Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in Iranian patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene maps to a region on chromosome 12 shown to be linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Many studies have recognized the relation of VDR gene polymorphisms with inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Determining the frequency of these polymorphisms and their possible relation with IBD can improve understandings about the genetic background of these diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the association of VDR gene polymorphisms (Apa I, Taq I, Bsm I, Fok I) with IBD in Iran.

METHODS

In this case control designed study 150 patients with ulcerative colitis, 80 patients with Crohn's disease and 150 Age and Sex matched healthy controls from Iranian origin were enrolled. These patients were referred to a tertiary center during a two-year period (2004-2006). Assessment of VDR gene polymorphisms was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The genotype-phenotype association for these polymorphisms was analyzed.

RESULTS

Only the frequency of the Fok I polymorphism was significantly higher in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's groups. The frequency of the polymorphic allele f was higher in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's patients comparing with controls (P = 0.011 and P < 0.001, respectively). The f/f genotype was also significantly more frequent (P < 0.001), while the F/F genotype was less presented in Crohn's patients compared to controls (P < 0.001). No genotype-phenotype association was observed with any mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests a probable association of the Fok I polymorphism in VDR receptor gene and Crohn's susceptibility in Iranian population.

Allele and haplotype frequencies for HLA-DQ in Iranian celiac disease patients

AIM: To assess the distribution of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 and -DQ8 in Iranian celiac disease (CD) patients and compare them to healthy Iranian controls.

METHODS: To predict the HLA-DQA1 and -DQB1 genes, we used six previously reported HLA-tagging single nucleotide polymorphism to determine HLA genotypes in 59 Iranian patients with ‘biopsy-confirmed’ CD and in 151 healthy Iranian individuals. To test the transferability of the method, 50 cases and controls were also typed using a commercial kit that identifies individual carriers of DQ2, DQ7 and DQ8 alleles.

RESULTS: In this pilot study 97% of CD cases (n = 57) and 58% of controls (n = 87) were carriers of HLA-DQ2 and/or HLA-DQ8 heterodimers, either in the homozygous or heterozygous state. The HLA-DQ pattern of these 57 CD patients: heterozygous DQ2.2 (n = 14) and homozygous DQ2.2 (n = 1), heterozygous DQ2.5 (n = 33) and homozygous DQ2.5 (n = 8), heterozygous DQ8 (n = 13) and homozygous DQ8 (n = 2). Two CD patients were negative for both DQ2 and DQ8 (3%).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DQ8 in our CD population was higher than that reported in other populations (25.4%). As reported in other populations, our results underline the primary importance of HLA-DQ alleles in the Iranian population’s susceptibility to CD.

The efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication regimen with and without vitamin C supplementation

BACKGROUND

Vitamin C in gastric juice and in vitro has been shown to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of addition of vitamin C to eradication regimen on H. pylori eradication rate.

PATIENTS

This randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted on 312 patients with H. pylori infection who had referred to the Taleghani Research Center of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease.

METHODS

Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A patients (162 patients) received amoxicillin 1g and metronidazole 500 mg b.i.d., bismuth 240 mg b.i.d. and omeprazole 40 mg q.i.d. in two divided doses. Patients in group B (150 patients) received the same regimen plus 500 mg vitamin C per day. All patients received therapy for 2 weeks. Four weeks later all patients underwent urea breath test and results were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 140 patients in group A and 141 in group B completed the study. On intention-to-treat analysis 48.8% of patients in group A in comparison to 78% in group B responded to eradication therapy and had negative urea breath test (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Addition of vitamin C to H. pylori treatment regimen of amoxicillin, metronidazole and bismuth can significantly increases H. pylori eradication rate.

