HDL levels) correlated with GB disease in the young generation of Korea.

Cholecystectomy and risk of metabolic syndrome

The gallbladder physiologically concentrates and stores bile during fasting and provides rhythmic bile secretion both during fasting and in the postprandial phase to solubilize dietary lipids and fat-soluble vitamins. Bile acids (BAs), major lipid components of bile, play a key role as signaling molecules in modulating gene expression related to cholesterol, BA, glucose and energy metabolism. Cholecystectomy is the most commonly performed surgical procedure worldwide in patients who develop symptoms and/or complications of cholelithiasis of any type. Cholecystectomy per se, however, might cause abnormal metabolic consequences, i.e., alterations in glucose, insulin (and insulin-resistance), lipid and lipoprotein levels, liver steatosis and the metabolic syndrome. Mechanisms are likely mediated by the abnormal transintestinal flow of BAs, producing metabolic signaling that acts without gallbladder rhythmic function and involves the BAs/farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the BA/G protein-coupled BA receptor 1 (GPBAR-1) axes in the liver, intestine, brown adipose tissue and muscle. Alterations of intestinal microbiota leading to distorted homeostatic processes are also possible. According to this view, cholecystectomy, via BA-induced changes in the enterohepatic circulation, is a risk factor for the metabolic abnormalities and becomes another “fellow traveler” with, or another risk factor for the metabolic syndrome.

Mitochondria and Reactive Oxygen Species in Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Aging has been linked to several degenerative processes that, through the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage, can progressively lead to cell dysfunction and organ failure. Human aging is linked with a higher risk for individuals to develop cancer, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders. The understanding of the molecular basis of aging and associated diseases has been one major challenge of scientific research over the last decades. Mitochondria, the center of oxidative metabolism and principal site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, are crucial both in health and in pathogenesis of many diseases. Redox signaling is important for the modulation of cell functions and several studies indicate a dual role for ROS in cell physiology. In fact, high concentrations of ROS are pathogenic and can cause severe damage to cell and organelle membranes, DNA, and proteins. On the other hand, moderate amounts of ROS are essential for the maintenance of several biological processes, including gene expression. In this review, we provide an update regarding the key roles of ROS-mitochondria cross talk in different fundamental physiological or pathological situations accompanying aging and highlighting that mitochondrial ROS may be a decisive target in clinical practice.

Cholelithiasis in Thalassemia Major Patients: A Report from the South-East of Iran

Background: Cholelithiasis and its predisposing factors are less characterized in thalassemia syndromes. In the present study, we assessed the prevalence of gallstones and related-risk factors among thalassemia major (TM) patients in south-east of Iran. Materials and Methods: The patients were recruited form a single center in Zabol city, south-east of Iran. Demographic and clinical information were retrieved from medical histories. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed to scrutinize gallstones and organ dimensions of liver, spleen, gallbladder and kidney. Results: The study participants (n=127) consisted of 50 (39.4%) males and 77 (60.6%) females. The mean age of the patients was 15.2±7.9 years. Cholelithiasis was observed in 11 (8.7%) patients. Cholelithiasis was significantly associated with age (P=0.002) and splenectomy (P=0.001). The patients with cholelithiasis received a significantly higher blood volume than patients without cholelithiasis (546±108.7 ml and 425.1±134.7 ml, respectively, P=0.007). There were significant differences between cholelithiasis and non- cholelithiasis TM patients regarding the length of right and left liver lobes (P=0.001), as well as the length of gallbladder (P=0.006). Ferritin level was not associated with cholelithiasis in our patients. In multivariate analysis, age older than 15 (OR=10.4, 95% CI: 1.2-86.3, P=0.02) and 30 years old (OR=42.6, 95% CI: 2.9-613, P=0.006), and splenectomy (OR=8.7, 95% CI: 2.1-35.4, P=0.002) were significant risk factors for cholelithiasis. Conclusion: Cholelithiasis is a relatively common complication among TM patients in our region. The most prominent risk factors of cholelithiasis were advanced age, splenectomy and large-volume blood transfusion.

