Effects of sphincter of Oddi motility on the formation of cholesterol gallstones

AIM: To investigate the mechanisms and effects of sphincter of Oddi (SO) motility on cholesterol gallbladder stone formation in guinea pigs.METHODS: Thirty-four adult male Hartley guinea pigs were divided randomly into two groups, the control group (n = 10) and the cholesterol gallstone group (n = 24), which was sequentially divided into four subgroups with six guinea pigs each according to time of sacrifice. The guinea pigs in the cholesterol gallstone group were fed a cholesterol lithogenic diet and sacrificed after 3, 6, 9, and 12 wk. SO manometry and recording of myoelectric activity were obtained by a multifunctional physiograph at each stage. Cholecystokinin-A receptor (CCKAR) expression levels in SO smooth muscle were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and serum vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), gastrin, and cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at each stage in the process of cholesterol gallstone formation.RESULTS: The gallstone formation rate was 0%, 0%, 16.7%, and 83.3% in the 3, 6, 9, and 12 wk groups, respectively. The frequency of myoelectric activity in the 9 wk group, the amplitude of myoelectric activity in the 9 and 12 wk groups, and the amplitude and the frequency of SO in the 9 wk group were all significantly decreased compared to the control group. The SO basal pressure and common bile duct pressure increased markedly in the 12 wk group, and the CCKAR expression levels increased in the 6 and 12 wk groups compared to the control group. Serum VIP was elevated significantly in the 9 and 12 wk groups and gastrin decreased significantly in the 3 and 9 wk groups. There was no difference in serum CCK-8 between the groups.CONCLUSION: A cholesterol gallstone-causing diet can induce SO dysfunction. The increasing tension of the SO along with its decreasing activity may play an important role in cholesterol gallstone formation. Expression changes of CCKAR in SO smooth muscle and serum VIP and CCK-8 may be important causes of SO dysfunction.     

胆胃舒颗粒对胆囊血管活性肠肽受体基因表达的影响

[目的]观察胆胃舒颗粒对胆囊血管活性肠肽(vasoactive intestinal peptide,VIP)受体基因表达的影响及预防胆囊结石的作用.[方法]雄性豚鼠90只,随机分为3组,每组30只,空白组喂养普通饲料40 g/(d·只);模型组喂养胆固醇结石诱石饲料40 g/(d·只);治疗组喂养胆固醇诱石饲料40 g/(d·只),加胆胃舒颗粒溶液1.5ml(含300mg胆胃舒颗粒)灌胃.实验2个月后观察3组胆囊结石情况、胆囊收缩功能及胆囊壁VIP受体基因表达.[结果]胆囊结石形成率:空白组3.33％(1/30),模型组92.59％(25/27),治疗组10.71％(3/28);胆囊收缩功能:空白组胆囊收缩率为(66.83± 5.34)％,模型组(43.06±4.27)％,治疗组(67.93±6.82)％;胆囊壁VIP受体基因表达:空白组0.30±0.07,模型组0.45±0.12,治疗组0.33±0.06.差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).[结论]胆胃舒颗粒可降低胆囊结石的形成,其作用机制可能通过降低胆囊壁VIP受体基因表达,从而加强胆囊收缩功能,促使胆汁排泄,防止胆囊结石的发生.     

Melatonin prevents pigment gallstone formation induced by bile duct ligation in guinea pigs

Free radical-mediated oxidative stress has been implicated in the genesis of gallstone in vitro. This study was designed to examine the oxidative stress changes during pigment gallstone formation and to investigate whether melatonin (MLT) could act as a chemopreventive agent for cholelithiasis in a guinea pig model. The common bile duct of guinea pigs was ligated with or without MLT pretreatment. Animals were studied on day 7, 9, 12, and 14 after surgery. Stone and/or sludge developed in ligated guinea pigs without MLT. Fourier transform infrared spectra of the sludge showed the presence of calcium bilirubinate, whose peak height per milligram of sludge gradually increased with time after ligation. Total antioxidant activity (TAA) in bile of guinea pigs at day 14 after ligation reduced to one third of the level in sham-operated controls (P <.001). In addition, the bile of ligated guinea pigs had increased pH (P <.001), bile salts (P <.01), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (P <.05), compared to sham controls. Pretreatment of guinea pigs with MLT at a dose of 1,000 microg/kg significantly decreased the incidence of pigment gallstone formation at day 14 after ligation, as compared to no pretreatment (0/7 vs. 8/10). MLT also reverted the ligation-induced changes in biliary bile salts, pH, MDA, and TAA to control levels. These in vivo findings support a causative role of oxidative stress in the bile duct ligation-induced pigment gallstone formation. Antioxidants may prove useful in preventing pigment gallstone formation in humans.     

