Helicobacter pylori eradication lowers serum homocysteine level in patients without gastric atrophy

AIM: To determine whether Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection caused hyperhomocysteinemia by altering serum vitamin B_(12), serum folate and erythrocyte folate levels and whether eradication of this organism decreased serum homocysteine level. METHODS: The study involved 73 dyspeptic H pylork positive patients, none of them had gastric mucosal atrophy based on rapid urease test and histology. Out of 73 patients, 41 (56.2%) showed a successful eradication of H pylori 4 wk after the end of treatment. In these 41 patients, fasting serum vitamin B_(12) folate and homocysteine levels, and erythrocyte folate levels before and 4 wk after H pylori eradication therapy were compared. RESULTS: The group with a successful eradication of H pylori had significantly higher serum vitamin B_(12) and erythrocyte folate levels in the post-treatment period compared to those in pre-treatment period (210±97 pg/mL vs 237±94 pg/mL,P＜0.001 and 442±212 ng/mL vs 539±304 ng/mL, P=0.024, respectively), but showed no significant change in serum folate levels (5.6±2.6 ng/mL vs 6.0+2.4 ng/mL, P=0.341). Also, the serum homocysteine levels in this group were significantly lower after therapy (13.1±5.2 μmol/L vs 11.9±6.2 μmol/L, P=0.002). Regression analysis showed that serum homocysteine level was positively correlated with age (P=0.01) and negatively with serum folate level before therapy (P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Eradication of H pylori decreases serum homocysteine even in patients who do not exhibit gastric mucosal atrophy. It appears that the level of homocysteine in serum is related to a complex interaction among serum vitamin B_(12), serum folate and erythrocyte folate levels.     

Relation of Helicobacter pylori infection to plasma vitamin B12, folic acid,and homocysteine levels in patients who underwent diagnostic coronary arteriography

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that chronic atrophic gastritis induced by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes malabsorption of vitamin B12 and folate in food, leading ultimately to an increase in circulating homocysteine levels. METHODS: We performed endoscopy with stomach biopsy and measured fasting plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate levels in 93 patients who underwent diagnostic coronary arteriography. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (n = 57) or absence (n = 36) of H. pylori infection. Positive H. pylori infection was defined as positive H. pylori histology of biopsy specimens from the stomach. The extent of atrophic gastritis was endoscopically graded from 0 to 6. RESULTS: There were no differences in age, sex, or traditional coronary risk factors between the two groups. Atrophy scores of the stomach were greater in patients with H. pylori infection than in patients without (3.9 +/- 1.4 vs 2.2 +/- 1.8, p < 0.0001). Patients with H. pylori infection had lower levels of vitamin B12 (630 +/- 222 vs 747 +/- 259 pg/ml, p = 0.02) and folate (6.2 +/- 2.1 vs 7.4 +/- 2.8, p = 0.046), as well as higher levels of homocysteine (11 +/- 4.9 vs 8.3 +/- 2.1 nmol/ml, p = 0.01), than did patients without H. pylori infection. Plasma homocysteine levels correlated inversely with plasma vitamin B12 and folate levels and positively with atrophic scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that H. pylori-induced chronic atrophic gastritis decreases plasma vitamin B12 and folic acid levels, thereby increasing homocysteine levels. However, this effect does not seem to be strong.     

Serum Ferritin,Vitamin B<Subscript>12</Subscript>, Folate,and Zinc Levels in Children Infected with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicobacter pylori</Emphasis>

