The Reduced Gut Lachnospira Species Is Linked to Liver Enzyme Elevation and Insulin Resistance in Pediatric Fatty Liver Disease.

The objective of this study was to investigate gut dysbiosis and its metabolic and inflammatory implications in pediatric metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This study included 105 children and utilized anthropometric measurements, blood tests, the Ultrasound Fatty Liver Index, and fecal DNA sequencing to assess the relationship between gut microbiota and pediatric MAFLD. Notable decreases in Lachnospira spp., Faecalibacterium spp., Oscillospira spp., and Akkermansia spp. were found in the MAFLD group. Lachnospira spp. was particularly reduced in children with MAFLD and hepatitis compared to controls. Both MAFLD groups showed a reduction in flavone and flavonol biosynthesis sequences. Lachnospira spp. correlated positively with flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and negatively with insulin levels and insulin resistance. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), and total cholesterol levels were inversely correlated with flavone and flavonol biosynthesis. Reduced Lachnospira spp. in children with MAFLD may exacerbate insulin resistance and inflammation through reduced flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, offering potential therapeutic targets.

Unmasking a hidden culprit: late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia beyond infancy: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare congenital anomaly with abnormal diaphragm development, typically diagnosed prenatally or soon after birth. Late-presenting CDH presents diagnostic challenges due to nonspecific symptoms that can lead to misdiagnoses. METHODS: This report discusses a 35-month-old female initially presenting with predominant gastrointestinal symptoms and minimal respiratory distress. Initial radiographic findings suggested a left tension pneumothorax, prompting further investigation. RESULTS: Subsequent diagnostic efforts revealed a Bochdalek-type left CDH, with several abdominal organs herniated into the thoracic cavity. The case was managed through laparotomy, where herniated contents were successfully repositioned into the abdominal cavity. This intervention underscores the need for high clinical suspicion and the importance of distinguishing between similar presentations, such as tension pneumothorax and tension gastrothorax, which require different management strategies. CONCLUSION: The case illustrates the importance of considering CDH in differential diagnoses for older pediatric patients with atypical symptoms. Early recognition and appropriate management are key to improving patient outcomes.

Navigating the Diagnostic Journey in Pediatric Gastroenterology: Decoding Recurrent Vomiting and Epigastric Pain in a Child with Glutaric Aciduria Type II.

BACKGROUND: Glutaric aciduria type II (GA II), also known as multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD), is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder with varied manifestations and onset ages. CASE REPORT: This study presents a distinctive case of a 10-year-old girl who experienced episodic, intermittent vomiting and epigastric pain, particularly aggravated by high-fat and sweet foods. Despite inconclusive physical examinations and routine laboratory tests, and an initial suspicion of cyclic vomiting syndrome, the persistence of recurrent symptoms and metabolic abnormalities (metabolic acidosis and hypoglycemia) during her third hospital admission necessitated further investigation. Advanced diagnostic tests, including urinary organic acid analysis and genetic testing, identified heterozygous pathogenic variants in the ETFDH gene, confirming a diagnosis of GA IIc. The patient showed a positive response to a custom low-protein, low-fat diet supplemented with carnitine and riboflavin. SIGNIFICANCE: This case emphasizes the diagnostic challenges associated with recurrent, nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric patients, particularly in differentiating between common gastrointestinal disorders and rare metabolic disorders like GA II. It highlights the importance of considering a broad differential diagnosis to enhance understanding and guide future medical approaches in similar cases.