Can pigment gallstones be induced by biliary stricture and prevented by medicine in Guinea pigs？

AIM: To determine the relationship between biliary stricture and pigment gallstone formation, and the prevention of pigment gallstones with medicine. METHODS: One hundred and eighteen male guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups: stricture group (S, n = 30) underwent partial ligation of common bile duct, and fed on regular chow; S plus medicine group (S+M, n = 27) underwent the same operation but fed on medicinal chow (0.3 g chenodeoxycholic acid, 0.5 g glucurolactone, and 0.5 g aspirin were mixed up in 1.2 kg regular chow); medicinal control group (C+M, n = 30) was free of operation, and fed on medicinal chow; and control group (C, n = 31) was free of operation and fed on regular chow. One week later, laparotomy was performed, and the bile of gallbladder was collected, measured, and cultured. RESULTS: Gallstones were identif ied. Pigment gallstones were induced by biliary stricture in 95% (22/23) of S group. In the S+M group, the incidence of gallstone was reduced to 55% (11/20, vs S group, P < 0.01). The changes of indirect bilirubin and ionized calcium in the bile were consistent with gallstone incidences. CONCLUSION: Biliary stricture can cause pigment gallstone formation in guinea pigs, and the medicines used can lower the incidence of gallstones. The bilirubin and ionized calcium play important roles in pigment gallstone formation.     

Comparison of effects of cholecystokinin and erythromycin on bile chemistry and gallstone formation in aged guinea pigs.

BACKGROUND: There has been considerable interest in gall bladder motility in recent years. We compared the effects of cholecystokinin (CCK) and erythromycin on bile chemistry and gallstone formation in aged guinea pigs. METHODS: Two groups of guinea pigs (1-mo and 3-y old; n=40 each) were studied. Each group was divided into four subgroups of 10 animals each; one subgroup received lithogenic diet, one each received CCK or erythromycin daily in addition to lithogenic diet for 4 weeks, and one received normal diet. After 4 weeks, the presence of gallstones or sludge was recorded and bile composition including concentrations of bile acid, cholesterol, lecithin and protein concentrations was studied. RESULTS: No gallstones were observed in the 1-mo-old animals. In the 3-year-old animals, 9 of 10 guinea pigs on lithogenic diet and 4 of 10 in each treatment subgroup and the normal diet subgroup developed gallstones. CCK and erythromycin had similar effects on bile chemistry and stone formation. CONCLUSIONS: Aging increases the formation of gallstones in guinea pigs. Erythromycin is as effective as CCK in reducing gallstone formation by improving gall bladder motility.     

