Effects of Age on Esophageal Motility: Use of High-resolution Esophageal Impedance Manometry

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Disturbances of esophageal motility have been reported to be more frequent the aged population. However, the physiology of disturbances in esophageal motility during aging is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of age on esophageal motility using high-resolution esophageal impedance manometry (HRIM). METHODS: Esophageal motor function of 268 subjects were measured using HRIM in 3 age groups, 65 years (Group C, n = 62). Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) pressures, integrated relaxation pressure, distal contractile integral, contractile front velocity, distal latency, and pressures and duration of contraction on 4 positions along the esophagus, and complete bolus transit were measured. RESULTS: Basal UES pressure was lower in Group C (P < 0.001) but there was no significant difference in the LES pressure among groups. Contractile duration on position 3 (10 cm from proximal LES high pressure zone) was longer in Group C (P = 0.001), and the contractile amplitude on position 4 (5 cm from proximal LES high pressure zone) was lower in Group C (P = 0.005). Distal contractile integral was lower in Group C (P = 0.037). Contractile front velocity (P = 0.015) and the onset velocity (P = 0.040) was lower in Group C. There was no significant difference in impedance values. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease of UES pressure, distal esophageal motility, and peristaltic velocity might be related with esophageal symptoms in the aged population.

The Effect of H₂ Receptor Antagonist in Acid Inhibition and Its Clinical Efficacy / 대한소화기학회지

The first histamine H₂ receptor antagonists (H₂RAs) were developed in the early 1970s. They played a dominant role in treating peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). H₂RAs block the production of acid by H⁺, K⁺-ATPase at the parietal cells and produce gastric luminal anacidity for varying periods. H₂RAs are highly selective, and they do not affect H₁ receptors. Moreover, they are not anticholinergic agents. Sequential development of H₂RAs, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and discovery of Helicobacter pylori infection changed the paradigm of peptic ulcer disease with marked decrease of morbidity and mortality. PPIs are known to be the most effective drugs that are currently available for suppressing gastric acid secretion. Many studies have shown its superiority over H₂RAs as a treatment for acid-related disorders, such as peptic ulcer disease, GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. However, other studies have reported that PPIs may not be able to render stomach achlorhydric and have identified a phenomenon of increasing gastric acidity at night in individuals receiving a PPI twice daily. These nocturnal acid breakthrough episodes can be eliminated with an addition of H₂RAs at night. The effectiveness of nighttime dose of H₂RA suggests a major role of histamine in nocturnal acid secretion. H₂RAs reduce secretion of gastric acid, and each H₂RA also has specific effects. For instance, nizitidine alleviates not only symptoms of GERD, but also provokes gastric emptying, resulting in clinical symptom improvement of functional dyspepsia. The aim of this paper was to review the characteristics and role of H₂RAs and assess the future strategy and treatment of upper gastrointestinal disease, including acid related disorders.

PMK-S005 Alleviates Age-Related Gastric Acid Secretion, Inflammation, and Oxidative Status in the Rat Stomach

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the synthetic S-allyl-l-cysteine (SAC) PMK-S005 on gastric acid secretion, inflammation, and antioxidant enzymes in aging rats. METHODS: The rats were divided into four groups at 31 weeks of age and were continuously fed a diet containing a vehicle control, PMK-S005 (5 or 10 mg/kg), or lansoprazole (5 mg/kg). Gastric acid secretion and connective tissue thickness of the lamina propria were evaluated at 74 weeks and 2 years of age. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and COX-2 levels were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) or Western blot assays. Levels of antioxidant enzymes, including heme oxyganase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), were also measured. RESULTS: As the rats aged, gastric acid secretion significantly decreased, and the connective tissue of the lamina propria increased. However, 74-week-old rats in the PMK-S005 group exhibited greater levels of gastric acid secretion than those of the control and lansoprazole groups. The increase of TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2 expression in 74-week and 2-year-old control rats were inhibited by PMK-S005. In addition, the decrease in HO-1 and NQO-1 protein expression that occurred with aging was inhibited by PMK-S005 in the 74-week-old rats. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PMK-S005 has therapeutic potential as an antiaging agent to ameliorate age-related gastric acid secretion, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the stomach.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug and Aspirin-induced Peptic Ulcer Disease / 대한소화기학회지

