The role of anti-oxidants in the chemoprevention of gastric cancer.
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Antioxidants↗
Biomedical subjects
M Plebani
Publications and source records attributed to M Plebani.
Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), histamine and tryptase in peripheral blood before and during inhalation challenge with toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in sensitized subjects.
To determine whether the measurement of specific markers of inflammatory cells in peripheral blood might be used to detect the inflammatory activity in the airways in asthma induced by toluene diisocyanate (TDI), we measured the levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), histamine and tryptase in peripheral blood before and during inhalation challenge with TDI or methacholine in two groups of subjects who exhibited or did not exhibit an asthmatic reaction after exposure to toluene diisocyanate in the laboratory. When the subjects developed a late asthmatic reaction after exposure to TDI, they showed an increase in their ECP serum levels. By contrast, there were no significant changes in serum ECP levels after exposure to TDI in the control group or after methacholine challenge in either group. Tryptase levels in serum were not detectable before or during inhalation challenge with TDI or methacholine. There was no significant increase in plasma histamine levels during inhalation challenge with TDI or methacholine. These results suggest that eosinophils are 'activated' in subjects who develop a late asthmatic reaction after exposure to TDI and that the measurement of ECP levels in peripheral blood may be a useful marker to monitor airway inflammation.
Administration, Inhalation↗
Serum markers of hepatic fibrogenesis in chronic hepatitis type C treated with alfa-2A interferon.
Hepatic fibrogenesis is a dynamic process which characterizes the course of chronic hepatitis. It has stimulated interest in the possible effect of interferon therapy on liver fibrosis. We have evaluated a panel of serum markers of fibrogenesis, namely N-terminal procollagen III peptide (PII-INP), C-terminal procollagen I peptide (PICP), laminin and hyaluronate in 35 patients with chronic hepatitis type C, before, during and after interferon treatment. Before treatment, PIIINP was elevated in 8.5%, 44% and 71% of patients with chronic persistent hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis, respectively, while the corresponding figures for PICP were 0%, 50% and 46%, and for laminin 16.5%, 70% and 71%; hyaluronate was elevated in only five out of seven patients with cirrhosis. Patients with high PIIINP levels at presentation and a persistent response to treatment showed persistent normalization of this parameter, which was not observed in non-responders. In contrast, the other markers showed no significant correlation with interferon response. These results indicate that PIIINP correlates with interferon response in chronic hepatitis type C.
Adult↗
Effect of experimental colitis on bone metabolism in the rat.
The influence of experimental colitis, induced by trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid with ethanol, on bone mineralisation and mineral metabolism was investigated in male rats. Three days after colitis induction, there was a significant rise (p < 0.01) in urinary calcium excretion, which was still present 20 days later (p < 0.05). Three weeks after colitis induction, urinary hydroxyproline excretion was significantly increased (p < 0.01), while urinary cyclic AMP and phosphorus decreased. Colitis was associated with reduced bone density (p < 0.025), ash weight (p < 0.05) and calcium/volume ratio (p < 0.05), whereas no change was found for bone volume and the phosphorus/volume and magnesium/volume ratios. Serum minerals remained unchanged. We conclude that chronic experimental colitis in the rat leads to resorptive hypercalciuria, increased urinary hydroxyproline and osteopenia. Considering site of inflammation, diet, sex, and absence of therapy, inflammatory mediators, e.g. cytokines, with known catabolic effects on bone, might be involved in the pathogenesis of osteopenia.
Animals↗
Effect of age on gastric acid, pepsin, pepsinogen group A and gastrin secretion in peptic ulcer patients.
