Chronic active and atrophic gastritis as significant contributing factor to the development of gastric cystica profunda

Gastric cystica profunda(GCP)is an uncommon but underestimated gastric lesion.Its precancerous potential determines its significance.In addition to previous mucosa injury due to operations,biopsy or polypectomy,chronic active and atrophic gastritis may also lead to the development of GCPs.By carefully examining the stomach and taking biopsy samples from the susceptible regions,the stage of atrophy can be determined.Chronic atrophic gastritis is a risk factor for cancer evolvement and it can also contribute to GCPs formation.GCPs frequently occur close to early gastric cancers(EGCs)or EGC can arise from the cystic glands.Endoscopic resection is an effective and minimally invasive treat-ment in GCP.

Yiwei Xiaoyu granules for treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis with deficiency syndrome of the spleen and stomach

BACKGROUND The Correa sequence,initiated by Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori),commonly progresses to gastric cancer through the stage of chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG).Although eradication of H.pylori only reduces the risk of gastric cancer,it does not eliminate the risk for neoplastic progression.Yiwei Xiaoyu granules(YWXY)are a commonly used composite preparation in Chinese clinics.However,the pursuit of excellence in clinical trials and the establishment of standardized animal experiments are still needed to contribute to full understanding and application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of CAG.AIM To demonstrate the effectiveness of YWXY in patients with CAG and spleenstomach deficiency syndrome(DSSS),by alleviating histological scores,improving response rates for pathological lesions,and achieving clinical efficacy in relieving DSSS symptoms.METHODS We designed a double-blind,randomized,controlled trial.The study enrolled seventy-two H.pylori-negative patients(mean age,52.3 years;38 men)who were randomly allocated to either the treatment group or control group in a 1:1 ratio,and treated with 15 g YWXY or 0.36 g Weifuchun(WFC)tablet combined with the respective dummy for 24 wk.The pre-randomization phase resulted in the exclusion of 72 patients:50 participants did not meet the inclusion criteria,12 participants declined to participate,and 10 participants were excluded for various other reasons.Seven visits were conducted during the study,and histopathological examination with target endoscopic biopsy of narrow-band imaging was requested before the first and seventh visits.We also evaluated endoscopic performance scores,total symptom scores,serum pepsinogen and gastrin-17.RESULTS Six patients did not complete the trial procedures.Treatment with YWXY improved the Operative Link on Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia Assessment(OLGIM)stage,compared with WFC(P<0.05).YWXY provided better relief from symptoms of DSSS and better improvement in serum gastric function,compared with WFC(P<0.05).CONCLUSION YWXY compared with WFC significantly reduced the risk of mild or moderate atrophic disease,according to OLGIM stage,significantly relieved symptoms of DSSS,and improved serum gastric function.

Effect of Jianpi Xiaowei Decoction on Gastric Function and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis of Liver-Stomach Stagnation Heat Type

[Objectives]To observe the effect of Jianpi Xiaowei Decoction on gastric function and quality of life in elderly patients with chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)of liver-stomach heat stagnation type.[Methods]Seventy-two elderly patients with CAG of liver-stomach stagnation-heat type were randomly divided into study group and control group.The two groups were treated with Jianpi Xiaowei Decoction and Rabeprazole Enteric-coated Tablets respectively.The curative effect of TCM syndromes,serum pepsinogen I and II(PG-I and PG-II),gastrin-17(G-17)and quality of life(SF-36 table)scores of gastric function indicators before and after treatment were observed.[Results]After treatment,the total effective rate of the study group was 97.22%(35/36),which was significantly higher than that of the control group 77.78%(28/36)(P<0.05).Before treatment,there was no significant difference in the levels of gastric function indicators between the two groups(P>0.05).After treatment,the indicators of the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group(t=12.239,6.010,5.928,10.420,P<0.05).Before treatment,there was no significant difference in SF-36 scores between the two groups(P>0.05).After treatment,the SF-36 scores in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group(t=3.520,10.335,11.300,9.693,P<0.05).[Conclusions]Jianpi Xiaowei Decoction can achieve significant curative effect in the treatment of CAG with liver and stomach stagnation heat type in the elderly,and can significantly improve the key gastrointestinal hormone levels and quality of life of elderly patients.It is worthy of promotion in the same clinical cases.

