[Helminths detection with video capsule endoscopy]

The article describes clinical observations of helminthiasis detection in 18 of 208 patients during video capsule endoscopy (VCE). Indications for the appointment of VCE were complex clinical situations associated with the search for inflammatory diseases of the small intestine and sources of small intestine bleeding. Because of the high cost of VCE the diagnosis of parasitic diseases should be based on laboratory techniques in clinical practice. Only in case of anemia of unknown etiology VCE demonstrates high efficiency.

Is it necessary to use capsular endoscopy to diagnose celiac disease?

AIM

To clarify the indications for capsular endoscopy (CE) in patients with celiac disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 10 patients with celiac disease (6 women, 4 men) aged 22 to 69 years. The median age was 42.4±17.5 years. The diagnosis of celiac disease established on the basis of histological examination of the mucous membrane (MM) of the duodenum and detection of antibodies to diaminononane peptide gliadin and to tissue transglutaminase. In three patients celiac disease was diagnosed for the first time, in others - in terms of 3 months to 2 years. CE was performed using a Given Imaging systems (Yokneam, Israel), Olympus (Japan), the obtained data were analyzed using Rapidr® Reade (version 7.0). The results of the endoscopy were compared with the data of 78 patients examined by us, in which the indicators conformed to the normal CE criteria.

RESULTS

All patients with celiac disease showed characteristic endoscopic markers of atrophy from the small intestine: scallop, nodularity, decrease in height and number of folds. Paid attention to the mosaic of defeat in the form of "atrophy fields" against a background of slightly modified MM. Erosive-ulcerative lesions of the small intestine were found in 4 patients.

CONCLUSION

Indications for the appointment of CE in patients with celiac disease is the lack of response to treatment, which is based on strict adherence to gluten-free diet, the assumption of erosive and ulcerative lesions MM of the small intestine and refractory form of the disease. CE makes it possible to establish the extent of atrophy from the small intestine, which allows you to use it to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

Role of video capsulе endoscopy in the diagnostic algorithm of small bowel Crohn's disease

Aim. To evaluate the possibilities of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) for diagnosing small bowel Crohn's disease (SBCD). Materials and methods. The study included 25 patients (12 men, 13 women) diagnosed with Crohn's disease. The mean age of the patients was 31.84±10.5 years. The VCE was performed using the GivenImaging system (Yokneam, Israel), OMOM (China). After the end of each test, the data was analyzed at a rate of 8 to 10 frames per second using Rapid® Reader (version 7.0). Results and discussion. The examination of patients in accordance with the diagnostic algorithm showed that for 11 patients (44%) the clinical assumption of SBCD was confirmed only with the help of VCE (1st group). Consequently, the use of VCE in these patients was crucial in the diagnosis of SBCD, since standard methods of analisys were insufficient to establish this diagnosis. For 14 patients (2nd group), the diagnosis of SBCD was established with the help of colonoscopy and/or diagnostic imaging modalities. The use of VCE allowed to confirm the diagnosis, to clarify the localization and extent of inflammation of the small intestine. Conclusion. VCE can be recommended for the diagnosis of SBCD during the period of early inflammatory manifestations in the small intestine mucosa.

Genetic diversity of Escherichia coli in gut microbiota of patients with Crohn's disease discovered using metagenomic and genomic analyses

Background

Crohn’s disease is associated with gut dysbiosis. Independent studies have shown an increase in the abundance of certain bacterial species, particularly Escherichia coli with the adherent-invasive pathotype, in the gut. The role of these species in this disease needs to be elucidated.

Methods

We performed a metagenomic study investigating the gut microbiota of patients with Crohn’s disease. A metagenomic reconstruction of the consensus genome content of the species was used to assess the genetic variability.

Results

The abnormal shifts in the microbial community structures in Crohn’s disease were heterogeneous among the patients. The metagenomic data suggested the existence of multiple E. coli strains within individual patients. We discovered that the genetic diversity of the species was high and that only a few samples manifested similarity to the adherent-invasive varieties. The other species demonstrated genetic diversity comparable to that observed in the healthy subjects. Our results were supported by a comparison of the sequenced genomes of isolates from the same microbiota samples and a meta-analysis of published gut metagenomes.

Conclusions

The genomic diversity of Crohn’s disease-associated E. coli within and among the patients paves the way towards an understanding of the microbial mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of the Crohn’s disease and the development of new strategies for the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5306-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Binding of Mucin by E. coli from Human Gut

Cells of E. coli isolates from the gut of healthy volunteers (N=5) and patients with Crohn's disease (N=5) and laboratory E. coli strain DH5α bound mucin in vitro in similar amounts ranging from 0.02 to 0.12 mg/mg of bacterial dry weight. Binding was evaluated by the decrease in optical absorption of mucin solution at 214 nm after incubation with bacteria. Detailed analysis of mucin binding by one of isolates showed that during incubation of 0.09 mg/ml bacteria in 0.15 M NaCl containing 0.1 mg/ml mucin at 25^oC, maximum binding was reached in 30 min, while in the presence of 14 mM α-methyl mannoside, mucin binding decreased by 46% (p<0.05). Confocal microscopy revealed intensive binding of FITC-labeled mucin to the surface of a small number of bacterial cells. Mucin binding did not significantly affect zeta potential of bacteria and their energetic status assessed by ATP content; at the same time, ATP content in the extracellular environment slightly increased.

