Gastroprotective Effect of Polypeptide-K Isolated from Momordica charantia’s Seeds on Multiple Experimental Gastric Ulcer Models in Rats

Peptic ulcer disease is a multifactorial disorder and is the most significant public health concern nowadays. Previous study showed that essential oil extracted from Momordica charantia’s seed exhibited gastroprotective effect. However, the evidence for the gastroprotective effect of its active compound, polypeptide K (PPK), remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the preventive effect of PPK against different experimental gastric lesions models in rats. The possible gastroprotective effect of PPK was assessed in hydrochloride ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models in Sprague Dawley rats and was further evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Pyloric ligation experiments were used to investigate gastric secretion. Oral administration of PPK at all concentrations (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) showed significant p < 0.05 reduction in total area of lesion in both hydrochloride ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models. The highest inhibition rate was seen in PPK dose of 50 mg/kg with 64.9% and 72.2% on hydrochloride ethanol and indomethacin models, respectively. Microscopically, PPK preserved the normal architectures of the gastric tissues from being damaged by hydrochloride ethanol and indomethacin. Further, in the pyloric ligation studies, PPK significantly p < 0.05 decreased the ulcer area where the highest protection was exhibited by 50 mg/kg with 70% inhibition rate. Moreover, all concentrations of PPK also significantly p < 0.05 enhanced the gastric wall mucus secretion. Collectively, this study demonstrated the gastroprotective effect of PPK on hydrochloride ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models. The possible mechanism might be associated with enhanced mucus secretion and thus lowering the total acidity.

Ultrastructure and Morphometric Analysis of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Gastric Wall of the Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) play a vital role in the gastrointestinal motility. However, information on ICC in lower vertebrates is rare. Here, ICC and ICC-like features of the gastric wall in the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) were observed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The lengths and distances of the ICC/ICC-like features were measured by morphometric analysis. The gastric wall contained mucosa, submucosa, tunica muscularis, and serosa. The gastric glands contained mucous cells and oxynticopeptic cells. The ICC with 1–3 processes were located among smooth muscle cells (SMC) of the tunica muscularis. Moreover, the ICC-like features were observed among oxynticopeptic cells of the mucosa. The processes of ICC established direct contacts with SMC. Also, the gap junctions were observed between the processes of ICC and nerve fiber bundles in the tunica muscularis. The multivesicular bodies, including shedding exosomes, were frequently observed between ICC and SMC. In addition, ICC-like features and their processes were observed in close proximity to oxynticopeptic cells and blood vessels. Our findings illustrated that ICC are present in the gastric tunica muscularis, and ICC-like features were in the mucosal lamina propria of the gastric wall of R. catesbeiana. These histological evidences supported the notion that ICC are implicated in gastric motility.

Association of ultrasonographic features with histologic findings in 71 dogs with protein-losing nephropathy (2008–2018)

OBJECTIVE To determine whether ultrasonographic features in dogs with protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) were associated with renal biopsy findings and compare corticomedullary ratios between dogs with PLN versus non-renal disease. ANIMALS 71 dogs with PLN and 33 dogs without renal disease. PROCEDURES Medical records and archived ultrasonographic images for dogs with PLN that underwent renal biopsy between 2008 and 2018 were reviewed. Corticomedullary ratios were measured. RESULTS In dogs with PLN, median serum creatinine and BUN concentrations and urine-protein-to-creatinine-ratio prior to renal biopsy were 3.4 mg/dL (interquartile range [IQR], 1.2 to 5.3 mg/dL), 80 mg/dL (IQR, 28 to 105 mg/dL), and 11.4 (IQR, 6.4 to 18.3), respectively. Histologic abnormalities within the tubulointerstitial space were associated with cortical echogenicity. Gastric wall thickness > 5 mm was associated with a histologic diagnosis of acute glomerular disease. Dogs with immune complex–mediated glomerular disease were more likely to have abnormal gastric mural architecture. Other ultrasonographic features of the kidneys, liver, and stomach and the presence of ascites did not help to differentiate immune complex–mediated from non-immune complex–mediated glomerular disease, acute from chronic disease, or amyloid from non-amyloid disease or distinguish whether tubulointerstitial disease was present or absent. Median left corticomedullary ratio for 66 dogs with PLN (1.2) was significantly higher than that for the 33 dogs without renal disease (1.0). Clinical Relevance Ultrasonographic features were poorly associated with specific pathological disorders in dogs with PLN. In this study, the corticomedullary ratio was higher in dogs with PLN, indicating the presence of cortical thickening, but the clinical relevance is unknown.

