Amyloid-beta pathology-induced nanoscale synaptic disruption:the case of the GABA_B-GIRK assembly

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory brain networks,leading to aberrant homeostatic synaptic plasticity.AD has progressively been recognized as syna ptopathy and syna ptic dysfunction has been identified as a key component of its pathogenesis (Schirinzi et al.,2020).Syna ptic dysfunction is believed to precede synapse loss,a primary biological correlate of cognitive decline in AD,inevita bly associated with neuronal death.

NLRP3-mediated autophagy dysfunction links gut microbiota dysbiosis to tau pathology in chronic sleep deprivation

Emerging evidence indicates that sleep deprivation(SD)can lead to Alzheimer’s disease(AD)-related pathological changes and cognitive decline.However,the underlying mechanisms remain obscure.In the present study,we identified the existence of a microbiota-gut-brain axis in cognitive deficits resulting from chronic SD and revealed a potential pathway by which gut microbiota affects cognitive functioning in chronic SD.Our findings demonstrated that chronic SD in mice not only led to cognitive decline but also induced gut microbiota dysbiosis,elevated NLRP3 inflammasome expression,GSK-3βactivation,autophagy dysfunction,and tau hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus.Colonization with the“SD microbiota”replicated the pathological and behavioral abnormalities observed in chronic sleep-deprived mice.Remarkably,both the deletion of NLRP3 in NLRP3-/-mice and specific knockdown of NLRP3 in the hippocampus restored autophagic flux,suppressed tau hyperphosphorylation,and ameliorated cognitive deficits induced by chronic SD,while GSK-3βactivity was not regulated by the NLRP3 inflammasome in chronic SD.Notably,deletion of NLRP3 reversed NLRP3 inflammasome activation,autophagy deficits,and tau hyperphosphorylation induced by GSK-3βactivation in primary hippocampal neurons,suggesting that GSK-3β,as a regulator of NLRP3-mediated autophagy dysfunction,plays a significant role in promoting tau hyperphosphorylation.Thus,gut microbiota dysbiosis was identified as a contributor to chronic SD-induced tau pathology via NLRP3-mediated autophagy dysfunction,ultimately leading to cognitive deficits.Overall,these findings highlight GSK-3βas a regulator of NLRP3-mediated autophagy dysfunction,playing a critical role in promoting tau hyperphosphorylation.

Digital pathology-based artificial intelligence models for differential diagnosis and prognosis of sporadic odontogenic keratocysts

Odontogenic keratocyst(OKC)is a common jaw cyst with a high recurrence rate.OKC combined with basal cell carcinoma as well as skeletal and other developmental abnormalities is thought to be associated with Gorlin syndrome.Moreover,OKC needs to be differentiated from orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst and other jaw cysts.Because of the different prognosis,differential diagnosis of several cysts can contribute to clinical management.We collected 519 cases,comprising a total of 2157 hematoxylin and eosinstained images,to develop digital pathology-based artificial intelligence(AI)models for the diagnosis and prognosis of OKC.The Inception_v3 neural network was utilized to train and test models developed from patch-level images.Finally,whole slide imagelevel AI models were developed by integrating deep learning-generated pathology features with several machine learning algorithms.The AI models showed great performance in the diagnosis(AUC=0.935,95%CI:0.898–0.973)and prognosis(AUC=0.840,95%CI:0.751–0.930)of OKC.The advantages of multiple slides model for integrating of histopathological information are demonstrated through a comparison with the single slide model.Furthermore,the study investigates the correlation between AI features generated by deep learning and pathological findings,highlighting the interpretative potential of AI models in the pathology.Here,we have developed the robust diagnostic and prognostic models for OKC.The AI model that is based on digital pathology shows promise potential for applications in odontogenic diseases of the jaw.

Going straight for the gut:gut-brain axis pathology and treatment of Parkinson's disease

This perspective focuses on the recent literature regarding the role of the gut-brain axis(GBA) in fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT) and stem cell therapy(SCT) in Parkinson's disease(PD).PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States,yet therapies remain limited.Current research suggests that the GBA may play a role in the pathogenesis of PD.GBAbased FMT as well as SCT offer promising new avenues for PD treatment.Pro bing the interactions between FMT and SCT with the GBA may reveal novel therapeutics for PD.