Links of gut microbiota composition with alcohol dependence syndrome and alcoholic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Alcohol abuse has deleterious effects on human health by disrupting the functions of many organs and systems. Gut microbiota has been implicated in the pathogenesis of alcohol-related liver diseases, with its composition manifesting expressed dysbiosis in patients suffering from alcoholic dependence. Due to its inherent plasticity, gut microbiota is an important target for prevention and treatment of these diseases. Identification of the impact of alcohol abuse with associated psychiatric symptoms on the gut community structure is confounded by the liver dysfunction. In order to differentiate the effects of these two factors, we conducted a comparative "shotgun" metagenomic survey of 99 patients with the alcohol dependence syndrome represented by two cohorts-with and without liver cirrhosis. The taxonomic and functional composition of the gut microbiota was subjected to a multifactor analysis including comparison with the external control group.

RESULTS

Alcoholic dependence and liver cirrhosis were associated with profound shifts in gut community structures and metabolic potential across the patients. The specific effects on species-level community composition were remarkably different between cohorts with and without liver cirrhosis. In both cases, the commensal microbiota was found to be depleted. Alcoholic dependence was inversely associated with the levels of butyrate-producing species from the Clostridiales order, while the cirrhosis-with multiple members of the Bacteroidales order. The opportunist pathogens linked to alcoholic dependence included pro-inflammatory Enterobacteriaceae, while the hallmarks of cirrhosis included an increase of oral microbes in the gut and more frequent occurrence of abnormal community structures. Interestingly, each of the two factors was associated with the expressed enrichment in many Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus-but the exact set of the species was different between alcoholic dependence and liver cirrhosis. At the level of functional potential, the patients showed different patterns of increase in functions related to alcohol metabolism and virulence factors, as well as pathways related to inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple shifts in the community structure and metabolic potential suggest strong negative influence of alcohol dependence and associated liver dysfunction on gut microbiota. The identified differences in patterns of impact between these two factors are important for planning of personalized treatment and prevention of these pathologies via microbiota modulation. Particularly, the expansion of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus suggests that probiotic interventions for patients with alcohol-related disorders using representatives of the same taxa should be considered with caution. Taxonomic and functional analysis shows an increased propensity of the gut microbiota to synthesis of the toxic acetaldehyde, suggesting higher risk of colorectal cancer and other pathologies in alcoholics.

[Efficacy of adalimumab for Crohn's disease in real clinical practice]

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) treated at the Department of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Moscow Clinical Research and Practical Center, and to determine the predictors of a therapy response.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

All the patients with CD treated with ADA were followed up for at least 6 months or until the drug was discontinued. Therapeutic effectiveness was evaluated at 4 weeks and 6 months after the initiation of treatment and at the end of a follow-up. Complete intestinal mucosal healing was assessed at 3 and 12 months following treatment initiation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the predictors of treatment response.

RESULTS

A clinical analysis covered 70 patients (57.1% male); the follow-up period averaged 112 weeks. Perianal fistulas were at baseline established in 22 (31.4%) patients with CD. 12 (17.4%) patients had been previously treated with infliximab (INF), 7 of them discontinued the drug for secondary loss of response and 5 for adverse reactions. 68 (97.1%) patients responded to an induction course of ADA. At 4 weeks, 6 months, and at the end of the follow-up, clinical remission occurred in 66.7, 80.4 and 67.4 % of patients with luminal CD and in 45.4, 36.5, and 36.4% of those with perianal CD, respectively. At 3 and 12 months and at the end of the follow-up, there was complete healing of the intestinal mucosa in 23.5, and 41.2 and 29.5% of cases, respectively. Six (8.8%) patients responding to the induction course needed to be optimized with ADA to 40 mg weekly. The time interval between treatment initiation and dose optimization averaged 30 weeks (range 12-120 months). There were 15 (21,4%) adverse events that were responsible for ADA discontinuation in 3 (4,2%) patients.

CONCLUSION

The findings demonstrate the efficacy and safety of ADA used in clinical practice.

[Long-term infliximab therapy for ulcerative colitis in real clinical practice]

AIM

to retrospectively evaluate the efficiency of long-term infliximab (INF) therapy in patients with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The investigation enrolled 48 patients with refractory UC who had taken IFL in 2008 to 2014. Steroid-dependent or steroid-refractory UC was established in 40 (83.3%) patients; 8 (16.7%) were noted to be refractory to therapy with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine. Cytomegalovirus DNA was identified in the biopsy specimens of the large intestinal mucosa (LIM) from 7 patients. One patient received antiviral therapy. Induction therapy with IFL was in its administration in a dose of 5 mg/kg at 0, 2, and 6 weeks, then maintenance therapy was continued every 8 weeks.

RESULTS

After an IFL induction cycle, 3 (6.3%) patients were unresponsive to therapy and were excluded from the investigation. At present, 25 (55.5%) of the 45 patients who have responded to the therapy continue to take IFL 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks and are in clinical remission; 4 (8.8%) patients receive intensified IFL therapy. Initially 23 patients received combined therapy with IFL + an immunosuppressive drug; 22 had IFL monotherapy. Escape from the effect of the performed therapy was observed in 5 (11.1%) patients, which required its intensification. The intensified therapy resulted in sustained remission in 4 (8.8%) patients; colectomy was carried out in one (2.2%) case. Secondary loss of response to IFL, its intolerance, development of severe infectious complications, which did not allow for further maintenance therapy with IFL, were seen in 11 (24.4%) patients; 5 (11.1%) stopped the therapy because they had been excluded from the additional drug subsidy list. Maintenance therapy with IFL proved successful during 64 months in 29 (64.4%) of the 45 patients and during 64 months if its intensity, when the occasion required, was enhanced.

CONCLUSION

The long-term use of IFL in UC confirmed its high efficacy in achieving clinical response, in inducing a clinical remission and its capacity to heal LIM, and in sustaining remission.

