Factors influencing re-bleeding after trans-arterial embolization for endoscopically unmanageable peptic ulcer bleeding.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute peptic ulcer bleeding is the most common cause of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). Endoscopic hemostasis is the standard treatment. However, various conditions complicate endoscopic hemostasis. Transarterial visceral embolization (TAE) may be helpful as a rescue therapy. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with rebleeding after TAE. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the records of 156 patients treated with TAE between January 2007 and December 2021. Rebleeding was defined as the presence of melena, hematemesis, or hematochezia, with a fall (>2.0 g/dl) in hemoglobin level or shock after TAE. The primary outcomes were rebleeding rate and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Seventy patients with peptic ulcer bleeding were selected, and rebleeding within a month after TAE occurred in 15 patients (21.4%). Among the patients included in rebleeding group, significant increases were observed in the prevalence of thrombocytopenia (73.3% vs. 16.4%, p<.001) and ulcers >1 cm (93.3% vs 54.5%, p = .014). The mean AIMS65 (albumin, international normalized ratio, mental status, systolic blood pressure, age >65 years) score (2.3 vs 1.4, p = .009) was significantly higher in the rebleeding group. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that thrombocytopenia (odds ratio 31.92, 95% confidence interval 6.24-270.6, p<.001) and larger ulcer size (odds ratio 27.19, 95% confidence interval 3.27-677.7, p=.010) significantly increased the risk of rebleeding after TAE. CONCLUSION: TAE was effective in the treatment of patients with high-risk peptic ulcer bleeding. AIMS65 score was a significant predictor of rebleeding after TAE, and thrombocytopenia and larger ulcer size increased the risk of rebleeding after TAE.

Small Bowel Variceal Bleeding in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis Treated with Transarterial Embolization: Case Series.

Small bowel variceal bleeding is a rare cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, with clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic incidental findings to life-threatening conditions. The diagnosis and management of small bowel bleeding are challenging because of the localization of the lesion and the difficulty of the procedure. Trans-arterial embolization (TAE) is a secure and straightforward method for treating ectopic varices. On the other hand, there have been limited local studies on the outcomes of TAE for patients with small bowel variceal hemorrhage. This paper reports patients diagnosed with small bowel variceal bleeding and treated with TAE.

Cordyceps militaris Enhances Cell-Mediated Immunity in Healthy Korean Men.

Cordyceps militaris is a mushroom traditionally used for diverse pharmaceutical purposes in East Asia, including China, and has been found to be effective for enhancing immunity through various types of animal testing. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of C. militaris for enhancing cell-mediated immunity and its safety in healthy male adults. Healthy male adults were divided into the experimental group (n = 39), given 1.5 g/day of ethanol treated C. militaris in capsules, and the control group (n = 40), given the same number of identical placebo capsules filled with microcrystalline cellulose and lactose for 4 weeks from February 13 to March 14, 2012; the natural killer (NK) cell activity, lymphocyte proliferation index (PI), and T-helper cell 1 (Th1) cytokine cluster (interferon [IFN]-γ, interleukin [IL]-12, IL-2, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) were measured, along with stability test, at weeks 0, 2, and 4. The C. militaris group showed a statistically significant greater increase in NK200 (P = .0010), lymphocyte PI (P ≤ .0001), IL-2 (P = .0096), and IFN-γ (P = .0126), compared with the basal level, than the placebo group. There was no statistically significant adverse reaction. C. militaris enhanced the NK cell activity and lymphocyte proliferation and partially increased Th1 cytokine secretion. Therefore, C. militaris is safe and effective for enhancing cell-mediated immunity of healthy male adults.

Physicochemical traits of Holstein loin and top round veal from two slaughter age groups.