Investigating the mechanisms underlying U46619-induced contraction on porcine lower esophageal sphincter.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter (LES), resulting in the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. U46619, a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor agonist, induces contractions in various smooth muscles. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of action of U46619 on the porcine LES. To achieve this, contractions of the clasp and sling strips of the porcine LES, induced by U46619 were measured using isometric transducers. Furthermore, the contractile mechanism of U46619 in the porcine LES was investigated by pretreating the strips with atropine (a muscarinic receptor antagonist), tetrodotoxin (a neuronal sodium channel blocker), nifedipine (a calcium channel blocker), and Ca2+-free Krebs-Henseleit solution. Additionally, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to determine the presence of the TXA2 receptor in porcine LES. The results of this study demonstrated that U46619 caused marked concentration-dependent contractions in both porcine sling and clasp strips. The mechanism of U46619-induced contraction of the porcine LES was found to be related to calcium channels. Furthermore, the reverse transcription PCR analysis and IHC revealed that the TXA2 receptor was expressed in the clasp and sling fibers of porcine LES. Consequently, this study suggests that U46619 mediates the contraction of porcine LES through calcium channels and has potential as a therapeutic approach for treating GERD. Significance Statement This study establishes that U46619 induces concentration-dependent contractions in porcine LES, primarily mediated by calcium channels. The presence of the TXA2 receptor in LES clasp and sling fibers is confirmed. These findings highlight U46619's potential as a GERD therapeutic by targeting calcium channels for LES contraction modulation.

Early-Term Neonates Demonstrate a Higher Likelihood of Requiring Phototherapy Compared to Those Born Full-Term.

Early-term neonates (with a gestational age (GA) of 37 and 0/7 weeks to 38 and 6/7 weeks) face higher morbidities, including respiratory and neurodevelopmental issues, than full-term (39 and 0/7 weeks to 40 and 6/7 weeks) infants. This study explores whether hyperbilirubinemia necessitating phototherapy also differs between these groups. A retrospective study was conducted on neonates born from January 2021-June 2022, excluding those with specific conditions. Evaluated factors included GA, birth weight, bilirubin levels, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, and feeding type, with phototherapy given as per AAP guidelines. Of 1085 neonates, 356 met the criteria. When stratifying the neonates based on the need for phototherapy, a higher proportion of early-term neonates required phototherapy compared to full-term (p < 0.05). After factoring in various risks (GA; birth weight; gender; feeding type; G6PD deficiency; transcutaneous bilirubin levels at 24 h and 24-48 h postpartum; maternal diabetes; and the presence of caput succedaneum or cephalohematoma), early-term neonates were more likely to need phototherapy than full-term babies (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.21 to 3.80). The optimal cut-off for transcutaneous bilirubin levels 24-48 h postpartum that were used to predict phototherapy need was 9.85 mg/dl. In conclusion, early-term neonates are at a greater risk for developing jaundice and requiring phototherapy than full-term neonates. Monitoring bilirubin 24-48 h postpartum enhances early prediction and intervention.

Measurement Invariance and Psychometric Evaluation of the Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport Scale (TAPAS) Among Mainland Chinese University Students.

Introduction: Preventative factors in young people's physical inactivity require further understanding, including related psychosocial factors (eg, body image and weight stigma). The Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport Scale (TAPAS) is a recently developed instrument to address this issue and the present study examined its psychometric properties among Chinese university students particularly in relation to patterns across sex, physical activity (PA) level, and weight status. Methods: Using a convenience sample of 3142 students (mean age = 19.8 years; 56% female) in mainland China, data were collected using an online survey between August and October 2022. Psychometric instruments including the Weight Bias Internalization Scale, 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form were administered along with the TAPAS to assess convergent and discriminant validity. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed the measurement invariance across specific groups. Results: The unidimensional structure of the scale was confirmed through CFA (CFI=0.995; RMSEA=0.046). All configural, metric and scalar models of invariance indicated that the scale was invariant across sex, PA level, and weight status. Acceptable convergent and discriminant validity for the scale were found. Conclusion: The TAPAS is a suitable instrument to assess body image and weight stigma concerns for avoiding physical activity and sport among Chinese university students.

Changing patterns of infectious diseases in children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each infectious disease has had its own epidemic pattern and seasonality for decades. However, public health mitigation measures during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have resulted in changing epidemic patterns of infectious diseases. Stringent measures resulted in low incidences of various infectious diseases during the outbreak of COVID-19, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, pneumococcus, enterovirus, and parainfluenza. Owing to the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections and subsequent immunity development, decreasing virulence of SARS-CoV-2, and worldwide immunization against SARS-CoV-2 in children beyond 6 months of age, mitigation measures are lifted country by country. Consequently, the immunity debt to infectious respiratory viruses other than SARS-CoV-2 contributed to the "off-season," "see-saw," and "upsurge" patterns of various infectious diseases in children. Moreover, apart from the persistence of SARS-CoV-2, the coexistence of other circulating viruses or bacterial outbreaks may lead to twindemics or tripledemics during the following years. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain hand hygiene and immunization policies against various pathogens to alleviate the ongoing impact of infectious diseases on children.

The joint effect of gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertension contribute to higher risk of diabetes mellitus after delivery: a nationwide population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) are known risk factors for postpartum diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension, respectively. This study aimed to examine the association between the co-occurrence of GDM and PIH and the subsequent development of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (TNHIRD). The study population included 2,297,613 pregnant women with no history of certain medical conditions who gave birth between 2004 and 2015. The women were classified into four cohorts based on their medical history: GDM cohort, PIH cohort, both GDM and PIH cohort, and normal cohort (without GDM and PIH). RESULTS: The GDM cohort had a higher risk of developing DM, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome than the normal cohort, with hazard ratios of 7.07, 1.54, and 2.51, respectively. The PIH cohort also had an increased risk for these conditions compared with the normal cohort, with hazard ratios of 3.41, 7.26, and 2.68, respectively. The cohort with both GDM and PIH had the highest risk of developing postpartum DM, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome, with hazard ratios of 21.47, 8.02, and 5.04, respectively, compared with the normal cohort. CONCLUSION: The cohort of patients with both GDM and PIH had the highest impact on developing postpartum DM compared with either condition alone cohort. Furthermore, the co-occurrence of both conditions increases the risk, with a higher likelihood of developing postpartum DM than hypertension or metabolic syndrome.

7,10,13,16-Docosatetraenoic acid impairs neurobehavioral development by increasing reactive oxidative species production in Caenorhabditis elegans.

AIMS: To investigate human breast milk (HBM) lipids that may adversely affect infant neurodevelopment. MAIN METHODS: We performed multivariate analyses that combined lipidomics and psychologic Bayley-III scales to identify which HBM lipids are involved in regulating infant neurodevelopment. We observed a significant moderate negative correlation between 7,10,13,16-docosatetraenoic acid (omega-6, C22H36O2, the common name adrenic acid, AdA) and adaptive behavioral development. We further studied the effects of AdA on neurodevelopment by using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model. Worms from larval stages L1 to L4 were supplemented with AdA at 5 nominal concentrations (0 µM [control], 0.1 µM, 1 µM, 10 µM, and 100 µM) and subjected to behavioral and mechanistic analyses. KEY FINDINGS: Supplementation with AdA from larval stages L1 to L4 impaired neurobehavioral development, such as locomotive behaviors, foraging ability, chemotaxis behavior, and aggregation behavior. Furthermore, AdA upregulated the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species. AdA-induced oxidative stress blocked serotonin synthesis and serotoninergic neuron activity and inhibited expression of daf-16 and the daf-16-regulated genes mtl-1, mtl-2, sod-1, and sod-3, resulting in attenuation of the lifespan in C. elegans. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study reveals that AdA is a harmful HBM lipid that may have adverse effects on infant adaptive behavioral development. We believe this information may be critical for AdA administration guidance in children's health care.

Epicardial Adipose Tissue Was Highly Associated with Reduction in Left Ventricular Diastolic Function as Early as in Adolescence.