Antibiotic susceptibility profile of Helicobacter pylori isolated from the dyspepsia patients in Tehran, Iran

BACKGROUND/AIM

Helicobacter pylori is an important pathogen for gastroduodenal diseases. Infection with H. pylori can be limited by regimens of multiple antimicrobial agents. However, antibiotic resistance is a leading cause of treatment failure. The aim of this study has been to determine the resistance patterns of H. pylori strains isolated from gastric biopsies of patients with dyspepsia by agar dilution method, in Tehran, Iran.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

H. pylori isolates from patients with gastrointestinal diseases were evaluated for susceptibility testing by agar dilution method. Susceptibility testing was performed to commonly used antibiotics including clarithromycin, tetracycline, amoxicillin, metronidazole and ciprofloxacin.

RESULTS

Among 92 patients with dyspepsia, H. pylori strains were isolated from 42 patients. Seventeen (40.5%) of the isolates were resistant to metronidazole (MICs ≥ 8 μg/l), whereas one isolate (2.4%) was resistant to amoxicillin (MICs ≤ 0. 5 μg/ml) and ciprofloxacin (MICs ≤ 1μg/ml). The resistance rates to other antibiotics in H. pylori isolates are recorded as follows: clarithromycin 6 (14.3 %), tetracycline 2 (4.8%). In 5 of 42 resistant cases, combined resistance was found.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that metronidazole should be used among Iranian patients in first-line therapy with caution, and ciprofloxacin in association with amoxicillin and a proton pump inhibitor is more recommended.

Celiac disease and Hp infection association in Iran

BACKGROUND

we assessed the prevalence, the related symptoms, and the endoscopic and histologic gastric features of celiac disease (CD) in patients with Helicobacter pylori (Hp).

METHODS

450 dyspeptic patients were studied. Biopsies of gastric antrum and duodenum, CD serology, and total IgA were obtained. Histological findings were scored with the Marsh-Rostami criteria.

RESULTS

411 (91.3%) patients were Hp positive. Duodenal histology was normal in 385 (85.6%) patients, 124 (27.5%) had duodenitis and 28 (6.2%) showed duodenal abnormalities (Marsh I-IIIc). Twenty three/28 (82.1%) patients with malabsorption pattern were also Hp positive. Serological analysis: 12 of 31 (38.7%) positive patients had abnormal histology (Marsh I,-IIIc). Nine out 450 patients were IgA deficient; none of them was serologically positive for CD.

CONCLUSION

although a high prevalence of Hp infection was found in this study, the relationship between Hp infection and CD was similar to that reported in other geographic areas.

A comparative study of broccoli sprouts powder and standard triple therapy on cardiovascular risk factors following H.pylori eradication: a randomized clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background

In this clinical trial we compared the effects of broccoli sprouts powder, as an alternative and complementary treatment, to those of standard triple therapy, as a common medical treatment, on cardiovascular risk factors following the H.pylori eradication in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Eighty-six type 2 diabetic patients with positive H.pylori stool antigen test (HpSAg) were randomized to receive one of the three following regimens: STT) Standard triple therapy (omeprazole 20 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, twice a day for 14 days), BSP) 6 g/d broccoli sprouts powder for 28 days, and combination of these as STT + BSP. After 4 weeks of treatment, H.pylori eradication rates were assessed by HpSAg. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, serum lipids and lipoproteins as well as serum high sensitive- C reactive protein were also assessed at baseline and at the second examination.

Results

Seventy-seven participants completed the study [STT (n = 28), BSP (n = 25), STT + BSP (n = 24)]. The H.pylori eradication rates were 89.3%, 56.0% and 91.7% in STT, BSP and STT + BSP groups, respectively. After the treatment, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased in STT + BSP group (P < 0.05). Serum triglycerides and TG/HDL-C ratio increased in STT patients group (<0.05). Serum hs-CRP levels significantly decreased in the patients who were treated with BSP per se (3.0 ± 2.5 at baseline vs. 2.3 ± 2.1 after the treatment, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared to standard triple therapy, BSP regimen in addition to considerable effects on H.pylori eradication had also favorable properties on cardiovascular risk factors following the H.pylori eradication.

Penbactam for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a randomised comparison of quadruple and triple treatment schedules in an Iranian population

BACKGROUND & STUDY AIMS

Selection of the best drug regimens for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection especially in patients at risk of peptic ulcer relapses and the development of complications is challenging. This study assessed and compared the efficacy of the two common PPI based triple therapies to a quadruple therapy including PPI, metronidazole, amoxicillin and a bismuth compound in Iranian population.

