AGE/RAGE/DIAPH1 axis is associated with immunometabolic markers and risk of insulin resistance in subcutaneous but not omental adipose tissue in human obesity.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The incidence of obesity continues to increase worldwide and while the underlying pathogenesis remains largely unknown, nutrient excess, manifested by "Westernization" of the diet and reduced physical activity have been proposed as key contributing factors. Western-style diets, in addition to higher caloric load, are characterized by excess of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which have been linked to the pathophysiology of obesity and related cardiometabolic disorders. AGEs can be "trapped" in adipose tissue, even in the absence of diabetes, in part due to higher expression of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) and/or decreased detoxification by the endogenous glyoxalase (GLO) system, where they may promote insulin resistance. It is unknown whether the expression levels of genes linked to the RAGE axis, including AGER (the gene encoding RAGE), Diaphanous 1 (DIAPH1), the cytoplasmic domain binding partner of RAGE that contributes to RAGE signaling, and GLO1 are differentially regulated by the degree of obesity and/or how these relate to inflammatory and adipocyte markers and their metabolic consequences. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We sought to answer this question by analyzing gene expression patterns of markers of the AGE/RAGE/DIAPH1 signaling axis in abdominal subcutaneous (SAT) and omental (OAT) adipose tissue from obese and morbidly obese subjects. RESULTS: In SAT, but not OAT, expression of AGER was significantly correlated with that of DIAPH1 (n = 16; [Formula: see text], [0.260, 1.177]; q = 0.008) and GLO1 (n = 16; [Formula: see text], [0.364, 1.182]; q = 0.004). Furthermore, in SAT, but not OAT, regression analyses revealed that the expression pattern of genes in the AGE/RAGE/DIAPH1 axis is strongly and positively associated with that of inflammatory and adipogenic markers. Remarkably, particularly in SAT, not OAT, the expression of AGER positively and significantly correlated with HOMA-IR (n = 14; [Formula: see text], [0.338, 1.249]; q = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggest associations of the AGE/RAGE/DIAPH1 axis in the immunometabolic pathophysiology of obesity and insulin resistance, driven, at least in part, through expression and activity of this axis in SAT.

Usefulness of Omentoplasty to Reduce Perineal Wound Complications in Abdominoperineal Resection After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Omentoplasty is sometimes used to prevent perineal wound complications after abdominoperineal resection (APR) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT). However, recent studies have raised some controversy about its clinical benefit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Outcomes for rectal cancer patients who received APR after NACRT were retrospectively compared between the groups with omentoplasty (n=28) and without omentoplasty (n=14). RESULTS: The operative time was significantly longer in the omentoplasty group (575 vs. 404 min, p<0.001). Laparoscopic surgery was performed more frequently in the omentoplasty group. Perineal wound problems including dehiscence and infection were significantly reduced in the omentoplasty group (46.4% vs. 78.6%, p<0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that omentoplasty was the most important factor in reducing perineal wound complications (odds ratio=0.020, 95% confidence intervaI=0.001-0.393; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Omentoplasty was useful in reducing perineal wound complications after APR following NACRT.

Collagen-rich omentum is a premetastatic niche for integrin α2-mediated peritoneal metastasis.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays critical roles in tumor progression and metastasis. However, the contribution of ECM proteins to early metastatic onset in the peritoneal cavity remains unexplored. Here, we suggest a new route of metastasis through the interaction of integrin alpha 2 (ITGA2) with collagens enriched in the tumor coinciding with poor outcome in patients with ovarian cancer. Using multiple gene-edited cell lines and patient-derived samples, we demonstrate that ITGA2 triggers cancer cell adhesion to collagen, promotes cell migration, anoikis resistance, mesothelial clearance, and peritoneal metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, phosphoproteomics identify an ITGA2-dependent phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway leading to enhanced oncogenic properties. Consequently, specific inhibition of ITGA2-mediated cancer cell-collagen interaction or targeting focal adhesion signaling may present an opportunity for therapeutic intervention of metastatic spread in ovarian cancer.

A case of laparoscopic resection of myxoid liposarcoma of the greater omentum.