The objective of this study was to investigate the physicochemical and microbial quality of loin (m. longissimus dorsi) and top round (m. Semimembranosus) in Holstein veal produced from two slaughter age groups (5 and 8 months of age). A total of 20 Holstein calves were randomly selected from a local cattle farm. The slaughtered cold carcasses were vacuum-packaged. The samples were analyzed for proximate composition and physicochemical analyses and stored for 1, 7, 10, 20 and 30 days for microbiological analyses. Fat and protein contents of loin for the 8 month group were higher than those for the 5 month groups (p < 0.05). For both loin and top round muscles, the pH, cooking loss and the shear force values for the 5 month group was higher than those for the 8 month group (p < 0.05). On the other hands, the water-holding capacity (WHC) for the 8 month group was higher than those for the 5 month group (p < 0.05). In terms of meat color, CIE L* (lightness) for both muscle were higher in the 5 month group than in the 8 month groups. On the other hands, a* (redness) were higher in the 8 month group than in the 5 month groups (p < 0.05). Total aerobic counts in all samples remained up to 30 days at values less than 7 log CFU/g. However, there was no significant difference for both muscles between the two age groups. The results indicate that Holstein muscles from the 8 month group had desirable quality properties than those from the 5 month group.

Relationship Between Intraocular Pressure and Parameters of Obesity in Korean Adults: The 2008-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

PURPOSE: To examine the associations of various parameters of obesity including adiposity with intraocular pressure (IOP) using nationally representative data of South Korean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed the data from the 2008-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 15,271 subjects (6600 men and 8671 women) participated. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), total body fat mass, and total and regional body fat percentage were measured as parameters of obesity. RESULTS: IOP showed positive linear associations with BMI, WC, total fat mass, and total and regional body fat percentages in men, and with BMI, WC, total fat mass, and trunk fat percentage in women after adjusting for confounding variables. Men with higher BMI, WC, total fat mass, and total and regional body fat percentages exhibited increasing trends in odd ratios for having IOP ≥ 18 mmHg after adjusting for all confounding factors (p for trend <0.001 for BMI and total fat mass; p for trend = 0.038 for WC; 0.003 for total body fat percentage; 0.002 for trunk fat percentage; 0.004 for leg fat percentage). However, only BMI showed a significantly increasing trend in the risk of IOP ≥18 mmHg in women. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to BMI, WC and total fat mass, total and regional body fat percentage in men and trunk fat percentage in women are positively associated with IOP. Increased BMI, WC, and total and regional body fat are positively associated with a risk of higher IOP (IOP ≥18 mmHg), especially in Korean men.

Prevalence and control of hypertension and albuminuria in South Korea: focus on obesity and abdominal obesity in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2012.

BACKGROUND: Albuminuria is associated with cardiovascular disease, and the relationship between albuminuria and hypertension is well established in many studies. So the control of hypertension is critical for decreasing cardiovascular events and albuminuria. Obesity and abdominal obesity are also associated with hypertension and albuminuria. Therefore, we analyzed the relationship between albuminuria and the prevalence and control of hypertension in the general Korean population according to obesity status. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2011-2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and 9,519 subjects were included. Subjects were divided into four groups: non-obese/normal waist circumference, non-obese/high waist circumference, obese/normal waist circumference, and obese/high waist circumference. RESULTS: Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were positively associated with albumin-creatinine ratio in all groups (all p values <0.005). Non-obese/normal waist circumference group were more likely to have hypertension (odds ratios [95% confidential intervals (CIs)] were 3.20 [2.21-4.63] in microalbuminuria level and 3.09 [1.05-9.14] in macroalbuminuria level), and less likely to have controlled hypertension (odds ratios <1 for both albuminuria levels) after adjusting for all covariates. Obese/normal waist circumference group were also more likely to have hypertension (odds ratio [95% CI] were 3.10 [1.56-6.15] in microalbuminuria level and 21.75 [3.66-129.04] in macroalbuminuria level), and less likely to have controlled hypertension in macroalbuminuria level (odds ratio [95% CI], 0.04 [0.01-0.15]). CONCLUSIONS: Non-obese and normal waist circumference subjects have an increased prevalence and decreased control of hypertension in microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria levels. Screening for albuminuria may provide helpful information about hypertension and blood pressure control, particularly in the non-obese and normal waist circumference subjects.