Aerobic exercise improves gastrointestinal motility in psychiatric inpatients

AIM:To evaluate the benefit of aerobic exercise on colonic transit time(CTT)for psychiatric inpatients in a closed ward.METHODS:Sixty consecutive adult inpatients of the Somang Hospital Psychiatry Unit(Eumsung-gun,South Korea),without CTT-related diseases or drug therapies,were recruited for study from March to June of 2012.Upon enrollment,the patients were randomly assigned to partake in a 12-wk instructor-led group aerobic exercise program(exercise group;n=30)or to maintain their ordinary daily activities(control group;n=30).The exercise program was structured as 10 min warm-up(stretching),40 min exercise,and 10 min cool-down(stretching)for three days each week.The exercise sessions consisted of walking only in week one and aerobics from weeks two to 12,with increasing intensity(50%heart rate reserve(HRR)for weeks one to four,60%HRR for weeks five to eight,and 70%HRR for weeks nine to 12).CTT was measured before(baseline)and after(week 12)the exercise program,in duplicate(on days four and seven),using abdominal radiography and the multiple radio-opaque marker technique.Changes in the exercising patients’CTT and weight-,cardiovascular-and fitness-related parameters were statistically assessed.RESULTS:The study dropout rate was 30.0%,with 23patients in the exercise group and 19 patients in the control group completing the study.At week 12,the exercise group showed decreases in body weight(mean±SE)baseline:69.4±2.8 vs study-end:67.6±2.7;P<0.635)and body mass index(BMI)(25.2±1.1 vs24.9±0.8;P<0.810),but the extent of change was not significantly different from that experienced by the control group(body weight:68.8±4.0 vs 68.8±3.9;BMI:24.3±1.1 vs 24.4±1.2).However,the exercise group showed significant improvements in leg muscle strength(baseline:41.7±4.3 vs study-end:64.1±5.0;P<0.001),cardio-respiratory endurance(120.5±4.5vs 105.4±2.8;P<0.004),and leg muscle elasticity and power output(21.5±2.6 vs 30.6±2.8;P<0.001).The exercise group showed an exercise-induced reduction in total CTT(baseline:54.2±8.0 vs 30.3±6.1),which was significantly different from that experienced by the control group over the 12-wk period(48.6±9.3vs 48.3±12.3;P=0.027);however,the exercise-induced decreases in CTT involving the three colonic segments examined(right,left and recto-sigmoid)showed no significant differences from the control group.CONCLUSION:A 12-wk aerobic exercise program can benefit psychiatric inpatients by increasing intestinal motility,possibly decreasing risk of metabolic-and cardiovascular-related disease.     

Effects of metoclopramide on gastrointestinal myoelectric activity in rats

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胃动素和血管活性肠肽在不同部位及性质胆石症患者改变的临床研究

目的观察不同部位及性质胆石症患者胃动素(motilin,MTL)和血管活性肠肽(vasoactive intestinal peptide,VIP)含量变化,并探讨肠屏障功能在胆石形成中的作用和意义。方法选取2011年3月-2013年3月就诊于三六三医院且需进行手术治疗的胆结石患者108例,健康对照者20例,按结石部位不同分为4组:健康对照组(A1组,n=20)、胆囊结石组(B1组,n=36)、胆管结石组(C1组,n=36)、胆囊结石合并胆管结石组(D1组,n=36);所有入选患者全部行手术治疗,收集胆石进行化学分析;根据结石不同性质分为健康对照组(A2组,n=20)、胆固醇结石组(B2组,n=40)、胆色素结石组(C2组,n=52)、混合性结石组(D2组,n=16)。分别采用放射免疫分析法测定各组血浆及回肠末端黏膜组织中MTL和VIP的含量。结果不同部位结石患者血浆及肠黏膜组织MTL和VIP的含量变化:B1、C1、D1组与A1组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),B1组与C1组比较,C1组与D1组比较,D1组与B1组比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);不同性质结石患者血浆及肠黏膜组织MTL和VIP含量变化B2、C2、D2分别与A2组比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),C2组分别与B2、D2组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),B2组与D2组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论胆色素结石患者存在血浆及肠黏膜组织MTL和VIP含量的改变,胆色素结石形成与肠屏障功能损伤一定的相关性,肠屏障功能损伤可能在促进胆色素结石的形成中发挥一定的作用。     

The preliminary experimental and clinical study of the relationship between the pigment gallstone and intestinal mucosal barrier

Aims:  To investigate the relations between the formation of pigment gallstone and the function of the intestinal mucosal barrier, as well as the underlying mechanism.
Methods:  Eighty guinea pigs were randomly divided into three groups in which they were respectively given normal diet, gallstone-causing diet, and gallstone-formation diet with a supplementary intestinal mucosal protection compound known as glutamine. The model of pigment gallstone was established after 8 weeks of dietary administration. Indices about the function of the intestinal mucosal barrier and bacterial translocation were measured. Clinical cases were divided into three groups: control, cholesterol gallstone, and pigment gallstone, where the levels of plasma diamine oxidase (DAO), plasma endotoxin and the excretion rates of technetium 99m-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (99mTC-DTPA) in the urine of each group were measured.
Results:  In the pigment gallstone group, the level of plasma DAO and endotoxin, the excretory ratio of lactulose and mannitol in urine, the bacterial translocation ratio in the celiac lymph nodes and the activities of β-glucuronidase increased comparing to the control group. The gallstone-formation rate for the intestinal mucosal protection group (GLN) decreased, and other indices, except the activity of β-glucuronidase, were all lower than that of gallstone-formation group. In the clinical experiment, the levels of plasma DAO and endotoxin, as well as the excretory rate of 99mTC-DTPA in urine were higher in the patients with gallstones than that in the control group.
Conclusions:  The formation of pigment gallstone was related to the abnormal function of the intestinal mucosal barrier. The abnormality in the function of the intestinal mucosal barrier probably induced the formation of gallstone by a bacterial translocation mechanism.     