We sought to explore the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and serum ferritin, vitamin B₁₂, folate, and zinc status among children. Fifty patients aged 5–18 years who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy because of dyspeptic symptoms, were studied, prospectively. Patients were grouped as H. pylori positive (group 1, n=32) or H. pylori negative (group 2, n=18) by histopathologic examination and rapid urease test. Fasting serum ferritin, vitamin B₁₂, folate, and zinc levels of patients were measured. Both groups were indifferent according to age, gender, height standard deviation score (H_SDS), and weight standard deviation score (W_SDS). Serum ferritin levels were 33±26 and 50±46 ng/mL (P=.098), vitamin B₁₂ levels were 303±135 and 393±166 pg/mL (P=.042), folate levels were 9.64±3.2 and 9.61±2.8 ng/mL (P=.979), and zinc levels were 95±48 and 87±31 μg/dL (P=.538), in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Ferritin levels of 14 (43.8%) patients in group 1 and 6 (33.3%) patients in group 2 were below the normal range (P=.470). Serum vitamin B₁₂ levels of 9 children (28%) in group 1 and 2 children (11%) in group 2 were below the normal range (P=.287). The findings of the present study suggest that H. pylori infection has a negative effect on serum ferritin and vitamin B₁₂ levels in children. This negative effect on vitamin B₁₂ levels is rather marked in contrast to that on ferritin levels. H. pylori infection has no significant effect on serum folate or zinc levels among children.     

An association between Helicobacter pylori infection and serum vitamin B12 levels in healthy adults

GOALS: To determine whether serum vitamin B12 levels in non-vitamin B12 deficient healthy adults correlate with serological evidence of H. pylori infection. BACKGROUND: An association between H. pylori infection and vitamin B12 deficiency has been recently reported. STUDY: 133 adults, presenting to a community based primary care clinic who met the following exclusion criteria; history of H. pylori eradication or antacid use, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, previous gastrointestinal surgery, a vegetarian diet or multivitamin supplementation were studied. Blood was drawn for a complete blood count, serum vitamin B12, gastrin, folic acid and H. pylori IgG antibodies. Subjects with vitamin B12 < or = 145 ng/mL (deficient range) were excluded. RESULTS: Of 133 subjects 96 (72.2%) were seropositive for H. pylori IgG antibodies (HP+). Age of HP(+) subjects did not differ from that of seronegative subjects (HP-); 52.8 +/- 1.6 mean +/- SE versus 49.2 +/- 2.9 ( = NS). Prevalence of HP seropositivity was significantly higher among subjects with borderline (>145-180 pg/mL) or low normal (>180-250 pg/mL) vitamin B12 levels than among those with vitamin B12 > 250 pg/mL; among 25 subjects with vitamin B12 > 145-180 pg/mL 92% were seropositive and among 47 subjects with vitamin B12 > 180-250 pg/mL 89% were seropositive as compared with 31/61 (51%) of subjects with B12 > 250 pg/mL, Fisher exact test < 0.0001. Vitamin B12 levels did not correlate with age (r = -0.07). Gastrin levels (pg/mL) did not differ significantly between groups; 70.2 +/- 5.8 in HP(+) versus 56.0 +/- 12.4 in HP(-). CONCLUSIONS: The higher prevalence of H. pylori infection among subjects with serum vitamin B12 levels that are within the lower end of the normal range suggests a causal relationship between H pylori infection and vitamin B12 levels in healthy adults.     

Homocysteine, folate and vitamin b12 in patients with coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Homocysteine and possibly also folate and vitamin B(12) are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), as well as folate and vitamin B(12), the main nutritional factors determining the level of homocysteine. METHODS: Patients with angiographically documented CHD were prospectively investigated (n = 315, 70% male, mean age 61 [range 36-81] years). Fasting total serum homocysteine was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. Folic acid and vitamin B12 were measured with AxSYMR Systems. RESULTS: Median homocysteine concentrations for homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 were 12.8 micromol/l, 6.8 ng/ml and 345 pg/ml, respectively. Homocysteine levels >10 micromol/l were found in 82% of men and 73% of women. In 19% of the patients serum folate was <3 ng/ml and 22% of the patients had serum vitamin B12 values <250 pg/ml. In a multivariate linear regression model, folate and vitamin B(12) showed significant negative correlations to homocysteine, explaining 5 and 3% of its variability. Age and creatinine were the most important determinants for serum homocysteine, contributing 12 and 7%, respectively. DISCUSSION: The main determinants of total homocysteine in patients with CHD are higher age and increased creatinine. The association of lower levels of folate and vitamin B12 with higher levels of homocysteine may indicate poor dietary habits in these patients.     