To verify the effect of age on gastric secretions in gastric (GU) and duodenal ulcer (DU) patients, we carried out a retrospective study evaluating basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion in 427 peptic ulcer subjects aged between 12 and 73 years (GU = 74, DU = 353) in addition to studying gastric juice pepsin, serum pepsinogen group A (PGA) and gastrin in 175 patients (GU = 28, DU = 147). All subjects were then divided into groups according to their sex and age (< 30, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and > 60 years). Basal, maximal and peak acid outputs (BAO, MAO, PAO) were unchanged in the various age groups, though MAO and PAO were higher in males than females and in DU than in those with GU, even in the elderly (> 60 years). Pepsin and gastrin levels were unchanged at the various ages in GU and DU, while PGA was higher in males with DU aged 50 or over. This demonstrates that acid, pepsin and gastrin secretions do not change with age in ulcer patients. Acid secretion retains its typical distribution according to pathology (DU > GU) and sex (males > females), and also appears to have a fundamental pathogenetic role in peptic ulcer in the elderly.
Adolescent↗
Lipid peroxidation and renal tubular damage in chronic pancreatic diseases: is there any relationship?
Lipid peroxidation is one of the most important expression of oxidative stress induced by oxygen-derived free radicals. Here we evaluate the behavior of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum and urine from patients with chronic pancreatic diseases, with respect to patients with extra-pancreatic digestive diseases and glomerulonephritis. Serum and urinary phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity was also determined, since this enzyme contributes to damage of plasma membranes. MDA and PLA2 levels increased in the sera from most of the patients with pancreatic and extra-pancreatic digestive diseases. In glomerulonephritis, pathological MDA levels (36%), but not PLA2 levels, were found. Serum MDA correlated with gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), while PLA2 correlated with alanine-phosphodiesterase (ALP), GGT, alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and creatinine. In urine, MDA and PLA2 behaved differently from the corresponding serum values. MDA increased in some patients with pancreatic cancer, extra-pancreatic diseases and glomerulonephritis. PLA2 levels did not significantly vary between groups. Urinary MDA correlated with some indicators of renal tubular damage [urinary ribonuclease, beta-2-microglobulin (B-2-M) and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NGA)] and with serum bilirubin. Urinary PLA2 correlated only with ribonuclease (RNase). We conclude that serum MDA increases aspecifically in pancreatic and extra-pancreatic diseases, probably reflecting an aspecific phlogistic phenomenon; PLA2, although sharing a similar pattern with MDA, seems mainly related to hepato-biliary damage. Urinary MDA reflects the presence of renal tubular damage, which may be the cause or a consequence of lipid peroxidation; little variations in PLA2 are recorded in urine, and mainly reflect the presence of impaired tubular function.
Adult↗
[Specific IgE in the gastric and duodenal mucosa. An epiphenomenon or pathogenetic mechanism of some forms of "peptic" ulcer?].
Allergic mechanisms have been shown to induce gastric and intestinal damage in animal models. It has been demonstrated that people allergic to food may complain of gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore food allergens can induce gastric mucosal damage in sensitized people. Little is known as regards allergic mechanisms underlying "peptic" ulcers although there are reports suggesting that some forms of gastric and duodenal ulcer may be caused by allergy. AIM. Of the study was to evidence if IgE specific to food and inhalants are localized in gastric and duodenal mucosa and if the in vitro incubation of gastric and duodenal biopsies with specific allergens, stimulate mast-cell mediators. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Twenty-one patients affected by gastric/duodenal ulcers (14 with high total IgE serum levels) and 16 controls were studied. All patients were submitted to upper digestive endoscopy and biopsies were taken from gastric fundus, body and antrum and duodenal bulb. Specific IgE to food and inhalant allergens were tested after homogenization of biopsies, using commercial kits. In 3 selected patients, 3 biopsies from gastric fundus and 3 from duodenal bulb were taken. After incubation of mucosal of mucosal biopsies with allergens (wheat, lactoalbumin, Parietaria J. pollen), the release of histamine and tryptase was measured. The release of Pepsinogen A was measured in the same conditions, as control. RESULTS. Specific IgE to food and inhalants allergens have been found in 164/586 tests (27.9%) of "peptic" ulcer patients and in 17/430 tests (4%) of controls. The duodenal bulb resulted the site in which most frequently IgE have been found. The release of histamine and tryptase has been stimulated only in 1/6 tests by incubation of biopsies with specific allergens in patients with specific IgE. PG-A release has been always stimulated by incubation of gastric biopsies, but not duodenal biopsies, with all tested allergens. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION. Specific IgE may be localized in gastric and duodenal mucosa of patients with "peptic" ulcer and/or food allergy. This event is linked to high total IgE serum levels and in a lesser extent, intestinal parasitosis, it is not strictly correlated with specific IgE in the serum and it regards both food and inhalant allergens. No relevant effects were observed after incubation of specific allergens with gastric or duodenal mucosa biopsies containing specific IgE. The possibility that higher allergens concentration stimulate mediator release from mast cells should be investigated. A defect of the gastric or duodenal epithelial barrier which permit a passage way for proteins with subsequent IgE production in the submucosa, appears to be the cause of localization of specific IgE in stomach and duodenum.