PATIENTS & METHODS

Three hundred and thirty patients with peptic ulcer and H. pylori infection were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment protocols all given twice daily: (a) A 14-day quadruple therapy (OMAB group) comprising omeprazole 20mg, metronicazole 500 mg, amoxicillin 1g, and bismuth subcitrate 240 mg; (b) A 14-day triple regimen (OCP group) comprising omeprazole 20mg plus clarithromycine 500 mg and penbactam 750 mg and (c) A 14-day triple regimen (OCA group) comprising omeprazole 20mg plus clarithromycine 500 mg and amoxicillin 1g. Cure was defined as a negative urea breath test at least six weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

The per-protocol eradication rates achieved with both OCP regimen (87.0%) and OCA treatment (90.8%) were significantly higher than the OMAB treatment protocol (56.0%); however, no significant difference emerged in eradication rates between the two triple treatment schedules. No significant differences between the groups were found in most side-effects.

CONCLUSION

Two-week quadruple therapy showed a lower eradication rate compared to common triple treatment schedules when used as first-line eradication treatment for H. pylori infection in Iranian population.

Correlation between creatinine clearance and Helicobacter pylori infection eradication with sequential and triple therapeutic regimens: A randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Uraemic patients show susceptibility to gastrointestinal mucosal lesions and colonisation by Helicobacter pylori (HP). Antibiotic resistance constitutes a problem in treatment and bismuth preparations are toxic in uraemic patients. This study aimed to assess the correlation between creatinine clearance (CrCl) and eradication of HP infection with new sequential and standard triple therapeutic regimens.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 120 HP-positive patients with renal function impairment and 60 control patients with HP infection were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into four groups on the basis of CrCl and were randomly assigned to one of the two different regimens: A 14-day standard triple therapy with 20mg omeprazole bid, 1000mg amoxicillin bid and 500mg clarithromycin bid and a new sequential regimen with 20mg omeprazole bid and 1000mg amoxicillin bid both for 14 days, 500mg ciprofloxacin bid for the first 7 days and 200mg furazolidone bid for the last 7 days. Doses of amoxicillin, clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin were reduced to 50% in the cases of CrCl <30mgdl(-1).

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty two out of 180 HP-positive patients (54.3% male, 51.6±12.1 years) completed treatment in the four groups and were studied. According to renal function they were classified into group A (n=39), haemodialysis (HD) patients; group B (n=37), CrCl <30mgdl(-1) without HD; group C (n=36), CrCl between 30 and 60mgdl(-1); and group D (n=50), control subjects with CrCl >90mgdl(-1). HP was successfully eradicated in 77.7% of patients with standard triple therapy and in 81.4% of patients with the sequential therapy. There was no significant difference among the study groups in the rate of HP-infection eradication with both regimens.

CONCLUSION

HP eradication rates did not differ with both sequential and standard therapeutic regimens in uraemic and non-uraemic patients. We, therefore, prefer the standard triple therapy due to its simplicity and reported.

Clinical and histological presentation of Helicobacter pylori and gluten related gastroenteropathy

BACKGROUND

Celiac disease has been reported to be associated with gastric abnormalities. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the prevalence of celiac disease and Helicobacter pylori infection in an Iranian population of 250 patients.

METHODS

Biopsies were taken from the gastric antrum and duodenum. Morphology and histology were evaluated using the updated Sydney system and modified Marsh criteria, respectively. To simplify the interpretation of gastric lesions we classified gastritis in macroscopic and microscopic stages. Serology for anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody was performed to determine the presence of celiac disease.