Primary omental liposarcoma is a rare clinical entity with less than 20 cases being reported in the literature. Laparotomy has been the traditional approach for resection, with no reports of laparoscopic resection. A 39-year-old lady presented at the Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Malaysia with a history of a progressive, painless left upper quadrant abdominal swelling for a year. CT scan showed a well-defined heterogeneously enhancing cystic mass measuring 7.5x7.5x8.1cm with a poor plane with the adjacent greater curvature of stomach and transverse colon. Upper and lower endoscopy was normal. The tumour was completely dissected from the adjacent transverse colon and removed laparoscopically. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed a myxoid liposarcoma. She had an uneventful recovery and was discharged well on the third postoperative day. She subsequently underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and was well at 1-year follow-up with PET CT showing no evidence of recurrence or metastases.

Lesser Omental Panniculitis.

A 44-year-old woman presented to our hospital with abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a mass-like change in the lesser omentum between the liver and stomach. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor-like change, and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) revealed that the mass was located outside of the stomach wall. We performed EUS fine-needle aspiration and diagnosed panniculitis of the lesser omentum. Based on these findings, we suggest that mass-like lesions in the lesser omentum and submucosal tumor-like changes in the anterior wall on the lesser curvature side of the stomach be evaluated for the possibility of panniculitis of the lesser omentum.

A Method for Islet Transplantation to the Omentum in Mouse.

Islet transplantation has been proposed to be a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes. Recent compelling evidence indicates that intravascular islet infusion is far from ideal and therefore, the omentum is re-emerging as a potentially valuable site for islet transplantation. This experiment requires the isolation of high quality islets and the implantation of the islets to the diabetic recipients. Transplantation to the omentum requires surgical steps that can be better demonstrated visually. Here, the detailed steps for this procedure are presented. Two methods of mixing the isolated islets with hydrogel before placing the mixture into the omental pouch of diabetic mice are described here. Different hydrogels are used for the different conditions. Blood glucose levels of diabetic mouse recipients of syngeneic islets in the omentum were monitored for up to 35 days. Some animals were sacrificed after 14 days to perform immuno-histochemical analysis. This pre-clinical transplantation approach can be used as preliminary data leading up to translation to clinical transplantation.

Reducing the occurrence rate of catheter dysfunction in peritoneal dialysis: a single-center experience about CQI.

To reduce the occurrence rate of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter dysfunction caused by catheter displacement or plugging, this study screened all patients with peritoneal dialysis catheterization from 2002 to 2015 from the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. There were 256 patients before continuous quality improvement (CQI) (from 2002 to 2007) and 813 patients after CQI (from 2008 to 2015). The occurrence rate of catheter dysfunction was 5.9% in the preCQI group: seven cases were associated with peritonitis, six cases were involved in omentum wrapping, one case was blocked by oviduct, and one case was blocked by blood clot. Through PDCA (plan-do-check-act) four-step of CQI, the following measures were adopted: (1) Preoperative: treat complications, enema and urine catheterization (2) Intraoperative: strengthen analgesia, Lower the insert position of catheter to 7.5 ∼ 8.5 cm above the pubic symphysis, extending the straight distance of catheter in rectus abdominis and decrease the times of peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation. (3) Postoperative: strengthen the training of nurses, patients and their families. (4) strengthen anticoagulation therapy during peritonitis treatment. (5) use laparoscopic technology for refractory patients, and so on. The occurrence of catheter dysfunction was 1.5% in the postCQI group (p < 0.05): two cases were associated with peritonitis, ten cases were involved in omentum wrapping. The measures we adopted in CQI reduce the occurrence rate of catheter displacement or plugging in peritoneal dialysis.

Umbilical Hernia with Evisceration. Two Cases and a Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Evisceration of umbilical hernias is an uncommon occurrence whereby the hernial contents break through the skin overlying the sac and skin. Irrespective of cause, sudden evisceration of an umbilical hernia is associated with deterioration and a poor outcome. CASE REPORTS: Our first case was a 42-year-old woman who presented with sudden outpouring of fluid from the umbilicus with omental evisceration. Further evaluation revealed hepatic decompensation caused by hepatitis C infection belonging to Child-Turcotte-Pugh class C. After stabilizing her hemodynamically, she underwent a partial omentectomy with primary repair of umbilical defect. The patient's postoperative course was challenging. She died of septicemia and acute renal failure after 5 days. Our second case was a 40-year-old man who suffered from alcohol-induced cirrhosis, presenting with omental evisceration, belonging to Child-Turcotte-Pugh class C. We performed a primary repair of the hernial defect with peritoneovenous shunting for his intractable ascites. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed grade I esophageal varices. The patient succumbed to acute variceal hemorrhage with acute renal failure 18 days later. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: In an emergent setting with multiple factors influencing final surgical outcome, it is imperative that management be tailored for each patient. Those with severe encephalopathy or cardiovascular instability must be stabilized before surgical intervention. Central venous and blood pressures need to be closely monitored during resuscitation, as fervent fluid administration may predispose to variceal hemorrhage. It may be prudent to follow the principle of hypotensive resuscitation as in acute trauma cases.