Data on gut metagenomes of the patients with alcoholic dependence syndrome and alcoholic liver cirrhosis

Alcoholism is associated with significant changes in gut microbiota composition. Metagenomic sequencing allows to assess the altered abundance levels of bacterial taxa and genes in a culture-independent way. We collected 99 stool samples from the patients with alcoholic dependence syndrome (n=72) and alcoholic liver cirrhosis (n=27). Each of the samples was surveyed using “shotgun” (whole-genome) sequencing on SOLiD platform. The reads are deposited in the ENA (project ID: PRJEB18041).

[All-Russian Consensus on Diagnosis and Treatment of Celiac Disease in Children and Adults]

The paper presents the All-Russian consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease in children and adults, which has been elaborated by leading experts, such as gastroenterologists and pediatricians of Russia on the basis of the existing Russian and international guidelines. The consensus approved at the 42nd Annual Scientific Session of the Central Research Institute of Gastroenterology on Principles of Evidence-Based Medicine into Clinical Practice (March 2-3, 2016). The consensus is intended for practitioners engaged in the management and treatment of patients with celiac disease. Evidence for the main provisions of the consensus was sought in electronic databases. In making recommendations, the main source was the publications included in the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed. The search depth was 10 years. Recommendations in the preliminary version were reviewed by independent experts. Voting was done by the Delphic polling system.

[Celiac disease detection rate in gastroenterological patients]

AIM

To determine celiac disease detection rate in patients with digestive disease.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 318 gastroenterological patients admitted to be treated at the Central Research Institute of Gastroenterology in September to October 2012 were examined. The patients' age was 18 to 74 years (mean 51.5±16.4 years). Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA), IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) antibodies and IgG anti-tTG antibodies were determined. When the antibodies were elevated, esophagogastroduodenoscopy with duodenal biopsy was performed.

RESULTS

Forty-one of the 318 patients were found to have higher AGA (12.9%); out of them IgA AGA were in 17 (5.35%) patients and IgG AGA were also in 17 (5.35%). Elevated levels of both antibodies (IgA AGA and IgG AGA) were seen in 7 (2.2%) patients. Overall, the detection rate of increased AGA levels was 12.9%. The antibodies were more commonly higher in patients with liver diseases (21.8%) and in those with inflammatory bowel diseases (21.6%). Both IgA anti-tTG, IgG anti-tTG and IgA AGA, IgG AGA were detected in 6 (1.9%) of the 318 patients. The diagnosis of celiac disease was verified by duodenal histological examination in 3 (0.94%) of the 318 patients.

CONCLUSION

The celiac disease detection rate in gastroenterological patients was 0.94%.

[Current principles in the screening, diagnosis, and therapy of colorectal cancer]

The data available in the literature on the prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC), its risk factors and genetic aspects are analyzed. Basic screening tests and their diagnostic value are described. The paper indicates the importance of methods (colonoscopy, occult blood feces analysis, fecal immunochemical test, determination of molecular genetic profile of fecal enterocytes) for the early primary diagnosis of colonic epithelial tumors and techniques (echography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography) that are required to specify clinical TNM staging and enable one to choose an optimal treatment policy for CRC patients owing to the estimation of tumor volume and to the diagnosis of reginal and distant metastases. It also shows that new screening methods based on the detection of molecular markers for early (premorphological) tumor stages are promising. The role of primary CRC prevention aimed at molding and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the population is demonstrated.

[Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth as a cause of lactase deficiency]

AIM

To establish the rate of lactase deficiency (LD) in patients with post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS), to define a role of enteric bacteria in the pathogenesis of hypolactasia, and to evaluate the efficiency of probiotic therapy.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Examinations were made in 386 patients with PI-IBS, including 112 (79.4%) women; mean age 33.9 ± 9.1 years; disease duration 2.6 ± 1.4 years. Rapid tests of small intestinal mucosa (SIM) biopsy specimens obtained from the duodenal retrobulbar segment were used to diagnose LD. Bacterial growth was estimated by a hydrogen breath test using a H2 MICRO gas analyzer.

RESULTS

The patients with PI-IBS were revealed to have moderate and severe LD in 25.6 and 10.9%, respectively. All the patients with LD were detected to have small intestinal (SI) bacterial overgrowth (BOG). An inverse correlation was found between LD and the degree of SI BOG (r = -0.53; p < 0.001). 73.7% of the patients with moderate LD showed a positive effect of probiotic therapy as regression of clinical symptoms of LD, a decrease of hydrogen levels in expired air from 72.4 ± 25.1 to 16.41 ± 3.2 ppm (p < 0.05), an increase of lactate activity in the SIM biopsy specimens and an improvement of quality of life from 2.69 ± 0.53 to 5.53 ± 0.64 scores according to the GCI scale. No improvement occurred in 73.8% of the patients with severe LD.

CONCLUSION

LD was identified in 36.5% of the patients with PI-IBS. There was an inverse correlation between the degree of LD and SI BOG. The good therapeutic effect of probiotics in LD suggests that the symbiotic gut microflora positively affects the activity of lactase in the human SIM. No therapeutic effect of probiotics in patients with severe LN serves as the basis for a search for more active probiotic therapy.