Gastroprotective Effects of the Aqueous Extract from Taraxacum officinale in Rats Using Ultrasound, Histology, and Biochemical Analysis

Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg. belonging to the family Asteraceae is an edible medicinal plant distributed worldwide. This study aimed to determine the gastroprotective effects of aqueous extract of T. officinale (AETo) in rats using ultrasound, histological, and biochemical analyses. In this study, gastric ulceration was induced by ethanol or piroxicam. Rats were then treated with AETo (3, 30, or 300 mg/kg). The area and histological appearance of gastric ulcers were quantified, and histochemical analysis was performed. The activity of AETo on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers was assessed in the ulcerated tissue. In addition, we investigated the thickness of the gastric wall using the ultrasound technique. Moreover, chemical analyses of AETo were performed. In rats with ethanol- or piroxicam-induced ulcers, AETo reduced the ulceration area, elevated mucin level, and the gastroprotective effect was confirmed by histological analysis. The gastroprotective effect was accompanied by increased activities of SOD, CAT, and GST, as well as an increase in GSH level and reduction in MPO activity. Furthermore, AETo reduced the thickness of the gastric wall in rats. Phytochemical analysis of AETo indicated phenolic acids and flavonoids as the main active compounds. In conclusion, the gastroprotective effect of AETo involves reduction in oxidative stress and inflammatory injury and increase in mucin content. This study advances in the elucidation of mechanisms of gastric protection of T. officinale, contributes to the prospection of new molecules gastroprotective, and proposes the ultrasonographic analyses as a new gastroprotective assessment tool in preclinical studies.

Anisakis pegreffii Larvae in Sphyraena viridensis and Description of Granulomatous Lesions

The aim of the present study was to describe gastric granuloma caused by Anisakis pegreffii in Sphyraena viridensis caught in the central Mediterranean Sea. Sixty-eight S. viridensis specimens were collected from different fish markets on the east coast of Sicily. Coelomic organs were observed both macroscopically and with the aid of stereomicroscope. Parasite specimens and lesioned tissues were collected for identification, histological and molecular analyses. Twelve specimens (p = 17.6%) were positive for the presence of nematode larvae, morphologically identified as larvae of Anisakis sp., with values of mean abundance and mean intensity of 0.9 and 4.8, respectively. One large female specimen showed massive parasite infection associated with nodular lesions of the gastric wall. By histology, several nematode larvae encysted through the gastric wall were found. The parasite bodies were surrounded by a granulomatous reaction made up of macrophages, epithelioid cells, some lymphocytes and an external connective sheet. Molecular analysis of 18S rRNA and cox2 genes from Anisakis sp. collected larvae, identified them as A. pegreffii. The lesions here described, though macroscopically superimposable on human eosinophilic granuloma, microscopically showed significant differences in the inflammatory cells involved and in the type of immune reaction.