An evaluation of electrosurgical vessel-sealing devices in biliary tract surgery in a porcine model

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate two electrosurgical vessel-sealing devices in biliary surgery.

Methods:

Porcine common bile ducts (CBDs) were sealed with two electrosurgical devices, an electrothermal bipolar vessel-sealing device (EBVS) and ultrasonic coagulation shears. Acute study animals underwent surgical bile duct sealing followed by immediate burst pressure testing. Chronic study animals were maintained for 1 week postoperatively and then tested.

Results:

The seal failure rate in the acute study was 50% for both the EBVS device and shears, and 0% for the laparoscopic surgical clip device used as a control. The latter had significantly higher burst pressures (646.2 ± 281.8 mmHg; P = 0.006) than the EBVS device (97.6 ± 86.6 mmHg) and shears (71.7 ± 89.3 mmHg). No significant difference in burst pressures was noted between the EBVS device and shears (97.6 ± 86.6 mmHg vs. 71.7 ± 89.3 mmHg). In the chronic study, obvious bile leaks occurred in one of four pigs (25%) in the EBVS device subgroup and two of four pigs (50%) in the shears subgroup. The average proximal CBD pressure in seven pigs was 16.1 ± 4.1 mmHg. The average chronic burst pressure in the control subgroup was 1088.0 ± 922.6 mmHg.

Conclusions:

Given the high rates of failure of the EBVS device and the shears in consistently sealing biliary ducts, we do not recommend their routine use in biliary surgery.     

Increased inspiratory esophagogastric junction pressure in systemic sclerosis:An add-on to antireflux barrier

AIM:To investigate crural diaphragm(CD)function in systemic sclerosis(SSc)using high-resolution manometryand standardized inspiratory maneuvers.METHODS:Eight SSc volunteers(average age,40.1years;one male)and 13 controls(average age,32.2years;six males)participated in the study.A highresolution manometry/impedance system measured the esophagus and esophagogastric junction(EGJ)pressure profile during swallows and two respiratory maneuvers:sinus arrhythmia maneuver(SAM;the average of six EGJ peak pressures during 5-s deep inhalations)and threshold maneuver(TM;the EGJ peak pressures during forced inhalation under 12 and 24 cm H2O loads).Inspiratory diaphragm lowering(IDL)was taken as the displacement of the EGJ high-pressure zone during the SAM.RESULTS:SSc patients had lower mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure than controls during normal breathing(19.7±2.8 mm Hg vs 32.2±2.7 mm Hg,P=0.007).Sinus arrhythmia maneuver pressure was higher in SSc patients than in controls(142.6±9.4 mm Hg vs 104.6±13.8 mm Hg,P=0.019).Sinus arrhythmia maneuver pressure normalized to IDL was also higher in SSc patients than in controls(83.8±13.4 mm Hg vs37.5±6.9 mm Hg,P=0.005).Threshold maneuver pressures normalized to IDL were also greater in SSc patients than in controls(TM 12 cm H2O:85.1±16.4mm Hg vs 43.9±6.3 mm Hg,P=0.039;TM 24 cm H2O:85.2±16.4 mm Hg vs 46.2±6.6 mm Hg,P=0.065).Inspiratory diaphragm lowering in SSc patients was less than in controls(2.1±0.3 cm vs 3±0.2 cm,P=0.011).CONCLUSION:SSc patients had increased inspiratory EGJ pressure.This is an add-on to EGJ pressure and indicates that the antireflux barrier can be trained.     