Homocysteine versus the vitamins folate, B6, and B12 as predictors of cognitive function and decline in older high-functioning adults: MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging

BACKGROUND: Elevated plasma total homocysteine concentration may be a risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease, but data from prospective studies are limited. Further, high homocysteine levels are associated with low vitamin status, and it is unknown whether it is homocysteine toxicity or vitamin insufficiency that is responsible for the observed cognitive dysfunction. METHODS: We performed cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of a cohort of 499 high-functioning community-dwelling persons aged 70 to 79 years to determine the effect of homocysteine and related vitamin plasma concentrations on cognitive function and cognitive decline. Nonfasting plasma concentrations of homocysteine, folate, vitamin B(6), and vitamin B(12) were measured at baseline. Summary measures of cognitive function were created from tests of multiple cognitive domains administered at baseline and again after 7 years. RESULTS: In cross-sectional analyses investigating each variable separately, subjects with elevated homocysteine levels, or low levels of folate or vitamin B(6), demonstrated worse baseline cognitive function. In longitudinal analyses, after adjusting for multiple covariates, including homocysteine, those in the bottom quartile of folate had a 1.6-fold increased risk (95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 2.31; P =0.04) of being in the worst quartile of 7-year cognitive decline. Low folate levels largely accounted for a trend towards greater cognitive decline with elevated homocysteine level. CONCLUSION: In high-functioning older adults, low folate levels appear to be a risk factor for cognitive decline. The risk of developing cognitive decline might be reduced through dietary folate intake.     

Cystatin C as a determinant of fasting plasma total homocysteine levels in coronary artery disease patients with normal serum creatinine.

Serum creatinine, a surrogate for both renal function and homocysteine generation, is a determinant of fasting plasma total homocysteine levels in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. We hypothesized that among stable-CAD patients with normal creatinine levels (ie, 0.2). Consistent with the impact of folic acid fortification of cereal grain flour in the general population, only 1 of the CAD subjects (0.6%) had a plasma folate level <3 ng/mL. We conclude that serum cystatin C levels may reflect subtle decreases in renal function that independently predict fasting total homocysteine levels among stable-CAD patients with normal serum creatinine.     

同型半胱氨酸对KKAy小鼠心肌病变的影响

目的　观察高同型半胱氨酸 (Hcy)血症对糖尿病小鼠心肌的影响 ,以及补充叶酸对心肌病变的作用。方法　2 4只KKAy小鼠随机分成 3组 ,分别喂养高热量饮食 (KA组 )、高蛋氨酸饮食 (KB组 )以及高蛋氨酸加叶酸、维生素B1 2 饮食 (KC组 )。测定各组血浆Hcy、叶酸、维生素B1 2 水平 ,并观察心肌病理改变。结果　饲养 16周后 ,KB组血浆Hcy明显增高 [(2 9.33± 16 .85对 5 .33± 2 .0 3) μmol L ,P <0 .0 0 1],且心肌间质纤维化、钙化、小动脉管壁增厚、透明变性等病变加重 ,经叶酸、维生素B1 2 治疗的KC组血浆Hcy降至正常 (4 .0 4± 1.81) μmol L ,且心肌病变减轻。结论Hcy可以加重糖尿病小鼠的心肌病变 ,叶酸、维生素B1 2 可以有效减缓这一病变进程。     

Kinetics of phytohemaglutinin-induced IFN-γand TNF-α expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with chronic hepatitis B after liver transplantation