MET-3 A Case of Intrapituitary Adenoma Metastasis from Advanced gastric cancer

Metastasis from extracranial tumor into a pituitary adenoma is a rare case. We report a case of metastasis from gastric cancer to a giant pituitary tumor. A 65-year-old man had been drinking more water and had an increased frequency of urine in 10 years. From that time, the patient was gradually aware of the pain in his left eye. In 20XX the patient had a sudden severe headache and pain of his eyes and visited an ophthalmologist. The patient was referred to our institution with general malaise and nausea, vomiting. A cerebral MRI disclosed Extensive neoplastic lesions from the base of the skull to the nasal cavity. The left eye had esotropia and abduction disorder. Laboratory test demonstrated hyponatremia (Na 126mEq/L) and decreased in plasma osmolality (273mOsm/kg), D-dimer, fibrinogen and CA19-9 were high level. One week after admission, the patient’s symptom was getting worse. The patient underwent FDG PET/CT, which showed FDG avid in the gastric wall and clivus tumor. The lesion was suspected gastric cancer and performed Esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The biopsy-based pathology was showed cubic and round cells with high NC ratio and signet-ring cells containing mucin. And clivus tumor was biopsied at an otolaryngologist because part of the tumor was exposed from the nasal cavity. The biopsy-based pathology was showed a small amount of adenocarcinoma cells which is surrounded by pituitary adenoma. The patient was diagnosed as intrapituitary adenoma metastasis from advanced gastric cancer and has been started radiation therapy. But the level of consciousness dropped sharply, so radiation therapy had become difficult to continue. The patient transferred to palliative care ward and died 3 months after his first visit. In this case, diagnosis and treatment were difficult due to the that the image was a finding a malignant tumor and the rapid progression of symptoms.

P-EGS15 Gastric pneumatosis in an elderly patient with recurrence of gastric volvulus

Background Gastric pneumatosis (GP), defined as the presence of air in the gastric wall, is a rare CT finding. It is associated with a spectrum of conditions which can range from benign and self-limiting to severe with high mortality rate. A gastric volvulus occurs with a rotation of 180 degrees or more of the stomach around its longitudinal or transverse axis. It is a rare event, and can culminate in obstruction, strangulation, ischaemia and necrosis. We present a case of gastric pneumatosis in a patient suffering with hiatus hernia and a history of recurrent gastric volvuli. Methods An 83-year-old man presented with a history of vomiting and abdominal pain. His background included a known hiatus hernia with previous episodes of gastric volvulus. A computer tomography (CT) showed a gastric volvulus with air in the gastric wall, in the intrahepatic biliary tree and porta hepatis. Conservative management was pursued with IV PPI and antibiotics, keeping the patient nil by mouth. He improved clinically and a repeat CT scan showed regression of the gastric pneumatosis, with resorption of gas in the porta hepatis and regression of the pneumobilia. He was discharged home 12 days after his initial presentation. Results Gastric pneumatosis (GP) is described as a rare finding that can occur in conditions such as gastric emphysema (GE) and emphysematous gastritis (EG). GE is described as a more benign condition, usually self-limiting which can be managed conservatively in most cases and rarely requires surgical interventions. EG is a more severe condition with a high mortality rate, and more aggressive treatment is advocated. The diagnostic process can be challenging but literature shows lactate, the presence of metabolic acidosis and peritonitis can help differentiating between the two clinical entities and choosing the appropriate management plan. Conclusions This case described a patient presenting with a gastric volvulus with the presence of gastric pneumatosis, pneumobilia and portal venous gas. These findings were diagnosed as gastric ischaemia secondary to volvulus. In this case the patient made a good recovery after being managed conservatively. GP is a rare CT entity which can be found in the presence of GE or EG. Differentiating between the two can be a challenging process, aided by clinical examination as well as blood test results. Achieving the right diagnosis is key as radical surgical intervention is not always needed to guarantee a good outcome.

Commiphora myrrh Supplementation Protects and Cures Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Alterations of Gastric Ulceration in Rats

Gastric ulceration is a multifactorial disease defined as a defect in the gastric wall that extends through the muscularis mucosae into the deeper layers of the wall. The most common cause of gastric ulceration is alcohol consumption. In the current study, rats were gavaged by ethanol to investigate the protective (before ethanol) and curative (after ethanol) ability of Commiphora myrrh (myrrh) oil and extract against gastric ulcer oxidative alterations induced by ethanol. Myrrh significantly improved ulcer index, histomorphology, and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) impaired by ethanol. In addition, myrrh improved the antioxidant potential of gastric mucosa through enhancement of nuclear factor related to erythroid 2 (Nrf2), total glutathione (GSH), reduced GSH, and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), along with significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Amelioration of gastric oxidative stress by myrrh enables gastric mucosa to counteract the ethanol’s inflammatory and apoptotic processes leading to improved gastric proliferation and healing. Interestingly, myrrh extract showed better protective and curative effects than myrrh oil against gastric ulceration.