Paradoxical association between dyspepsia and autoimmune chronic atrophic gastritis:Insights into mechanisms,pathophysiology,and treatment options

BACKGROUND Autoimmune gastritis(AIG)is a progressive,chronic,immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of gastric parietal cells leading to hypo/anacidity and loss of intrinsic factor.Gastrointestinal symptoms such as dyspepsia and early satiety are very common,being second in terms of frequency only to anemia,which is the most typical feature of AIG.AIM To address both well-established and more innovative information and knowledge about this challenging disorder.METHODS An extensive bibliographical search was performed in PubMed to identify guidelines and primary literature(retrospective and prospective studies,systematic reviews,case series)published in the last 10 years.RESULTS A total of 125 records were reviewed and 80 were defined as fulfilling the criteria.CONCLUSION AIG can cause a range of clinical manifestations,including dyspepsia.The pathophysiology of dyspepsia in AIG is complex and involves changes in acid secretion,gastric motility,hormone signaling,and gut microbiota,among other factors.Managing dyspeptic symptoms of AIG is challenging and there are no specific therapies targeting dyspepsia in AIG.While proton pump inhibitors are commonly used to treat dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease,they may not be appropriate for AIG.Prokinetic agents,antidepressant drugs,and non-pharmacological treatments may be of help,even if not adequately evidence-based supported.A multidisciplinary approach for the management of dyspepsia in AIG is recommended,and further research is needed to develop and validate more effective therapies for dyspepsia.

Incidence and prevalence of gastric neuroendocrine tumors in patients with chronic atrophic autoimmune gastritis

BACKGROUND The incidence of type I gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms(gNENs)has increased significantly over the past 50 years.Although autoimmune gastritis(AIG)increases the likelihood of developing gNENs,the exact incidence and prevalence of this association remain unclear.AIM To evaluate the incidence and prevalence of type I gNENs in a cohort of patients with a histological diagnosis of AIG.METHODS Patients with a histological diagnosis of AIG were enrolled between October 2020 and May 2022.Circulating levels of CgA and gastrin were assessed at enrollment.Included patients underwent regular endoscopic follow-up to detect gastric neoplastic lesions,enterochromaffin-like(ECL)cell hyperplasia,and the development of gNEN.RESULTS We included 176 patients[142 women(80.7%),median age 64 years,interquartile range(IQR)53–71 years]diagnosed with AIG between January 1990 and June 2022.At enrollment.One hundred and sixteen patients(65.9%)had ECL hyperplasia,of whom,29.5%had simple/linear,30.7%had micronodular,and 5.7%had macronodular type.The median follow-up time was 5(3–7.5)years.After 1032 person-years,33 patients developed a total of 50 type I gNENs,with an incidence rate of 0.057 person-years,corresponding to an annual cumulative incidence of 5.7%.Circulating CgA levels did not significantly differ between AIG patients who developed gNENs and those who did not.Conversely,gastrin levels were significantly higher in AIG patients who developed gNENs[median 992 pg/mL IQR=449–1500 vs 688 pg/mL IQR=423–1200,P=0.03].Calculated gastrin sensitivity and specificity were 90.9%and 1.4%,respectively,with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 30%and a calculated area under the gastrin receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC or AUC)of 0.53.CONCLUSION Type I gNENs are a significant complication in AIG.Gastrin’s low diagnostic accuracy prevents it from serving as a marker for early diagnosis.Effective strategies for early detection and treatment are needed.

Mucosal patterns change after Helicobacter pylori eradication:Evaluation using blue laser imaging in patients with atrophic gastritis

BACKGROUND Mucosal patterns(MPs)observed on blue laser imaging in patients with atrophic gastritis can be classified as spotty,cracked,and mottled.Furthermore,we hypothesized that the spotty pattern may change to the cracked pattern after Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication.AIM To further substantiate and comprehensively investigate MP changes after H.pylori eradication in a larger number of patients.METHODS We included 768 patients who were diagnosed with atrophic gastritis with evaluable MP using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the Nishikawa Gastrointestinal Clinic,Japan.Among them,325 patients were H.pylori-positive,and of them,101 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy before and after H.pylori eradication were evaluated for post-eradication MP changes.The patients’MPs were interpreted by three experienced endoscopists who were blinded to their clinical features.RESULTS Among 76 patients with the spotty pattern before or after H.pylori eradication,the pattern disappeared or decreased in 67 patients[88.2%,95%confidence interval(CI):79.0%-93.6%),appeared or increased in 8 patients(10.5%,95%CI:5.4%-19.4%),and showed no change in 1 patient(1.3%,95%CI:0.2%-7.1%).In 90 patients with the cracked pattern before or after H.pylori eradication,the pattern disappeared or decreased in 7 patients(7.8%,95%CI:3.8%-15.2%),appeared or increased in 79 patients(87.8%,95%CI:79.4%-93.0%),and showed no change in 4 patients(4.4%,95%CI:1.7%-10.9%).In 70 patients with the mottled pattern before or after H.pylori eradication,the pattern disappeared or decreased in 28 patients(40.0%,95%CI:29.3%-51.7%),appeared or increased in 35 patients(50.0%,95%CI:38.6%-61.4%),and showed no change in 7 patients(10.0%,95%CI:4.9%-19.2%).CONCLUSION After H.pylori eradication,MPs changed from spotty to cracked in most patients,which may help endoscopists easily and precisely evaluate H.pylori-related gastritis status.