Measurement of antioxidant capacity using the biological antioxidant potential test and its role as a predictive marker of metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Oxidative stress increases the risk of cardiovascular complications of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study was conducted to examine the difference in antioxidant capacity according to the presence of MetS, and to characterize the association between antioxidant capacity and MetS-related factors. METHODS: We used the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) test to estimate antioxidant capacity. The BAP test has recently been used as an indicator of antioxidant capacity. We measured BAP levels in 45 patients with MetS (mean age, 44.6 ± 1.1 years) and 47 age- and sex-matched controls (mean age, 42.7 ± 1.1 years). To evaluate the association between antioxidant capacity and MetS, adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), linear regression and logistic analyses were performed. RESULTS: The mean BAP of the MetS group (1,937.3 ± 36.5 µmol/L) was significantly lower than that of the non-MetS group (2,101.7 ± 29.5 µmol/L). Also, the mean BAP was low in persons having low high density lipoprotein and high triglyceride. Reduced antioxidant capacity was significantly associated with adiponectin, HOMA-IR and hs-CRP after adjusting for age and sex. The odds ratios for MetS with BAP, log adiponectin, log HOMA-IR, and log hs-CRP were 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49 to 0.82), 0.22 (0.10 to 0.51), 14.24 (4.35 to 46.58), and 1.93 (1.36 to 2.75), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Persons with MetS showed reduced antioxidant capacity. We identified relationships between antioxidant capacity measured by BAP test and MetS, as well as MetS-related factors, such as insulin resistance, hs-CRP, and adiponectin.

Artemisia asiatica extracts protect against ethanol-induced injury in gastric mucosa of rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Based on our previous studies that Artemisia asiatica extracts exert either antioxidative or cytoprotective actions against non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric mucosal injury, or imposes qualified ulcer healing in an acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer model, we investigated the protective effects of Artemisia asiatica extracts against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats received 4 g/kg body weight (BW) of absolute ethanol intragastrically, which produced visible hemorrhagic gastric lesions 60 min later. RESULTS: In this animal setting, the pretreatment of Artemisia extracts (30 or 100 mg/kg BW), 1 h before ethanol administration, significantly attenuated the source of gastric injury, which was assessed with gross and microscopic analysis (P < 0.01). Protection from alcohol-induced damage with Artemisia pretreatment was associated with significantly decreased lipid peroxidation, protecting gastric mucosa from glutathione depletion, as well as the inhibition of the cytochrome 2E1 ethanol-metabolizing enzyme. It attenuated the expressions of ethanol-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1beta and interferon-gamma, a weak activation of IL-10, the inhibition of the alcohol-induced overexpression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and the considerable induction of heat shock protein-72 expression in gastric mucosal homogenates. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that the ethanol extracts of Artemisia asiatica exerted significant protection from alcohol-induced gastric mucosal injury through bio-regulation, which is essential for cytoprotection and anti-inflammation.

Volatile sulfur compounds as a predictor for esophagogastroduodenal mucosal injury.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Halitosis is a symptom that bothers patients more socially than medically and its pathogenic mechanisms are unclear and treatment armamenterium is limited. Clinicians generally ignored active interventions. Since halitosis is closely associated with volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), we used a Halimeter and gas chromatography to measure VSCs in patients with Helicobacter-pylori (H. pylori)-associated gastric diseases. METHODS: We categorized 72 patients with H. pylori infection into two groups based on their endoscopic findings: a non-erosive mucosal group (NE, n=24) and an erosive mucosal group (E, n=48). Halitosis was objectively assessed by applying either a Halimeter to breath air or gas chromatography to gastric juice. Simultaneously, the expression of VSC-generating enzyme was measured with reverse-transcriptase PCR using mRNA isolated from biopsy tissues. RESULTS: The levels of VSCs in exhaled breaths or aspirated gastric juices differed significantly between the NE and E groups (p<0.00001), suggesting that VSCs might reflect eroded epithelial damage induced by H. pylori infection. The expressions of cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) were broadly consistent with the degree of mucosal injury. CONCLUSIONS: Erosive changes in esophagogastroduodenal mucosa were strongly correlated with increased VSC levels, suggesting that halitosis might result from H. pylori-associated erosive lesions.