XbaI polymorphisms of apolipoprotein B gene: Another risk factor of gallstone formation after radical gastrectomy

AIM: To prospectively investigate the association between the XbaI polymorphisms of apolipoprotein B (APOB) gene and gallstone formation following gastrectomy.METHODS: The study was conducted between January 2005 and December 2006. A total of 186 gastric cancer patients who had undergone radical gastrectomy were grouped according to XbaI polymorphisms of APOB gene (X⁺X^- group, n = 24 and X^-X^- group, n = 162) and compared. The XbaI polymorphisms of APOB gene were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).RESULTS: The incidence of gallstone was significantly higher in the X⁺X^- group than in the X^-X^- group [54.2% vs 9.3%, RR = 5.85 (2.23-15.32), P < 0.001]. The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were higher in the X⁺X^- than in the X^-X^- group (4.02 ± 1.12 vs 3.48 ± 0.88, P = 0.004 before surgery and 3.88 ± 1.09 vs 3.40 ± 0.86, P = 0.008 after surgery). LDL was 2.21 ± 0.96 vs 1.89 ± 0.84 (P = 0.042) before surgery and 2.09 ± 0.95 vs 1.72 ± 0.85 (P = 0.029) after surgery in the two groups. No relationship was found between XbaI polymorphisms and gallbladder motility.CONCLUSION: In Chinese patients after radical gastrectomy, X⁺ allele of APOB gene is another risk factor for the development of gallstone besides the gallbladder motility disorder after surgery.     

Anorectal functional outcome after repeated transanal endoscopic microsurgery

AIM:To evaluate the status of anorectal function after repeated transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM).METHODS:Twenty-one patients undergoing subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis were included.There were more than 5 large( 1 cm) polyps in the remaining rectum(range:6-20 cm from the anal edge).All patients,19 with villous adenomas and 2 with low-grade adenocarcinomas,underwent TEM with submucosal endoscopic excision at least twice between 2005 and 2011.Anorectal manometry and a questionnaire about incontinence were carried out at week 1 before operation,and at weeks 2 and 3 and 6 mo after the last operation.Anal resting pressure,maximum squeeze pressure,maximum tolerable volume(MTV) and rectoanal inhibitory reflexes(RAIR) were recorded.The integrity and thickness of the internal anal sphincter(IAS) and external anal sphincter(EAS) were also evaluated by endoanal ultrasonography.We determined the physical and mental health status with SF-36 score to assess the effect of multiple TEM on patient quality of life(QoL).RESULTS:All patients answered the questionnaire.Apart from negative RAIR in 4 patients,all of the anorectal manometric values in the 21 patients were normal before operation.Mean anal resting pressure decreased from 38 ± 5 mmHg to 19 ± 3 mmHg(38 ± 5 mmHg vs 19 ± 3 mmHg,P = 0.000) and MTV from 165 ± 19 mL to 60 ± 11 mL(165 ± 19 mL vs 60 ± 11 mL,P = 0.000) at month 3 after surgery.Anal resting pressure and MTV were 37 ± 5 mmHg(38 ± 5 mmHg vs 37 ± 5 mmHg,P = 0.057) and 159 ± 19 mL(165 ± 19 mL vs 159 ± 19 mL,P = 0.071),respectively,at month 6 after TEM.Maximal squeeze pressure decreased from 171 ± 19 mmHg to 62 ± 12 mmHg(171 ± 19 mmHg vs 62 ± 12 mmHg,P = 0.000) at week 2 after operation,and returned to normal values by postoperative month 3(171 ± 19 vs 166 ± 18,P = 0.051).RAIR were absent in 4 patients preoperatively and in 12(2 = 4.947,P = 0.026) patients at month 3 after surgery.RAIR was absent only in 5 patients at postoperative month 6(2 = 0.141,P = 0.707).Endosonography demonstrated that IAS disruption occurred in 8 patients,and 6 patients had temporary incontinence to flatus that was normalized by postoperative month 3.IAS thickness decreased from 1.9 ± 0.6 mm preoperatively to 1.3 ± 0.4 mm(1.9 ± 0.6 mm vs 1.3 ± 0.4 mm,P = 0.000) at postoperative month 3 and increased to 1.8 ± 0.5 mm(1.9 ± 0.6 mm vs 1.8 ± 0.5 mm,P = 0.239) at postoperative month 6.EAS thickness decreased from 3.7 ± 0.6 mm preoperatively to 3.5 ± 0.3 mm(3.7 ± 0.6 mm vs 3.5 ± 0.3 mm,P = 0.510) at month 3 and then increased to 3.6 ± 0.4 mm(3.7 ± 0.6 mm vs 3.6 ± 0.4 mm,P = 0.123) at month 6 after operation.Most patients had frequent stools per day and relatively high Wexner scores in a short time period.While actual fecal incontinence was exceptional,episodes of soiling were reported by 3 patients.With regard to the QoL,the physical and mental health status scores(SF-36) were 56.1 and 46.2(50 in the general population),respectively.CONCLUSION:The anorectal function after repeated TEM is preserved.Multiple TEM procedures are useful for resection of multi-polyps in the remaining rectum.     