Adult↗
Toluene diisocyanate-stimulated release of arachidonic acid metabolites in the organ bath from guinea-pig airways.
This study was designed to evaluate whether metabolites of arachidonic acid play a role in the contractile response to toluene diisocyanate in isolated guinea pig airways. In control experiments we collected the supernatant from an organ bath over a time period of 2 h, after the addition of toluene diisocyanate (100 and 300 microM), and after the addition of toluene diisocyanate (300 microM) in the presence of indomethacin (5 microM). We measured prostaglandin E2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, prostaglandin F2 alpha, thromboxane B2, leukotriene B4, leukotriene C4/D4/E4/F4 by radioimmunoassays. Levels of prostaglandin F2 alpha and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha increased significantly after addition of toluene diisocyanate in the absence of indomethacin. These results suggest that prostaglandins are involved in toluene diisocyanate-induced contractions in guinea-pig airways.
Animals↗
Concentrated ascitic fluid reinfusion after cascade filtration in tense ascites.
A new method for concentrated ascitic fluid reinfusion using a double ultrafiltration device is reported as 22 procedures in 20 cirrhotic patients (6 females, 14 males; median age 55 years, range 33-69) with tense, refractory ascites. Eight of the 20 patients had elevated creatinine levels. The mean time for each procedure was 189 +/- 82 min, during which a mean of 7.7 liters (1.3-13.3) of ultrafiltered ascitic fluid was removed and 613 ml (140-1700) of concentrated ascitic fluid rich in albumin (mean: 60 g, range 14-175) was reinfused. The procedure resulted in a mean weight loss of 8.1 kg (2.2-14.0) and a mean increase of 163 ml in urine output (24 hr). A reduction in the serum creatinine level (P < 0.05) and an increase in the plasma atrial natriuretic factor level (P < 0.02) 24 hr after reinfusion, while no changes in serum albumin, plasma and urinary electrolytes, plasma renin activity, aldosterone, and antidiuretic hormone levels were noted. Although minor evidence for a disturbance in coagulation was observed, there were no episodes of clinical bleeding. Four patients (20%) had transient chills or fever. Based upon this experience, it can be concluded that reinfusion of cascade filtered and concentrated ascitic fluid is a rapid, safe, and effective treatment for patients with tense ascites; it appears to have less side effects than more traditional methods and importantly does not require administration of heterologous plasma derivatives.
Adult↗
Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid administration on bile duct proliferation and cholestasis in bile duct ligated rat.
The origin, mechanism, and significance of the bile duct proliferation (BDP) associated with cholestasis remain unexplained. This study examined the effect of oral administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on both BDP and cholestasis in the rat. After bile duct ligation, male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated for 30 days with either UDCA (5 mg/day) (group A) or saline solution (group B). Animals were sacrificed at day 30. The serum activity of aminotransferase (ALT, AST), alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in the UDCA-treated rats. Total serum bilirubin and total serum bile acids were lower (P < 0.001) in group A. Moreover, the control of BA in bile was reduced also (P < 0.02). Conversely, serum cholesterol levels were not different between the two groups. Histological examination showed that the number of ductular cells in the portal areas was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced in UDCA-treated as compared to saline-treated rats. The replication activity, assessed as the number of bromodeoxyuridine-positive cells, was also significantly lower in treated animals (33 +/- 11 vs 64 +/- 22 per 1000 cells; P < 0.001). Lobular bile ductules were three times larger in group B, and extrahepatic duct measurements confirmed this increase in size of the larger biliary ducts (P < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that UDCA reduces BDP in response to BD ligation. Although the mechanism(s) of this effect is still hypothetical, UDCA may reduce the level of irritating bile salts such as chenodeoxycholic acid and lithocolate and increase periductular bile acid recirculation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
Serum and salivary caffeine clearance in cirrhosis. Any role in selection for surgery and timing for transplantation?
