Lipopolysaccharides From Non-Helicobacter pylori Gastric Bacteria Potently Stimulate Interleukin-8 Production in Gastric Epithelial Cells.

BACKGROUND: Gastric acid secretion is compromised in chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection allowing overgrowth of non-H. pylori gastric bacteria (NHGB) in the stomach. METHODS: NHGB were isolated from gastric mucosa in selective media and further characterized with biochemical methods and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Human gastric tissues were studied with indirect immunofluorescence with antibodies against H. pylori and Neisseria subflava (N. subflava). Gastric epithelial cell lines were cocultured with bacteria or incubated with lipopolysaccharides isolated from NHGB, and interleukin-8 released in the media was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4, it's coreceptor myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2), and CD14 in gastric cells was investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Haemophilus species, Neisseria species, Fusobacterium species, and Veillonella species were predominant Gram-negative bacteria coinfected with H. pylori. Lipopolysaccharides from N. subflava potently stimulated interleukin-8 secretion in MKN45 cells which was cancelled by preincubation with polymyxin B. TLR2, TLR4, CD14, and myeloid differentiation factor 2 were expressed in MKN45 cells, though their levels of expression were low. N. subflava adhered to MKN45 cells in vitro and colocalized with H. pylori in the human gastric mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that N. subflava colonized in the gastric mucosa contribute to gastric inflammation during chronic H. pylori gastritis. TRANSLATIONAL IMPACT: NHGB may perpetuate gastric inflammation and accelerate neoplastic progression in the hypochlorhydric stomach.

Short-Term Results of Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation Using a Multipolar System for Localized Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Multipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is feasible for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for which a large ablative area is planned, and it imposes a light physical burden on patients. Multipolar RFA via the percutaneous approach is performed in the majority of cases, but the efficacy of multipolar RFA with a laparoscopic approach has rarely been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of multipolar laparoscopic RFA (LRA) for localized HCC over the short term. METHODS: From January 2014 to January 2016, 77 consecutive patients with 130 HCCs treated by multipolar LRA were assessed. One to three bipolar needle applicators were inserted under laparoscopic ultrasonography guidance, regardless of tumor location. We intended to achieve parallel insertions and no-touch ablation as much as possible. RESULTS: The median size of the main tumor was 22 mm (range, 10-42 mm). The median follow-up time was 13.6 months (range, 3.1-24.8 months). In all cases, a sufficient ablative area was obtained as planned, without thermal injury of adjacent organs. During the follow-up period, all patients were alive with no local tumor progression, while intrahepatic recurrence distant from the primary site occurred in 7 patients. The 2-year local tumor progression-free survival rate and overall cancer-free survival rate were 100 and 81.6%, respectively. There were no procedural major complications caused prolonging the hospitalization, and all patients were discharged without subjective symptoms 4-7 days after LRA. CONCLUSIONS: Multipolar LRA was efficacious in the treatment of localized HCCs by safely achieving a good ablative area.

A case of small hepatocellular carcinoma treated with laparoscopic multipolar radiofrequency ablation with a no-touch ablation procedure.

A 77-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma was admitted to our institution. Computed tomography revealed two nodules, one at the surface and one within the liver, ≤3 cm in diameter. We performed laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation using a bipolar system with a "no-touch ablation" procedure using multiple applicators for insertion, not into the tumor directly, but to the perimeter of the tumor. A sufficient ablated area was obtained regardless of tumor location. No operative complications were encountered and adequate therapeutic effect was achieved safely. Laparoscopic multipolar radiofrequency ablation is a feasible procedure for treating hepatocellular carcinoma.