Efficacy and safety of Huangqi Jianzhong decoction in the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Chronic atrophic gastritis is a persistent disorder of the digestive system where the gastric mucosa epithelium and glands undergo atrophy,leading to a decrease in their number and thinning of the gastric mucosa.It is worth noting that the prevalence of chronic atrophic gastritis is higher in China compared to the global average,and it is also considered a precancerous condition for gastric cancer.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of Huangqi Jianzhong decoction in treating chronic atrophic gastritis.Chronic atrophic gastritis is a persistent illness characterized by the progressive disappearance of healthy gastric glands due to repeated injury.Huangqi Jianzhong decoctions are widely used in China to treat chronic atrophic gastritis.However,there is limited scientific evidence regarding their efficacy in treating this illness.METHODS The present meta-analysis adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and used the Cochrane Collaboration methodology.We performed a comprehensive search for clinical trials investigating the use of Huangqi Jianzhong decoction in treating chronic atrophic gastritis published until January 2023.The risk of bias and the quality of the included studies were evaluated using the Cochrane Handbook guidelines.Finally,a meta-analysis was conducted using the RevMan 5.4 softRESULTS This study included a total of 13 articles,comprising 1269 samples.The meta-analysis was conducted on these 13 articles,yielding the following results:I2=0%,P=0.60,[RR=1.24,95%CI:1.18 to 1.30,P<0.00001].The forest plot analysis of the Helicobacter pylori clearance rate revealed I2=0%,P=0.36,[RR=1.20,95%CI:1.05 to 1.38,P=0.009].The forest plot of PG-I level showed I2=99%,P<0.00001,[MD=4.99,95%CI:-1.59 to 11.58,P=0.14].The forest plot of stomach pain demonstrated I2=54%,P=0.04,[MD=-0.63,95%CI:-0.68 to-0.58,P<0.00001].The forest plot of reflux indicated I2=82%,P=0.0009,[MD=-0.48,95%CI:-0.63 to-0.33,P<0.00001].The forest plot of recurrence rate exhibited I2=0%,P=0.92,[RR=0.15,95%CI:0.04 to 0.66,P=0.01].The forest plot of adverse reactions showed no heterogeneity in outcome data,[RR=1.07,95%CI:0.53 to 2.17,P=0.86].CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that Huangqi Jianzhong decoction improved various factors in adults with chronic atrophic gastritis.These factors included the total effective rate,Helicobacter pylori clearance rate,symptoms such as stomachache and acid reflux alleviation,and recurrence rates.

Study on Professor Diangui Li's Medication Experience in Treating Atrophic Gastritis Concomitant with Helicobacter Pylori Infection Based on Data Mining

Objective Our objective was to explore the national traditional Chinese medicine by studying master Diangui Li's medication experience in treating atrophic gastritis(AG)concomitant with Helicobacter pylori(Hp)infection based on data mining,and to provide the reference for the clinical treatment of relevant diseases.Methods The Chinese medicine prescriptions of the patients'first visits to the Famous Doctors'Consultation Room in Hebei Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from May 2019 to December 2022 were collected and frequency analysis of the Chinese herbs,association rules analysis of the Chinese herbs,and cluster analysis were conducted using the Famous Doctor Inheritance Assistance Platform.ResultsA total of 188 prescriptions were collected,with 136 kinds of Chinese herbs.The highest use frequency of Chinese herbs was 185 and the lowest was 1.There were 28 kinds of Chinese herbs with high use frequency.The top 10 herbs with the high use frequency include Baihuasheshecao(Hedyotis Diffusae Herba),Huanglian(Coptidis Rhizoma),Yinchen(Artemisiae Scopariae Herba),jigucao(Abriherba),Baishao(Paeoniae Radix Alba),Danggui(Angelicae Sinensis Radix),Banzhilian(Scutellariae Barbatae Herba),Baihe(Lili Bulbus),Zhishi(Auranti Immaturus Fructus),Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma).Chinese herbs with high frequency use are mostly heat-clearing herbs and qi-regulating herbs;the flavors of the herbs are mainly pungent,bitter,and sweet;the properties are mainly warm,cold,and neutral;the meridian tropism is mainly the spleen,liver,and stomach meridians.The core herbal medicines are Huanglian(Coptidis Rhizoma),Yinchen(Artemisiae Scopariae Herba),Baishao(Paeoniae Radix Alba),Danggui(Angelicae Sinensis Radix),etc.;the results of association rules:Jigucao(Abriherba)-Kushen(Sophorae Flavescentis Radix),Jjiaogulan(Gynostemmatis Pentaphylli Rhizoma seu Herba)-Banlangen(lsatidis Radix),Huangqin(Scutellariae Radix)-Banlangen(lsatidis Radix),etc.;the results of cluster analysis showed that there were 10 clusters:(1)Yinchen(Artemisiae Scopariae Herba),Huanglian(Coptidis Rhizoma),Baihuasheshecao(Hedyotis Diffusae Herba),Banzhilian(Scutellariae Barbatae Herba),Jigucao(Abriherba);(2)Baishao(Paeoniae Radix Alba),Danggui(Angelicae Sinensis Radix),Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma),Wuyao(Linderae Radix);(3)Yuanhu(Corydalis Rhizoma),Danshen(Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma),Baizhi(Angelicae Dahuricae Radix).Conclusions For the treatment of AG concomitant with Hp infection,Professor Diangui Li mainly adopts the method of clearing heat and removing the toxin,regulating qi and resolving phlegm,combining disease differentiation with syndrome differentiation,performing reinforcing method,and reducing method simultaneously to regulate the mechanism of the human body.