Hysterectomies for Gynaecological Pathology: 56 Cases at the Segou Regional Hospital in Mali

Introduction: Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure involving partial or total removal of the uterus. It is the most common gynaecological surgery in the world. Objective: To describe the epidemio-clinical and prognostic aspects of gynaecological hysterectomies. Patients and methods: This was an 18-month retrospective prospective descriptive study with a six-month follow-up period from 1 December 2020 to 31 May 2022 carried out in the gynaecology department of the Segou regional hospital. Results: Fifty-six (56) hysterectomies were performed out of 118 gynaecological surgical procedures (47.45%). The mean age was 47 ± 11.77 years. Large multiparous women were the most common (50%), with an average parity of 4.58. The main indications were uterine fibroids (30.4%), precancerous lesions of the cervix (17.85%) and uterine prolapse (17.85%). The abdominal route was the most commonly used surgical route (82.14%). Hysterectomy was total in 100% of cases and associated with bilateral adnexectomy in 48.2% of cases. The intra- and post-operative prognosis was satisfactory in 94.6% of cases. No deaths were recorded. The average length of stay was 3.28 days, irrespective of the surgical approach. Three cases of dyspareunia were noted among those who had resumed sexual activity.

Using MsfNet to Predict the ISUP Grade of Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma in Digital Pathology Images

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)represents the most frequent form of renal cell carcinoma(RCC),and accurate International Society of Urological Pathology(ISUP)grading is crucial for prognosis and treatment selection.This study presents a new deep network called Multi-scale Fusion Network(MsfNet),which aims to enhance the automatic ISUP grade of ccRCC with digital histopathology pathology images.The MsfNet overcomes the limitations of traditional ResNet50 by multi-scale information fusion and dynamic allocation of channel quantity.The model was trained and tested using 90 Hematoxylin and Eosin(H&E)stained whole slide images(WSIs),which were all cropped into 320×320-pixel patches at 40×magnification.MsfNet achieved a micro-averaged area under the curve(AUC)of 0.9807,a macro-averaged AUC of 0.9778 on the test dataset.The Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping(Grad-CAM)visually demonstrated MsfNet’s ability to distinguish and highlight abnormal areas more effectively than ResNet50.The t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding(t-SNE)plot indicates our model can efficiently extract critical features from images,reducing the impact of noise and redundant information.The results suggest that MsfNet offers an accurate ISUP grade of ccRCC in digital images,emphasizing the potential of AI-assisted histopathological systems in clinical practice.

Evaluation of autoimmune phenomena in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on the basis of liver pathology

BACKGROUND Autoimmune phenomena can be used in some patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)in the clinic,but these patients are not autoimmune hepatitis patients.AIM To determine whether autoimmunity is present in patients with NAFLD,this study was performed.METHODS A total of 104 patients with NAFLD diagnosed by liver biopsy at Tianjin Second People’s Hospital between 2019 and 2023 were enrolled.The patients were divided into three groups according to their biopsy results:The NAFL(n=36),nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(n=51),and liver cirrhosis groups(n=17).RESULTS The differences in IgA,an immune marker,among the three groups of patients were statistically significant(P=0.025).In all NAFLD patients,antinuclear antibody and anti-smooth muscle antibody were the most common autoantibodies.The antinuclear antibody detection rate was the highest at 48.1%.The cirrhosis group had the highest autoantibody positivity rate(64.7%).Portal enlargement is also common in NAFLD patients.The rates of positivity for portal lymphoplasmacytic infiltration,small bile duct hyperplasia and interfacial hepatitis were highest in the cirrhosis group;the differences between the cirrhosis group and the other two groups were significant(P<0.05).Hepatocellular rosettes were identified only in the cirrhosis group(11.8%).CONCLUSION Autoimmune phenomena occur in NAFLD patients,especially in patients with NAFLD-related cirrhosis,in whom this phenomenon may be more pronounced.

Microvascular structural changes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma pathology according to intrapapillary capillary loop types under magnifying endoscopy