AIM: To study the association between host immunity and hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after liver transplantation.METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from 40 patients with hepatitis B and underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) before and 2, 4, 8 wk after surgery. After being cultured in vitro for 72 h, the levels of INF-γ and TNF-α in culture supernatants were detected with ELISA. At the same time, the quantities of HBV DNA in serum and PBMCs were measured by real time PCR.RESULTS: The levels of INF-γ and TNF-α in PBMC culture supernatants decreased before and 2, 4 wk after surgery in turns (INF-γ 155.52±72.32 ng/L vs14.76±9.88 ng/L vs 13.22±10.35 ng/L, F= 6.946, P = 0.027＜0.05; TNF-α80.839±46.75 ng/L vs 18.59±17.29 ng/L vs9.758±7.96 ng/L,F= 22.61, P= 0.0001＜0.05). The levels of INF-γ and TNF-α were higher in groups with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) than in those without PHA before surgery. However,the difference disappeared following OLT. Furthermore,INF-γ and TNF-α could not be detected in most patients at wk 4 and none at wk 8 after OLT. The HBV detection rate and virus load in PBMlC before and 2, 4 wk after surgery were fluctuated (HBV detected rate: 51.4%, 13.3%, 50% respectively; HBV DNA: 3.55±0.674 log(10) copies/mL vs 3.00±0.329 log(10) copies/mL vs 4.608±1.344 log(10) copies/mL, F= 7.582, P= 0.002＜0.05). HBV DNA in serum was 4.48±1.463 log(10) copies/mL before surgery and ＜103 copies/mL after OLT except for one with 5.72×106 copies/mL 4 wk after OLT who was diagnosed as HBV recurrence.The levels of INF-γ, and TNF-α were lower in patients with a high HBV load than in those with a low HBV load (HBV DNA detected/undetected in PBMCs: IFN-γ 138.08±72.44 ng/L vs 164.24±72.07 ng/L, t = 1.065, P = 0.297＞0.05, TNF-α 80.75±47.30 ng/L vs74.10±49.70 ng/L, t= 0.407, P= 0.686＞0.05; HBV DNA positive/negative: IFN-γ 136.77±70.04 ng/L vs 175.27±71.50 ng/L, t= 1.702, P= 0.097＞0.05; TNF-α 75.37±43.02 ng/L vs 81.53±52.46 ng/L, t = 0.402,P = 0.690＞0.05).CONCLUSION: The yielding of INF-γ and TNF-α from PBMCs is inhibited significantly by immunosuppressive agents following OLT with HBV load increased, indicating that the impaired immunity of host is associated with HBV recurrence after OLT.     

Elevated homocysteine levels with weight loss after Lap-Band surgery: higher folate and vitamin B12 levels required to maintain homocysteine level.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate homocysteine levels and their relationship with serum folate and vitamin B12 concentrations with weight loss after the Lap-Band form of gastric restrictive surgery, with the view to minimizing risk. METHODS: We measured levels of fasting plasma homocysteine (tHcy), folate (serum and RBC) and vitamin B12 in two groups. The study group was 293 consecutive patients at 12 (n=192) or 24 (n=101) months review after surgery. The controls were 244 consecutive patients presenting for this surgery. RESULTS: The group losing weight had higher geometric mean tHcy levels: 10.4 (95% CI, 9.8-10.8) micromol/l compared with 9.2 (95% CI, 8.9-9.7) in controls (P<0.001). This occurred with higher folate levels and unchanged vitamin B12 levels. Levels of folate and B12 together explained 35% (r (2)) of the homocysteine variance in the weight loss group compared with only 9% (r (2)) in controls (P<0.001). Those taking regular multivitamin supplements had lower tHcy levels: 9.6 (9.1-10.0) micromol/l vs 12.3 (11.4-13.3) in those not taking supplements (P<0.001). A low normal plateau of tHcy levels occurred at levels of folate >15 ng/l and B12)600 ng/ml. A curvilinear relationship exists between these cofactors and tHcy levels, with the dose-response relationship shifted to the right in the weight loss group. CONCLUSION: This study shows elevated tHcy levels with weight loss, without lower serum folate or vitamin B(12) levels. There is an altered dose-response relationship with higher serum B(12) and folate levels required to maintain recommended tHcy levels. Patients losing weight have significant health benefits; however, they may be at greater risk of vascular events or fetal abnormality in association with raised tHcy levels. Multivitamin supplementation is effective in lowering tHcy levels.     