Novel single nucleotide polymorphism of the VEGF gene as a risk predictor for gastroduodenal ulcers.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The gastroduodenal ulcer (GDU) mostly develops on the lesser curvature side of stomach and the anterior wall of duodenal bulb, irrespective of the etiologies including Helicobacter pylori infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol, etc. However, a clear explanation as to why ulcers are prevalent in these areas has still not been given. The current study was designed to evaluate whether the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphism could predict susceptibility to GDU through deranged angiogenic activities. METHODS: A large scale case-control study based on known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of VEGF and another case control study based on the novel SNP of VEGF was performed through the SNP-IT assay using the SNP stream 25 k system. A site-directed mutagenesis and functional assay was executed to document the biological effect of a novel VEGF SNP on angiogenesis. RESULTS: Even though the case-control study between non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and gastric ulcer (GU) patients was done in 10 SNP of the VEGF gene including -2488C/T, -634G/C, -7C/T, 3436G/C, 6112C/A, 6894C/T, 9374G/A, 9812C/T, 13128C/T, and 13553C/T, the analysis showed no statistically significant association between NUD and GU. Denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography analysis could identify two novel SNP of the VEGF gene, -1780T/C and IVS-99 G/C, among which -1780T/C showed a very strong association between NUD and GDU, presenting with OR=2.93 on codominant analysis (P<0.001), OR=8.62 on dominant analysis (P<0.001), and OR=3.21 on recessive analysis (P<0.001). The promoter assay using a site-directed mutagenesis and in vitro angiogenesis assay showed repressed transcription of the VEGF gene in gastric epithelial cells and defective tube formation in endothelial cells, both transfected with a plasmid containing -1780C/C mutant of VEGF gene. CONCLUSION: The novel VEGF polymorphism -1780T/C could significantly predict the predisposition to GDU after the exposure to etiologic risks, based on defective angiogenic activity.

The influence of the eradication of Helicobacter pylori on gastric ghrelin, appetite, and body mass index in patients with peptic ulcer disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been known to influence the gastric leptin and ghrelin secretion, for which the exact pathogenic role has not been documented yet. This study was designed to investigate the influence of H. pylori eradication on plasma or gastric levels of ghrelin, body mass index (BMI), and resultant levels of appetite in patients with peptic ulcer disease. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with H. pylori-associated active duodenal or gastric ulcer were treated with 7 weeks of antisecretory medication followed with 7 days of eradication regimen. The plasma and tissue ghrelin levels, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA, BMI, and appetite scale were checked before and after treatment. An additional endoscopic examination was conducted in 10 patients taking both ulcer treatment and H. pylori eradication. RESULTS: Gastric ghrelin mRNA expression was significantly increased after either ulcer healing or H. pylori eradication, whereas gastric TNF-alpha mRNA expression was decreased after ulcer treatment and H. pylori eradication. In parallel with these changes, the visual analog scales for hunger and prospective food consumption were significantly increased after ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication. An increase in BMI was not statistically related to ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication therapy. In the subgroup analysis of 10 patients performed with additional endoscopic examination, ulcer treatment was associated with increased plasma ghrelin level and tissue ghrelin expression irrelevant to H. pylori eradication. CONCLUSION: Restored tissue levels of ghrelin and improved status of appetite was achieved with gastric ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication.