Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Ultra-processed food (UPF) intake has been associated with a higher risk of obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The initial data on the relationship between UPF consumption and cancer risk were derived from retrospective observational studies with conflicting results. This systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies aimed to investigate the association between UPF consumption and gastrointestinal cancer risk. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for prospective cohort studies that compared the highest vs the lowest level of UPF consumption according to NOVA food classification and reported the risk of gastrointestinal cancers by subsite. The association with cancer was quantified as hazard ratios (HR) using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Five prospective cohort studies were included in this review comprising 1,128,243 participants (241,201 participants in the highest and 223,366 in the lowest levels of UPF consumption). The mean follow-up ranged from 5.4 to 28 years. The highest UPF consumption was significantly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (HR 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.21; P = 0.01; I2 = 31%), colon cancer (HR 1.12; 95% CI 1.02-1.23; P = 0.02; I2 = 0%), and non-cardia gastric cancer (HR 1.43; 95% CI 1.02-2.00; P = 0.04; I2 = 0%) compared with the lowest UPF intake. However, no association was found between high UPF consumption and hepatocellular, esophageal, pancreatic, gastric cardia, and rectal cancer. DISCUSSION: The highest level of UPF consumption was significantly associated with colorectal and non-cardia gastric cancer.

Potential roles of Helicobacter pylori treatment, body mass index and waist circumference in the causation of erosive esophagitis: a randomized clinical trial (HEROES-GERD).

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obesity has been increasing while Helicobacter pylori infection has been decreasing. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if H. pylori treatment, excess body weight and other anthropometric measurements are associated with incident erosive esophagitis, as a secondary objective of a trial which tested the efficacy of treatment of H. pylori on the symptoms of functional dyspepsia. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and anthropometric assessments were performed, at baseline and after 12 months, in H. pylori positive patients with functional dyspepsia who had no baseline reflux symptoms or esophagitis. Patients were randomly assigned to receive omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin (antibiotic group; n = 201) or omeprazole plus placebo (control group; n = 203). The primary outcome was the incidence of esophagitis 12 months after randomization, according to treatment groups, and the association of BMI and other anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: Four hundred and four patients were included (mean age, 46.1 years; 78.7% women). The 12-month follow-up endoscopic esophagitis rates for the antibiotic and control groups were 10.9% (22/201) and 9.4% (19/203), respectively (p = 0.60). The number needed to harm was 67. Baseline anthropometric measurements were performed in 94% (380/404) of patients. The 12-month follow-up esophagitis rates for overweight and normal body weight patients were 13.6% (29/213) and 6.0% (10/167), respectively (p = 0.015); rates for patients with and without increased baseline waist circumference were 15.4% (24/156) and 6.7% (15/224), respectively (p = 0.006). Following logistic regression, only the combination of increased baseline body mass index and waist, but not H. pylori treatment, was independently associated with new-onset esophagitis (OR 2.88; 95% CI: 1.28-6.45). CONCLUSIONS: Excess body weight and concomitant increased waist circumference, but not H. pylori treatment, predicts new-onset esophagitis.

Analysis of the Influence of Interleukin-1ß Gene Polymorphism on Gastric Inflammatory Response and Precancerous Lesions Development in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia.

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of the IL1B -31C/T polymorphism on gastric inflammatory response and precancerous lesions development - atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) - in patients positive for Helicobacter pylori infection with functional dyspepsia (FD). The diagnosis of FD followed the Rome III criteria, and the H. pylori infection was evaluated by urease test and histological examination of gastric biopsies (corpus, antrum, and incisura). The severity of chronic inflammation and inflammatory activity, as well as the presence of precancerous lesions were evaluated accordingly to the updated Sydney System. Genotyping of the IL1B -31C/T polymorphism (rs1143627) was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. A total of 303 patients positive for H. pylori infection with FD were analyzed (81.8% women; mean age of 46.3 ± 12.3 years). No differences were observed in overall genotype frequencies among outcomes evaluated. However, in the dominant -31C allele model (CC+CT vs. TT), the frequency of the TT genotype was significantly higher among patients with moderate/severe chronic inflammation of the antrum than the frequency of the CC+CT genotypes (80.8% vs. 65.2%; OR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.23-4.24; P = .005). The presence of AG and IM in the gastric mucosa of patients was of 19.5% and 19.1%, respectively. No significant association was observed concerning the frequencies of the genotypes of IL1B -31C/T polymorphism with development of precancerous lesions. In conclusion, our data suggest that genetic variants of the IL1B -31C/T polymorphism play a role in chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa in H. pylori-infected FD patients.

The association between adult-type hypolactasia and symptoms of functional dyspepsia.

Functional dyspepsia and lactose intolerance (adult-type hypolactasia, ATH) are common conditions that may coexist or even be confounded. Their clinical presentation can be similar, however, lactose intolerance does not form part of the diagnostic investigation of functional dyspepsia. Studies on the association between functional dyspepsia and ATH are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate whether ATH is associated with symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Patients fulfilling the Rome III diagnostic criteria for functional dyspepsia underwent genetic testing for ATH. Dyspeptic symptoms were evaluated and scored according to a validated questionnaire. The diagnostic criteria for ATH was a CC genotype for the -13910C/T polymorphism, located upstream of the lactase gene. The mean scores for dyspeptic symptoms were compared between patients with ATH and those with lactase persistence. A total of 197 functional dyspeptic patients were included in the study. Mean age was 47.7 years and 82.7% patients were women. Eighty-eight patients (44.7%) had a diagnosis of ATH. Abdominal bloating scores were higher in ATH patients compared to the lactase persistent patients (P=0.014). The remaining dyspeptic symptom scores were not significantly different between the two groups. The study results demonstrate an association between ATH and bloating in patients with functional dyspepsia.

PREVALENCE OF SERRATED POLYPS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH SYNCHRONOUS COLORECTAL ADVANCED ADENOMAS.

•This study revealed a similar prevalence of clinically significant serrated polyps and advanced adenomas among patients who underwent colonoscopy. •Multivariate analysis demonstrated an association between clinically significant serrated polyps and synchronous advanced adenomas, though the strength of this association was stronger for proximal advanced adenomas. •Large serrated polyps and sessile serrated adenomas were associated with proximal advanced adenomas. Background - Serrated lesions are the precursors of up to one-third of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases and share molecular and epidemiological features with interval CRC. Previous studies have reported wide variation in serrated polyp prevalence and diverse magnitude of its relationship with synchronous advanced adenomas.Objective - Describe the prevalence of serrated polyps and evaluate their association with synchronous advanced adenomas. Methods - The study is a retrospective analysis of 1208 colonoscopies performed in patients aged 45 to 75, predominantly for CRC screening. Data on the prevalence of serrated polyps subsets and advanced adenomas were collected, and multivariate analysis were performed to identify the association between serrated polyps and synchronous advanced adenomas. Results - The prevalence of clinically significant serrated polyps (CSSP), large serrated polyps (LSP), and sessile serrated adenomas (SSA) were 11.3%, 6%, and 3.7%. CSSP were associated with synchronous advanced adenomas (OR 2.121, 95%CI 1.321-3.406), regardless of proximal (OR 2.966, 95%CI 1.701-5.170) or distal (OR 1.945, 95%CI 1.081-3.499) location, while LSP (OR 2.872, 95%CI 1.425-5.787) and SSA (OR 5.032, 95%CI 2.395-10.576) were associated with proximal advanced adenomas. Conclusion - The prevalence of CSSP and advanced adenomas were alike. CSSP is a risk factor for advanced adenomas, and the strength of this association is stronger for proximal advanced adenomas. LSP and SSA are associated with proximal advanced adenomas.