Gallstone pancreatitis: does discharge and readmission for cholecystectomy affect outcome?

BackgroundConventional surgical wisdom is that a patient with gallstone pancreatitis should have the gallbladder removed during their initial hospitalization. However, patients are now often discharged to await operating room availability.MethodsA retrospective review of all cases of gallstone pancreatitis at the Foothills Hospital between 1992 and 1996 was undertaken. Patients with a first attack of mild gallstone pancreatitis were studied.ResultsIn all, 164 patients were identified: 90 patients were discharged for readmission cholecystectomy (discharged group), and 74 patients had the cholecystectomy before discharge (in-hospital group). Over the 5-year time period the proportion of patients discharged for readmission cholecystectomy increased from 27% to 67% (p<0.01). The total number of days waited for operation was greater in the discharged group versus in-hospital group: 40±69 days versus 8±10 days respectively (mean±SD). There was a trend towards an increased total number of days in hospital in the in-hospital group, 15.5±17 days versus 10.7±16 days. In the discharged group 20% (18 of 90) of patients experienced an adverse event requiring readmission while awaiting operation. Three had documented recurrent pancreatitis, 10 experienced recurrent pain, and 5 developed acute cholecystitis. There were no deaths in either group.DiscussionTwenty percent of patients with gallstone pancreatitis who are discharged to await operating room time (average wait 40 days) will require readmission for biliary symptoms.     

Effects of aerobic exercise training and irbesartan on blood pressure and heart rate variability in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The present pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of an aerobic exercise training (AET) program alone or combined with an antihypertensive agent (irbesartan) to reduce blood pressure (BP) and enhance heart rate variability (HRV) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

METHODS:

Twenty-one patients were randomly assigned to a double-blind treatment with exercise and placebo (n=11) or exercise and irbesartan (n=10). Subjects underwent 24 h BP monitoring and 24 h electrocardiographic recording before and after the 12-week AET. HRV was investigated using three indexes from the power spectral analysis and three indexes calculated from the time domain. The AET program consisted of exercising on a calibrated ergocycle for 30 min three times per week. Five patients in the placebo group were excluded during follow-up because they were not compliant.

RESULTS:

There was no change in 24 h systolic and diastolic BP before (130±14 mmHg and 70±3 mmHg, respectively) and after (128±8 mmHg and 70±8 mmHg, respectively) exercise training in the placebo group, whereas in the irbesartan group systolic and diastolic BP decreased from 135±9 mmHg and 76±9 mmHg to 126±12 mmHg and 72±8 mmHg, respectively (P<0.02). There were no changes in HRV parameters in either group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The present study suggests that a 12-week AET program is not associated with a significant reduction in BP or enhancement in HRV, whereas an AET program combined with irbe-sartan is associated with a reduction in 24 h BP.     

High vesicular cholesterol and protein in bile are associated with formation of cholesterol but not pigment gallstones

To examine the differentiating parameters between cholesterol and pigment gallstones, we compared the nucleation times, concentrations of biliary lipid and protein, and the distribution of vesicular cholesterol in gallbladder bile of 16 patients with cholesterol, eight patients with black pigment gallstones, and nine gallstone-free control patients. Cholesterol monohydrate crystals were present in the fresh bile of only the cholesterol gallstone group. The nucleation time was significantly faster in the cholesterol stone group (3.3±3.2 days) than in the other two groups (pigment stone: 15.8±6.6, control: 16.9±5.7). The cholesterol saturation indices and the distribution of vesicular cholesterol were significantly higher in the cholesterol gallstone group than those in the other two groups. The total biliary protein concentration was significantly (P<0.01) higher in the cholesterol gallstone group [2.57±1.91 (sd) mg/ml] than that in the black pigment stone group (1.09±0.59). All parameters in patients with black pigment gallstone were essentially similar to the controls. We conclude that the presence of cholesterol crystals, rapid nucleation time, high vesicular cholesterol distribution, elevated cholesterol saturation index, and high protein concentration are associated with cholesterol gallstones but not with black pigment gallstones.     

Inhibition of gastric perception of mild distention by omeprazole in volunteers

AIM:To evaluate the effects of omeprazole on gastric mechanosensitivity in humans. METHODS:A double lumen polyvinyl tube with a plastic bag was introduced into the stomach of healthy volunteers under fluorography and connected to a barostat device. Subjects were then positioned so they were sitting comfortably, and the minimal distending pressure (MDP) was determined after a 30-min adaptation period. Isobaric distensions were performed in stepwise increments of 2 mmHg (2 min each) starting from the MDP. Subjects were instructed to score feel-ings at the end of every step using a graphic rating scale:0, no perception; 1, weak/vague; 2, weak but significant; 3, moderate/vague; 4, moderate but signifi-cant; 5, severe discomfort; and 6, unbearable pain. After this first test, subjects received omeprazole (20 mg, after dinner) once daily for 1 wk. A second test was performed on the last day of treatment. RESULTS:No adverse effects were observed. Mean MDP before and after treatment was 6.3 ± 0.3 mmHg and 6.2 ± 0.5 mmHg, respectively. One subject before and 2 after treatment did not reach a score of 6 at the maximum bag volume of 750 mL. After omeprazole, there was a significant increase in the distension pres-sure required to reach scores of 1 (P = 0.019) and 2 (P = 0.017) as compared to baseline. There were no changes in pressure required to reach the other scores after treatment. Two subjects before and one after omeprazole rated their abdominal feeling 1 at MDP, and mean (± SE) abdominal discomfort scores at MDP were 0.13 ± 0.09 and 0.04 ± 0.04, respectively. Mean scores induced by each MDP + 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 (mmHg) were 1.1 ± 0.3, 2.0 ± 0.4, 2.9 ± 0.5, 3.3 ± 0.4, 4.6 ± 0.3, 5.2 ± 0.3, 5.5 ± 0.2, 5.5 ± 0.3, 5.7 ± 0.3, and 5.4, respectively. After omepra-zole, abdominal feeling scores for the same incremental pressures over MDP were 0.3 ± 0.1, 0.8 ± 0.1, 2.0 ± 0.4, 2.8 ± 0.4, 3.8 ± 0.4, 4.6 ± 0.4, 4.9 ± 0.3, 5.4 ± 0.4, 5.2 ± 0.6, and 5.0 ± 1.0, respectively. A signif- icant decrease in feeling score was observed at intrabag pressures of MDP + 2 mmHg (P = 0.028) and + 4 mmHg (P = 0.013), respectively, after omeprazole. No significant score changes were observed at pres-sures ≥ MDP + 6 mmHg. CONCLUSION:Although the precise mechanisms are undetermined, the present study demonstrated that omeprazole decreases mechanosensitivity to mild gastric distension.     

Gastric emptying and plasma levels of gastrointestinal hormones in patients with peptic ulcer

ＧａｓｔｒｉｃｅｍｐｔｙｉｎｇａｎｄｐｌａｓｍａｌｅｖｅｌｓｏｆｇａｓｔｒｏｉｎｔｅｓｔｉｎａｌｈｏｒｍｏｎｅｓｉｎｐａｔｉｅｎｔｓｗｉｔｈｐｅｐｔｉｃｕｌｃｅｒＣＨＥＮＪｉａｎ,ＬＩＪｕｎＭａｎ,ＬＩＸｕｅＨｕｉ,ＨＡＯＨｏｎｇＳｈｅｎｇａｎ...     