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Adult↗
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with precancerous changes and gastric cancer.
Several papers suggested a role for H. pylori infection in gastric cancer. We evaluated the prevalence of H. pylori infection in an endoscopic population of patients with gastric precancerous conditions and lesions by studying biopsies from 252 patients and recording the presence and degree of H. pylori infection. Patients were subgrouped as follows: chronic non-atrophic gastritis (CG), chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), intestinal metaplasia (IM), epithelial dysplasia (ED) and gastric cancer (K). As control populations, patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) and patients with no endoscopic and histologic damage (CO) were investigated. H. pylori infection rate increased with age, but became significantly lower (P < 0.001) with the progression of gastric mucosal damage: DU 85%, CG 72%, CAG 58%, particularly in the antral type (39%), IM 63% overall, ED 44% and K 35%. The density of colonization showed the same trend (P < 0.001). Of the K patients, only 36% were H. pylori positive in the adjacent mucosa. Anti-H. pylori antibodies (IgG, IgA and IgM) were also tested. A concordance in the diagnosis between histology and serology was obtained in 82% of the cases. In our experience, H. pylori infection correlates inversely with the presence of gastric precancerous changes and cancer. A cautious interpretation of the epidemiological data regarding H. pylori infection and gastric cancer is therefore, in our opinion, mandatory.
Adolescent↗
Sex hormones and trace elements in rat CCL4-induced cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Several biochemical events accompany and mediate the development of chronic liver disease and its evolution into cancer. Low plasma zinc and high copper levels have been observed in various liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis and viral hepatitis, while increased oestradiol levels have been documented in chronic liver damage and hepatocellular carcinoma. We administered CCL4 intragastrically to 10 female Sprague Dawley rats for 30 weeks. All animals developed cirrhosis and four also developed hepatocellular carcinoma. Plasma levels of zinc, copper and oestradiol were significantly higher in the latter group than in animals with simple cirrhosis. Progesterone, AST and bilirubin showed a trend toward significant differences whereas testosterone and ALP levels were unchanged. These findings add to the evidence that sex hormones and trace elements are involved in the process of the development of chronic liver damage and carcinogenesis.
Alkaline Phosphatase↗
Effect of beclomethasone dipropionate nasal aerosol on serum markers of bone metabolism in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Thirty-nine children with grass pollen hay fever were randomly treated with nasal inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) 200 or 400 microg/day or sodium cromoglycate (SCG) 30 mg/day for 2 months during the pollen season. Serum osteocalcin (OC), parathyroid hormone (PTH), total alkaline phosphatase (AP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and type I collagen telopeptide (ICTP) were measured immediately before, 1 and 2 months after treatment and 1 week after stopping the therapy. No significant changes in OC, PTH, AP, BAP and ICTP serum level occurred within each group. Minor and probably clinically insignificant between group differences were occasionally found. Our study shows that BDP nasal spray has no significant effect on common markers of bone metabolism.
Administration, Intranasal↗
Biliary hyperpressure in rat extrahepatic cholestasis alters horseradish peroxidase biliary excretion.