Gallbladder function predicts subsequent biliary complications in patients with common bile duct stones after endoscopic treatment?

BACKGROUND

In patients with common bile duct stones (CBDS) and intact gallbladder, further management for the gallbladder after the CBDS clearance is still controversial. The relationship between gallbladder motility and the biliary complications were seldom discussed. Our study is to predict the subsequent biliary complications by gallbladder function test using fatty meal sonography (FMS) in patients with CBDS who had been treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

METHODS

Patients with an intact gallbladder and CBDS after endoscopic clearance of bile duct were enrolled. Patients received a fatty meal sonography after liver function returned to normal. The fasting volume, residual volume, and gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) in FMS were measured. Relationships of patients' characteristics, gallbladder function and recurrent biliary complication were analyzed.

RESULTS

From 2011 to 2014, 118 patients were enrolled; 86 patients had calculus gallbladders, and 32 patients had acalculous gallbladders. After a mean follow- up of 33 months, 23 patients had recurrent biliary complications. Among 86 patients with calculus gallbladder, 15 patients had spontaneous clearance of gallbladder stones; 14 patients received cholecystectomy due to acute cholecystitis or recurrent colic pain with smooth postoperative courses. In the follow up period, six patients died of non-biliary causes. The GBEF is significant reduced in most patients with a calculus gallbladder in spite of stone color. Calculus gallbladder, alcohol drinking and more than one sessions of initial endoscopic treatment were found to be the risk factors of recurrent biliary complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Gallbladder motility function was poorer in patients with a calculus gallbladder, but it cannot predict the recurrent biliary complication. Since spontaneous clearance of gallbladder stone may occur, wait and see policy of gallbladder management after endoscopic treatment of CBDS is appropriate, but regular follow- up in those patients with risk factors for recurrence is necessary.

Chronic alcoholics retain dyspeptic symptoms, pan-enteric dysmotility, and autonomic neuropathy before and after abstinence

OBJECTIVE

To carry out a comprehensive study on gastrointestinal symptoms, motility and autonomic neuropathy in chronic alcoholics before and one year after abstinence.

METHODS

Dyspeptic symptoms (questionnaires), fasting and postprandial gallbladder and gastric motility (ultrasonography), oro-cecal transit time (lactulose H₂ -breath test), stool form score (indirect marker of colonic transit), and autonomic neuropathy (sweat spot test, R-R ratio) were assessed at baseline in 268 subjects (136 chronic alcoholics and 132 healthy controls). A subgroup of 39 patients was re-evaluated after 12 months of abstinence.

RESULTS

Chronic alcoholics had increased dyspepsia, delayed gastric emptying and oro-cecal transit time but faster gallbladder emptying, with slightly accelerated colonic transit. Sympathetic, but not parasympathetic, autonomic dysfunction was found. Dyspeptic symptoms and functional alterations of gastric emptying and oro-cecal transit tests were still present after 12-month abstinence, whereas gallbladder motility, stool form score and sympathetic function improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic alcoholics exhibit combined and interdependent presence of dyspeptic symptoms, impaired motility at different levels of the gastrointestinal tract, with sympathetic dysfunction. Only a few of these abnormalities improve after one year of abstinence from alcohol.