YouTube as a source of patient information on gallstone disease

AIM:To investigate the quality of YouTube videos on gallstone disease and to assess viewer response according to quality.METHODS:A YouTube search was performed on September 18,2013,using the keywords‘‘gallbladder disease’’,‘‘gallstone disease’’,and‘‘gallstone treatment’’.Three researchers assessed the source,length,number of views,number of likes,and days since upload.The upload source was categorised as physician or hospital(PH),medical website or TV channel,commercial website(CW),or civilian.A usefulness score was devised to assess video quality and to categorise the videos into‘‘very useful’’,‘‘useful’’,‘‘slightly useful’’,or‘‘not useful’’.Videos with misleading content were categorised as‘‘misleading’’.RESULTS:One hundred and thirty-one videos were analysed.Seventy-four videos(56.5%)were misleading,36(27.5%)were slightly useful,15(11.5%)were useful,three(2.3%)were very useful,and three(2.3%)were not useful.The number of mean likes(1.3±1.5vs 17.2±38.0,P=0.007)and number of views(756.3±701.0 vs 8910.7±17094.7,P=0.001)were both significantly lower in the very useful group compared with the misleading group.All three very useful videos were PH videos.Among the 74 misleading videos,64(86.5%)were uploaded by a CW.There was no correlation between usefulness and the number of views,the number of likes,or the length.The"gallstone flush"was the method advocated most frequently by misleading videos(25.7%).CONCLUSION:More than half of the YouTube videos on gallstone disease are misleading.Credible videos uploaded by medical professionals and filtering by the staff of YouTube appear to be necessary.     

Carbon dioxide accumulation during analgosedated colonoscopy: Comparison of propofol and midazolam

AIM: To characterize the profiles of alveolar hypoventilation during colonoscopies performed under sedoanalgesia with a combination of alfentanil and either midazolam or propofol. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing routine colonoscopy were randomly assigned to sedation with either propofol or midazolam in an open-labeled design using a titration scheme. All patients received 4 μg/kg per body weight alfentanil for analgesia and 3 L of supplemental oxygen. Oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) was measured by pulse oximetry (POX), and capnography (PcCO 2 ) was continuously measured using a combined dedicated sensor at the ear lobe. Instances of apnea resulting in measures such as stimulation of the patient, a chin lift, a mask maneuver, or withholding of sedation were recorded. PcCO 2 values (as a parameter of sedation-induced hypoventilation) were compared between groups at the following distinct time points: baseline, maximal rise, termination of the procedure and 5 min after termination of the procedure. The number of patients in both study groups who regained baseline PcCO 2 values (± 1.5 mmHg) five minutes after the procedure was determined.RESULTS: A total of 97 patients entered this study. The data from 14 patients were subsequently excluded for clinical procedure-related reasons or for technical problems. Therefore, 83 patients (mean age 62 ± 13 years) were successfully randomized to receive propofol (n = 42) or midazolam (n = 41) for sedation. Most of the patients were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Ⅱ [16 (38%) in the midazolam group and 15 (32%) in the propofol group] and ASA Ⅲ [14 (33%) and 13 (32%) in the midazolam and propofol groups, respectively]. A mean dose of 5 (4-7) mg of Ⅳ midazolam and 131 (70-260) mg of Ⅳ propofol was used during the procedure in the corresponding study arms. The mean SpO 2 at baseline (%) was 99 ± 1 for the midazolam group and 99 ± 1 for the propofol group. No cases of hypoxemia (SpO 2 85%) or apnea were recorded. However, an increase in PcCO 2 that indicated alveolar hypoventilation occurred in both groups after administration of the first drug and was not detected with pulse oximetry alone. The mean interval between the initiation of sedation and the time when the PcCO 2 value increased to more than 2 mmHg was 2.8 ± 1.3 min for midazolam and 2.8 ± 1.1 min for propofol. The mean maximal rise was similar for both drugs: 8.6 ± 3.7 mmHg for midazolam and 7.4 ± 3.2 mmHg for propofol. Five minutes after the end of the procedure, the mean difference from the baseline values was significantly lower for the propofol treatment compared with midazolam (0.9 ± 3.0 mmHg vs 4.3 ± 3.7 mmHg, P = 0.0000169), and significantly more patients in the propofol group had regained their baseline value ± 1.5 mmHg (32 of 41vs 12 of 42,P = 0.0004). CONCLUSION: A significantly higher number of patients sedated with propofol had normalized PcCO 2 values five minutes after sedation when compared with patients sedated with midazolam.