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Biomedical subjects

J B Jansen

Publications and source records attributed to J B Jansen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy does not reassure patients with functional dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients with functional dyspepsia is often carried out merely to reassure patients that symptoms are not due to serious pathology. The aim of this study was to compare anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life as proxy values for reassurance in patients with functional dyspepsia before and after upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients referred for endoscopy between February 2002 and February 2004 were included in the study. They were asked to score anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, health-related quality of life using the EuroQol-5D questionnaire, and their impression of their own general health using a visual analogue scale, 2 weeks before endoscopy and again 1 month afterwards. RESULTS: A total of 420 patients were included, 42 % of whom were found to have an organic abnormality of some sort during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Neither the anxiety nor the depression frequencies differed significantly before and after endoscopy, either in patients with organic abnormalities at endoscopy or in those without. The general impression of health did not change after endoscopy either: organic abnormalities 62.7 +/- 27.4 vs. 64.9 +/- 24.2, P = 0.28; functional dyspepsia 61.0 +/- 27.9 vs. 62.8 +/- 27.2, P = 0.39. Only patients who had organic abnormalities reported a slightly improved quality of life 1 month after endoscopy: 0.74 +/- 0.15 vs. 0.78 +/- 0.12, P < 0.01. CONCLUSION: In patients with functional dyspepsia, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy does not improve psychological well-being or health-related quality of life. In view of the invasiveness, cost, and potential harm associated with endoscopy, careful consideration should be given to whether this procedure should be carried out merely for the sake of the patient's "peace of mind".

Aged↗

Gut hormone profiles in critically ill neonates on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to gain insight into the hormonal responses to enteral nutrition in critically ill newborns requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) by analyzing plasma gut hormone levels of gastrin, cholecystokinin and peptide-YY in relation to enteral nutrition. METHODS: In 24 consecutive neonates treated with venoarterial ECMO intestinal hormone secretions were determined by radioimmunoassay at 2-day intervals. Twelve received parenteral nutrition only. In 12 enteral nutrition was introduced later. The findings in these patients were compared with those of 16 measurements in eight non-ECMO treated age-matched controls. Mixed model analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Concentrations of gastrin, cholecystokinin and peptide-YY were significantly higher in ECMO patients receiving enteral nutrition compared with ECMO patients who received parenteral nutrition (62, 3.8 and 59.4 pmol/L versus 46, 3.1 and 34.7 pmol/L, respectively). Overall, plasma hormone levels did not differ from those in age-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal hormone levels showed normal responses after introduction of enteral feeding, comparable with those in age-matched controls without ECMO. These results do not provide an argument for withholding enteral nutrition even in the most severely ill neonates on venoarterial ECMO.

Analysis of Variance↗

Effect of subtotal colectomy on gastric emptying of a solid meal in slow-transit constipation.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic slow-transit constipation is considered a panenteral disease in which patients may have delayed gastric emptying. The effects of total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis on upper gut motility are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate gastric emptying in patients with idiopathic slow-transit constipation before and after subtotal colectomy. METHODS: Gastric emptying of a solid meal was studied by scintigraphic technique in 11 patients with idiopathic slow-transit constipation. The total colonic transit time was more than 72 hours in all patients studied, with delay in transit in all segments of the colon. The gastric emptying test was repeated 3 to 6 months after total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis in ten of these patients. Before and after surgery, patients filled out a questionnaire to record upper gut symptoms. RESULTS: Solid gastric emptying was delayed (T1/2 > upper limit of normal) in 7 of 11 patients with idiopathic slow-transit constipation. Gastric emptying T1/2 was almost similar before and after surgery. Mean +/- standard deviation was 142 +/- 91 minutes before surgery and 146 +/- 67 minutes after surgery. Symptoms of vomiting and belching improved significantly after surgery. Symptoms of nausea, bloating, and pyrosis also decreased, but these changes failed to reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Despite a reduction in upper gut symptoms, total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis does not improve delayed gastric emptying in patients with idiopathic slow-transit constipation.

Adult↗

Basal and fat-stimulated plasma peptide YY levels in celiac disease.