BACKGROUND The intrapapillary capillary loop(IPCL)characteristics,visualized using magnifying endoscopy,are commonly assessed for preoperative evaluation of the infiltration depth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Japan Esophageal Society(JES)classification is the most widely used classification.Microvascular structural changes are evaluated by magnifying endoscopy for the presence or absence of each morphological factor:tortuosity,dilatation,irregular caliber,and different shapes.However,the pathological characteristics of IPCLs have not been thoroughly investigated,especially the microvascular structures corresponding to the deepest parts of the lesions'infiltration.AIM To investigate differences in pathological microvascular structures of ESCC,which correspond to the deepest parts of the lesions'infiltration.METHODS Patients with ESCC and precancerous lesions diagnosed at Peking University Third Hospital were enrolled between January 2019 and April 2023.Patients first underwent magnified endoscopic examination,followed by endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgical treatment.Pathological images were scanned using a threedimensional slice scanner,and the pathological structural differences in different types,according to the JES classification,were analyzed using nonparametric tests and t-tests.RESULTS The 35 lesions were divided into four groups according to the JES classification:A,B1,B2,and B3.Statistical analyses revealed significant differences(aP<0.05)in the short and long calibers,area,location,and density between types A and B.Notably,there were no significant differences in these parameters between types B1 and B2 and between types B2 and B3(P>0.05).However,significant differences in the short calibers,long calibers,and area of IPCL were observed between types B1 and B3(aP<0.05);no significant differences were found in the density or location(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Pathological structures of IPCLs in the deepest infiltrating regions differ among various IPCL types classified by the JES classification under magnifying endoscopy,especially between the types A and B.

A Multi-Task Deep Learning Framework for Simultaneous Detection of Thoracic Pathology through Image Classification

Thoracic diseases pose significant risks to an individual's chest health and are among the most perilous medical diseases. They can impact either one or both lungs, which leads to a severe impairment of a person’s ability to breathe normally. Some notable examples of such diseases encompass pneumonia, lung cancer, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Consequently, early and precise detection of these diseases is paramount during the diagnostic process. Traditionally, the primary methods employed for the detection involve the use of X-ray imaging or computed tomography (CT) scans. Nevertheless, due to the scarcity of proficient radiologists and the inherent similarities between these diseases, the accuracy of detection can be compromised, leading to imprecise or erroneous results. To address this challenge, scientists have turned to computer-based solutions, aiming for swift and accurate diagnoses. The primary objective of this study is to develop two machine learning models, utilizing single-task and multi-task learning frameworks, to enhance classification accuracy. Within the multi-task learning architecture, two principal approaches exist soft parameter sharing and hard parameter sharing. Consequently, this research adopts a multi-task deep learning approach that leverages CNNs to achieve improved classification performance for the specified tasks. These tasks, focusing on pneumonia and COVID-19, are processed and learned simultaneously within a multi-task model. To assess the effectiveness of the trained model, it is rigorously validated using three different real-world datasets for training and testing.

Expanding role and scope of artificial intelligence in the field of gastrointestinal pathology

Digital pathology(DP)and its subsidiaries including artificial intelligence(AI)are rapidly making inroads into the area of diagnostic anatomic pathology(AP)including gastrointestinal(GI)pathology.It is poised to revolutionize the field of diagnostic AP.Historically,AP has been slow to adopt digital technology,but this is changing rapidly,with many centers worldwide transitioning to DP.Coupled with advanced techniques of AI such as deep learning and machine learning,DP is likely to transform histopathology from a subjective field to an objective,efficient,and transparent discipline.AI is increasingly integrated into GI pathology,offering numerous advancements and improvements in overall diagnostic accuracy,efficiency,and patient care.Specifically,AI in GI pathology enhances diagnostic accuracy,streamlines workflows,provides predictive insights,integrates multimodal data,supports research,and aids in education and training,ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.This review summarized the latest developments in the role and scope of AI in AP with a focus on GI pathology.The main aim was to provide updates and create awareness among the pathology community.

Retrospective analysis of pathological types and imaging features in pancreatic cancer: A comprehensive study

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide,with a poor prognosis often attributed to late diagnosis.Understanding the correlation between pathological type and imaging features is crucial for early detection and appropriate treatment planning.AIM To retrospectively analyze the relationship between different pathological types of pancreatic cancer and their corresponding imaging features.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data of 500 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer between January 2010 and December 2020 at our institution.Pathological types were determined by histopathological examination of the surgical spe-cimens or biopsy samples.The imaging features were assessed using computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and endoscopic ultrasound.Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant associations between pathological types and specific imaging characteristics.RESULTS There were 320(64%)cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma,75(15%)of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms,50(10%)of neuroendocrine tumors,and 55(11%)of other rare types.Distinct imaging features were identified in each pathological type.Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma typically presents as a hypodense mass with poorly defined borders on computed tomography,whereas intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms present as characteristic cystic lesions with mural nodules.Neuroendocrine tumors often appear as hypervascular lesions in contrast-enhanced imaging.Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between specific imaging features and pathological types(P<0.001).CONCLUSION This study demonstrated a strong association between the pathological types of pancreatic cancer and imaging features.These findings can enhance the accuracy of noninvasive diagnosis and guide personalized treatment approaches.