Short-term therapy with enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin for venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients: utilization study and cost-minimization analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the direct costs of venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment with unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low-molecular weight heparin, from the institutional perspective. METHODS: This is a real-world cohort study that included inpatients treated with UFH or enoxaparin for deep venous thromboembolism or pulmonary embolism in a tertiary public hospital. To estimate medical costs we computed the acquisition costs of drugs, supplies for administration, laboratory tests, and hospitalization cost according to the patient ward. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-seven patients aged 18 to 92 years were studied (50 treated with UFH and 117 with enoxaparin). The median of days in use of heparin was the same in both groups. Activated partial thromboplastin time was monitored in 98% of patients using UFH and 56.4% using enoxaparin. Nonstatistically significant differences were observed between groups in the number of bleeding events (10.0% and 9.4%; P = 1.00); blood transfusion (2.0% and 2.6%; P = 1.00); death (8.0% and 3.4%; P = 0.24); and recurrent VTE, bleeding, or death (20.0% and 14.5%; P = 0.38). Daily mean cost per patient was US$12.63 ± $4.01 for UFH and US$9.87 ± $2.44 for enoxaparin (P < 0.001). The total costs considering the mean time of use were US$88.39 and US$69.11. CONCLUSION: The treatment of VTE with enoxaparin provided cost savings in a large teaching hospital located in southern Brazil.

Influence of organic and functional dyspepsia on work productivity: the HEROES-DIP study.

OBJECTIVES: Dyspepsia is defined as persistent or recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen. Dyspepsia represents up to 8.3% of all primary care physician visits and causes huge economic costs to patients and to the economy as a whole. The aim of this study was to measure the influence of dyspepsia on work productivity of people within the Brazilian workforce. METHODS: Adult patients were enrolled if they met the Roma III criteria for uninvestigated dyspepsia. All patients answered a demographic questionnaire. Productivity impairment was measured by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. Subjects underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and were classified as having functional or organic dyspepsia. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil. RESULTS: Eight hundred fifty patients with dyspepsia were evaluated: 628 were women (73.9%); mean age was 46.4 ± 12.9 years; 387 (45.5%) were active workers. Among active workers, 32.2% mentioned that dyspepsia had caused absenteeism from work during the preceding week and 78% reported a reduction of the work productivity (presenteeism). The lost work productivity score was 35.7% among all employed patients. The affect on work productivity was similar between patients with functional or organic dyspepsia. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed an important influence of dyspepsia on work productivity. We did not find any statistically significant difference on the influence on work between patients with organic dyspepsia and functional dyspepsia. The social impact of these findings is underscored by taking into account the prevalence (up to 40%) of this condition in Brazil.

Patient safety in an endoscopy unit: an observational retrospective analysis of reported incidents.

INTRODUCTION: Patient safety is a serious public health with serious implications on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life of patients, in addition to negatively affecting the public image of healthcare institutions and professionals. It requires further investigation, especially in specialties lacking published data, such as endoscopy. OBJECTIVE: To analyze patient safety incidents reported in a gastrointestinal endoscopy unit of a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil. METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional study quantitatively described patient safety incidents related to endoscopic procedures. The sample consisted of reports of incidents that occurred from 2015 to 2017. The data were descriptively analysed, and the study was approved by the relevant research ethics committee. RESULTS: Overall, 42,863 endoscopic procedures were performed and 167 reports were submitted in the period, accounting for a prevalence of incidents of 0.38%. Most incidents did not result in unnecessary harm to patients (76.6%). The most prevalent incidents were those related to patient identification, followed by those related to pathology exams, exam reports, gastrointestinal perforations, skin lesions, falls and medication errors. The rate of adverse events (harm to patient) in patients undergoing any endoscopic procedure was 0.06%. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of unnecessary harm (adverse event) associated with any endoscopic procedure was relatively low in this study. However, the identification of reported incidents is crucial for evaluating and improving the quality of care provided to patients.

EVALUATION OF UNDERWATER ENDOSCOPIC MUCOSAL RESECTION FOR COLORECTAL POLYPS IN AN OUTPATIENT CLINIC IN BRAZIL.

BACKGROUND: Since 2012, a new technique for resection of large polyps has been described, the underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR). Some advantages that emerge from it is the needless of injection in submucosal layer and a greater chance of complete capture of the polyp. OBJECTIVE: There are few studies of UEMR in Brazil. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique in one Brazilian center. METHODS: This case series was conducted from February to December of 2020. Colorectal polyps greater than 9 mm without features of deep submucosal invasion were resected using UEMR. RESULTS: Twenty-four large polyps were resected with the UEMR approach from 24 patients. The mean size of the polys was 19 mm, ranging from 12 to 35 mm. All lesions were successful resected and 66% (16/24) were resected en bloc. In histologic analyses, most of them were adenomas (70.8%) and only one had deep submucosal invasion. There were no cases of acute complications, such perforation or acute bleeding. CONCLUSION: The UEMR is a safe and feasible procedure. With the emerging data on the procedure, it seems to be a wonderful tool in preventing colorectal cancer and its applicability and scope should be encourage to surpass reference centers.

Interferon-lambda 3 and 4 Polymorphisms Increase Sustained Virological Responses and Regulate Innate Immunity in Antiviral Therapy With Pegylated Interferon-Alpha.

Sustained virologic response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treatment denotes that the host genetics controls the immune response and unequivocally contribute to viral clearance or disease severity. In this context, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the locus of interferon lambda 3 and 4 genes (IFNL3/4) have been important genetic markers of responsiveness to CHC as prognostic markers for the pegylated-Interferon-alpha/ribavirin (Peg-IFN-α/RBV). Here, we analyzed 12 SNPs at the IFNL3/4 region in 740 treatment-naïve patients with CHC infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1, 2, or 3 treated with Peg-IFN-α/RBV. Individually, rs12979860-CC, rs8109886-CC, or rs8099917-TT were predictive markers of SVR, while rs12979860-CC demonstrated the stronger effect. Besides, the genotypic combination of these three predictors' genotypes, CC/CC/TT, increased the rate of SVR. Serum levels of cytokines and gene expression analysis on the genes IFNL3, IFNL4, IFNA1, and some of the IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) were measured in a subgroup of 24 treated patients and 24 healthy volunteers. An antagonist effect was highlighted between the expression of IFNL3/4 and IFNA1 mRNA among patients. Besides, a prominent production of the pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL4 and CXCL10 was observed at a 12-week treatment follow-up. Lower serum levels of these chemokines were detected in patients with an rs12979860-CC genotype associated with the better treatment outcome. Also, lower expression levels of the IFI6, IFI16, IRF9 genes were observed among rs12979860-CC individuals. In conclusion, a combination of the genotypes at the IFNL3/4 locus can act as a better marker for the prognosis for virological responses in an admixed Brazilian population presenting the modulating effect over innate immunity and inflammation that are controlling the outcome of the viral infection, but also other infectious diseases. This study is registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov platform (accession number NCT01889849 and NCT01623336).

ASSOCIATION OF DUODENAL EOSINOPHILIC INFILTRATE WITH HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION, BUT NOT WITH FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA.

BACKGROUND: The role of Helicobacter pylori infection on eosinophilic infiltration in duodenal mucosa is poorly studied. An increase in the number of eosinophils in duodenum has been associated with functional dyspepsia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of H. pylori infection on duodenal eosinophil count and the role of eosinophilic infiltrate of duodenum in functional dyspepsia. METHODS: Positive and negative H. pylori individuals were included. Both functional dyspeptic patients according to Rome III criteria (cases) and individuals without gastrointestinal symptoms (controls) were enrolled. They were submitted to upper endoscopy and H. pylori infection was verified by gastric histopathology and urease test. Eosinophils in the duodenal mucosa were counted in five high-power fields, randomly selected on slides of endoscopic biopsies. RESULTS: Thirty-nine H. pylori positive (mean age 40.5 and 69.2% women) and 24 negative patients (mean age 37.3 and 75% women) were included. The influence of the infection was observed in the duodenal eosinophil count, which was higher in infected individuals: median 13.2 vs 8.1 in non-infected individuals (P=0.005). When we analyzed patients according to symptoms, cases - mean age 39.6; 71.4% women - and controls - mean age 38.7; 71.4% women - had similar duodenal eosinophil count: median 11.9 and 12.6 respectively (P=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: We did not demonstrate association of duodenal eosinophil count with functional dyspepsia but found association with H. pylori infection.