Impaired cholecystokinin-induced gallbladder emptying incriminated in spontaneous "black" pigment gallstone formation in germfree Swiss Webster mice

"Black" pigment gallstones form in sterile gallbladder bile in the presence of excess bilirubin conjugates ("hyperbilirubinbilia") from ineffective erythropoiesis, hemolysis, or induced enterohepatic cycling (EHC) of unconjugated bilirubin. Impaired gallbladder motility is a less well-studied risk factor. We evaluated the spontaneous occurrence of gallstones in adult germfree (GF) and conventionally housed specific pathogen-free (SPF) Swiss Webster (SW) mice. GF SW mice were more likely to have gallstones than SPF SW mice, with 75% and 23% prevalence, respectively. In GF SW mice, gallstones were observed predominately in heavier, older females. Gallbladders of GF SW mice were markedly enlarged, contained sterile black gallstones composed of calcium bilirubinate and <1% cholesterol, and had low-grade inflammation, edema, and epithelial hyperplasia. Hemograms were normal, but serum cholesterol was elevated in GF compared with SPF SW mice, and serum glucose levels were positively related to increasing age. Aged GF and SPF SW mice had deficits in gallbladder smooth muscle activity. In response to cholecystokinin (CCK), gallbladders of fasted GF SW mice showed impaired emptying (females: 29%; males: 1% emptying), whereas SPF SW females and males emptied 89% and 53% of volume, respectively. Bilirubin secretion rates of GF SW mice were not greater than SPF SW mice, repudiating an induced EHC. Gallstones likely developed in GF SW mice because of gallbladder hypomotility, enabled by features of GF physiology, including decreased intestinal CCK concentration and delayed intestinal transit, as well as an apparent genetic predisposition of the SW stock. GF SW mice may provide a valuable model to study gallbladder stasis as a cause of black pigment gallstones.

Endocrinopathies, metabolic disorders, and iron overload in major and intermedia thalassemia: serum ferritin as diagnostic and predictive marker associated with liver and cardiac T2* MRI assessment

INTRODUCTION

Endocrinopathies and metabolic disorders-characterized β thalassemic (βT) patients and the prevention and treatment of these comorbidities are important targets to be achieved. The aim of the study was to analyze the diagnostic and prognostic role of ferritin for endocrinopathies and metabolic disorders in βT patients. The ability of iron chelators to treat iron overload and to prevent or reverse metabolic disorders and endocrinopathies was also evaluated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy-two βT patients were treated with different chelation strategies during the study. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was employed to calculate the area under the curve for serum ferritin to find the best cutoff values capable of identifying endocrine dysfunction in thalassemic patients. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to assess the incidence of endocrinopathy. Adjusted risk estimates for endocrinopathy were calculated using univariate followed by multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.

RESULTS

High ferritin levels were observed in patients with hypothyroidism [1500 (872.5-2336.5) μg/L], hypogonadism [878 (334-2010) μg/L], and in patients with hypoparathyroidism or osteoporosis [834 (367-1857) μg/L]. A strict correlation between ferritin and T2* magnetic resonance imaging of heart (r = -0.64; P:0.0006) and liver (r = -0.40; P:0.03) values was observed. Patients with ferritin values above 1800 μg/L experienced a significantly faster evolution to hypothyroidism [log-rank (χ(2) ):7.7; P = 0.005], hypogonadism [log-rank (χ(2) ):10.7; P = 0.001], and multiple endocrinopathies [log-rank (χ(2) ):5.72; P = 0.02]. Ferritin predicted high risk of endocrine dysfunction independently of confounding factors (HR:1.23; P < 0.0001). The intensification of chelation therapy led to an amelioration of hypothyroidism.

CONCLUSIONS

Ferritin represents a prognostic marker for βT patients and a predictive factor for progression to endocrine dysfunctions. Intensive chelation therapy allows the reversibility of hypothyroidism.

Links between metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) might occur within metabolic syndrome (MbS). One of the complications of T2D is an impaired (imp) cardiovascular autonomic function (CAF).

AIMS

In subjects with T2D and age ≤ 55 years, the prevalence of impCAF and its relationship with BMI, waist, HbA(1c) values, MbS, hypertension, and family history of T2D and/or hypertension were analysed.