[Common variable hypogammaglobulinemia: the author's observation]

The paper gives a case history of a patient with common variable hypogammaglobulinemia (CVHGG). Its clinical picture was characterized by frequent inflammatory airway diseases, pansinusitis, and periodic rises in temperature up to febrile ones. The diagnosis was established on the basis of the decreased serum concentrations of immunoglobulins (IG) A, M, and G, the unusual small intestinal (SI) wall relief created by large lymphoid follicles, as well as the characteristic sign of CVHGG, namely, the lack of plasma cells in the lamina propria of the SI mucosa. Antibacterial therapy was noted to have a good effect that confirmed the leading role of excessive bacterial growth in the pathogenesis of chronic diarrhea and fever, which are the major clinical manifestations of CVHGG in this patient.

[Mesenteric inflammatory veno-occlusive disease is a rare nosological entity: Literature review and the authors' clinical observation]

Mesenteric inflammatory veno-occlusive disease (MIVOD) is a rare disease. Its basis is inflammation of the small and medium-sized mesenteric veins, which is generally complicated by thrombosis and intestinal ischemia. Arteries are not therewith involved in the process. According to the location, either ischemic jejunitis (ileitis) or segmental colitis develops. The etiology and incidence of MIVOD are unknown. Only a few tens of descriptions of clinical cases have been published. MIVOD is differentially diagnosed with Crohn's disease and vasculitides (Behçet's syndrome, Buerger's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus). The paper presents a MIVOD patient with partial thrombosis of portal, superior mesenteric and splenic veins, pylephlebitis, extrahepatic portal hypertension and with ischemic jejunitis complicated by fistulas, subcompensated stenosis, and seropurulent peritonitis. At laparotomy, an infiltrate with multiple interintestinal abscesses and a 40-cm jejunal segment with 4 fistular openings up to 1.5 cm in diameter and necrotic walls were removed and an interintestinal anastomosis was applied. A morphological examination of the operative material detected thrombi, stases, and pronounced plethora of the veins with fibrinoid changes in their walls. The lumen of arterial vessels of different diameters was free. No signs of systemic vasculitis and Crohn's disease were found. The postoperative period was uncomplicated.

Cell therapy of refractory Crohn's disease

We analyzed medium-term efficiency and safety of biological therapy of Crohn's disease, in particular transplantation of allogenic mesenchymal stromal bone marrow cells and anticytokine therapy with selective immunosuppressive agents. It was found that both methods of biological therapy of refractory Crohn's disease resulted in clinical and in some cases endoscopic remission. In most cases, clinical remission was maintained without steroid hormone therapy. Thus, both methods produce comparable clinical results. It was concluded that transplantation of mesenchymal stromal bone marrow cells could be considered as a promising method in the therapy of refractory Crohn's disease comparable by its efficiency with infliximab therapy.

Pacemakers in extrahepatic biliary ducts

Pacemaker cells in the biliary system were studied by using electromyographic and histological methods. The pacemaker cells of the duodenal-biliary complex are located in the bile duct (predominantly, in its proximal part). They are characterized with enhanced spontaneous spike and slow-wave electrical activity. The pacemaker cells organize the sequential motor activity of the proximal and distal portions of ductus choledochus, with subsequent involvement of the duodenum into this activity.

Human gut microbiota community structures in urban and rural populations in Russia

The microbial community of the human gut has a crucial role in sustaining host homeostasis. High-throughput DNA sequencing has delineated the structural and functional configurations of gut metagenomes in world populations. The microbiota of the Russian population is of particular interest to researchers, because Russia encompasses a uniquely wide range of environmental conditions and ethnogeographical cohorts. Here we conduct a shotgun metagenomic analysis of gut microbiota samples from 96 healthy Russian adult subjects, which reveals novel microbial community structures. The communities from several rural regions display similarities within each region and are dominated by the bacterial taxa associated with the healthy gut. Functional analysis shows that the metabolic pathways exhibiting differential abundance in the novel types are primarily associated with the trade-off between the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla. The specific signatures of the Russian gut microbiota are likely linked to the host diet, cultural habits and socioeconomic status.

[Value of adhesion molecules for evaluating the efficiency of therapy for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease]

AIM

To define the value of adhesion molecules (sVCAM-1 integrin, P-selectin, E-selectin, and L-selectin) for the prediction and evaluation of the efficiency of treatment in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Twenty-six patients with UC and 14 patients with CD were examined. Of them, 16 patients took infliximab (INF) in a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight according to the standard scheme; 14 patients received cultured mesenchymal stem stromal cells (MSSCs) in a quantity of 150 x 10(8) cells, and 10 had azathioprine (AZA) 2 mg/kg and glucocorticosteroids (GCS) 1 mg/kg of body weight. Enzyme immunoassay was used to determine the serum concentration of the adhesion molecules (L-selectin, E-selectin, P-selectin, and sVCAM-1 integrin) before and 2 months after treatment.

RESULTS

The signs of bowel inflammatory disease activity and the elevated levels of adhesion molecules whose synthesis did not occur under normal conditions remained in the patients receiving GCS and AZA. INF treatment caused a decrease in P-selectin, E-selectin, and sVCAM-1 levels to 8.9 +/- 1.0, 5.5 +/- 1.7, and 9.5 +/- 4.4 ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.001). Incorporation of MSSCs was followed by a reduction of the concentrations of P-selectin and E-selectin to 6.9 +/- 1.1 and 5.7 +/- 1.3 ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.001). The level of integrin (cVCAM-1) fell to 12.2 +/- 2.2 ng/ml (p > 0.1); that of L-selectin did not drop after MSSC administration and INF induction therapy.

CONCLUSION

P-selectin, E-selectin, L-selectin, and sVCAM-1 integrin are current inflammatory markers and may be used to evaluate the efficiency of standard and biological therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases and to predict disease course.