The distal gut hormone peptide YY (PYY) mediates feedback inhibition of gastric acid secretion, gastrointestinal motility, and pancreatic enzyme output. To investigate the influence of maldigestion on PYY, we determined plasma PYY levels in patients with celiac disease under basal conditions and in response to intraduodenal fat. Basal PYY was increased in untreated celiac patients (N = 13) compared to patients on a gluten free diet (N = 9) [15.6 (11.8-27.0) pM vs 12.2 (10.1-13.1) pM; P < 0.05] and compared to control subjects (N = 15) [9.5 (8.3-10.4) pM; P < 0.001]. Integrated PYY in response to intraduodenally infused predigested fat (1071+/-293 pM 80 min) was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than in response to undigested fat (322+/-223 pM 80 min) in six untreated celiacs. Plasma concentrations of PYY and cholecystokinin were strongly correlated (r = 0.79; P < 0.001). We conclude that basal PYY levels in untreated celiac disease are elevated, that predigestion of fat enhances PYY release in these patients, and that PYY secretion is correlated with CCK release.

Case-Control Studies↗

A systematic comparison of triple therapies for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection with proton pump inhibitor/ ranitidine bismuth citrate plus clarithromycin and either amoxicillin or a nitroimidazole.

BACKGROUND: Triple therapies with proton pump inhibitor/ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC), clarithromycin (C) and either amoxicillin (A) or a nitroimidazole (I) are widely accepted as treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection. However, it is not clear which of these antibiotic combinations should be preferred. AIM: To evaluate whether there is a difference in efficacy between triple therapies with proton pump inhibitor/RBC, clarithromycin and either amoxicillin or a nitroimidazole. METHODS: The literature was examined for randomized trials comparing proton pump inhibitor/RBC-C-A and proton pump inhibitor/RBC-C-I. Studies were grouped according to the type of acid inhibitor used (proton pump inhibitor or RBC) and differences between pooled cure rates were calculated. RESULTS: Forty-seven studies were identified: seven using RBC, 39 using proton pump inhibitor, one using both. RBC-C-I was somewhat superior to RBC-C-A, although this difference only reached statistical significance in intention-to-treat analysis. Overall, proton pump inhibitor-C-I and proton pump inhibitor-C-A were equally effective, but in nitroimidazole-susceptible strains, proton pump inhibitor-C-I performed better, in nitroimidazole-resistant strains, proton pump inhibitor-C-A performed better. No serious side-effects were reported and pooled drop-out rates were equal. CONCLUSIONS: In general, proton pump inhibitor-C-I and proton pump inhibitor-C-A are equally effective and therefore other factors such as local prevalence of resistant strains, cost of therapy and options for second-line treatment should determine which regimen should be preferred. When using RBC, the RBC-C-I combination is somewhat superior to RBC-C-A.

Amoxicillin↗

Helicobacter pylori infection as a risk factor for gastrointestinal symptoms in patients using aspirin to prevent ischaemic heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin use in the secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease may provoke gastrointestinal discomfort. OBJECTIVE: To register gastrointestinal symptoms and complications in patients with cardiovascular disease using aspirin and to relate these symptoms to infection with H. pylori. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 398 consecutive patients in the Coronary-Care Unit, University Hospital Nijmegen and analysed for serum antibody levels to H. pylori infection. Questionnaires were sent 2 weeks after discharge to assess gastrointestinal symptoms. RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned by 314 patients (79%). A total of 183 out of 314 patients (46%) reported gastrointestinal symptoms. Of 238 patients using 80-100 mg aspirin daily, 145 (61%) recorded gastrointestinal symptoms. Besides aspirin, the use of calcium antagonists was correlated with gastrointestinal symptoms. Of the 128 patients using calcium antagonists, 84 (66%) reported gastrointestinal symptoms. The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in H. pylori-positive and -negative patients using aspirin was 48% and 52%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Two weeks after discharge almost 50% of the patients with cardiovascular disease experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, especially patients using aspirin or calcium antagonists. Patients seropositive for H. pylori and using aspirin or calcium antagonists did not have more gastrointestinal discomfort compared to non-infected patients.