Homocysteine levels in vegetarians versus omnivores

Vitamin B(12), folate, and vitamin B(6) are the main determinants of homocysteinemia. The vegan diet provides no vitamin B(12), but also less strict forms of alternative nutrition may suffer from a deficit of this vitamin. The plasma homocysteine level was measured in alternative nutrition groups of adults (lacto- and lactoovovegetarians, n = 62; vegans, n = 32) and compared with the levels in a group consuming traditional diet (n = 59), omnivores). In the group of vegetarians the average homocysteine level is 13.18 vs. 10.19 micromol/l in omnivores; the frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia is 29 vs. 5% in omnivores. In the group of vegans the average homocysteine value is 15.79 micromol/l (53% of the individual values exceeded 15 micromol/l). Omnivores consume the recommended amount of methionine; however, in individuals consuming an alternative diet, the intake of methionine is deficient (assessed by food frequency questionnaire; lower content of methionine in plant proteins). Under conditions of lower methionine availability the remethylation pathway prevails; therefore, vitamin B(12) and folate were evaluated in relation to the homocysteine level. The serum vitamin B(12) levels are significantly lower in the alternative nutrition groups (214.8 pmol/l in vegetarians, 140.1 pmol/l in vegans vs. 344.7 pmol/l in omnivores); a deficit (<179.0 pmol/l) was found in 26% of the vegetarians and in 78% of the vegans vs. 0% in omnivores. The serum folate levels were within the range of reference values in all groups; however, they were significantly lower in omnivores. The results show that the mild hyperhomocysteinemia in alternative nutrition is a consequence of vitamin B(12) deficiency.     

H. pylori-induced higher C-reactive protein in obese African Americans

African Americans are more susceptible to develop insulin resistance, obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and coronary heart disease (CHD), and systemic inflammation is central to the pathophysiology of these chronic diseases. African Americans are also more likely to contract H. pylori (cagA) infections during their childhood. However, the contribution of H. pylori infection to the degree of overall systemic inflammation in these chronic diseases is not known. Therefore, we studied 46 apparently healthy African Americans, over 40 years of age who were, infected with H. pylori (cagA). These volunteers were assessed at baseline and after treatment with triple regimen drug therapy to eradicate H. pylori. All but 3 subjects were found to be free of this infection by urea breath test (UBT) after the treatment period. No hyperhomocysteinemia was found in these subjects and there were no significant changes in the level of homocysteine (tHcy), folate and B(12); however, CRP levels measured by high sensitivity assay showed a significant (p=0.02) decrease 2 months after the eradication. We further stratified CRP values according to the BMI < 27 and > 27. There was more profound reduction in CRP in the more obese group (i.e., BMI>27) from 54.26 ± 23.67 to 18.73 ± 17.39 mg/l (p=0.01), compared with the leaner subjects in whom CRP decreases from 8.88 ± 6.23 to 4.94 ± 6.21 mg/L (p=0.04), after eradication of the H. pylori (cagA) infection. The level of CRP, however, remained significantly higher in the obese subjects even after the eradication of this infection, indicative of a smaller residual influence of adiposity on CRP. Thus, a major component of systemic inflammation in African Americans may be attributable to chronic H. pylori infection.     

Moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy after non-bismuth quadruple therapy failure for Helicobacter pylori infection

AIM: To assess the efficacy of moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy after non-bismuth quadruple therapy failure for Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) eradication.METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2012,we screened individuals who were prescribed non-bismuth quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication. Among them,a total of 98 patients who failed non-bismuth quadruple therapy received 1-wk or 2-wk moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy(400 mg moxifloxacin once daily,and 20 mg of rabeprazole and 1 g of amoxicillin twice daily). H. pylori status was evaluated using the 13C-urea breath test 4 wk later,after treatment completion. The eradication rates were determined by intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses.RESULTS: In total,60 and 38 patients received 1-wk and 2-wk moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy,respectively. The intention-to-treat and per-protocol eradication rates were 56.7%(95%CI: 45.0-70.0) and 59.6%(95%CI: 46.6-71.7) in the 1-wk group and 76.3%(95%CI: 63.2-89.5) and 80.6%(95%CI: 66.7-91.9) in the 2-wk group(P = 0.048 and 0.036,respectively). All groups had good compliance(95% vs 94.9%). Neither group showed serious adverse events,and the proportions of patients experiencing mild side effects were not significantly different(21.1% vs 13.9%). Clinical factors such as age,sex,alcohol and smoking habits,comorbidities,and presence of gastric or duodenal ulcer did not influence the eradication therapy efficacy. The efficacy of second-line eradication therapy did not differ significantly according to the firstline regimen.CONCLUSION: Two-week moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy showed better efficacy than a 1-wk regimen after non-bismuth quadruple therapy failure.Key words: Helicobacter pylori; Moxifloxacin-based triple; Non-bismuth quadruple; Second-line; Eradication     

Association of MTRR 66A>G polymorphism with superoxide dismutase and disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of nutritional (folate, vitamin B12) and genetic (MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, TCN) determinants of homocysteine metabolism and of superoxide dismutase with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: One hundred forty patients with CD were compared with 248 matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Plasma homocysteine levels were higher in CD patients than controls (11.8 vs 10.4 micromol/L, P= 0.0004). Vitamin B12 and folate levels were lower in CD subjects compared to controls (207 vs 255 pmol/L, P= 0.0082, and 8.6 vs 11 nmol/L, P= 0036, respectively). Patients with a personal history of ileal resection, ileitis, or colectomy had significantly lower vitamin B12 levels. In multivariate analysis, vitamin B12 and MTHFR 677 TT carriers were the two significant independent factors of plasma homocysteine >15 micromol/L in CD patients (P= 0.0187 and 0.0048, respectively). The significant association between homocysteine and vitamin B12 levels remained significant only in patients with the highest superoxide dismutase values (P < 0.0001). The MTRR AA genotype was a significant independent predictor of CD risk (odds ratio 3.7, 95% CI 1.218-11.649, P= 0.0213). The level of superoxide dismutase was significantly higher (P= 0.0143) and was correlated with Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) scores (P for trend = 0.0276) in patients carrying MTRR AA genotype. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin B12 and MTHFR 677 TT genotype are the main determinants of hyperhomocysteinemia in CD patients. The association of MTRR 66A>G polymorphism with oxidant stress and disease activity provides rationale for screening vitamin deficiencies in these patients.     

Hyperhomocysteinemia in ulcerative colitis is related to folate levels

AIM: To study the prevalence and clinical significance of hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcys), an independent factor for arterial and venous thrombosis, in a group of patients with ulcerative colitis (DC). METHODS: Fasting homocysteine (Hcys), folate, and vitamin B12 serum levels were measured in 40 DC patients and 50 healthy controls. Clinical data regarding DC were gathered. RESULTS: Median serum Hcys levels in DC patients were similar to those in controls (12.26 umol/L vs 12.32 μmol/ L), but the prevalence of hHcys was higher in UC patients than in controls (30% vs 10%, P= 0.028).UC significantly increased the risk of hHcys (adjusted odds ratio: 4.125; 95%CI: 1.26-13.44). Multivariate regression analysis showed that male sex, folate and vitamin B12 deficiency or lower serum values were significant independent predictors of higher Hcys levels in UC patients (r2=0.4;P<0.001). CONCLUSION: hHcys is common in UC patients and it is related to folate and vitamin B12 deficiency or lower serum values. It would be reasonable for patients with UC to receive folate and vitamin B complex supplements as a prophylactic measure.     