[Gastroesophageal reflux disease in children: the role of endoscopy]

The article deals with the problem of modern diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with the use of modern techniques used in endoscopy. This article provides an analysis of the current literature on the efficacy of diagnosis of various manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children of different ages. The data on the benefits of the various diagnostic techniques and endoscopic techniques. Article illyustrirovavana endofotografiyami original authors.

[Clinical efficacy of functional nutrition in patients with gastrointestinal disorders]

AIM

To identify micronutrient deficiencies in patients with functional bowel diseases (FBD) and to reveal their correction with functional foods and probiotics.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The health status was evaluated in 90 patients aged 18 to 67 years with FBD. All the patients were randomized into 3 groups according to the treatment regimen. Group 1 took Amaltea goat's milk 200 ml/day during basic therapy; Group 2 received multispecies and multistrain RioFlora Balance probiotics in addition to the above components; Group 3 (a control group) had traditional basic dietary therapy. All the groups continued their treatment for 14 days.

RESULTS

The performed examinations have demonstrated that diet-based treatment fortified with goat's milk and multispecies probiotics makes it possible to more promptly achieve remission and to level off clinical manifestations than in the control group. The patients using multispecies probiotics versus the control group showed a reduction in fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and a considerable improvement in quality of life.

CONCLUSION

FBD lacks a specific clinical picture and may be masked as lactase deficiency, which commonly leads to noticeable limitations in patients' diet and favors the development of vitamin deficiency. Of particular concern is the development of vitamin D deficiency in young patients, which may result in the early development of osteoporosis in the future. To specify the composition of enzymes in the patients gives grounds to refuse restricted diets, and the dietary addition of functional foods (goat's milk fortified with vitamins and minerals), particularly in combination with multistrain probiotics, produces a pronounced clinical effect and eliminates fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies.

[Holter monitoring data in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease]

The aim of research is to estimate the functional state of the cardiovascular system in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with the help of Holter monitoring. 117 children of school age were examined: 69 children with GERD and 48 children with chronic gastroduodenitis. All children passed esophagogastroduodenoscopy, 24-hour pH-monitoring, electrocardiography and Holter monitoring. According to Holter monitoring data it was revealed that children with GERD had increased low-frequency components of frequency domain analyses, increased number of nocturnal PVCs and increased time of enhanced dispertion periods. Holter monitoring in patients with GERD can be used to detect preclinical ectopic rhythm, to evaluate autonomic dysfunction by frequency domain analyses, to predict nocturnal symptoms.

[Combination biological therapy for fistular Crohn's disease: clinical demonstration]

Perianal fistulas are the most common and frequently encountered types of fistulas in Crohn's disease (CD). They are incurable, may worsen quality of life in a patient and increase the risk of total bowel resection. Despite the significant impact of biological (anticytokine) therapy for fistular CD, treatment in this category of patients remains a difficult task with the high risk of recurrent CD. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) having immunomodulatory properties and a great regenerative potential are currently also used to treat fistulas in CD and perianal fistulas of another etiology. The given clinical case demonstrates that complete fistula healing could be achieved only after a few local administrations of MSCs in combination with infliximab and azathioprine. World and our experiences indicate that there is a need for randomized controlled trials with a sufficient number of patients to prove the efficacy of MSCs in the combination therapy of fistulas in CD.

[Clinicopathologic and endoscopic characteristics of chronic gastritis in flight personnel]

Surveyed 119 men in flight personnel. All were performed esophagogastroduodenoscopy and morphological study of biopsy material. Level of specific antibodies to Helicobacter pylorus (Hp) by enzyme immunoassay was determined, performed breathing Helika-test; Hp was determined by cytological method. Performed acidogastrometry. In 8 patients revealed erosive antral gastritis, 99--chronic gastritis, 12 patients have no stomach or duodenal ulcers. All patients with erosive gastritis were infected with Hp. antibodies to Hp were detected in all patients with chronic gastritis, and Helika-test and cytology for Hp were negative in 18.2% of patients in this group.

[Cell adhesion molecules in evaluation of Crohn's disease therapy]

The treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which include ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) is one of actual problems of modern gastroenterology and coloproctology. In recent years a great attention is paid to the molecules of adhesion. Adhesion proteins play a significant role in the development of inflammation in patients with IBD. They cause the migration of cells from the capillaries into the center of inflammation, i.e. do much to increase the inflammatory infiltration of the mucosa and homing of lymphocytes. Changes in the levels of adhesion factors under the influence of biological therapy have been insufficiently studied. So the aim of our study was to determine the diagnostic value of adhesion molecules--integrin-sVCAM-1 and selectins P-, E-, L- for the assessment of the effectiveness of therapy in patients with UC and CD and prognosis of the disease. 15 patients with IBD were examined (15 patients with Crohn's disease (CD)). 9 patients were treated using infliximab 5 mg/kg according to the standard scheme (0-2-6 and then every 8 weeks). 3 patients with IBD received anti-inflammatory therapy with the introduction of the culture of MSC in the number of 150 x 108 cells suspended in 200 ml of physiological solution with the addition of heparin (10 IU/ml). 3 patients received azathioprine (2 mg/kg) and glucocorticosteroids (GCS) 1 mg/kg. The clinical symptoms, the level of leukocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and also were analyzed before and after the treatment with infliximab and transplantation of MSC. The status of the colonic mucosa was evaluated using colonoscopy with biopsy. The concentration of adhesion molecules L-selectin, E-selectin, P-selectin, integrin-sVCAM-1 in blood serum was analyzed using immunoenzyme method twice before the beginning of treatment and after 2 months. It is established that after the standard therapy with the use of corticosteroids and azathioprine clinical and laboratory signs of IBD activity and increased levels of adhesion molecules remained in all patients. It is reliably determined that under the influence of infliximab the levels of P-selectin, E-selectin and integrin-sVCAM-1 decrease to 8.9 +/- 1.0 ng/ml, 5.5 +/- 1.7 ng/ml, 9.5 +/- 4.4 ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.001) in all patients with IBD. This point to the suppression of the synthesis of the main inflammatory cytokine alpha-TNF. Transplantation of MSC causes significant decrease of P-selectin, E-selectin to 6.9 +/- 1.1 ng/ml and 5.7 +/- 1.3 ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.001). Integrin-sVCAM-1 has decreased slightly to 12.2 +/- 2.2 ng/ml, p > 0.1. This is associated with the onset of the maximum therapeutic effect only in 1-2 months after transplantation. The levels of P-selectin, E-selectin, integrin-sVCAM-1, reflecting the acute phase of inflammation, decreased after MSC transplantation and infliximab induction therapy. The level of L-selectin, reflecting a chronic autoimmune inflammation, practically does not decrease after the MSC transplantation (8.9 +/- 0.5 ng/ml, p < 0.05) and infliximab induction therapy (9.6 +/- 0.8 ng/ml, p > 0.1). These include the appointment of long-term infliximab therapy and repeated MSC transplantations. P-selectin, E-selectin, L-selectin, integrin-sVCAM-1 are modern markers of inflammation and may be used to assess the effectiveness of standard and biological therapy in patients with IBD, and to predict the course of the disease.