Prevalência de pólipos serrilhados e sua associação com adenomas avançados colorretais síncronos / Prevalence of serrated polyps and their association with synchronous colorectal advanced adenomas

ABSTRACT Background: Serrated lesions are the precursors of up to one-third of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases and share molecular and epidemiological features with interval CRC. Previous studies have reported wide variation in serrated polyp prevalence and diverse magnitude of its relationship with synchronous advanced adenomas. Objective: Describe the prevalence of serrated polyps and evaluate their association with synchronous advanced adenomas. Methods: The study is a retrospective analysis of 1208 colonoscopies performed in patients aged 45 to 75, predominantly for CRC screening. Data on the prevalence of serrated polyps subsets and advanced adenomas were collected, and multivariate analysis were performed to identify the association between serrated polyps and synchronous advanced adenomas. Results: The prevalence of clinically significant serrated polyps (CSSP), large serrated polyps (LSP), and sessile serrated adenomas (SSA) were 11.3%, 6%, and 3.7%. CSSP were associated with synchronous advanced adenomas (OR 2.121, 95%CI 1.321-3.406), regardless of proximal (OR 2.966, 95%CI 1.701-5.170) or distal (OR 1.945, 95%CI 1.081-3.499) location, while LSP (OR 2.872, 95%CI 1.425-5.787) and SSA (OR 5.032, 95%CI 2.395-10.576) were associated with proximal advanced adenomas. Conclusion: The prevalence of CSSP and advanced adenomas were alike. CSSP is a risk factor for advanced adenomas, and the strength of this association is stronger for proximal advanced adenomas. LSP and SSA are associated with proximal advanced adenomas.

RESUMO Contexto: Lesões serrilhadas são precursoras de até um terço dos casos de câncer colorretal (CCR) e compartilham características moleculares e epidemiológicas com o CCR de intervalo. Estudos prévios relataram ampla variação na prevalência de pólipos serrilhados e na magnitude da sua relação com adenomas avançados sincrônicos. Objetivo: Descrever a prevalência de pólipos serrilhados colorretais e avaliar sua associação com adenomas avançados sincrônicos. Métodos: O estudo é uma análise retrospectiva de 1208 colonoscopias realizadas em pacientes com idades entre 45 e 75 anos, predominantemente para rastreamento de CCR. Dados sobre a prevalência de subtipos de pólipos serrilhados e de adenomas avançados foram coletados, e análises multivariadas foram realizadas para identificar a associação entre pólipos serrilhados e adenomas avançados sincrônicos. Resultados: A prevalência de pólipos serrilhados clinicamente significativos (PSCS), pólipos serrilhados grandes (PSG) e adenomas sésseis serrilhados (ASS) foi de 11,3%, 6% e 3,7%, respectivamente. PSCS foram associados a adenomas avançados sincrônicos (OR 2,121, IC95% 1,321-3,406), independentemente da localização proximal (OR 2,966, IC95% 1,701-5,170) ou distal (OR 1,945, IC95% 1,081-3,499), enquanto PSG (OR 2,872, IC 95%1,425-5,787) e ASS (OR 5,032, IC95% 2,395-10,576) foram associados a adenomas avançados proximais. Conclusão: A prevalência de PSCS e de adenomas avançados foi semelhante. PSCS é um fator de risco para adenomas avançados, e a força dessa associação é maior para adenomas avançados proximais. PSG e ASS estão associados a adenomas avançados proximais.

Helicobacter pylori eradication: influence of interleukin-1beta -31 C/T polymorphism.

AIM: To analyze the influence of the -31 C/T polymorphism of the interleukin-1ß gene on Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy success in patients with functional dyspepsia. METHODS: Functional dyspepsia was diagnosed according to the Rome III criteria. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and gastric biopsies were obtained at screening and 12 months after randomization (last follow-up visit). Urease test and histological examination were performed to define the H. pylori status. Patients received twice-daily amoxicillin, clarithromycin and omeprazole for 10 days. Genotyping of the interleukin-1beta -31 C/T polymorphism (rs1143627) was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: One hundred forty-nine patients received treatment with triple therapy for H. pylori eradication. Only one patient was lost to follow-up, and adherence to study medication was 94.6%. A total of 148 patients (mean age 46.08 ± 12.24 years; 81.8% women) were evaluated for the influence of the interleukin-1beta -31 C/T polymorphism on the outcome of H. pylori eradication therapy. After treatment, bacteria were eradicated in 87% of patients (129/148). Genotype frequencies of the polymorphism were as follows: CC, 38/148 (25.7%); CT, 71/148 (47.9%); and TT, 39/148 (26.4%). Successful eradication rate was 78.9%, 94.4% and 82.1% for the CC, CT and TT genotypes, respectively. The CT genotype was significantly associated with successful H. pylori eradication (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the CT genotype of the interleukin-1beta -31 C/T polymorphism plays a role in the successful eradication of H. pylori among patients with functional dyspepsia.