Background: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is increased in adolescents with obesity and may play a role in early cardiovascular pathophysiological changes. There is a lack of evidence focusing on the association between EAT and cardiac function in adolescents. This study explored associations between EAT, left ventricle (LV) geometric, and LV functional changes in adolescents. Methods: Adolescent volunteers between 10 and 20 years of age were included. Body mass index (BMI) was presented as age- and sex-specific BMI z-scores. Blood samples for glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were obtained. EAT thickness, LV hypertrophy, and LV diastolic function were measured by echocardiography. Results: The mean age of the 276 adolescents was 13.51 ± 2.44 years. BMI z-score was strongly associated with EAT thickness (r = 0.77; p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that age, insulin resistance, total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and hs-CRP were independent predictors of increased EAT thickness. After adjusting for sex, age, and BMI z-score by multivariable analysis, EAT thickness was a strong predictor of higher LV mass indexed to height2.7, higher relative wall thickness, lower mitral annulus e'/a', and higher E/e' of the mitral annulus. There was no association between EAT and LV ejection fraction. Conclusions: EAT was highly associated with LV hypertrophy and reduction in LV diastolic function, independent of BMI z-score in the enrolled adolescents. Of note, the negative impacts of EAT on LV geometry and diastolic function occurred as early as in adolescence. This highlights the importance of preventing obesity and EAT deposition early in life.

Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty for Acquired Imperforate Anus Complicated by Anorectal Necrosis: A Case Report.

Anorectal necrosis is an uncommon lethal disease in children, characterized by necrosis of the mucosa of the anus and rectum. The difference between anorectal necrosis and Fournier's gangrene is that anorectal necrosis does not affect the genital organs. The treatment for anorectal necrosis includes debridement of the anus, colostomy, and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, anorectal necrosis may lead to anal stricture, anal malfunction, or even acquired atresia of the anus. There is no consensus on the treatment for acquired imperforate anus. Herein, we report a case of a four-month-old boy with acquired imperforate anus complicated by anorectal necrosis. We describe our experience performing posterior sagittal anorectoplasty to reconstruct a neo-anus in such a rare case.

Chronic Nocturnal Abdominal Pain as the Presentation of Inverted Meckel Diverticulum: A Case Report.

The common clinical manifestations of Meckel's diverticulum include painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding and intestinal obstruction due to intussusception. Intussusception induced by inverted Meckel's diverticulum has rarely been reported; furthermore, there is no report thus far of chronic nocturnal abdominal pain as a presenting symptom in children with Meckel's diverticulum. A 4-year-and-10-month-old girl with no significant history of previous illness presented with the sole complaint of chronic nocturnal abdominal pain for 3 months. The patient was reported to be asymptomatic during the day. A provisional diagnosis of chronic ileoileal intussusception was already under consideration in her previous hospital visits elsewhere. Physical examination revealed a soft, non-distended abdomen without tenderness. Imaging studies revealed ileoileal intussusception. Exploratory laparotomy showed ileoileal intussusception induced by an inverted Meckel's diverticulum with ulceration. The patient underwent successful surgery and made a full recovery. We report this case to remind physicians that Meckel's diverticulum should be considered in differential diagnosis of children presenting with the isolated symptom of chronic nocturnal abdominal pain.

Arecae pericarpium extract induces porcine lower-esophageal-sphincter contraction via muscarinic receptors.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with lower esophageal sphincter (LES) incompetence. In some patients, GERD is refractory to acid reduction therapy which is the main treatment for GERD. So far, medications that can increase LES tone are few. Arecae pericarpium (A. pericarpium) is a medication in Traditional Chinese Medicine known to promote intestinal motility. METHODS: We investigated the effect of A. pericarpium extracts on porcine LES motility. In addition, we used tetrodotoxin (TTX) and atropine to study the underlying mechanism of A. pericarpium extracts-induced contractions of LES. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that A. pericarpium extracts and their main active ingredient, arecoline, can induce the contractions of porcine LES sling and clasp muscles in a dose-response manner. TTX did not have an inhibitory effect on the contractions induced by A. pericarpium extracts and arecoline in LES. However, atropine significantly inhibited A. pericarpium extracts- and arecoline-induced contractions of LES. CONCLUSION: A. pericarpium extracts can induce the contractions of porcine LES in a dose dependent manner, possibly through muscarinic receptors, and hence, may be worth developing as an alternative therapy for GERD.