[Diagnostics of non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease with the use of new digital endoscopic techniques]

As gastroesophageal reflux disease is a "disease of the XXI century", the relevance of its diagnosis at early stages is high. Using transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which is significantly better tolerated by patients, and the technology of intelligent color coding of pathology of the mucous membrane FICE, can diagnose the earliest manifestations of GERD in the form of inflammatory noerosive changes in the mucous membrane of the distal esophagus, to evaluate the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter; to make a prognosis for the disease, and to formulate a rational policy of conducting the patient.

[The role of small bowel microflora in the development of secondary lactase deficiency and the possibilities of its treatment with probiotics]

AIM

To estimate the incidence of secondary lactase deficiency (SLD) in patients with postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (PIBS) and the value of the small bowel microflora in its development and to elaborate treatment options for SLD.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

One hundred and thirty-eight patients with PIBS, including 112 (81.2%) women and 26 (18.8%) men, were examined. The patients' mean age was 33.9 +/- 9.1 years. The duration of the disease was 2.6 +/- 1.4 years. Lactase deficiency (LD) was diagnosed using the color scale to test biopsy specimens from the duodenal retrobulbar region. The bacterial overgrowth syndrome (BOS) was identified by a 2-hour lactulose (20 ml) hydrogen breath test. Sixty patients with moderate SLD were randomized to 2 groups: 1) 41 patients received basic therapy (mesim forte as one tablet t.i.d., no-spa, 40 mg, t.i.d.) and combined probiotic bifiform (Ferrosan) containing Bifidobacterium longum 107, Enterococcus faecium 107 as one capsule t.i.d. for 14 days. Group 2 patients (n = 19) had basic therapy in combination with placebo.

RESULTS

SLD was detected in 59.4% of the patients with PIBS, including 43.5 and 15.9% with moderate and severe forms, respectively. In all cases, SLD was accompanied by BOS in the small bowel lumen, as confirmed by the results of a hydrogen breath test [101 +/- 37 ppm (a normal value of < 20 ppm)]. After a 14-day course of therapy with the combined probiotic bifiform, restoration of eubiosis in the small bowel lumen was achieved in 70.8% of the patients, as shown by the lesser degree of BOS (86.9 +/- 40.9 and 17.4 +/- 6.6 ppm before and after treatment, respectively; p < 0.01) and by normalization of the lactase test (p < 0.01). In the comparative placebo group, 68.4% showed no clear positive changes, SLD and BOS remained.

CONCLUSION

The changes in the small bowel intraluminal microflora, which developed after prior intestinal infection, played a great role in the development of SLD. Bifiform belongs to the currently available probiotics and may be recommended to correct SLD in patients with PIBS resulting from the impaired microbiota of the small bowel and to prevent BOS.

[Syndrome of overlap of autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis with the outcome in cirrhosis of the liver, complicated by fatal bleeding in the small intestine]

The authors presents the clinical case of autoimmune overlap syndrome: autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis with outcomes in the hepatic cirrhosis complicated fatal intestinal bleeding.

[Progress in endoscopy-based diagnosis of small bowel diseases]

The paper deals with new endoscopic imaging techniques for evaluating the mucosa of deep intestinal segments, mainly the small bowel. It shows the history of an enteroscopic method and its technical capabilities. Some pathological conditions for which deep enteroscopic techniques are best suited are characterized.

[Immediate and long-term endoscopic results of surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease]

Since is a "disease of the XXI century", the actual of its diagnostics at early stages is high. Using, which is significantly better endurance by patients and technology of intellectual colors coding of pathology of the mucous membrane FICE, can diagnose the earliest symptoms of GERD in the form of inflammatory noerosive changes in the mucous membrane of the distal esophagus, to velue insufficiency of the lower esophageal sphincter; to make prognosis for the diseas, and formulate a rational tactics of conducting the patient.