Aspirin↗

Effect of circulating peptide YY on gallbladder emptying in humans.

BACKGROUND: To further establish its role in the ileal brake mechanism, we determined the effect of the distal gut hormone peptide YY (PYY) on gallbladder motility and plasma gut hormones during the cephalic phase of meal stimulation. METHODS: Eight healthy volunteers were studied in a randomized crossover design, with or without intravenous infusion of a physiological dose of PYY. On each occasion, subjects underwent modified sham feeding followed by real feeding. RESULTS: PYY reduced gallbladder emptying in response to modified sham feeding from 23 +/- 5% to 5 +/- 7% (P < 0.01) and integrated plasma pancreatic polypeptide from 2337 +/- 397 pmol/L x 90 min to 903 +/- 232 pmol/L x 90 min (P < 0.01). PYY enhanced plasma cholecystokinin in response to real feeding from 53 +/- 9 pmol/L x 90 min to 82 +/- 17 pmol/L x 90 min (P < 0.05), but did not significantly affect maximum gallbladder emptying and tended to decrease plasma pancreatic polypeptide. CONCLUSION: Circulating PYY suppresses the cephalic phase of postprandial gallbladder emptying, but not meal stimulated maximum emptying. The results support the hypothesis that the effect of PYY on gallbladder emptying is mediated by vagal-dependent rather than cholecystokinin-dependent pathways.

Adult↗

Glutathione S-transferases in small intestinal mucosa of patients with coeliac disease.

Patients with villous atrophy due to coeliac disease have an increased risk of developing small intestinal malignancies. Intestinal glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferases (GST) are involved in the protection against carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate GSH content and GST enzyme activity in small intestinal mucosa of untreated coeliacs compared to controls. We evaluated GSH content and GST enzyme activity, including the levels of GST classes alpha, mu, pi and theta, in small intestinal biopsies of untreated coeliacs (flat mucosa, Marsh IIIC, n = 12) compared to normal subjects (n = 23). Next, we evaluated GSH and GST's in coeliacs in remission (Marsh 0 - I, n = 11), coeliacs with persisting villous atrophy while on a gluten-free diet (partial villous atrophy, Marsh IIIA (n = 5); subtotal villous atrophy, Marsh IIIB (n = 6)) and patients with infiltrative / crypt-hyperplastic Marsh II lesions (n = 4). Total GST enzyme activity and content of GSTalpha are markedly suppressed in Marsh IIIC lesions compared to controls (resp. 220 +/- 79 vs. 464 +/- 189 nmol / mg protein*min (P < 0.001) and 2.79 +/- 2.46 vs. 6.47 +/- 2.29 mg / mg protein (P < 0.001)). In coeliacs in remission these levels normalized. Total GST enzyme activity and GSTalpha levels are proportionately lowered according to the degree of mucosal pathology in Marsh II, IIIA and IIIB. (Spearman's sigma correlation coefficient for total GST, -0.596, P < 0.001; GSTalpha, -0.620, P < 0.001). GSTmu, pi and theta and GSH levels are not significantly different in the selected study groups of mucosal pathology compared to controls. Total GST enzyme activity and content of GSTalpha in small intestinal mucosa are significantly lower in untreated coeliac disease compared to controls. In Marsh II, IIIA and IIIB, GST enzyme activity and GSTalpha content are proportionally lower according to the degree of mucosal pathology. Normal values are seen in coeliacs in remission. This correlation between coeliac disease and a suppressed GSH / GST detoxification system may explain in part the carcinogenic risk in untreated coeliac disease.

Adult↗

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori restores glutathione S-transferase activity and glutathione levels in antral mucosa.