Cavitary Pulmonary Metastases: CT Features and Their Correlation with the Pathology of the Primary Malignancy

Objective: To study CT features of cavitary pulmonary metastases and to investigate the pos- sible relationship between CT features and the pathology of the primary lesions. Methods: CT ?ndings of 131 cavitary metastatic nodules in 40 patients with pathologically-proved pulmonary metastases were retrospectively analyzed. A comparison between CT signs and the pathologic types of the primary tumors was made. Results: Cavitary metastases and multiple solid nodules coexisted in all patients. Cavitary metastases presented as bubble (n=41), irregular (n=33), cystic (n=26) or small circular (n=31) cavities, with even (n=61) or uneven (n=70) thickness of the cavity wall. Of 131 cavitary nodules, diameter less than 15 mm was seen in 44, between 15–25 mm in 66, 25–40 mm in 17 and larger than 40 mm in 4 respectively. And the wall thickness of the cavity below 4 mm, between 4–15 mm and over 15 mm was respectively seen in 69, 44 and 18 metastatic nodules. Cavitary pulmonary metastases mainly occurred in patients whose primary malignancy was squamous cell carcinoma (n=13) or adenocarcinoma (n=22). Both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma had its own CT characteristics. The occurrence of cavity bore no relationship to its site in the lung. Conclusion: Cavitary pulmonary metastases carries certain CT features and its occurrence is related to the pathologic type of the primary malignancy.

Synchronous splenectomy and hepatectomy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and hypersplenism:A casecontrol study

AIM:To investigate whether the use of synchronoushepatectomy and splenectomy(HS)is more effective than hepatectomy alone(HA)for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and hypersplenism.METHODS:From January 2007 to March 2013,84consecutive patients with HCC and hypersplenism who underwent synchronous hepatectomy and splenectomy in our center were compared with 84 well-matched patients from a pool of 268 patients who underwent hepatectomy alone.The short-term and longterm outcomes of the two groups were analyzed and compared.RESULTS:The mean time to recurrence was 21.11±12.04 mo in the HS group and 11.23±8.73 mo in the HA group,and these values were significantly different(P=0.001).The 1-,3-,5-,and 7-year disease-free survival rates for the patients in the HS group and the HA group were 86.7%,70.9%,52.7%,and 45.9%and 88.1%,59.4%,43.3%,and 39.5%,respectively(P=0.008).Platelet and white blood cell counts in the HS group were significantly increased compared with the HA group one day,one week,one month and one year postoperatively(P<0.001).Splenectomy and micro-vascular invasion were significant independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival.Gender,tumor number,and recurrence were independent prognostic factors for overall survival.CONCLUSION:Synchronous hepatectomy and hepatectomy potentially improves disease-free survival rates and alleviates hypersplenism without increasing the surgical risks for patients with HCC and hypersplenism.

Effect of partial splenic embolization on the immune function of cirrhosis patients with hypersplenism

Objective:To discover the effect of partial splenic embolization on the immune function of cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism.Methods:Patients involved in the study were enrolled and divided into three groups,including control group,experimental group,and complication group.Numbers of CD3^+,CD4^+ and CD8^+ T cells and CD4^+CD25^+CDl27^(low/-) Treg cells in the peripheral blood of patients before surgery,1 month,6 months,1 year,and 2 years after surgery were analyzed by fluorescence active cell sorting(FACS).Contents of immunoglobulins(IgA,IgG and IgM) were analyzed by auto immunoassay analyzer.Results:In the peripheral blood of patients from experimental group,numbers of CD3^+,CD4^+ and CD8^+ T cells initially declined,but afterwards increased to normal level;in the peripheral blood of patients from complication group,CD3^+ and CD8^+ T cells showed the same trend,but the number of CD4^+ T cells was below normal level at all detection times.Furthermore,CD3^+,CD4^+ and CD8^+ T cells in the peripheral blood of patients from complication group were initially less than those in experimental group,and afterwards were comparable between two groups.In patients from both experimental group and complication group,the number of CD4^+CD25^+CDl27^(low/-)Treg cells increased 1 month and 6 months after surgery,and gradually restored to normal level.CD4^+CD25^+CDl27^(low/-)Treg cell counts in patients from complication group were initially more than those in patients from experimental group 1 month and 6 months after surgery,but then they were comparable.Furthermore,contents of immunoglobulins(IgA,IgG and IgM) were comparable in three groups at all detection times.Conclusion:Partial splenic embolization influenced the immune function of cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism in the short term but the immune function could afterwards gradually restore to normal.Our results implicated that measures that prevent infection and improve immune function were necessary in early stage after undergoing PSE in order to reduce complications.

Surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma and secondary hypersplenism

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common disease with high mortality and serious effect on the life quality of patients. Operation is still the most effective treatment. Currently, in China, patients with HCC are often complicated by hepatitis B related liver cirrhosis and secondary hypersplenism. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect and indications of synchronous hepatectomy and splenectomy for HCC patients with hypersplenism. METHODS: The clinical records and treating processes of 24 patients with HCC and hypersplenism during the period of January 1991 to July 2004 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Sixteen patients underwent hepatectomy and splenectomy, including extensive devascularizasion around the cardia (9 patients). Seven patients were treated with microwave ablation and splenectomy plus extensive esophagogastric devascularization. One patient underwent hepatectomy combined with microwave ablation and splenectomy plus extensive esophagogastric devascularization. There were no deaths during the operation. During the first week after operation, the symptoms of hypersplenism disappeared and the platelet (Plt) and white blood cell (WBC) counts were significantly elevated (Plt: 247×109/L vs. 45.9×109/L, WBC: 13.0×109/L vs.3.3×109/L,P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Synchronous splenectomy can increase the safety of hepatectomy in selected patients with HCC and secondary hypersplenism by reducing bleeding complications. Splenectomy enhances patients' immunity against tumor in a long period as well.

Histopathology of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is currently the sixth most common type of cancer with a high mortality rate and an increasing incidence worldwide.Its etiology is usually linked to environmental,dietary or lifestyle factors.HCC most commonly arises in a cirrhotic liver but interestingly an increasing proportion of HCCs develop in the non-fibrotic or minimal fibrotic liver and a shift in the underlying etiology can be observed.Although this process is yet to be completely understood,this changing scenario also has impact on the material seen by pathologists,presenting them with new diagnostic dilemmas.Histopathologic criteria for diagnosing classical,progressed HCC are well established and known,but with an increase in detection of small and early HCCs due to routine screening programs,the diagnosis of these small lesions in core needle biopsies poses a difficult challenge.These lesions can be far more difficult to distinguish from one another than progressed HCC,which is usually a clear cut hematoxylin and eosin diagnosis.Furthermore lesions thought to derive from progenitor cells have recently been reclassified in the WHO.This review summarizes recent developments and tries to put new HCC biomarkers in context with the WHOs reclassification.Furthermore it also addresses the group of tumors known as combined hepatocellular-cholangiocellular carcinomas.

Partial embolization as re-treatment of hypersplenism after unsuccessful splenic artery ligation

Ligation of splenic artery(LSA) is used for the treatment of liver cirrhosis with hypersplenism. However, hypersplenism is not significantly improved following LSA treatment in some cases, and there are few reports of retreatment of hypersplenism after LSA. We report the case of a47-year-old man with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism who underwent LSA treatment, but did not significantly improve. Laboratory tests revealed severe leukocytopeniaand thrombocytopenia. Celiac computed tomography arteriogram and digital subtraction angiography revealed two compensatory arteries connected to the hilar splenic artery from the left gastro-epiploic artery and from the dorsal pancreatic artery. Partial splenic embolization(PSE) was performed through the compensatory arteries. As a result, the patient achieved partial splenic ischemic infarction, and white blood cell and platelet counts rose and remained in the normal range. PSE is an effective therapeutic modality for the retreatment of hypersplenism when other modalities have failed.

Management of hypersplenism in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension:a surgical series