Pharmacokinetics comparison of two pegylated interferon alfa formulations in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Several countries have used pegylation technology to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of essential drugs. Recently, a novel interferon alfa-2b protein conjugated to four-branched 12 kDa polyethylene glycol molecules was developed jointly between Cuba and Brazil. The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetic properties of BIP48 (pegylated interferon alfa-2b from Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz, Brazil) to those of PEGASYS® (commercially available pegylated interferon alfa-2a from Roche Pharmaceutical). METHODS: This phase I, single-centre, randomized, double-blind crossover trial enrolled 31 healthy male volunteers aged 19 to 35 who were allocated to two stages, either side of a 5-week wash-out period, with each arm lasting 14 consecutive days after subcutaneous administration of 180 µg of one formulation or the other (study or comparator). The main outcome variable was serum pegylated interferon concentrations in 15 samples collected during the course of the study and tested using an enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: There were no differences between formulations in terms of magnitude or absorption parameters. Analysis of time parameters revealed that BIP48 remained in the body significantly longer than PEGASYS® (Tmax: 73 vs. 54 h [p = 0.0010]; MRT: 133 vs. 115 h [p = 0.0324]; ke: 0.011 vs. 0.013 h(-1) [p = 0.0153]; t1/2: 192 vs. 108 h [p = 0.0218]). CONCLUSION: BIP48 showed the expected pharmacokinetic profile for a pegylated product with a branched molecular structure. Compared to PEGASYS®, the magnitude absorption was similar, but time parameters were consistent with slower elimination. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the clinical implications of these findings. A phase II-III repeated-dose clinical trial is ongoing to study these findings in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov platform (accession number NCT01889849 ). This trial was retrospectively registered in June 2013.

LACK OF ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HELICOBACTER PYLORI'S VIRULENCE AND INCREASED SERUM C-REACTIVE PROTEIN LEVELS IN FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPTIC PATIENTS.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a great variety of studies aimed to investigate and even suggest Helicobacter pylori as an important key factor in gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal events development. The well-established relationship between bacterial virulence and increased risk for peptic ulcer or gastric carcinoma is not so clear when comparing inflammation markers alterations, such C-reactive protein, with the pathogen. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of H. pylori, bacterial virulence and C-reactive protein serum levels in individuals diagnosed with functional dyspepsia. METHODS: Were prospectively included in this study 489 dyspeptic individuals. They fulfill Rome III clinical criteria for the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia with no organic disease at endoscopy. The bacterial infection was established by histology and urease rapid test. The levels of serum C-reactive protein were obtained by immunonefelometry and CagA status of H. pylori positive individuals was determined through an imunoenzimatic assay. RESULTS: Prevalence rate of H. pylori was 66.3% and virulence factor CagA was detected in nearly 43% of positive samples. In addition, it has been noticed an association between Ilex paraguariensis (yerba maté) consumption and pathogen's prevalence. An important effect of bacterial infection on inflammation was only observed in gastric epithelium. CONCLUSION: No systemic response to the pathogen, measured through C-reactive protein levels, was observed, regardless of CagA status. Otherwise, the intake of yerba maté should be considered as a cultural factor possibly related to H. pylori's transmission.