Analysis of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Lipid Composition in Human Breast Milk and Their Correlation with Infant Neurodevelopment.

Breastfeeding is recommended over formula feeding, but human breast milk (HBM) composition varies and can be affected by food additives. Whether flame-retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) found in HBM interact with lipid components of HBM to impede infant neurodevelopment is a critical public health issue. Using lipidomic analysis, we examined the association of PBDEs in HBM and HBM lipid components with infant neurodevelopment. HBM samples (n = 100) were collected at the beginning stage of breastfeeding and analyzed for 30 PBDE congeners as well as a group of lipid components by using high-resolution gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Infants were examined at 8 to 12 months of age by using the Bayley-III to assess neurodevelopment. A total of seven PBDEs, 35 lipids, and 27 fatty acids in HBM showed significant associations with Bayley-III scores. Multivariate analysis confirmed that these candidate PBDEs and lipid components were significant predictors of infant neurodevelopment. Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid in HBM showed no association with infant neurodevelopment in the general Taiwanese population. While certain PBDEs may play a role, our findings indicate that the lipid components of HBM are directly important for infant neurodevelopment.

Similarities and Differences Between COVID-19-Related Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children and Kawasaki Disease.

In December 2019, the first case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan, China. As of March 2021, there were more than 120 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2.7 million deaths. The COVID-19 mortality rate in adults is around 1-5%, and only a small proportion of children requires hospitalization and intensive care. Recently, an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in children have been associated with a new multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Its clinical features and laboratory characteristics are similar to those of Kawasaki disease (KD), KD shock syndrome, and toxic shock syndrome. However, this new disorder has some distinct clinical features and laboratory characteristics. This condition, also known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19, has been observed mostly in Europe and the United States. This emerging phenomenon has raised the question of whether this disorder is KD triggered by SARS-CoV-2 or a syndrome characterized by multisystem inflammation that mimics KD. This narrative review is to discuss the differences between MIS-C and KD with the aim of increasing pediatricians' awareness of this new condition and guide them in the process of differential diagnosis.

High correlation between human rhinovirus type C and children with asthma exacerbations in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSES: Human rhinovirus type C (HRV-C) has been associated with asthma exacerbation (AE) in children in several countries. However, in Taiwan the association between HRV, especially HRV-C, and AE in children has yet to be elucidated. We sought to investigate the prevalence of respiratory viruses in children with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) in Taiwan and the association between different types of HRV and AE in children. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from 2011 to 2013, and enrolled children with ALRTI, including an asthma exacerbation group (AE; n = 28) and a Non-asthma group (n = 66). Viruses were detected by culture, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and molecular sequencing of nasopharyngeal swabs. RESULTS: The prevalence of identified respiratory viruses was 78.6% in the AE group and 65.2% in the Non-asthma group. The prevalence rates of HRV and HRV-C were significantly higher in the AE group than in the Non-asthma group (67.9% vs. 33.3% in HRV, p = 0.002; and 50% vs. 15.2% in HRV-C, p < 0.001). Among the children with HRV, the prevalence of HRV-C (68.4%) was higher than that of the other types of HRV (31.6%, including HRV-A 26.3%, and HRV-B 5.3%) in the AE group but not in the Non-asthma group (40.9% vs. 59.1%). CONCLUSIONS: HRV is the most predominant viral infection responsible for pediatric AE in Taiwan, and HRV-C is responsible for more of these exacerbations than HRV-A or HRV-B.

Long-Chain Fatty Acid Receptors Mediate Relaxation of the Porcine Lower Esophageal Sphincter.