RESULTS

Among 250 patients, 232 (93%) had histological evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Histological abnormalities (Marsh I to IIIc) were present in 24 (10%). Of 24 patients, 20 (83%) with histological abnormalities were infected with Helicobacter pylori. Of 250 patients, 25 (10%) had a positive anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody. Of 25 anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody positive patients, 9 (3.6%) had microscopic and macroscopic enteritis (Marsh I to IIIc).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical presentation of celiac disease was not distinguishable from cases infected with Helicobacter pylori. Histology, even in patients with positive serology, was non-specific and unhelpful. We found a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic gastritis, but neither was associated with celiac disease, in agreement with studies in Western populations.

Advances in the Diagnosis of GERD Using the Esophageal pH Monitoring, Gastro-Esophageal Impedance-pH Monitoring, And Pitfalls

PH monitoring is not capable of detecting all types of reflux, especially when the amount of acid is very low or not at all in the refluxate. Multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) is used as a new method to assess bolus transport. The types of reflexes including acid, weak acid and weak alkaline MII-pH is capable of distinguishing more reflux episodes based upon use of physical and chemical parameters of the refluxate, leads to a diagnosis of normal acid reflux from abnormal nonacidic reflux. 24-h oesophagal pH monitoring can be effectively used to assess the potential relationship between symptoms and refluxes. MII-pH is capable of distinguishing more reflux episodes based upon use of physical and chemical parameters of the refluxate, leads to a diagnosis of normal acid reflux from abnormal nonacidic reflux. It can be used to confirm gastro-oesophagal reflux episodes, where has a sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing GERD in comparison with endoscopy or pH-metry.

Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen Levels and Serological Biomarkers of Gastric Inflammation are Associated with Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori infection and subsequent gastric inflammation have been proposed as risk factors for the development of insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. In this study we assessed the possible association of H. pylori bacterial load, and serum biomarker of gastric inflammation with cardiometabolic risk factors in diabetic patients.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 84 H. pylori-infected type 2 diabetic patients were assessed for anthropometrics, biochemical and clinical measurements. Pearson correlation test, linear, and logarithmic regression curve estimation models were used to assess the association of H. pylori stool antigen (HpSAg) levels, and pepsinogen I (PGI) to pepsinogen II (PGII) ratio with fasting serum glucose, insulin, serum lipid and lipoprotein parameters, malondialdehyde, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body weight, waist circumference and lipid accumulation product (LAP) index.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 54±10 years, and 44% were men. Mean HpSAg levels and PGI/PGII ratio were 0.24±0.23 μg/mL and 9.9±9.0, respectively. Higher HpSAg as well as lower PGI/PGII was correlated with higher anthropometric measures and LAP. A significant negative correlation between PGI/PGII ratio and blood pressure (r=-0.21 and r=-0.22, systolic and diastolic, respectively, P<0.05), serum insulin (r=-0.17, P=0.05), and hs-CRP (r=-0.17, P=0.05) was observed. A significant linear association between PGI/PGII ratio with serum triglycerides (γ=-0.24, P<0.05), serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; γ=0.43, P<0.01), and triglycerides/HDL-C ratio (γ=-0.28, P<0.05) were observed.

CONCLUSION

Higher H. pylori bacterial load and lower PGI/PGII ratio was associated with higher levels of cardiometabolic risk factors in H. pylori infected type 2 diabetic patients.

Penbactam for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a randomised comparison of quadruple and triple treatment schedules in an Iranian population

BACKGROUND & STUDY AIMS

Selection of the best drug regimens for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection especially in patients at risk of peptic ulcer relapses and the development of complications is challenging. This study assessed and compared the efficacy of the two common PPI based triple therapies to a quadruple therapy including PPI, metronidazole, amoxicillin and a bismuth compound in Iranian population.

PATIENTS & METHODS

Three hundred and thirty patients with peptic ulcer and H. pylori infection were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment protocols all given twice daily: (a) A 14-day quadruple therapy (OMAB group) comprising omeprazole 20mg, metronicazole 500 mg, amoxicillin 1g, and bismuth subcitrate 240 mg; (b) A 14-day triple regimen (OCP group) comprising omeprazole 20mg plus clarithromycine 500 mg and penbactam 750 mg and (c) A 14-day triple regimen (OCA group) comprising omeprazole 20mg plus clarithromycine 500 mg and amoxicillin 1g. Cure was defined as a negative urea breath test at least six weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

The per-protocol eradication rates achieved with both OCP regimen (87.0%) and OCA treatment (90.8%) were significantly higher than the OMAB treatment protocol (56.0%); however, no significant difference emerged in eradication rates between the two triple treatment schedules. No significant differences between the groups were found in most side-effects.