Histopathological classification and follow-up analysis of chronic atrophic gastritis

BACKGROUND The pathological diagnosis and follow-up analysis of gastric mucosal biopsy have been paid much attention,and some scholars have proposed the pathological diagnosis of 12 kinds of lesions and accompanying pathological diagnosis,which is of great significance for the treatment of precision gastric diseases,the improvement of the early diagnosis rate of gastric cancer,and the reduction of missed diagnosis rate and misdiagnosis rate.AIM To perform a histopathological classification and follow-up analysis of chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG).METHODS A total of 2248 CAG tissue samples were collected,and data of their clinical characteristics were also gathered.Based on these samples,the expression levels of Mucin 1(MUC1),MUC2,MUC5AC,and MUC6 in CAG tissue were tested by immunohistochemical assay.Moreover,we followed these patients for up to four years.The difference between different stages of gastroscopic biopsy was observed.RESULTS Through observation,it is believed that CAG should be divided into four types,simple type,hyperplasia type,intestinal metaplasia(IM)type,and intraepithelial neoplasia(IEN)type.Simple CAG accounted for 9.1%(205/2248),which was more common in elderly people over 60 years old.The main change was that the lamina propria glands were reduced in size and number.Hyperplastic CAG accounted for 29.1%(654/2248),mostly occurring between 40 and 60 years old.The main change was that the lamina propria glands were atrophy accompanied by glandular hyperplasia and slight expansion of the glands.IM CAG accounted for 50.4%(1132/2248),most of which increased with age,and were more common in those over 50 years.The atrophy of the lamina propria glands was accompanied by significant IM,and the mucus containing sialic acid or sulfate was distinguished according to the nature of the mucus.The IEN type CAG accounted for 11.4%(257/2248),which developed from the previous types,with severe gland atrophy and reduced mucus secretion,and is an important precancerous lesion.CONCLUSION The histological typing of CAG is convenient to understand the property of lesion,determine the follow-up time,and guide the clinical treatment.

COMPARATIVE OBSERVATIONS ON THE TYPES OF ATROPHIC GASTRITIS AND BIOPSY PATHOLOGY OF GASTRIC MUCOSA

300 cases of chronic atrophic gastritis were classified into 3 types of qi-dificiency of spleen and stomach, yang-deficiency of spleen and stomach, and yin-deficiency of spleen and stomach according to syndrom differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine. The biopsy specimens of gastric mucosa were examined histopathologically and for the presence of pyloric spirobaeteria. The results showed that the type of yin-deficiency was the most seri-ous in the degree of pathologic changes, or the glandular atrophy and the interstitial inflam-matory cellular infiltration, while the rate of pyloric spirobacteria presence was comparable in all types.

Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia Is the Most Common Histopathological Phenotype among Endoscopically Diagnosed Atrophic Gastritis Patients in North-East China

Background: Gastric cancer and gastric precancerous lesions are highly prevalent in China. However, prevalence of the different precancerous lesions has not been reported from the north-east region of China. Detection of precancerous gastric lesions at an early stage complemented with a follow-up strategy for high risk groups would probably aid in declining the mortality rate in patients with gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori infection, salt intake, smoking, alcohol, family history of gastric cancer, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are established risk factors of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of various histopathological phenotypes among atrophic gastritis patients in this region and to report if gender and increasing age carry risk in the development of these lesions. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 518 patients with endoscopic diagnosis of atrophic gastritis. Using the patient number in database, histopathological diagnosis of the biopsy specimen of all patients was recorded. All biopsy specimens were assessed for the presence of inflammation, atrophic gastritis, metaplasia and/or dysplasia. Results: Intestinal metaplasia was observed in 67.38% of patients. Dysplasia and atrophy were present in 9.46% and 3.67% patients, respectively. Gender and increasing age were not found to be risk factors for intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and atrophic gastritis (p-values 0.08, 0.43, 0.297 and 0.98, 0.20, 0.54;respectively). 19.49% subjects showed inflammatory activity which was significantly associated with female gender (P = 0.0008). Conclusion: Intestinal metaplasia was the most histopathological phenotype among endoscopically diagnosed atrophic gastritis patients. Large-population based on prospective studies should be designed to determine prevalence of precancerous lesions and the risk factors involved in the progression of these lesions in our region.

Histopathological Characteristics of Atrophic Gastritisin Adult Population

Introduction： Chronic gastritis is inflammation of the gastric mucosa. It can be non-atrophic and atrophic. Atrophy isdefined as the loss of appropriate glands. It is frequently located in antral mucosa as consequence of Helicobacter pylori infectionand it is associated with intestinal gastric cancer. Goal： Describe histopathological and demographic characteristics of atrophicgastritis. Matherial and methods： We assessed the pathological reports of 100 patients with atrophic gastritis whose characteristicswere evaluated by using a semiquantitative scale of Sidney system of classification of gastritis. To assess the significance betweenthe incidence of various parametres we used ;~2 test. Results： We found that the difference in frequency of atrophic gastritis betweenmen and women was not statistically significant. The difference in distribution is statistically significant in favor of the antrum.Among patients who have atrophy with Helicobacterpylori infection and intestinal metaplasia and those who do not have metaplasia,it was found that the difference is highly statistically significant. Conclusion： The most frequent localisation of atrophic gastritis isantral mucosa. There is no difference between men and women in frequency of atrophic gastritis, while the aging is related with moreoften occurrence of atrophic gastritis.

Comparison of operative link for gastritis assessment, operative link on gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment, and TAIM stagings among men with atrophic gastritis

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is the world’s third most lethal malignancy. Most gastric cancers develop through precancerous states of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. Two staging systems, operative link for gastritis assessment(OLGA)and operative link on gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment(OLGIM), have been developed to detect high gastric cancer risk. European guidelines recommend surveillance for high-risk OLGA/OLGIM patients(stages Ⅲ–Ⅳ),and for those with advanced stage of atrophic gastritis in the whole stomach mucosa. We hypothesize, that by combining atrophy and intestinal metaplasia into one staging named TAIM, more patients with increased gastric cancer risk could be detected.AIM To evaluate the clinical value of the OLGA, OLGIM, and novel TAIM stagings as prognostic indicators for gastric cancer.METHODS In the Helsinki Gastritis Study, 22346 elderly male smokers from southwestern Finland were screened for serum pepsinogen I(PGI). Between the years 1989 and1993, men with low PGI values(PGI < 25 μg/L), were invited to undergo an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy. In this retrospective cohort study, 1147 men that underwent gastroscopy were followed for gastric cancer for a median of 13.7 years, and a maximum of 27.3 years. We developed a new staging system, TAIM,by combining the topography with the severity of atrophy or intestinal metaplasia in gastric biopsies. In TAIM staging, the gastric cancer risk is classified as low or high.RESULTS Twenty-eight gastric cancers were diagnosed during the follow-up, and the incidence rate was 1.72 per 1000 patient-years. The cancer risk associated positively with TAIM [Hazard ratio(HR) 2.70, 95%CI: 1.09–6.69, P = 0.03]. The risk increased through OLGIM stages 0-Ⅳ(0 vs Ⅳ: HR 5.72, 95%CI: 1.03–31.77, P for trend = 0.004), but not through OLGA stages 0–Ⅳ(0 vs Ⅳ: HR 5.77, 95%CI:0.67–49.77, P for trend = 0.10). The sensitivities of OLGA and OLGIM stages Ⅲ–Ⅳ were low, 21% and 32%, respectively, whereas that of TAIM high-risk was good, 79%. On the contrary, OLGA and OLGIM had high specificity, 85% and81%, respectively, but TAIM showed low specificity, 42%. In all three staging systems, the high-risk men had three-to four-times higher gastric cancer risk compared to the general male population of the same age.CONCLUSION OLGIM and TAIM stagings show prognostic value in assessing gastric cancer risk in elderly male smokers with atrophic gastritis.