METHODS

180 subjects consecutively undergoing a day hospital for T2D were studied. The IDF criteria were used to diagnose MbS. To detect impCAF, 5 tests for the evaluation of CAF were performed with Cardionomic (Meteda, Italy). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of impCAF and MbS were 33.9% and 67.8%, respectively. Among diabetics with impCAF, 86.9% had MbS. ImpCAF was significantly associated with MbS, overweight, and HbA(1c) > 7%. Both logistic (P = 0.0009) and Poisson (P = 0.0113) models showed a positive association between impCAF and MbS. The degree of ImpCAF showed a positive linear correlation with BMI and HbA(1c) values.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates that glycaemic control and overweight influence CAF and that T2D + MbS is more strongly associated with impCAF than isolated T2D. We suggest that MbS not only increases the cardiovascular risk of relatively young subjects with T2D but is also associated with impCAF.

Subclinical autonomic dysfunction in patients with β-thalassemia

We electrophysiologically evaluated the autonomic function (AF) in a consecutive series of patients with beta-thalassemia and in normal individuals. Six quantitative autonomic function tests (AFTs) were used: tilt test, hand grip test and sympathetic skin response for sympathetic function; R-R interval, inspiration-expiration difference and 30/15 ratio for parasympathetic function. The prevalence of impaired AF was higher in beta-thalassemia patients (13%, n = 5) than in control subjects (0%, n = 0; p = 0.026). Subclinical autonomic dysfunction appeared to be more prevalent in beta-thalassemia patients compared to controls in our series. Further independent validation of this finding is required in larger cohorts of beta-thalassemia patients.

Subclinical autonomic dysfunction in patients with β-thalassemia

We electrophysiologically evaluated the autonomic function (AF) in a consecutive series of patients with beta-thalassemia and in normal individuals. Six quantitative autonomic function tests (AFTs) were used: tilt test, hand grip test and sympathetic skin response for sympathetic function; R-R interval, inspiration-expiration difference and 30/15 ratio for parasympathetic function. The prevalence of impaired AF was higher in beta-thalassemia patients (13%, n = 5) than in control subjects (0%, n = 0; p = 0.026). Subclinical autonomic dysfunction appeared to be more prevalent in beta-thalassemia patients compared to controls in our series. Further independent validation of this finding is required in larger cohorts of beta-thalassemia patients.

Beneficial effects of oral tilactase on patients with hypolactasia

BACKGROUND

A lactose-free diet is commonly prescribed to subjects with hypolactasia. We tested the effectiveness of a single ingestion of tilactase (a beta-D-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae) in adults with hypolactasia, previously assessed by lactose H(2)-breath test.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After measurement of orocecal transit time (OCTT, by lactulose H(2)-breath test) and lactose H(2)-breath testing plus placebo, a total of 134 subjects were positive to hypolactasia and underwent lactose H(2)-breath testing plus either low (6750 U) or standard (11,250 U) doses of tilactase. The appearance of gastrointestinal symptoms during the tests was monitored.

RESULTS

OCTT was longer in malabsorbers (subjects without bloating, abdominal pain and/or diarrhoea, n = 25) than in intolerants (bloating, abdominal pain and/or diarrhoea, n = 109, P < 0.02). Malabsorbers had longer time to H(2) peak (P < 0.03), lower H(2) peak levels (P < 0.002) and smaller integrated H(2) excretion levels (P < 0.005) than intolerants. After tilactase ingestion, integrated H(2) levels were decreased by 75% (low dose) and 87% (standard dose) in malabsorbers, and by 74% (low dose) and 88% (standard dose) in intolerants. In the latter group, total symptom score were decreased by 76% (low dose) and by 88% (standard dose) (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

A single oral administration of tilactase is highly effective in decreasing symptoms and hydrogen excretion of hypolactasia assessed by lactose H(2)-breath test. If confirmed by long-term observations, ingestion of tilactase might be a better option than exclusion diets in intolerant subjects with hypolactasia.