CONCLUSION

Two-week quadruple therapy showed a lower eradication rate compared to common triple treatment schedules when used as first-line eradication treatment for H. pylori infection in Iranian population.

The relation between the level of interleukin-23 with duration and severity of ulcerative colitis

AIM

In this study, we determined the relationship between the serum level of IL-23 and the severity of ulcerative colitis (UC) among our population.

BACKGROUND

A recent major breakthrough for describing the pathogenesis of intestinal tissue injury in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the pathway related to interleukin-23 (IL-23).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a prospective case-control study on a total of 85 new patients with ulcerative colitis, recruited from a general referral hospital. Forty ethnically matched healthy controls were also enrolled among hospital staffs and analyzed. Serum IL-23 level was quantified using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) method with an immunoassay analyzer.

RESULTS

The mean serum IL-23 level in the group with ulcerative colitis was significantly higher than the healthy individuals (347.5±130.8 pg/ml versus 233.5±86.3 pg/ml; p< 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the serum level of IL-23 and disease duration (r = 0.27, p = 0.04). Also, a direct relationship was found between the serum level of IL-23 and the severity of disease (mean IL-23 in mild UC = 296.2±51.2 pg/ml; in moderate UC= 356.1±142.9 pg/ml; and in severe UC= 399.3±163.8 pg/ml, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Serum level of IL-23 is directly correlated with the duration and severity of ulcerative colitis.

Study of prevalence, distribution and clinical significance of Blastocystis isolated from two medical centers in Iran

AIM

This study aimed to survey prevalence and clinical significance of Blastocystis among symptomatic and asymptomatic groups.

BACKGROUND

Blastocystis is a prevalent microorganism that is found in intestine of human and majority of animals. However, most studies have failed to establish correlation between the presence of the parasite and clinical manifestations.

METHODS

from Dec 2016 to Jun 2017, 554 stool samples were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects referred to Imam Hossein Hospital and Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Institute, Tehran, Iran. All samples were concentrated using conventional formalin-ethyl acetate concentration and then were microscopically examined using Lugol's iodine staining and light microscope. The fresh stool samples were also cultivated in DMEM medium and were examined for growth of Blastocystis every 48 hours with direct smear slides for 10 days.

RESULTS

Blastocystis was observed among 93 (16.8%) of stool samples cultivated in DMEM. The findings represented that 64/398 (16.08%) and 29/156 (18.58%) of asymptomatic and symptomatic patients were infected with Blastocystis, respectively. In addition, there was no significant correlation between presence of symptoms and carrying Blastocystis (P=0.528), although statistically significant association was observed between presence of urticaria and carrying Blastocystis (P<0.05). Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation between observing the parasite and different age groups was seen (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Blastocystis is a prevalent parasitic eukaryote among symptomatic and asymptomatic populations despite the higher prevalence among symptomatic group that suggests the chance of infection with Blastocystis raises with age.

Effects of sedation during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy on arterial oxygen saturation

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Determination of optimal administered sedatives during endoscopy is vital and necessary for the minimization of their side effects. This study was designed to see the effect of sedation on endoscopy induced arterial oxygen desaturation and determination of sedatives safety during gastrointestinal endoscopy.

METHODOLOGY

In this controlled clinical trial, 90 consecutive patients scheduled for diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were categorized into 2 groups (45 in each group). The patients in the first group were sedated with midazolam 0.1 mg/kg, propofol 1 mg/kg and fentanyl 1 microg/kg intravenously, while the patients in the second group received saline as a placebo. In both groups, blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial oxygen saturation were measured before and one minute after endoscopy, and compared.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in arterial O2 saturation (p = 0.142) and heart rate (p = 0.154) between the two groups, one minute after endoscopy. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were higher in non-sedated group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Concomitant administration of midazolam, propofol, and fentanyl do not cause arterial desaturation, however, it can lead to blood pressure changes one minute after the beginning of endoscopy.

Metabolic analysis of acute appendicitis by using system biology approach

AIM

Introducing possible suitable compound as diagnostic agent in appendicitis is aim of this investigation.

BACKGROUND

Appendicitis diagnosis is a difficult step in treatment of disease due to complex abdominal pain signal which may be refer to the non-appendicitis pain.

METHODS

Gene expression profiles of children with non-preforated appendicitis in comparison with the samples with non- appendicitis abdominal pain are analysis via protein - protein interaction (PPI) and the critical compounds are introduced by STITCH.

RESULTS

Ten compounds including including MgATP, glycerol, MgADP, calcium ions, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, sulphate, acetate, and sodium are introduced as possible biomarker panel to differentiate appendicitis from the other abdominal pains.

CONCLUSION

A laboratory method such as flame photometry based on metal detection for diagnosis of appendicitis is possible, however more investigations are required.

Implementation of statistical analysis in the clinical research of coeliac disease: use of probit and logit analysis

BACKGROUND

Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine that occurs in genetically predisposed people of all ages. The objective of this study is to investigate the relation between demographic and clinical factors with coeliac disease using probit and logit models.

METHODS

During the period of January to December 2008, 396 patients were recruited for this study. Histologic characteristics in duodenal biopsy specimens were evaluated in those with serology positive for coeliac disease according to the modified Marsh Classification 1999.

RESULTS

From all of 369 cases in our study 26 (7.1%) had coeliac disease according to pathology results. Both of models had the same result indicated a negative association between BMI and CD but other factors were not significant.

CONCLUSION

Coeliac patient had less BMI compare with rest of study population. Results from probit and logit models were similar to each others, indicated that probit analysis can be employed as a logit model to analyze the relationship between clinical and demographic factors and CD.

Relationship of Halitosis with Gastric Helicobacter Pylori Infection

OBJECTIVES

Gastric infection with Helicobacter pylori may be one of the main causes of halitosis. This study was performed to evaluate the relationship of Helicobacter pylori infection with halitosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This case control study was performed on 44 dyspeptic patients with a mean age of 34.29±13.71 years (range 17 to 76 years). The case group included 22 patients with halitosis and no signs of diabetes mellitus, renal or liver failure, upper respiratory tract infection, malignancies, deep carious teeth, severe periodontitis, coated tongue, dry mouth or poor oral hygiene. Control group included 22 patients without halitosis and the same age, sex, systemic and oral conditions as the case group. Halitosis was evaluated using organoleptic test (OLT) and Helicobacter pylori infection was evaluated by Rapid Urease Test (RUT) during endoscopy. The data were statistically analyzed using chi square, Mann Whitney and t-tests.

RESULTS

Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 20 (91%) out of 22 halitosis patients, and 7 control subjects (32%) (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Helicobacter pylori gastric infection can be a cause of bad breath. Dentists should pay more attention to this infection and refer these patients to internists to prevent further gastrointestinal (GI) complications and probable malignancies.

Gastric atrophy: use of OLGA staging system in practice

AIM

This study used the OLGA system to characterize the histology pattern of gastritis in dyspeptic outpatients with a mean age of 45 years from regions with different gastric cancer risks.

BACKGROUND

Several classification systems have been purposed for understanding the status of the gastric mucosa. Currently, the Sydney system is the most widely employed. Nevertheless, the applicability of the Sydney system in therapeutic and prognostic areas is a matter of debate. Given this shortcoming an international group of gastroenterologists and pathologists developed a new system named Operative Link on Gastritis Assessment (OLGA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional comparative study the OLGA system was used to characterize the histology pattern of gastritis in 685 dyspeptic patients referring to the department of gastroenterology of a training hospital.

RESULTS

No significant correlation was found between active inflammation and total OLGA score (P > 0.05). Also, no statistically significant correlation was found between activity and intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, atrophy, and cancer (P > 0.05). Even though, there is a positive correlation between mild chronic inflammation and total OLGA score, no correlation has been identified between chronicity and dysplasia or cancer (P > 0.05). Nearly, In all cases with no dysplasia OLGA score was zero but all patients with gastric cancer OLGA score was more than two.

CONCLUSION

Generally, the activity is not a useful factor in predicting prognosis and its loss of relation with total OLGA score does not make OLGA score any less predictable.

Comparison of half-dose and full-dose triple therapy regimens for Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with end-stage renal disease

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the half-dose and full-dose triple therapy regimens for Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication in patients with end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND

H. Pylori is one the most important causes of dyspepsia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-six patients with ESRD were enrolled in the study with Hp infection and peptic disease with a need of Hp eradication. Patients were randomly assigned to full-dose (A=35 patients) or half-dose group (B=31 patients). Patients received clarithromycin 500 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg and omeprazole 20 mg twice daily in group A and clarithromycin 250 mg and amoxicillin 500 mg twice daily and omeprazole 20 mg once daily in group B for two weeks. Patients provided stool samples 4 weeks of completing study to assess the success of Hp eradication by Hp-specific stool antigen. Finally, the rate of eradication and complications were compared between two groups.

RESULTS

The successful Hp eradication was achieved in 26 patients (74%) in group A and in 22 patients (74%) in group B. The difference between 2 groups was not statistically significant (p=0.973) (per protocol analysis).

CONCLUSION

Half-dose triple-therapy with clarithromycin, amoxicillin and omeprazole is as effective as full-dose triple-therapy to eradicate the Hp in patients with ESRD. According to lower toxicity level, complications and cost in half-dose regimen in this subset of patients, this protocol is advised.

Association between two single base polymorphisms of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 gene and inflammatory bowel disease

AIM

The present study evaluated the association between G241R and K469E polymorphisms of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 gene and inflammatory bowel disease in Iranian population.

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. There are two single base polymorphisms of intercellular adhesion molecule 1gene, G241R and K469E, reported to be associated with inflammatory disorders.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, 156 inflammatory bowel disease patients (110 ulcerative colitis and 46 Crohn's disease patients) and 131 healthy controls were enrolled. Two polymorphisms of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 gene, including G241R and K469E, were assessed by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

The E469 allele of K469E polymorphism was significantly more frequent in Crohn's disease patients compared to controls (P< 0.05, OR= 1.83; 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.96). The mutant homozygote genotype of K469E polymorphism (E/E) was also significantly more frequent in Crohn's disease patients compared to controls (P< 0.05, OR= 4.23; 95% CI: 1.42 to 12.59). No difference was observed in the frequency of K469E polymorphism among ulcerative colitis patients compared to controls. There were no significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies of G241R polymorphism among ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients compared to control subjects.

CONCLUSION

According to our findings, K469E polymorphism of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 gene may probably participate in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease in Iran.

Evaluation of the benefit of addition of clidinium C to a Helicobacter pylori eradication regimen

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the success of H.pylori eradication therapy in patients with dyspepsia by therapeutics regimes with and without clidinium C.

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori infections are reported in all parts of the world. Appropriate antibiotic therapy can treat infection. The ideal treatment regimen has not been specified.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a randomized, double blind clinical trials study, 250 patients with dyspepsia were enrolled. All patients were treated by Omeprazole, Metronidazole, Amoxicillin and Bismuth (OMAB) for two weeks. One tablet clidinium C before each meal was added to this regimen in the intervention group (A). Urea Breath Test (UBT) was carried out after 8-12 weeks after treatment for evaluation of H.pylori eradication.

RESULTS

132 patients in the intervention group (A) and 118 patients in the control group (B) were enrolled to the study. The rate of eradication in group A was significantly higher than group B (62.1% vs. 50%, p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

The results supported the effect of clidinium C for increasing of helicobacter pylori eradication, but further studies need to be performed.