Morphological and pathologic changes of experimental chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG)and the regulating mechanism of protein expression in rats

Objective: To study the pathologic change and molecular regulation in cell proliferation and apoptosis of gastric mucosa in rats with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), and evaluate the possible mechanisms. Methods: Rats were administered with 60% alcohol or 2% salicylate sodium, 20 mmol/L deoxycholate sodium and 0.1% ammonia water to establish chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) models. The gastric specimens were prepared for microscopic view with hematoxylin and eosin (H-E) and alcian blue (A-B) stain. The number of infiltrated inflammatory cells, the thickness of the mucosa gland layer (μm) and the number of gastric glands were calculated. The damage of barrier in mucosa with erosion or ulceration, and the thickness of mucin were examined by scanned electron microscope (SEM). The levels of PGE2, EGF (epiderminal growth factor) and gastrin in the serum were measured with radioimmunoassay or ELISA method. The immunohistochemistry method was used to observe the number of G cells, the expression of protein of EGFR (EGF receptor), C-erbB-2, p53, p16 and bcl-2 in gastric tissue. Results: Under SEM observation, the gastric mucosa was diffused erosion or ulceration and the thickness of mucin was decreased. Com- pared with normal rats, the grade of inflammatory cell infiltration in CAG rats was elevated, whereas the thickness and number of gastric gland were significantly lower (P<0.05). Compared with normal level of (0.61±0.28) μg/L, EGF in CAG (2.24±0.83) μg/L was significantly higher (P<0.05). The levels of PGE2 and gastrin in serum were significantly lower in CAG rats than that in normal rats (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry detection showed that the number of G cell in antrum was lower in CAG group (P<0.05). Immuno-stain showed EGFR protein expression in the basal and bilateral membrane, and the cytoplasma in atrophic gastric gland, while negative expression was observed in normal gastric epithelial cells. Positive staining of p53 and p16 protein was localized in the nucleus of epithelial cells. The former was higher positively expressed in atrophic gland, while the later was higher positively stained in normal gastric tissue. bcl-2 protein was positively stained in the cytoplasma in atrophic gastric gland, while very weakly stained in normal gastric tissue. Conclusion: The pathological findings in gastric gland accorded with the Houston diagnostic criteria of antrum-predominant CAG. CAG in rats was related with the damage of barrier in gastric mucosa and the misbalance of cell proliferation and apoptosis. There was high protein expression of oncogene, while inhibitor of sup- pressor gene in CAG rats indicated high trend of carcinogenesis.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in atrophic gastritis

Helicobacter pylori(Hp) is a major human pathogen causing chronic, progressive gastric mucosal damage and is linked to gastric atrophy and cancer. Hp-positive individuals constitute the major reservoir for transmission of infection. There is no ideal treatment for Hp. Hp infection is not cured by a single antibiotic, and sometimes, a combined treatment with three or more antibiotics is ineffective. Atrophic gastritis(AG) is a chronic disease whose main features are atrophy and/or intestinal metaplasia of the gastric glands, which arise from long-standing Hp infection. AG is reportedly linked to an increased risk for gastric cancer, particularly when extensive intestinal metaplasia is present. Active or past Hp infection may be detected by conventional methods in about two-thirds of AG patients. By immunoblotting of sera against Hp whole-cell protein lysates, a previous exposure to Hp infection is detected in all AG patients. According to guidelines, AG patients with Hp positivity should receive eradication treatment. The goals of treatment are as follows:(1) Cure of infection, resolution of inflammation and normalization of gastric functions;(2) possible reversal of atrophic and metaplastic changes of the gastric mucosa; and(3) prevention of gastric cancer. An ideal antibiotic regimen for Hp should achieve eradication rates of approximately 90%, and complex multidrug regimens are required to reach this goal. Amongst the factors associated with treatment failure are high bacterial load, high gastric acidity, Hp strain, smoking, low compliance, overweight, and increasing antibiotic resistance. AG, when involving the corporal mucosa, is linked to reduced gastric acid secretion. At a non-acidic intra-gastric p H, the efficacy of the common treatment regimens combining proton pump inhibitors with one or more antibiotics may not be the same as that observed in patients with Hp gastritis in an acid-producing stomach. Although the efficacy of these therapeutic regimens has been thoroughly tested in subjects with Hp infection, there is a paucity of evidence in the subgroupof patients with AG. Bismuth-based therapy may be an attractive treatment in the specific setting of AG, and specific studies on the efficacy of bismuth-based therapies are needed in patients with AG.