A method for voltage measurements of cancerous vs non-cancerous omentum.

This paper presents and elaborates upon the practicalities of a method which enables the recording of voltage measurements from omental tissue in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. The key components of the proposed low-cost experimental setup are a tungsten electrode, a Ag/AgCl reference electrode and an instrumentation amplifier. Intriguingly, potential difference recordings between cancerous omentum and tissue culture media and between non-cancerous omentum and media, differ for tissue samples coming from the same patient. Further studies are warranted to assess the potential prognostic value of voltage measurements in cancerous tissue.

Primary omental pregnancy with secondary implantation into posterior cul-de-sac: laparoscopic treatment using hemostatic matrix.

Primary omental pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy. Only a few reported cases have been treated using laparoscopy. Hemostasis after trophoblast removal can be challenging. A 25-year-old primigravida in week 8 of pregnancy was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of missed abortion. An ultrasound scan showed an empty uterine cavity and a gestational sac with a 15-mm embryo dorsal to the uterus, indicative of an ectopic pregnancy. The preoperative serum concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin was 33 600 U/mL. Laparoscopy was performed, which revealed an omental pregnancy invading the peritoneum of the Douglas pouch. After laparoscopic removal of the ectopic pregnancy with partial omentectomy, diffuse bleeding from the crater between both sacrouterine ligaments was treated using the gelatin-thrombin matrix (FloSeal). The final histologic analysis confirmed the omentum as the primary site of the ectopic pregnancy (multiple chorionic villi and decidua within the omental fat). The postoperative period was uneventful. This case expands the classic Studdiford criteria. Secondary peritoneal ectopic pregnancy implantation can occur not only after tubal rupture or expulsion of tubal ectopic pregnancy but also after primary implantation at any other ectopic site. The laparoscopic approach to abdominal pregnancy is safe and feasible if there is sufficient intraoperative hemostasis. The hemostatic matrix facilitates quick and effective control of bleeding.

Experimental study of the diagnostic potentialities of bioimpedance measurement in acute intestinal obstruction.

The dynamics of impedance values of the small and large intestine, parietal peritoneum, and greater omentum was analyzed during different periods of experimental acute intestinal obstruction. The impedance was below the normal, which indicated progressive microcirculatory disorders and necrosis of the intestinal wall. The histomorphological picture of healing of anastomoses created after resection of the intestine with consideration for bioimpedance values and of anastomoses created after resection of the intestine in a priori viable tissues virtually did not differ.

Omental torsion, a rare cause of acute surgical abdomen.

Torsion of the greater omentum is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain. The symptoms of this pathology are non-specific and abdominal CT is usually necessary to make the diagnosis. Treatment is surgical and can often be performed laparoscopically.

A new approach to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: the need for a controlled study.

It has been widely believed that decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF), known to occur in Alzheimer's disease (AD), is the result of neuronal degeneration that causes a decrease in the need for adequate CBF. There is new interest in the idea, however, that it is not neuronal degeneration that leads to decreased CBF to critical neurons, but it is the decrease in CBF which is the cause of the neuronal deterioration seen in AD patients. In order to increase CBF to the AD brain, an operation called omental transposition has been developed in which an intact elongated omental pedicle, when placed directly on the brain, provides additional CBF and other biological nutrients to the brain. It is understandable that AD patients are awaiting a method to control their disease, but this may take years to become available. Placing the omentum on the AD brain has demonstrated increased CBF which may be the reason that several studies have shown that omental transposition to the brain can improve the cognitive ability of AD patients who have undergone the operation. What is needed is a prospective controlled study that could scientifically establish the benefit of the procedure.