Glutathione S-transferases (GST) and glutathione peroxidases (GPO) are important in detoxification. GST activity in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract is inversely correlated with the development of gastrointestinal cancer. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been associated with gastric cancer. We studied GST activity and the substrate glutathione (GSH) in patients with H. pylori-associated gastritis. GST activity and isoenzyme levels, GPO activity and GSH levels were studied in antral biopsies of 38 H. pylori-positive patients, before and after eradication treatment. In 31 patients in whom H. pylori was successfully eradicated, antral GST enzyme activity before therapy was 532 (465 - 598) nmol / mg protein. min (mean and 95% confidence interval) and that after therapy was 759 (682 - 836) nmol / mg protein. min (P < 0.0001). Correspondingly, levels of GST alpha and GST-P1 were higher after eradication (P < 0.001). GSH concentration significantly increased: 21.2 (16.2 - 26.2) nmol / mg protein before and 27.1 (23.6 - 30.6) nmol / mg protein after therapy (P < 0.05). In 7 patients in whom H. pylori was not eradicated, GST activity was 671 (520 - 823) nmol / mg protein. min and 599 (348 - 850) nmol / mg protein before and after treatment respectively (P = 0.32). GSH levels were 17.4 (9.0 - 25.7) nmol / mg protein and 18.2 (9.1 - 27.3) nmol / mg protein, respectively (P = 0.84). No differences in antral GPO enzyme activity, both of selenium (Se)-dependent and total GPO, before and after successful treatment were found. Eradication of H. pylori infection increases GST activity and GSH levels in antral mucosa. Low GST activity and GSH concentration due to H. pylori infection might play a role in gastric carcinogenesis.

Adult↗

Effect of exogenous cholecystokinin (CCK)-8 on food intake and plasma CCK, leptin, and insulin concentrations in older and young adults: evidence for increased CCK activity as a cause of the anorexia of aging.

Healthy aging is associated with reductions in appetite and food intake--the so-called anorexia of aging, which may predispose to protein-energy malnutrition. One possible cause of the anorexia of aging is an increased satiating effect of cholecystokinin (CCK). To investigate the impact of aging on the satiating effects of CCK, 12 young and 12 older healthy subjects received 25-min iv infusions of saline (control) and CCK-8, 1 ng/kg per min or 3 ng/k per min, on 3 separate days before a test meal. Older subjects ate less than young subjects, and food intake was suppressed 21.6% by CCK-8, compared with the control day (P < 0.05). The suppression of energy intake by CCK-8 in older subjects was twice that in young subjects (32 +/- 6% vs. 16 +/- 6% SEM, P < 0.05) and was related to plasma CCK-8 concentrations, which were higher at baseline (P < 0.05) and increased more during CCK-8 infusions in older than young subjects (P < 0.01). The extent of suppression of food intake per given rise in plasma CCK-8 concentrations did not differ between the two age groups (P = 0.35). Endogenous CCK concentrations were higher at baseline in older subjects (P < 0.001) and decreased during the CCK-8 but not control infusions (P < 0.01), suggesting that CCK suppresses its own release. Plasma leptin concentrations were not affected by CCK infusion, whereas postprandial insulin concentrations were lowered and the peak postprandial glucose concentration was delayed but not affected by CCK-8 infusion. Because older people retain their sensitivity to the satiating effects of exogenous CCK and plasma endogenous CCK concentrations are higher in older people, increased CCK activity may contribute to the anorexia of aging.

Adult↗

[From gene to disease; hereditary pancreatitis].

Hereditary pancreatitis is an autosomal dominant form of chronic pancreatitis. It presents with recurrent attacks of acute pancreatitis, usually starting in early childhood. The attacks may vary from mild abdominal pain to pancreatic necrosis, splenic vein thrombosis, pseudocysts and death. Ultimately chronic pancreatitis ensues with unrelenting pain, calcifications, endocrine and exocrine dysfunction. The penetrance is estimated at 80%. With the use of genetic linkage analysis the gene for hereditary pancreatitis was placed on the long arm of chromosome 7 (7q35). Mutational analysis identified cationic trypsinogen as the disease gene. Cationic trypsinogen mutations are thought to result in resistance of this molecule to autolysis.

Adult↗

Diagnostic performance of biopsy-based methods for determination of Helicobacter pylori infection without a reference standard.