Correlation between serum vitamin B12 level and peripheral neuropathy in atrophic gastritis

AIM To explore the correlation between serum vitamin B12 level and peripheral neuropathy in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG). METHODS A total of 593 patients diagnosed with chronic gastritis by gastroscopy and pathological examination fromSeptember 2013 to September 2016 were selected for this study. The age of these patients ranged within 18-to 75-years-old. Blood pressure, height and weight were measured in each patient, and the body mass index value was calculated. Furthermore, gastric acid, serum gastrin, serum vitamin and serum creatinine tests were performed, and peripheral nerve conduction velocity and Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) were detected. In addition, the type of gastritis was determined by gastroscopy. The above factors were used as independent variables to analyze chronic gastritis with peripheral neuropathy and vitamin B12 deficiency risk factors, and to analyze the relationship between vitamin B12 levels and peripheral nerve conduction velocity. In addition, in the treatment of CAG on the basis of vitamin B12, patients with peripheral neuropathy were observed. RESULTS Age, H. pylori infection, CAG, vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 were risk factors for the occurrence of peripheral nerve degeneration.Furthermore,CAG and H. pylori infection were risk factors for chronic gastritis associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Serum vitamin B12 level was positively correlated with sensory nerve conduction velocity in the tibial nerve(R = 0.463). After vitamin B12 supplementation, patients with peripheral neuropathy improved. CONCLUSION Serum vitamin B12 levels in patients with chronic gastritis significantly decreased, and the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy had a certain correlation. CAG and H. pylori infection are risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy. When treating CAG, vitamin B12 supplementation can significantly reduce peripheral nervous system lesions. Therefore, the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy associated with vitamin B12 deficiency may be considered in patients with CAG. Furthermore, the timely supplementation of vitamin B12 during the clinical treatment of CAG can reduce or prevent peripheral nervous system lesions.

Improved method for inducing chronic atrophic gastritis in mice

BACKGROUND Chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)is a common disease of the digestive system with pathological characteristics of a decreasing number,or disappearance,of inherent glands of the gastric mucosa.CAG has been defined as a precancerous condition of gastric cancer.Intestinal metaplasia or intraepithelial neoplasia accompanying atrophied glands of the stomach is regarded as one of the most important precancerous lesions of gastric cancer.As a common malignant tumour,gastric cancer remains without a satisfactory therapy and its pathogenesis remains unclear,seriously threatening human life.Therefore,some scholars have proposed to prevent the incidence of gastric cancer by avoiding precancerous lesions.If CAG can be reversed,the incidence of gastric cancer can be substantially reduced.To reverse and prevent CAG and study its pathogenesis and therapy,it is necessary to develop an ideal,safe,stable,animal model.AIM To study a rapid,stable,and safe method of establishing a mouse model of human CAG.METHODS Six-week-old Kunming mice were divided into a phosphate buffered solution control group,a Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)group,an N-methyl-N'-nitroguanidine(MNNG)group,an ammonia water group,and a group combining H.pylori,MNNG,and ammonia water(hereinafter referred to as the combined group).The mice were administrated with drinking water containing ammonia or infected with H.pylori through gavage.At the 30th,60th,90th,and 120th day after the last H.pylori infection,mice were selected randomly to collect their gastric mucosa for hematoxylin eosin staining,terminal nick-end labelling staining detection,and immunohistochemical staining for Bax and Bcl-2.In addition,H.pylori was isolated,cultured,and identified,and its extent of colonisation calculated.Blood was collected to detect inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-8,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αand immune function markers CD4 and CD8 to confirm successful establishment of the CAG model.RESULTS The combined group showed slight CAG at the 90th day and moderate CAG at the 120th day,while other groups did not show CAG at that time.CONCLUSION The combination of H.pylori,MNNG,and ammonia is an effective method of developing a mouse model of human CAG.

Inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms increase the risk of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia

AIM: To investigate the effects of interleukin-8 (IL-8 ), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF ) gene polymorphisms, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ) infection, on the risk of developing severe chronic atrophic gastritis (SCAG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM). METHODS: A total of 372 cases were selected from a cohort study in Linqu County, a high risk area for gastric cancer (GC) in northern China. To obtain a sufficient group size, patients with normal or superficial gastritis were included. Based on an average follow-up period of 56 mo, the 372 cases were divided into no progres-sion group (no histological progression from normal or superficial gastritis, n = 137), group Ⅰ (progressed from normal or superficial gastritis to SCAG, n = 134) and group Ⅱ (progressed from normal or superficial gastritis to IM, n = 101). IL-8 , MIF gene polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-based denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography analysis and DNA sequencing. RESULTS: An increased risk of SCAG was found in subjects with IL-8-251 AA genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.23-5.72] or IL-8-251 A allele carriers (AA + AT) (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.06-3.09). An elevated risk of IM was found in subjects with IL-8-251 AT genotype (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.25-4.14) or IL-8-251 A allele carriers (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.16-3.69). An increased risk of SCAG was found in subjects with MIF-173 GC genotype (OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.38-4.02) or MIF-173 C allele carriers (GC + CC) (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.21-3.55). An elevated risk of IM was found in subjects with MIF-173 CC genotype (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.16-4.46) or MIF-173 C allele carriers (OR = 3.84, 95% CI: 1.58-9.34). The risk of SCAG and IM was more evident in subjects carrying IL-8-251 A allele (OR = 6.70, 95% CI: 1.29-9.78) or MIF-173 C allele (OR = 6.54, 95% CI: 2.97-14.20) and positive for H. pylori infection. CONCLUSION: IL-8-251 and MIF-173 gene polymorphisms are significantly associated with the risk of SCAG and IM in a population with a high risk of GC in Linqu County, Shandong Province, China.