1. The authors investigated the effect of two extrahepatic cholestasis models (one by bile duct ligation and the other by choledocho-jugular fistula) on the hepatic clearance of horseradish peroxidase in male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into four groups. 2. In groups A (n = 5 rats) and B (n = 5), bile duct ligation was performed, while a choledocho-jugular fistula was created in groups C (n = 5) and D (n = 7). A 10 mg intravenous bolus of horseradish peroxidase was injected after 24 h (groups A and C), 48 h (groups B and D) or 1 h (Group E; five sham-operated rats). Serum and bile samples were then serially collected for 2 h. 3. In all groups, serum horseradish peroxidase levels increased soon after injection and then rapidly decreased, the curves being similar. Biliary excretion increased for 30 min and then slowly decreased. The highest horseradish peroxidase biliary concentrations and outputs were found in Group B followed by Group A; both groups had significantly higher levels than Group E. No difference was found between horseradish peroxidase biliary excretion of groups C and D and that of sham-operated rats. 4. When each group was considered separately, sampling times correlated with the corresponding ratios of bile/plasma HRP. Significant differences were found between the relative slopes of groups A, B and E, but not between those of groups C, D and E. 5. In conclusion, bile duct obstruction greatly affects the plasma-bile transfer of fluid phase markers, such as horseradish peroxidase, while single retention, caused by choledocho-jugular fistula, has no influence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
Chronic nicotine intake causes vascular dysregulation in the rat gastric mucosa.
Chronic cigarette smoking has adverse effects on peptic ulcer disease because the healing of ulcers is delayed and the incidence of relapses is enhanced. Short term intake of nicotine induces vascular damage in the rat gastric mucosa, but the pathophysiological mechanisms of nicotine's action in the stomach are largely unknown. In this study rats were treated with nicotine, added to their drinking water, for 50 days. They were then anaesthetised and their stomachs perfused with acidified acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Chronic nicotine treatment failed to change the effects of acidified ASA to induce gastric mucosal acid back diffusion, haemorrhagic damage and bleeding. Basal blood flow in the gastric mucosa was also unchanged by chronic nicotine intake, whereas the mucosal hyperaemia evoked by ASA induced acid back diffusion was averted. The concentrations of sulfidoleukotrienes were significantly augmented in the gastric wall of nicotine treated rats. These data show that chronic nicotine intake causes dysregulation of the gastric microcirculation, an effect that is associated with biochemical changes in the stomach. This study thus substantiates the adverse effects of smoking on gastric mucosal pathophysiology. These data suggest that inappropriate regulation of gastric mucosal blood flow inhibits recovery from gastric mucosal injury in smokers.
Animals↗
Pepsinogens in health and disease.
Pepsinogens, precursors of pepsins (potent and abundant digestive enzymes that are the primary products of the gastric chief cells), are members of the family of aspartic proteases. Because of the heterogeneity of pepsinogens, several classifications have appeared in the literature. I describe the recommended classification and nomenclature of the aspartic proteases and discuss their genetics, biochemistry (structure, activation of zymogens, mechanism of proteolytic activity and inhibitors), and physiology. The focus will be on the zymogens of pepsin, the so-called pepsinogens. The measurement of these enzymes in serum is a reliable noninvasive biochemical method for evaluating peptic secretion and obtaining information on the gastric mucosal status. A detailed review of the methods for the measurement of pepsinogens in serum, urine, and gastric mucosa is also provided. Data on pepsinogen levels in healthy subjects are discussed with respect to sex, age, smoking habit, and the presence of a circadian rhythm. The value of pepsinogen measurements in peptic ulcer to determine ulcer outcome and recurrence, in gastric cancer, and in Helicobacter pylori infection is reviewed. Finally, the effects of drugs on peptic secretion are discussed. In light of these data, the measurement of aspartic proteases, and in particular that of pepsinogen A and C, may be regarded as an effective biochemical approach to the evaluation and monitoring of patients with upper gastrointestinal diseases.
Duodenal Ulcer↗
Gastric bicarbonate secretion in high-relapsing, smoking duodenal ulcer patients.
Gastric bicarbonate secretion has been evaluated by Feldman's method in 48 duodenal-ulcer patients. The relationship between smoking, clinical ulcer outcome (healing and recurrence) and bicarbonate secretion has been analysed. Heavy smokers secreted higher bicarbonate ions than did non-smokers. High-relapsing patients produced lower bicarbonate output. These preliminary data suggest that an impaired gastric bicarbonate secretion is associated with smoking, a well-known ulcer-associated factor; further-more, it may single out high-relapsing duodenal ulcer patients.
Adult↗