Avaliação de ressecção de mucosa endoscópica sob imersão d'água de pólipos colorretais em um centro ambulatorial no Brasil / Evaluation of underwater endoscopic mucosal resection for colorectal polyps in an outpatient clinic in brazil

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Since 2012, a new technique for resection of large polyps has been described, the underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR). Some advantages that emerge from it is the needless of injection in submucosal layer and a greater chance of complete capture of the polyp. OBJECTIVE: There are few studies of UEMR in Brazil. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique in one Brazilian center. METHODS: This case series was conducted from February to December of 2020. Colorectal polyps greater than 9 mm without features of deep submucosal invasion were resected using UEMR. RESULTS: Twenty-four large polyps were resected with the UEMR approach from 24 patients. The mean size of the polys was 19 mm, ranging from 12 to 35 mm. All lesions were successful resected and 66% (16/24) were resected en bloc. In histologic analyses, most of them were adenomas (70.8%) and only one had deep submucosal invasion. There were no cases of acute complications, such perforation or acute bleeding. CONCLUSION: The UEMR is a safe and feasible procedure. With the emerging data on the procedure, it seems to be a wonderful tool in preventing colorectal cancer and its applicability and scope should be encourage to surpass reference centers.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Desde 2012, uma nova técnica para ressecção de pólipos grandes tem sido descrita, a ressecção da mucosa endoscópica sob imersão d'água (REMS). Algumas vantagens que surgem desta técnica são evitar a injeção na camada submucosa e a maior chance de captura completa do pólipo. Objetivo - Há poucos estudos com REMS no Brasil. Nosso objetivo é avaliar a segurança e a eficácia da técnica em um centro brasileiro. MÉTODOS: Esta série de casos foi conduzida de fevereiro a dezembro de 2020. Pólipos colorretais maiores que 9 mm sem sinais endoscópicos de invasão de submucosa foram ressecados utilizando RMES. RESULTADOS: Vinte e quatro pólipos foram ressecados com RMES em 24 pacientes diferentes. O tamanho médio dos pólipos era de 19 mm, variando de 12 a 35 mm. Todas as lesões foram ressecadas e 66% (16/24) foram ressecadas em monobloco. Na análise histológica, a maioria era adenoma (70.8%) e apenas uma havia invasão profunda da submucosa. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de REMS é um procedimento seguro e factível. Com o aumento de dados relativos ao procedimento, esta parece ser uma excelente ferramenta na prevenção do câncer colorretal e sua aplicabilidade deve ser encorajada para fora dos centros de referência.

Associação de infiltrado eosinofílico duodenal com infecção por Helicobacter pylori, mas não com dispepsia funcional / Association of duodenal eosinophilic infiltrate with helicobacter pylori infection, but not with functional dyspepsia

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The role of Helicobacter pylori infection on eosinophilic infiltration in duodenal mucosa is poorly studied. An increase in the number of eosinophils in duodenum has been associated with functional dyspepsia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of H. pylori infection on duodenal eosinophil count and the role of eosinophilic infiltrate of duodenum in functional dyspepsia. METHODS: Positive and negative H. pylori individuals were included. Both functional dyspeptic patients according to Rome III criteria (cases) and individuals without gastrointestinal symptoms (controls) were enrolled. They were submitted to upper endoscopy and H. pylori infection was verified by gastric histopathology and urease test. Eosinophils in the duodenal mucosa were counted in five high-power fields, randomly selected on slides of endoscopic biopsies. RESULTS: Thirty-nine H. pylori positive (mean age 40.5 and 69.2% women) and 24 negative patients (mean age 37.3 and 75% women) were included. The influence of the infection was observed in the duodenal eosinophil count, which was higher in infected individuals: median 13.2 vs 8.1 in non-infected individuals (P=0.005). When we analyzed patients according to symptoms, cases - mean age 39.6; 71.4% women - and controls - mean age 38.7; 71.4% women - had similar duodenal eosinophil count: median 11.9 and 12.6 respectively (P=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: We did not demonstrate association of duodenal eosinophil count with functional dyspepsia but found association with H. pylori infection.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O papel de infecção por Helicobacter pylori no infiltrado eosinofílico duodenal ainda é pouco compreendido. Um aumento no número de eosinófilos duodenais tem sido associado a dispepsia funcional. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do H. pylori na contagem de eosinófilos duodenais e o papel do infiltrado eosinofílico duodenal na dispepsia funcional. MÉTODOS: Indivíduos H. pylori positivo e negativo foram incluídos. Ambos os grupos, compreendendo dispépticos funcionais pelos critérios de Roma III (casos) e indivíduos sem sintomas gastrointestinais (controles), foram submetidos à endoscopia digestiva alta para pesquisa de H. pylori, efetuada por histopatologia e teste de urease. Eosinófilos na mucosa duodenal foram contabilizados em cinco campos de maior aumento, selecionados randomicamente nas lâminas de biópsia endoscópicas. RESULTADOS: Trinta e nove indivíduos H. pylori positivo (média de idade 40,5 e 69,2% mulheres) e 24 H. pylori negativos (média de idade 37,3 e 75% mulheres) foram incluídos. A influência da infecção por H. pylori foi observada na contagem de eosinófilos, que foi maior nos positivos: mediana 13,2 vs 8,1 (P=0,005). Quando analisados pacientes de acordo com sintomas, os casos (média de idade 39,6 e 71,4% mulheres) e controles (média de idade 38,7 e 71,4% mulheres), apresentaram semelhante contagem de eosinófilos duodenais: mediana 11,9 e 12,6, respectivamente (P=0,19). CONCLUSÃO: Não demonstramos associação da contagem de eosinófilos duodenais com dispepsia duodenal, mas encontramos associação com infecção por H. pylori.