Atrophic gastritis: Risk factor for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a Latin-American population

AIM: To study the association between atrophic gastritis (AG) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in a Latin-America population. METHODS: A case-control study was performed at two reference Brazilian hospitals including patients diagnosed with advanced ESCC and dyspeptic patients who had been subjected to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, with biopsies of the gastric antrum and body.All cases with ESCC were reviewed by a single pathologist, who applied standard criteria for the diagnosis of mucosal atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia, all classified as AG. The data on the patients' age, sex, smoking status, and alcohol consumption were collected from clinical records, and any missing information was completed by telephone interview. The association between AG and ESCC was assessed by means of univariate and multiple conditional logistic regressions. RESULTS: Most patients were male, and the median age was 59 years (range: 37-79 years) in both the ESCC and control groups. Univariate analysis showed that an intake of ethanol greater than 32 g/d was an independent risk factor that increased the odds of ESCC 7.57 times (P = 0.014); upon multiple analysis, alcohol intake of ethanol greater than 32 g/d exhibited a risk of 4.54 (P = 0.081), as adjusted for AG and smoking. Smoking was shown to be an independent risk factor that increased the odds of ESCC 14.55 times (P = 0.011) for individuals who smoked 0 to 51 packs/year and 21.40 times (P = 0.006) for those who smoked more than 51 packs/year. Upon multiple analyses, those who smoked up to 51 packs/year exhibited a risk of 7.85 (P = 0.058), and those who smoked more than 51 packs/ year had a risk 11.57 times higher (P = 0.04), as adjusted for AG and alcohol consumption. AG proved to be a risk factor that increased the odds of ESCC 5.33 times (95%CI: 1.55-18.30, P = 0.008) according to the results of univariate conditional logistic regression. CONCLUSION: There was an association by univariate conditional logistic regression between AG and ECSS in this sample of Latin-American population.

Impact of SNP-SNP interactions of DNA repair gene ERCC5 and metabolic gene GSTP1 on gastric cancer/atrophic gastritis risk in a Chinese population

AIM To investigate the interactions of the DNA repair gene excision repair cross complementing group 5(ERCC5) and the metabolic gene glutathione S-transferase pi 1(GSTP1) and their effects on atrophic gastritis(AG) and gastric cancer(GC) risk.METHODS Seven ERCC5 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)(rs1047768, rs2094258, rs2228959, rs4150291, rs4150383, rs751402, and rs873601) and GSTP1 SNP rs1695 were detected using the Sequenom MassA RRAY platform in 450 GC patients, 634 AG cases, and 621 healthy control subjects in a Chinese population.RESULTS Two pairwise combinations(ERCC5 rs2094258 and rs873601 with GSTP1 rs1695) influenced AG risk(P_(interaction) = 0.008 and 0.043, respectively), and the ERCC5 rs2094258-GSTP1 rs1695 SNP pair demonstrated an antagonistic effect, while ERCC5 rs873601-GSTP1 rs1695 showed a synergistic effect on AG risk OR = 0.51 and 1.79, respectively). No pairwise combinations were observed in relation to GC risk. There were no cumulative effects among the pairwise interactions(ERCC5 rs2094258 and rs873601 with GSTP1 rs1695) on AG susceptibility(P_(trend) > 0.05). When the modification effect of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection was evaluated, the cumulative effect of one of the aforementioned pairwise interactions(ERCC5 rs873601-GSTP1 rs1695) was associated with an increased AG risk in the case of negative H. pylori status(P_(trend)= 0.043).CONCLUSION There is a multifarious interaction between the DNA repair gene ERCC5 SNPs(rs2094258 and rs873601) and the metabolic gene GSTP1 rs1695, which may form the basis for various inter-individual susceptibilities to AG.