Endoscopic biopsy-based tests are considered to be the reference method for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection and monitoring antibiotic treatment, but unbiased data on their diagnostic performance is lacking. In this study we evaluated the diagnostic performance of culture, histology and rapid urease testing of antral biopsies separately and in combination. Antral biopsies were taken from consecutive patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopies at a single center between January 1995 and May 1997. The biopsies were examined for culture, histology, and CLOtest. The diagnostic performance, i.e., the sensitivity and specificity of the tests was estimated with 7 non-linear equations in 7 unknowns. To determine sources of heterogeneity that may have biased the results, data were stratified for age, gender, and whether they were taken before or after anti-Helicobacter antibiotic treatment. During the study period 631 patients underwent 869 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies. In 122 (14%) of the antral specimens the test results of culture, histology and CLOtest differed. Based on the nonlinear regression techniques we estimated that in 347 tests (40%) H. pylori infection was present. Overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value for each test were as follows: culture 91.4%, 96.3%, 94.2%, 94.4%, respectively; histology 90.3%, 97.8%, 96.4%, 93.8%, respectively; CLOtest 94.9%, 96.7%, 95.0%, 96.6%, respectively. In combination, the three tests provided the definitive diagnosis, either non-infected or infected, in 862 out of the 869 tests. Sensitivity of gastric antral histology was 64.9% (95% CI: 38-86) in females who did and 84.5% (95% CI: 77-90) in females who did not have had recent antibiotic therapy to cure the infection. Approximately 5-10% of H. pylori infected patients, were mis-diagnosed with a single biopsy-based test taken from the gastric antrum. Only a combination of bacterial culture, histological examination and the CLOtest represents an appropriate reference standard for research purposes to identify infected patients.

Adult↗

Antral glutathione concentration and glutathione S-transferase activity in patients with and without Helicobacter pylori.

Previously we demonstrated an inverse relation between cancer of the gastrointestinal tract and glutathione S-transferase activity of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Chronic infection with H. pylori has been associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of glutathione and glutathione S-transferase activity in H. pylori-infected and noninfected antral mucosa. Glutathione and glutathione S-transferases were measured in antral biopsies of patients with nonulcer dyspepsia without H. pylori infection (A), with prior H. pylori infection who became H. pylori negative after eradication therapy (B) and with proven H. pylori infection (C). Glutathione concentration and glutathione S-transferase activity in group A were 31.0 (range 6.0-59.6) nmol/mg protein and 810 (range 165-1312) nmol/min/mg protein, in group B 27.0 (range 5.0-53.8) nmol/mg protein and 745 (range 403-1199) nmol/min/mg protein, and in group C 18.5 (range 1.6-55.8) nmol/mg protein and 572 (range 144-1047) nmol/min/mg protein, respectively. The glutathione and glutathione S-transferase values were significantly lower in patients infected with H. pylori than in patients who were H. pylori negative.

Adult↗

Bismuth-based quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori - a single triple capsule plus lansoprazole.

BACKGROUND: Recently a new 'all in one' single capsule with the three components of bismuth-based triple therapy became available in trials for treating Helicobacter pylori. AIM: To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of this new capsule when combined with lansoprazole. METHODS: A total of 66 consecutive infected patients from a single centre received two single triple capsules four times daily and lansoprazole 30 mg b.d. for 7 days. Each capsule contained 60 mg of bismuth subcitrate, 125 mg of tetracycline and 125 mg of metronidazole. Endoscopy with biopsies for CLO-test, histology and culture from antrum and corpus was performed before and at least 5 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: The per protocol cure rate was 56/64 (88%, 95% CI: 79-95%); by intention-to-treat 56/65 (86%, 95% CI: 78-95%). The per protocol cure rate in metronidazole sensitive strains was 40/43 (93%, 95% CI: 85-100%); in resistant strains 5/9 (56%, 95% CI: 23-88%). There was one drop-out due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to combine the components of bismuth-based triple therapy into a single capsule. Based on the results it can be assumed that the capsule releases its content in the stomach. When combined with lansoprazole it reaches high cure rates, especially in metronidazole sensitive strains. This new approach simplifies bismuth-based anti-Helicobacter therapy.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

Review article: treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection with ranitidine bismuth citrate- or proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapies.

Triple therapy, combining a proton pump inhibitor with clarithromycin (C) and either amoxycillin (A) or a nitro-imidazole (I) is the standard in Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. Recently, triple therapies based on ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC) have emerged as an alternative. This review examines the current literature for studies directly comparing proton pump inhibitor- with RBC-based triple therapies. Seventeen studies were identified, of which three have been published as a full paper. Eradication rates in an intention-to-treat analysis ranged from 51 to 98%. No large difference in cure rates between the different regimens was demonstrated, although the RBC-I-C combination was somewhat superior. No definite conclusions could be made about the impact of metronidazole or clarithromycin resistance since only three studies performed a formal resistance analysis. No serious side-effects were reported, and dropout rates were equal for the two regimens. Both RBC- and proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapies are highly effective. If one prefers a imidazole/clarithromycin combination the evidence presented here suggests that RBC should be used instead of a proton pump inhibitor. Larger studies comparing both forms of triple therapy, using proper resistance analysis, are needed before final conclusions can be reached regarding efficacy in the setting of bacterial resistance.

Amoxicillin↗

Role of circulating peptide YY in the inhibition of gastric acid secretion by dietary fat in humans.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal fat inhibits gastric acid secretion and induces release of peptide YY (PYY) into the circulation. The aim of this study was to further establish the role of circulating PYY in the inhibition of gastric acid secretion by intraduodenal fat. METHODS: Plasma PYY concentrations and gastrin-stimulated gastric acid output were measured in response to intravenous infusion of PYY in eight healthy men. The results were compared with those obtained after intraduodenal administration of dietary fat. RESULTS: Plasma PYY concentrations increased by 8.1 +/- 1.8 pmol/l (P < 0.005) in response to the lower and by 13.5 +/- 2.5 pmol/l (P < 0.005) in response to the higher PYY dose. These increments were comparable to those observed after intraduodenal fat (10.3 +/- 2.4 pmol/l). Intraduodenal fat significantly inhibited (P < 0.005 versus control) gastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion by 74% +/- 6%, but neither the lower (3% +/- 7%; NS) nor the higher PYY dose (1% +/- 10%; NS) induced any change in gastric acid output. PYY was biologically active, as reflected by a significant delay (P = 0.04) of orocaecal transit time. CONCLUSION: Release of PYY into the circulation is not responsible for inhibition of gastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion by dietary fat.

Adult↗

Plasma cholecystokinin, plasma peptide YY and gallbladder motility in patients with slow transit constipation: effect of intestinal stimulation.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Because cholecystokinin and peptide YY are gut hormones with potent effects on gastrointestinal motility, we determined whether abnormalities of cholecystokinin and peptide YY exist in slow transit constipation. METHODS: Plasma concentrations of these hormones before, during and after intraduodenal infusion of a liquid meal in 21 patients with slow transit constipation were compared with the results in 8 healthy controls. RESULTS: Fasting levels of plasma cholecystokinin (3.1+/-0.2 vs. 2.4+/-0.2 pM; p = 0.02) were higher in patients. Basal plasma peptide YY (11.4+/-1.4 vs. 8.9+/-0.7 pM; p = 0.1) tended to be higher in patients. After the meal (60-90 min), incremental cholecystokinin (p<0.05), but not peptide YY, was significantly higher in patients. During intraduodenal infusion of the meal (0-60 min), incremental plasma cholecystokinin (251+/-20 pM.min) and peptide YY (1,146+/-186 pM. min) in patients were almost similar to control values (262+/-22 and 901+/-166 pM. min). Gallbladder volumes before, during and after the meal were not different between the 2 groups. Gastric emptying of a solid meal was delayed in the majority of patients (12 of 18). Abnormalities of plasma cholecystokinin were observed only in patients with delayed gastric emptying. CONCLUSION: Plasma levels of cholecystokinin are elevated in the fasting state and decrease more slowly after stimulation, but maximum release in response to intestinal nutrients is not altered in patients with slow transit constipation. The abnormality seems to be confined to a subgroup of patients with delayed gastric emptying.

Adult↗