Coordinate regulation of gallbladder motor function in the gut-liver axis

Gallstones are one of the most common digestive diseases with an estimated prevalence of 10%-15% in adults living in the western world, where cholesterol-enriched gallstones represent 75%-80% of all gallstones. In cholesterol gallstone disease, the gallbladder becomes the target organ of a complex metabolic disease. Indeed, a fine coordinated hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal function, including gallbladder motility in the fasting and postprandial state, is of crucial importance to prevent crystallization and precipitation of excess cholesterol in gallbladder bile. Also, gallbladder itself plays a physiopathological role in biliary lipid absorption. Here, we present a comprehensive view on the regulation of gallbladder motor function by focusing on recent discoveries in animal and human studies, and we discuss the role of the gallbladder in the pathogenesis of gallstone formation.

Decreased postprandial gallbladder emptying in patients with black pigment stones

AIM: To analyze gallbladder contractility in patients with black pigment stones (BPSs) and to compare this with patients with cholesterol stones (CSs) and healthy volunteers.

METHODS: The pattern of bile evacuation from the gallbladder was quantified by computer cholescintigraphy in 28 normal subjects, 22 patients with CSs and 14 with BPSs. The parameters of gallbladder contractility included ejection period (EP), ejection fraction (EF) and ejection rate (ER).

RESULTS: A significantly shorter EP was observed in patients with BPSs in comparison to those with CSs (t = 2.4, P < 0.05). EF in BPS patients significantly decreased in comparison to that in CS and normal subjects (t = 6.4, P < 0.0001; t = 2.1, P < 0.05). EF in CS patients also significantly decreased in comparison to that in normal subjects (t = -3.0, P < 0.005). Consequently, ER in patients with BPSs and CSs was significantly smaller than that in normal subjects (t = 3.1, P < 0.005; t = -3.5, P < 0.001). Moreover, in cases where postprandial reflux of a radioisotope into the common hepatic duct from the gallbladder was observed, EF and ER of either CS or BPS patients showed a significant reduction.

CONCLUSION: Bile evacuation from the gallbladder is reduced in patients with BPSs, in comparison to those with CSs and to healthy volunteers. Bile stagnation due to impaired gallbladder kinetics seems to be one of the predisposing factors for the development of BPSs.

Gastrointestinal symptoms and motility disorders in patients with systemic scleroderma

BACKGROUND

Studies on gastrointestinal symptoms, dysfunctions, and neurological disorders in systemic scleroderma are lacking so far.

METHODS

Thirty-eight scleroderma patients (34 limited, 4 diffuse), 60 healthy controls and 68 dyspeptic controls were scored for upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms (dyspepsia, bowel habits), gastric and gallbladder emptying to liquid meal (functional ultrasonography) and small bowel transit (H2-breath test). Autonomic nerve function was assessed by cardiovascular tests.

RESULTS

The score for dyspepsia (mainly gastric fullness) was greater in scleroderma patients than healthy controls, but lower than dyspeptic controls who had multiple symptoms, instead. Scleroderma patients with dyspepsia had a longer disease duration. Fasting antral area and postprandial antral dilatation were smaller in scleroderma patients than dyspeptic and healthy controls. Gastric emptying was delayed in both scleroderma patients (particularly in those with abnormal dyspeptic score) and dyspeptic controls, who also showed a larger residual area. Despite gallbladder fasting and postprandial volumes were comparable across the three groups, gallbladder refilling appeared delayed in dyspeptic controls and mainly dependent on delayed gastric emptying in scleroderma. Small intestinal transit was also delayed in 74% of scleroderma and 66% of dyspeptic controls. Bowel habits were similar among the three groups. Autonomic neuropathy was not associated with dyspepsia, gastric and gallbladder motility and small intestinal transit.

CONCLUSION

In scleroderma patients dyspepsia (mainly gastric fullness), restricted distension of the gastric antrum and diffuse gastrointestinal dysmotility are frequent features. These defects are independent from the occurrence of autonomic neuropathy.