Long-chain fatty acids activate the free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFA1) and FFA4. In the gastrointestinal system, FFA1 and FFA4 have been found in the pancreas and intestine. Fatty food and decreased lower esophageal sphincter (LES) motility are associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The effect of long-chain fatty acids on the esophageal motility is unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of long-chain fatty acids on the porcine LES motility ex vivo using isometric transducers. In endothelin 1-precontracted porcine LES strips, the FFA1 selective agonists, fasiglifam, TUG424, and GW9508, caused marked relaxations in a concentration-dependent manner. The relative efficacies to elicit relaxation were GW9508 > TUG424 > fasiglifam in both clasp and sling strips. In contrast, the FFA4 specific agonists, TUG891 and GSK137647, produced mild relaxations. In addition, the endogenous FFA1 agonist DHA caused a mild relaxation whereas GW1100, an FFA1 antagonist, inhibited GW9508 induced relaxation of the porcine LES clasp and sling muscle. Both real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry revealed that FFA1 and FFA4 were expressed in the porcine LES. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the FFA4 expression was much lower than FFA1. Taken together, long-chain fatty acid receptor agonists elicit relaxation of the porcine LES. FFA1 might influence LES motility.

Serum apoptotic marker M30 is positively correlated with early diastolic dysfunction in adolescent obesity.

PURPOSE: Obesity in adolescence has been shown to be related to cardiac geometric and functional changes. Cardiac dysfunction in adults with obesity could be attributed to chronic low-grade inflammation, apoptosis of cardiomyocyte, and glucose metabolic disorder. The aforementioned association in adolescents with obesity have never been well studied. Our aim was to determine the types of cardiac dysfunction in adolescents with obesity and survey the association between cardiac dysfunction and chronic low-grade inflammation, apoptosis, and glucose dysregulation in adolescents with obesity. METHODS: Adolescents aged between 10 and 20 years were enrolled in this study. Body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), and apoptosis marker M30 levels were measured. Echocardiographic indices were also measured. The association between serum biomarkers and echocardiographic function parameters was analyzed. RESULTS: Diastolic dysfunction was the major finding in the cardiac functional assessment. The main changes in glucose metabolism were elevated C-peptide level and insulin resistance. Hs-CRP, IL-6, and M30 levels also increased with adolescent obesity. M30 was the major biomarker that was highly correlated to diastolic dysfunction indices in adolescents with obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Diastolic dysfunction was the main change in adolescent obesity. Insulin resistance, apoptotic marker M30, hs-CRP, and IL-6 were all elevated in adolescents with obesity. Only M30 was related to indices of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction among adolescents with obesity, rather than inflammation or insulin resistance.

Mechanism of resveratrol-induced relaxation of the guinea pig fundus.

BACKGROUND: Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound that can be isolated from plants and also is a constituent of red wine. Resveratrol induces relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and may prevent cardiovascular diseases. PURPOSE: Impaired gastric accommodation plays an important role in functional dyspepsia and fundic relaxation and is a therapeutic target of functional dyspepsia. Although drugs for fundic relaxation have been developed, these types of drugs are still rare. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relaxant effects of resveratrol in the guinea pig fundus. STUDY DESIGN: We studied the relaxant effects of resveratrol in the guinea pig fundus. In addition, we investigated the mechanism of resveratrol-induced relaxation on the guinea pig fundus by using tetraethylammonium (a non-selective potassium channel blocker), apamine (a selective inhibitor of the small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel), iberiotoxin (an inhibitor of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels), glibenclamide (an ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker), KT 5720 (a cAMP-dependent protein kinase A inhibitor), KT 5823 (a cGMP-dependent protein kinase G inhibitor), NG-nitro-L-arginine (a competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase), tetrodotoxin (a selective neuronal Na+ channel blocker), ω-conotoxin GVIA (a selective neuronal Ca2+ channel blocker) and G-15 (a G-protein coupled estrogen receptor antagonist). RESULTS: The results of this study showed that resveratrol has potent and dose-dependent relaxant effects on the guinea pig fundic muscle. In addition, the results showed that resveratrol-induced relaxation of the guinea pig fundus occurs through nitric oxide and ATP-sensitive potassium channels. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first evidence concerning the relaxant effects of resveratrol in the guinea pig fundic muscle strips. Furthermore, resveratrol may be a potential drug to relieve gastrointestinal dyspepsia.