[Complete elimination of cytomegalovirus without antiviral therapy after systemic mesenchymal stromal cell transplantation in a patient with ulcerative colitis (a clinical case)]

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the common pathogens of opportunistic infections in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. When the patients are treated with immunosuppressants that make them more susceptible to CMV, the course of ulcerative colitis (UC) becomes considerably worse. Antiviral therapy sometimes can reduce the risk of complications and the rate of colectomies. At the same time, antiviral therapy is not mandatory for all UC patients with CMV infection, as shown by the results of numerous investigations. One of the properties of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) is to suppress the body's immune reactions to allostimulation, rather than to infection invasion. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that MSCs have antiviral and antimicrobial activities. The described clinical case shows that clinical improvement occurred and a drastic activation of proliferative processes in the colonic mucosa was detected in the patient with UC after MSC transplantation. Administration of cultured MSCs also promoted the elimination of CMV without antiviral therapy and the overcoming of hormone dependence/ resistance in the patient with UC.

[Optimization of cell therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases]

AIM

To elaborate optimal cell culture administration regimens to enhance the efficiency of anti-inflammatory therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Three groups of patients with chronic continuous or chronic recurrent ulcerative colitis (UC) were formed according to the treatment option: 1) 15 patients with UC, in whom mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) were thrice administered for a month at a one-week interval; 2) 20 patients with UC who received MSC once; 3) 20 patients with UC who had standard anti-inflammatory therapy with 5-aminosalycilic acid (5-ASA) preparations and glucocorticosteroids (GCS). The clinical activity of UC was evaluated using the Rachmilewitz index; its endoscopic pattern was assessed with the Mayo index. UC histological specimens were scored using the Gebs scale. To ascertain the duration of remission, the authors used the Kaplan-Maier survival curve method and calculated relative risk (RR) and odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Following 12 months, allogeneic bone marrow (BM) MSC transplantation performed thrice during a month caused the greatest reduction in the Rachmilewitz clinical activity index, Mayo endoscopic activity index, and Gebs pathohistological index in patients with UC as compared to those who had underwent one transplantation or received 5-ASA preparations and GCS (p < 0.05). The duration of remission also depended on the chosen therapy option for UC and the frequency of cell culture administration: the longer duration was recorded in patients who were infused thrice with allogeneic BM MSC.

CONCLUSION

In the patients who had undergone one MSC administration, the risk of recurrent UC was higher than in those who had received MSC thrice during a month (a 2-year follow-up) and comparable with the RR of recurrent UC in the patient receiving only 5-ASA preparations, GCS, and/or immunosuppressants.

[International Consensus for the treatment of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. A critical analysis]

Paper is devoted to the discussion made at a workshop of international experts agreed recommendations (Consensus) for the treatment of bleeding of the upper gastrointestinal tract. In order to accommodate new data and determine the tactics of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding (International Consensus Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Conference Group). We present some of the agreements with some comments. Offers a wide discussion of these recommendations to make them as a guide in Russia.

[Treatment of chronic erosive gastroduodenitis in children with hypercapnic hypoxia]

Investigation of quality of life in pediatric patients--a simple, reliable and efficient way to assess the status of the child, which complements the clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination, which in turn helps to improve treatment outcomes. Given that the gastro-intestinal tract, the prevalence of the 2nd place among all the diseases of childhood, the definition of quality of life and its improvement in such patients is an integral part of treatment.

[Individualization of the antihelicobacter therapy at functional dyspepsia in children and adolescents]

We have discussed the individual anthyhelicobacter treatment duration from 7 to 14 days for functional dyspeptic syndrome in children and adolescent. We have performed 3-year follow-up results in different patients group: H. pylori reinfection, H. pylori as an advanced and patient with successfully H. pylori eradication. There is no difference between all groups during 3 years follow-up accordingly clinical, endoscopes and histological dates. However we have proved a necessity for a long-time therapy (to 10-14 days) for patients who have a functional dyspepsia and previous treated with antacids and antisecretic drug, patients with hypertrophic antral gastropathy picture of EGDS, family ulcer disease and erosive gastric disease before. In other cases the 7-days-cours of eradication therapy should be recommended or the specific therapy may be delayed.

[Children's gastroenterology--present and future]

Diseases of digestive organs at children are similar to adults, but have their own specifics. Disease pattern is not well-defined for the following reasons: children of early age can not accurately describe their complaints; incomplete development of digestive and other body systems, birth defects and abnormal developments. All the above are elements which show the complexity of the children's gastroenterology. The main aims of the children's gastroenterology which are raised in this article are early diagnostics, prescription of appropriate treatment and maintenance of follow-up care in compliance with modern tendencies in medical science. Adult and children's gastroenterology look like two sides of one rapid river. To build the bridge between them and to arrange the succession between children and adult diseases is the aim of modern gastroenterologists.

[Rifaximin in combined treatment of the Helicobacter pylori infection in childhood]

AIM

To provide a pilot study of empiric rifaximin, bismuth subcitrate, furazolidone/nifuratel triple therapy for H. pylori gastritis in childhood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty one pediatric outpatients (27 females, mean age 14.5 +/- 1.4 ys) with H. pylori-associated chronic gastritis who underwent endoscopy for dyspeptic symptoms received the combination of bismuth subcitrate (8/mg/kg/day, q. d. s.) for 14 days, rifaximin (800 mg/day) for 10 days and furazolidone (10 mg/kg/day, q. d. s.) or nifuratel (15 mg/kg/two times daily) for 10 days. H. pylori status was determined before the treatment by modified Giemsa staining/urease test and after the treatment (in 4-6 weeks) by ammonia breath test.

RESULTS

H. pylori was eradicated in 35 children (85.4%; 95% CI: 75.4-96.4 ITT and PP tests). There were no serious adverse reactions and were no withdrawals due to any side effects.

CONCLUSION

The combination of rifaximin, bismuth subcitrate and furazolidone/nifuratel was an effective and tolerable regimen for initial H. pylori eradication.

[The state of the vascular bed of the small intestine in patients with portal hypertension]

AIM

To evaluate the condition of vascular channel of small bowel in patients with portal hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined 60 patients from 17 to 70 years, 30 with cirrhosis of different etiologies and 30 with other gastrointestinal diseases, amounted control group. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the main and control: group 1--primary--patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Group 2--control--patients without liver disease and portal hypertension who underwent videocapsule endoscopy.

RESULTS

On the results of research, we can conclude that all patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension have various vascular changes of small bowel. We examined patients in the course of the work revealed the following: 1. Varicose vein expansion and increased vascular pattern in 70% of patients. 2. Arteriovenous malformation in 12% of patients. 3. Angiodisplaziya 11%. 4. Delafua defect in 4%. 5. Bleeding in 3%. The combination of vascular disease in patients with liver disease and portal hypertension syndrome accounted for 70%. In the control group of patients vascular channel pathology dated only in 2% of cases in the form of strengthening of vascular pattern of small bowel.

CONCLUSION

Videocapsule endoscopy is a highly informative diagnostic method for assessing the condition of vascular channel of the intestine in patients with portal hypertension. Carrying out videocapsule endoscopy is highly effective and comfortable for patients, which greatly improves their quality of life. Timely detection of vascular disease in patients with portal hypertension using videocapsule endoscopy can prevent such severe complications as gastrointestinal bleeding especially from the deep divisions of bowel which are not available to other research methods.

[Angiodysplasia and hemorrhages of the gastrointestinal tract as a particular manifestation of the connective tissue dysplasia]

The clinical case of hemorrhagic syndrome associated with alterations of gastrointestinal tract small vessels in the patient with connective tissue dysplasia, magnesium deficiency and with pathological addiction to alcohol is represented in this article.

[Allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells in patients with ulcerative colitis: two years of observation]

The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) of bone marrow in the treatment of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 44 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), which was implemented MSC transplantation, 40 patients with UC who received standard therapy with mesalazane (salofalka) 4-6 g/day and corticosteroids (prednisone)--1-2 mg/kg, azathioprine--1.5 mg/kg methotrexate 20-50 mg/m2, and 12 patients who underwent induction and maintenance of infliximab therapy. 2-3 days prior to the induction of MSCs abolish immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids reduced to 15-20 mg/day dose of aminosalicylates was left at 2.0 g/day. To quantify the results using the average values of indices of Rahmilevich clinical activity, indices of endoscopic and histological activity scales Mayo and Gebs. The patients were observed for 24 months after transplantation. Were studied parameters of the humoral immune status (immunoglobulin A, G, M, autologous antibody), cytokine profile. Bone marrow cells were obtained from the donor's sternum or the iliac crest. By culturing the end of 5 to 6 weeks received a population of allogeneic donor's MSCs in the amount of (1.5-2) x 10(8) cells needed for transplant patient. Culture of MSCs injected in the drip i/v, single dose.

RESULTS

In 34 (72.7%) patients with UC after the induction of MSCs was statistically significant compared with the group of patients treated with drugs only 5-aminosalicylic acid and corticosteroids, reducing the clinical and morphological indices of inflammatory activity. In 12 patients with UC include MSCs in the treatment program did not have a therapeutic effect. Application of MSC allowed to cancel corticosteroids in most patients with hormone-dependent and steroid resistance forms of UC, and in 7 to reduce the dose of prednisolone to 5 mg/day, limiting the use of drugs 5-ASA. According to the anti-inflammatory effectiveness of combined therapy with MSCs comparable to infliximab therapy.

CONCLUSION

The use of MSCs can be evaluated as a new strategic direction for therapy UC. MSC, introduced in I/O, have powerful immunomodulatory effects, reduce the activity of autoimmune inflammation and stimulate the reparative process in the intestinal mucosa, thereby increasing the duration of remission, reduces risk of recurrence of disease, reduces the frequency of hospitalizations.

[Eradication therapy of antibiotic-resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori]

Treatment of inflammatory diseases of the upper digestive tract, associated with Helicobacter pylori has recently greatly complicated by the presence of significant number of resistant strains of this microorganism to traditionally used drugs for eradication therapy. Average resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin in Russia is about 30 and 25% respectively. The article presents the experience of treating patients with metronidazole resistant strains of H. pylori with using triple therapy, which included a drug used nitrofurans--nifuroxazide in suspension, proton pump inhibitors and clarithromycin.

[Confocal laser endomicroscopy in diagnostics of Barrett's esophagus]

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is known as a precursor of esophageal carcinoma, which can be defined by the presence of specialized columnar epithelium with goblet cells. Histological evaluation of biopsy specimens is time-consuming. Moreover specialized columnar epithelium is often present in a mosaic insertion within columnar-lined lower esophagus and can be missed by random biopsies. Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) allows in vivo visualization of mucosal structure and rapid diagnosis during conventional endoscopy.

[Transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy and color coding system of intellectual pathology of the mucous membrane in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease]

As gastroesophageal reflux disease is a "disease of the XXI century", the relevance of its diagnosis at early stages is high. Using transnasal fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy, which is significantly better tolerated by patients, and the technology of intelligent color coding of pathology of the mucous membrane FICE, can diagnose the earliest manifestations of GERD in the form of inflammatory noerosive changes in the mucous membrane of the distal esophagus, to evaluate the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter; to make a prognosis for the disease, and to formulate a rational policy of conducting the patient.