Ulcus péptico perforado: revisión de 102 casos en el Hospital Dr. "Domingo Luciani" / Perforated peptic ulcer: a review of 102 cases at the Hospital Dr. Domingo Luciani

Determinar los aspectos epidemiológicos y el tratamiento quirúrgico en los pacientes con ulcus péptico perforado atendidos en el Departamento de Cirugía General del Hospital Domingo Luciani. IVSS, Caracas. Estudio retrospectivo, transversal, descriptivo y observacional, realizado en el período correspondiente de julio de 1989 a julio de 2007, mediante la revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente por ulcus péptico perforado. Un total de 102 pacientes fueron intervenidos por ulcus péptico perforado, en su mayoría hombres (90 por ciento), con edad promedio de 40 años. El principal síntoma fue el dolor. Los pacientes acudieron en las primeras 24 horas del inicio de los síntomas. Los antecedentes más importantes fueron el hábito tabáquico y alcohólico (62 por ciento y 56 por ciento). La localización más frecuente de la úlcera fue prepilórica (64 por ciento). La técnica de reparación quirúrgica más empleada fue la rafia de la úlcera más parche de epiplón (44 por ciento). La morbilidad fue de 27.5 por ciento y la mortalidad de 5 por ciento. El ulcus péptico perforado se presenta con mayor frecuencia en hombres fumadores. La raparación quirúrgica con rafia y parche de epiplón es segura.

A novel model of pain sensation using superfused gastrosplenic omentum preparation of anesthetized rats.

A pain model for screening analgesics was established in anesthetized rats. The omenta of urethane-anesthetized rats were exteriorized, fixed in a plastic chamber, and superfused with Tyrode solution. Administration of bradykinin (BK) in the chamber elicited the reflex hypertensive response (RHR). Modification of the RHR was tested by topical (in the chamber) or intravenous administration of drugs. The BK dose-response curve was shifted to the right by topical indomethacin. The RHR by BK was inhibited by topical application of a BK B(2) antagonist, (Thi(5,8)-D-Phe(7)-BK), a local anesthetic (2% carbocaine), and by intravenous administration of a ganglion blocker (hexamethonium) or an alpha-adrenergic blocker (dibenamine). The RHR by topical BK was almost completely inhibited by morphine and the suppression was largely reversed by naloxone. The RHR, induced by a threshold dose of BK and inhibited by indomethacin, was potentiated by pretreatment of the omentum with prostaglandin (PG) E(2) or PGI(2). PGE(2) was less potent, but the effect lasted longer than that of PGI(2). Topical administration of a non-acidic analgesic, mepirizole, inhibited the RHR by topical BK by only 20%, but intravenous mepirizole inhibited topical BK by 96.2%, indicating its major central action. This model may be useful for studying analgesics.

Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of primary torsion of the greater omentum.

Clinical presentation of primary torsion of the greater omentum is nonspecific, thus rarely allowing for a preoperative diagnosis. Three patients presented with acute but nonspecific abdominal symptoms. Because ultrasonographic and radiologic findings were unclear, all patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. In all cases, laparoscopy enabled us to achieve the diagnosis and to perform a resection of necrotic omentum. The mean duration of the procedure was 56 minutes (range: 42 to 76). The postoperative course was uneventful and the patients were discharged on postoperative day 1 (2) and 3. The value of diagnostic laparoscopy increases when the disease can be treated laparoscopically. The laparoscopic vision allowed us to explore the whole peritoneal cavity, so achieving the diagnosis, and to place the operative trocars at the most convenient sites. The laparoscopic resection of the greater omentum is an easy task even for inexperienced laparoscopic surgeons, allowing patients to benefit from the advantages of a mini-invasive approach.

Possible role of milky spots in mesothelial transplantation.

Milky spots are very small omental organs, in contact with peritoneal membrane, devoid of capsule and consisting of macrophages, lymphocytes and a few plasma cells supported by blood and lymphatic vessels. The exact role of these particular organs is still not clear, but they are similar to lymphatic structures and it is clear that they play a role in peritoneal infection and abdominal tumors. Peritoneal dialysis seems to activate the milky spots changing their morphology. The authors try to formulate some hypotheses on the role played by these little omental organs during autologous mesothelial transplant.