Optimal initiation of Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding

AIM:To evaluate when Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication therapy(ET)should be started in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding(PUB).METHODS:Clinical data concerning adults hospitalizedwith PUB were retrospectively collected and analyzed.Age,sex,type and stage of peptic ulcer,whether endoscopic therapy was performed or not,methods of H.pylori detection,duration of hospitalization,and specialty of the attending physician were investigated.Factors influencing the confirmation of H.pylori infection prior to discharge were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis.The H.pylori eradication rates of patients who received ET during hospitalization and those who commenced ET as outpatients were compared.RESULTS:A total of 232 patients with PUB were evaluated for H.pylori infection by histology and/or rapid urease testing.Of these patients,53.7%(127/232)had confirmed results of H.pylori infection prior to discharge.In multivariate analysis,duration of hospitalization and ulcer stage were factors independently influencing whether H.pylori infection was confirmed before or after discharge.Among the patients discharged before confirmation of H.pylori infection,13.3%(14/105)were lost to follow-up.Among the patients found to be H.pylori-positive after discharge,41.4%(12/29)did not receive ET.There was no significant difference in the H.pylori eradication rate between patients who received ET during hospitalization a n d t h o s e w h o c o m m e n c e d E T a s o u t p a t i e n t s[intention-to-treat:68.8%(53/77)vs 60%(12/20),P=0.594;per-protocol:82.8%(53/64)vs 80%(12/15),P=0.723].CONCLUSION:Because many patients with PUB who were discharged before H.pylori infection status was confirmed lost an opportunity to receive ET,we should confirm H.pylori infection and start ET prior to discharge.     

血浆同型半胱氨酸及其代谢酶基因多态性与溃疡性结肠炎的相关性研究

目的 探讨血浆同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)、叶酸和维生素B12水平及Hcy代谢酶基因多态性与溃疡性结肠炎(UC)的关系.方法 收集310例UC患者和936名正常对照者,采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片断长度多态性(PCR-RELP)法检测亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(MTHFR)C677T、A1298C、甲硫氨酸合成酶(MTR) A2756G和甲硫氨酸合成还原酶(MTRR) A66G基因多态性;并从中随机选取88例UC患者和100名正常对照者,采用循环酶法检测血浆Hcy水平,微粒子免疫化学发光法检测叶酸和维生素B12浓度.结果 UC患者MTHFR A1298C、MTR A2756G和MTRRA66G突变的等位基因及基因型频率均明显增高(P值均<0.01).UC患者Hcy平均水平为(21.73±6.59)mmol/L,较正常对照组显著增高[(12.47±5.01)mmol/L,P<0.01],而叶酸和维生素B12平均水平分别为(11.25±6.19)nmol/L和(322.81±128.47)pmol/L,明显较正常对照组降低[(15.28±7.72)nmol/L和(422.59±129.36)pmol/L,P值均<0.01].Logistic回归分析提示血浆Hcy、叶酸和维生素B12浓度是UC的独立危险因素(P值均<0.01).结论 Hcy代谢酶基因多态性及血浆Hcy、叶酸和维生素B12水平异常与UC明显相关,为临床采用叶酸、维生素B12补充疗法治疗UC提供了理论依据.     