Despite decreasing Helicobacter pylori prevalence, the prevalence of peptic ulcer disease is increasing in the aged population, mainly due to increasing use of NSAIDs to manage pain and inflammation. In addition, low dose aspirin is employed as an anti-coagulant for those who have suffered or are at high risk of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease. However, NSAIDs and aspirin are injurious to mucosa of stomach and duodenum. NSAID-induced inhibition of mucosal prostaglandin synthesis is thought to be a major mechanism of gastrointestinal mucosal injury. The proportion of elderly has increased rapidly in Korea, with the proportion over 65 years old expected to be 24.3% in 2030. In this higher-risk population, the strategy to reduce the incidence of NSAID-related peptic ulcers and complications such as bleeding, obstruction and perforation is very important. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor can be used for reducing the risk of NSAID-related ulcers and upper gastrointestinal (GI) complications. However, continuous use of PPI has several problems. In addition, NSAID-related problems in the lower GI tract have increased, in contrast to the decrease of NSAID-related upper GI disease. The aim of this review is to provide an evidence-based knowledge regarding the mechanism, complications of treatment, and prevention strategies for NSAID- or aspirin-related peptic ulcer disease in Korea.

Efficacy and Safety of New Prokinetic Agent Benachio Q Solution(R) in Patients with Postprandial Distress Syndrome Subtype in Functional Dyspepsia: A Single-center, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a gastrointestinal disorder in which the patient suffers from chronic abdominal symptoms despite the absence of organic disease. Benachio Q solution (soln.)(R) is a new prokinetic herbal medicine. The aim of the present study is to determine the efficacy and safety of Benachio Q soln.(R) in patients with postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) subtype in FD. METHODS: A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was performed in 20 patients with PDS. Patients were assigned to receive either Benachio Q soln.(R) or placebo three times a day. After 4 weeks of treatment, the data on response rates, symptoms severity of PDS and gastric emptying time were analyzed to evaluate its efficacy. Adverse events, laboratory tests and vital sign were analyzed to assess its safety. RESULTS: Nine patients were assigned to Benachio group and 10 patients to placebo group. The response rate after 4 weeks was 44.4% and 20.0% in Benachio and placebo group, respectively (p=0.350). The response rate during the first week in Benachio group was better compared to that of placebo group with marginal difference (33.3% vs. 0.0%, p=0.087). Changes of severity score in early satiety on second and third week were -1.8+/-0.6, -1.9+/-0.4 and -1.3+/-0.5, -1.4+/-0.6 in Benachio and placebo group, respectively (p=0.059 vs. p=0.033). No adverse event was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The new herbal drug, Benachio Q soln.(R) seems to improve the symptoms of PDS subtype in FD and could be used safely. Further larger trial is needed in the future.

Adequate Dextran Sodium Sulfate-induced Colitis Model in Mice and Effective Outcome Measurement Method

BACKGROUND: Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model is used for research of inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this study was to establish the adequate conditions for DSS mice model, and to find useful tool to measure inflammation. METHODS: The 2.5% DSS was administered to six male C57BL/6 mice and 4% DSS to eight mice at 5 or 9 weeks of age. Each group was consisted of 6 mice with control group in which vehicle was administered instead of DSS. The mice were sacrificed on the 7th day after DSS or vehicle administration. Body weight, diarrhea, and hematochezia were recorded daily. Disease activity index (DAI) score which was composed of body weight change, diarrhea, and hematochezia was measured every day. Colon length was measured after sacrifice and colon mucosal level of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta) was measured by ELISA assay. Histological score was compared between ascending and descending colon in the DSS group. RESULTS: Colon length of five- and nine-week DSS group was significantly shorter than each control group but there was no statistical significance depending on DSS concentration or age. DAI score of 4% DSS group in nine-week was significantly higher than that five-week (P = 0.012) but there was no difference between 2.5% and 4% DSS group. The level of IL-1beta in DSS mice was much higher than control group (P < 0.01), but there was no difference among several DSS groups. The histological score was higher in the descending colon than in the ascending colon but there was no statistical difference between each pair of DSS groups. CONCLUSIONS: The 4% DSS mice in nine-week was adequate for DSS-induced colitis model. DAI score was useful tool and descending colon was more appropriate site for histological evaluation of colitis than ascending colon.