BACKGROUND:Hypersplenism is commonly seen in patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension(NCPH).While a splenectomy alone can effectively relieve the hypersplenism,it does not address the underlying portal hypertension.The present study was undertaken to analyze the impact of shunt and non-shunt operations on the resolution of hypersplenism in patients with NCPH.The relationship of symptomatic hypersplenism,severe hypersplenism and number of peripheral cell line defects to the severity of portal hypertension and outcome was also assessed.METHODS:A retrospective analysis of NCPH patients with hypersplenism managed surgically between 1999 and 2009 at our center was done.Of 252 patients with NCPH,64(45 with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction and 19 with non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis) had hypersplenism and constituted the study group.Statistical analysis was done using GraphPad InStat.Categorical and continuous variables were compared using the chi-square test,ANOVA,and Student’s t test.The MannWhitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare non-parametric variables.RESULTS:The mean age of patients in the study group was 21.81±6.1 years.Hypersplenism was symptomatic in 70.3% with an incidence of spontaneous bleeding at 26.5%,recurrent anemia at 34.4%,and recurrent infection at 29.7%.The mean duration of surgery was 4.16±1.9 hours,intraoperative blood loss was 457±126(50-2000) mL,and postoperative hospital stay 5.5±1.9 days.Following surgery,normalization of hypersplenism occurred in all patients.On long-term followup,none of the patients developed hepatic encephalopathy and 4 had a variceal re-bleeding(2 after a splenectomy alone,1 each after an esophago-gastric devascularization and proximal splenorenal shunt).Patients with severe hypersplenism and those with defects in all three peripheral blood cell lineages were older,had a longer duration of symptoms,and a higher incidence of variceal bleeding and postoperative morbidity.In addition,patients with triple cell line defects had elevated portal pressure(P=0.001),portal biliopathy(P=0.02),portal gastropathy(P=0.005) and intraoperative blood loss(P=0.001).CONCLUSIONS:Hypersplenism is effectively relieved by both shunt and non-shunt operations.A proximal splenorenal shunt not only relieves hypersplenism but also effectively addresses the potential complications of underlying portal hypertension and can be safely performed with good long-term outcome.Patients with hypersplenism who have defects in all three blood cell lineages have significantly elevated portal pressures and are at increased risk of complications of variceal bleeding,portal biliopathy and gastropathy.

Helicobacter pylori and oral pathology:Relationship with the gastric infection

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)has been found in the oral cavity and stomach,and its infection is one of the most frequent worldwide.We reviewed the literature and conducted a Topic Highlight,which identified studies reporting an association between H.pylori-infection in the oral cavity and H.pylori-positive stomach bacterium.This work was designed to determine whether H.pylori is the etiologic agent in periodontal disease,recurrent aphthous stomatitis(RAS),squamous cell carcinoma,burning and halitosis.Record selection focused on the highest quality studies and meta-analyses.We selected 48 articles reporting on the association between saliva and plaque and H.pylori-infection.In order to assess periodontal disease data,we included 12 clinical trials and 1 meta-analysis.We evaluated 13 published articles that addressed the potential association with RAS,and 6 with squamous cell carcinoma.Fourteen publications focused on our questions on burning and halitosis.There is a close relation between H.pylori infection in the oral cavity and the stomach.The mouth is the first extra-gastric reservoir.Regarding the role of H.pylori in the etiology of squamous cell carcinoma,no evidence is still available.

Helicobacter pylori and corpus gastric pathology are associated with lower serum ghrelin

AIM To evaluate the association of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori), cag A genotype, and type of gastric pathology with ghrelin, leptin and nutritional status.METHODS Fasted dyspeptic adults(18-70 years) referred for an upper digestive endoscopy were enrolled in this crosssectional study. Height and weight were assessed for body mass index(BMI) calculation. A sociodemographic survey was administered and nutrient intake was evaluated with 24 h dietary recalls. Serum total ghrelin and leptin levels were analyzed by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. 13 C-Urea Breath Test was performed and four gastric biopsies were obtained during endoscopy for histopathology and H. pylori DNA amplification and genotyping. Data analysis was performed using χ2, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman's correlation and linear regression.RESULTS One hundred and sixty-three patients(40.8 ± 14.0 years), 98/65 females/males, were included. Overall, persistent H. pylori prevalence was 53.4%(95%CI: 45.7%-65.8%). Neither nutrient intake nor BMI differed significantly between H. pylori positive and negative groups. Serum ghrelin was significantly lower in infected patients [median 311.0 pg/m L(IQR 230.0-385.5)] than in uninfected ones [median 355.0 pg/m L(IQR 253.8-547.8)](P = 0.025), even after adjusting for BMI and gender(P = 0.03). Ghrelin levels tended to be lower in patients carrying cag A positive strains both in the antrum and the corpus; however, differences with those carrying cag A negative strains did not reach statistical significance(P = 0.50 and P = 0.49, respectively). In addition, the type and severity of gastric pathology in the corpus was associated with lower serum ghrelin(P = 0.04), independently of H.pylori status. Conversely, leptin levels did not differ significantly between infected and uninfected patients [median 1.84 ng/m L(0.80-4.85) vs 1.84 ng/m L(0.50-5.09),(P = 0.51)]. CONCLUSION H. pylori infection and severity of gastric corpus pathology are associated with lower serum ghrelin. Further studies could confirm a lower ghrelin prevalence in cag A-positive patients.