Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and the central nervous system

We reviewed the pleiotropic beneficial effects of the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157,three very recent demonstrations that may be essential in the gut-brain and braingut axis operation,and therapy application in the central nervous system disorders,in particular.Firstly,given in the reperfusion,BPC 157 counteracted bilateral clamping of the common carotid arteries-induced stroke,sustained brain neuronal damages were resolved in rats as well as disturbed memory,locomotion,and coordination.This therapy effect supports particular gene expression in hippocampal tissues that appeared in BPC 157-treated rats.Secondly,there are L-NG-nitro arginine methyl ester(L-NAME)-and haloperidol-induced catalepsy as well as the rat acute and chronic models of 'positivelike' schizophrenia symptoms,that BPC 157 counteracted,and resolved the complex relationship of the nitric oxide-system with amphetamine and apomorphine(dopamine agents application),MK-801(non-competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) and chronic methamphetamine administration(to induce sensitivity).Thirdly,after rat spinal cord compression,there were advanced healing and functional recovery(counteracted tail paralysis).Likewise,in BPC 157 therapy,there is specific support for each of these topics:counteracted encephalopathies;alleviated vascular occlusion disturbances(stroke);counteracted dopamine disturbances(dopamine receptors blockade,receptors super sensitivity development,or receptor activation,over-release,nigrostriatal damage,vesicles depletion),and nitric oxide-system disturbances("L-NAME non-responsive,L-arginine responsive," and "L-NAME responsive,L-arginine responsive")(schizophrenia therapy);inflammation reduction,nerve recovery in addition to alleviated hemostasis and vessels function after compression(spinal cord injury therapy).Thus,these disturbances may be all resolved within the same agent's beneficial activity,i.e.,the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157.

Insights into hepatitis E virus epidemiology in Croatia

BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus(HEV)is an emerging virus of global health concern.The seroprevalence rates differ greatly according to geographic region and population group.AIM To analyze the seroprevalence of HEV in exposed(animal-related professions)and nonexposed populations,as well as solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.METHODS Forestry workers(n=93),hunters(n=74),and veterinarians(n=151)represented the exposed population.The general population(n=126)and pregnant women(n=118)constituted the control group.Transplant patients included liver transplant recipients(LTRs)(n=83),kidney transplant recipients(KTRs)(n=43),and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients(HSCRs)(n=39).HEV immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by the immunoblot test.RESULTS The HEV seroprevalence significantly differed between groups:Veterinarians 15.2%,hunters 14.9%,forestry workers 6.5%,general population 7.1%,and pregnant women 1.7%.In transplant patients,the seropositivity was highest in LTRs(19.3%),while in KTRs and HSCRs,the seroprevalence was similar to the general population(6.9%and 5.1%,respectively).A significant increase in seropositivity with age was observed from 2.9%in individuals less than 30 years to 23.5%in those older than 60 years.Sociodemographic characteristics(sex,educational level,area of residence,and number of household members),eating habits(game meat,offal,and pork products consumption),and environmental and housing conditions(drinking water supply,type of water drainage/sewer,waste disposal,domestic animals)were not associated with HEV seropositivity.However,individuals who reported a pet ownership were more often seropositive compared to those who did not have pet animals(12.5%vs 7.0%).CONCLUSION The results of this study showed that individuals in professional contact with animals and LTRs are at higher risk for HEV infection.In addition,age is a significant risk factor for HEV seropositivity.