Helicobacter pylori eradication: influence of interleukin-1beta -31 C/T polymorphism

ABSTRACT Aim To analyze the influence of the -31 C/T polymorphism of the interleukin-1β gene on Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy success in patients with functional dyspepsia. Methods Functional dyspepsia was diagnosed according to the Rome III criteria. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and gastric biopsies were obtained at screening and 12 months after randomization (last follow-up visit). Urease test and histological examination were performed to define the H. pylori status. Patients received twice-daily amoxicillin, clarithromycin and omeprazole for 10 days. Genotyping of the interleukin-1beta -31 C/T polymorphism (rs1143627) was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results One hundred forty-nine patients received treatment with triple therapy for H. pylori eradication. Only one patient was lost to follow-up, and adherence to study medication was 94.6%. A total of 148 patients (mean age 46.08 ± 12.24 years; 81.8% women) were evaluated for the influence of the interleukin-1beta -31 C/T polymorphism on the outcome of H. pylori eradication therapy. After treatment, bacteria were eradicated in 87% of patients (129/148). Genotype frequencies of the polymorphism were as follows: CC, 38/148 (25.7%); CT, 71/148 (47.9%); and TT, 39/148 (26.4%). Successful eradication rate was 78.9%, 94.4% and 82.1% for the CC, CT and TT genotypes, respectively. The CT genotype was significantly associated with successful H. pylori eradication (p= 0.039). Conclusion This study suggests that the CT genotype of the interleukin-1beta -31 C/T polymorphism plays a role in the successful eradication of H. pylori among patients with functional dyspepsia.

The association between adult-type hypolactasia and symptoms of functional dyspepsia

Abstract Functional dyspepsia and lactose intolerance (adult-type hypolactasia, ATH) are common conditions that may coexist or even be confounded. Their clinical presentation can be similar, however, lactose intolerance does not form part of the diagnostic investigation of functional dyspepsia. Studies on the association between functional dyspepsia and ATH are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate whether ATH is associated with symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Patients fulfilling the Rome III diagnostic criteria for functional dyspepsia underwent genetic testing for ATH. Dyspeptic symptoms were evaluated and scored according to a validated questionnaire. The diagnostic criteria for ATH was a CC genotype for the -13910C/T polymorphism, located upstream of the lactase gene. The mean scores for dyspeptic symptoms were compared between patients with ATH and those with lactase persistence. A total of 197 functional dyspeptic patients were included in the study. Mean age was 47.7 years and 82.7% patients were women. Eighty-eight patients (44.7%) had a diagnosis of ATH. Abdominal bloating scores were higher in ATH patients compared to the lactase persistent patients (P=0.014). The remaining dyspeptic symptom scores were not significantly different between the two groups. The study results demonstrate an association between ATH and bloating in patients with functional dyspepsia.