同型半胱氨酸水平在急性脑梗死再发中的作用

目的 探讨血清同型半胱氨酸（homocysteine,Hcy）水平对脑梗死再发的影响.方法 选择急性脑梗死患者105例,健康对照组90例,比较两者的血清Hcy、叶酸及维生素B12水平;脑梗死组再随机分为A组和B组,A组给予抗血小板、他汀类及活血化瘀等药物,同时口服叶酸和甲钴胺;B组仅给予抗血小板、他汀类及活血化瘀等药物,随访12 m复查血清Hcy水平;观察治疗1年内脑梗死的再发情况.结果 （1）治疗前脑梗死组的Hcy水平显著高于健康对照组,其叶酸和维生素B12水平显著低于对照组（P＜0.001）;且脑梗死组的Hcy水平与叶酸、维生素B12水平呈负相关（P＜0.001）.（2）治疗前A、B两组Hcy水平无显著差异（P＞0.05）,治疗后两者Hcy水平有显著差异（P＜0.001）;A组治疗后Hcy水平显著低于治疗前（P＜0.001）;B组治疗前后Hcy水平无显著差异（P＞0.05）;（3）A组1年内脑梗死再发率为15.01％,B组为21.15％,两组比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论 高同型半胱氨酸血症是脑梗死的危险因素,给予叶酸和维生素B12治疗可有效降低脑梗死患者Hcy水平,但对脑梗死再发影响不大.     

同型半胱氨酸水平与冠心病的关系

目的观察同型半胱氨酸(Hey)水平与冠心病(CHD)的关系,并探讨蛋氨酸合成酶还原酶(MTRR)A66G基因多态性、叶酸、维生素B12(VitB12)与Hcy水平及CHD的关系。方法 选择190例经冠状动脉造影证实的CHD患者(CHD组)和100例冠状动脉造影正常者为对照组。应用荧光偏振免疫分析法测定Hey水平,离子捕获分析法测定叶酸水平,微粒酶免疫分析法测定VitB12水平。聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法分析MTRRA66G基因多态性。结果 CHD组血Hcy水平显著高于对照组(15.8±8.8)μmol/L与(12.9±6.3)μmol/L,P=0.002。叶酸、VitB12水平与血Hcy水平呈负相关。叶酸、VitB12与CFD无关。MTRR A66G基因多态性GG纯合子、AG杂合子和AA野生型3种基因型组间血Hcy水平差异无显著性意义。(P=0.908)。MTRR A66G各基因型在CHD组和对照组的分布差异无显著性意义(P=0.198)。结论CHD患者血Hcy水平升高,叶酸、VitB12水平与血Hcy水平呈负相关。MTRR A66G基因多态性与血Hcy水平及与CHD均无关。     

Effect of B vitamin supplementation on plasma homocysteine levels in celiac disease

AIM： To investigate the effect of vitamin supplements on homocysteine levels in patients with celiac disease. METHODS： Vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, and fasting plasma homocysteine levels were measured in 51 consecutive adults with celiac disease [median （range） age 56 （18-63） years; 40% men, 26 （51%） had villous atrophy, and 25 （49%） used B-vitamin supplements] and 50 healthy control individuals matched for age and sex. Finally, the C677T polymorphism of 5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase （MTHFR） was evaluated in 46 patients with celiac disease and all control individuals. RESULTS： Patients with celiac disease and using vitamin supplements had higher serum vitamin B6 （P = 0.003）,folate （P 〈 0.001）, and vitamin B12 （P = 0.012） levels than patients who did not or healthy controls （P = 0.035, P 〈 0.001, P = 0.007, for vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12, respectively）. Lower plasma homocysteine levels were found in patients using vitamin supplements than in patients who did not （P = 0.001） or healthy controls （P = 0.003）. However, vitamin B6 and folate, not vitamin B12, were significantly and independently associated with homocysteine levels. Twenty-four （48%） of 50 controls and 23 （50%） of 46 patients with celiac disease carried the MTHFR thermolabile variant T-allele （P = 0.89）. CONCLUSION： Homocysteine levels are dependent on Marsh classification and the regular use of B-vitamin supplements is effective in reduction of homocysteine levels in patients with celiac disease and should be considered in disease management.