Long-term functional assessment of antegrade colonic enema for combined incontinence and constipation using a modified Marsh and Kiff technique

PURPOSE

Constipation and fecal incontinence can severely affect quality of life for patients, particularly when simultaneously present. Malone antegrade colonic enema enables periodic colonic emptying, thus preventing uncontrolled passage of feces and constipation.

METHODS

Eleven patients with fecal incontinence and severe constipation or perineal colostomy after Miles' operation underwent a modified Marsh and Kiff ileostomy for antegrade colonic enema. Before and after surgery, the patients were fully evaluated for gastrointestinal functions, including gallbladder and stomach emptying time, H(2)-breath test, colonic transit time, dynamic defecography, and anorectal manometry. The severity of incontinence and constipation was scored preoperatively and postoperatively by using the American Medical System score and Cleveland Clinic Constipation scale, respectively, whereas the quality of life was measured by the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index. The surgical technique involved division of the terminal ileum 10 to 15 cm from the ileocecal valve, anastomosis and intussusception of the ileum with the cecum, narrowing of the ileal conduit with a linear stapler, and a small, introflexed ileostomy with an advanced skin flap.

RESULTS

During the postoperative period, the mean American Medical System score decreased significantly from 77 to 11 (P<0.01) and the mean Cleveland Clinic Constipation score from 23 to 8.5 (P<0.01) with a significant improvement of quality of life. Antegrade colonic enema did not affect gallbladder, gastric, or orocecal transit time, which remained comparable with baseline. Colonic scintigraphy showed that antegrade colonic enema was efficient to clean the whole colon and rectum, leaving only 24 (range, 6-40) percent of the initial radioactivity after 30 minutes. Ileal manometry confirmed the presence of a high-pressure zone, preventing accidental reflux.

CONCLUSIONS

Modified Marsh and Kiff technique is a safe and effective surgical option to treat patients with combined fecal incontinence and severe constipation and those with perineal colostomy after Miles. It should be recommended as a last option before colostomy.

Gallstone disease: Symptoms and diagnosis of gallbladder stones

The clinical aspects and the diagnostic features of gallstone disease are described. The natural history of silent gallstones is overviewed, and the risk of developing symptoms and complications is also discussed. The importance of colicky pain as a specific gallstone symptom is highlighted, and the role of both laboratory tests and diagnostic investigations for differential diagnosis is discussed. Finally, we describe the diagnostic features of gallbladder stone disease, including indications, sensitivity, specificity, and limitations of different test investigations under special circumstances.

Investigation of Helicobacter pylori infection in beta-thalassaemia major patients with recurrent abdominal pain

BACKGROUND

Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) affects many children, especially those affected by beta-thalassaemia major. The role of Helicobacter pylori is still unclear in children with RAP.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was the comparison of beta-thalassaemia major patients and normal controls with RAP in H. pylori infection. The factors influencing H. pylori prevalence were also investigated.

METHODS

A series of 50 beta-thalassaemia major cases (30 female, 20 male; aged 6-25 years) and 50 age-matched and sex-matched controls, both presenting with RAP, were recruited during a period of 18 months. The study participants were obtained through a multistage random sampling method among those that met Apley's criteria. All the patients and controls had undergone diagnostic oesophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy. H. pylori infection was confirmed by two histopathological examinations on an endoscopy sample and a rapid urease test.

RESULTS

H. pylori infection in thalassaemic patients was more common than in controls [34/50 (68%) versus 30/50 (60%)], but this higher frequency was not statistically significant. A clear relationship was found between the prevalence of H. pylori and age, duration of transfusion/chelation programmes, pain duration and splenectomy. In contrast, H. pylori did not correlate with abdominal pain characteristics, blood group, serum ferritin level and pathology of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The most frequent endoscopy abnormality was gastritis (72%). Nausea and heartburn were the leading associated symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of H. pylori infection suggests that H. pylori should be remembered as a probable cause of RAP in beta-thalassaemia major patients.