Serum Thioredoxin 1 Level Has Close Relation with Myocardial Damage Amount in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients

Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) is one of important anti-oxidative molecules to overcome the oxidative stress. The aim of the present study is to investigate the clinical relationship between serum concentration of Trx-1 on the pre-percutaneous coronary intervention (prePCI) and myocardial damage amount in the patients with acute myocardial infarction with the culprit lesion in only the left anterior descending artery on coronary angiography (n = 100). Initial value of creatine kinase (CK) was 368.3 +/- 531.4 U/L, and MB isoenzyme of CK (CK-MB) level was 22.92 +/- 33.8 ng/mL, and cardiac specific troponin T (cTnT) level was 0.61 +/- 1.6 ng/mL. Positive correlations were observed between prePCI Trx-1 level and initial CK (P = 0.005, r = 0.281), and cTnT (P < 0.001, r = 0.453), peak CK (P = 0.001, r = 0.316) in all patients, but the statistical relation was observed only in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients (P = 0.008, r = 0.329 for initial CK, P = 0.001, r = 0.498 for initial cTnT, P = 0.005, r = 0.349 for peak CK), not in Non-STEMI patients. Conclusively, we consider prePCI serum Trx-1 as a predictor for myocardial damage amount in patients with STEMI.

Erratum: Extended Spectrum-beta-Lactamase or Carbapenemase Producing Bacteria Isolated from Patients with Acute Cholangitis

The publisher wishes to apologize for incorrectly displaying the author (Jung-Ho Han) name. We correct his name from Jung-Ho Han to Joung-Ho Han.

Percutaneous Retrieval of an Embolized Central Venous Chemoport in a Patient With Colon Cancer

The central access device is commonly used as a route of chemotherapuetic agents in patients with malignant diseases for its convenient and safety for insertion. This report describes a case of 66-year-old man with colon cancer who suffered a rare complication in which a chemoport embolized into the inferior vena cava and it was successfully retrieved by a percutaneous approach using a goose neck snare.

Extended Spectrum-beta-Lactamase or Carbapenemase Producing Bacteria Isolated from Patients with Acute Cholangitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study assessed the antibiotic resistance organisms isolated from the blood and bile of acute cholangitis and evaluated risk factors associated with them and their impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS: The identities and antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from 433 cases of acute cholangitis from 346 patients were analyzed. Risk factors and the outcomes of patients infected with them were assessed. RESULTS: Microorganisms were isolated from 266 of 419 blood cultures and 256 of 260 bile cultures. Isolates from bile and blood were identical in 71% of the cases. A total of 20 extended spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producers and 4 carbapenemase-producing organisms were isolated from blood, and 34 ESBL-producers and 13 carbapenemase-producers were isolated from bile. Sixty-four (14.8%) cases were infected with any one of these bacteria isolated from blood or bile. Risk factors associated with them in blood were nosocomial infection and prior biliary intervention. In bile, indwelling biliary device was a risk factor associated with them. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria were associated with mortality, independent of other prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: ESBL or carbapenemase-producing bacteria were frequently isolated in acute cholangitis patients especially with prior biliary intervention and nosocomial infection. Isolation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria was an independent risk factor of mortality.

A Case of Trichosporon inkin Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Peritonitis Identified by 18S rRNA Sequencing / 대한신장학회지

Fungal peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients is hard to treat without catheter removal and shows higher mortality. Although Candida species is the most common pathogen of fungal peritonitis, there are few reports about Trichosporon inkin induced peritonitis. The authors report the first case of Trichosporon induced peritonitis identified by 18S rRNA sequencing. A 52-year-old male presented to emergency room due to generalized abdominal pain. He had been on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for 3 years because of end stage renal disease caused by diabetic kidney disease. Dialysate white blood cell count was 800/mL3 with 77% of neutrophils and culture showed Trichosporon inkin via Vitek II system. With removal of catheter and treatment of antifungal agent, the patient was fully recovered and stable on hemodialysis. In case of immunocompromised dialysis patients, uncommon fungal pathogens should be taken into considerations.

A Case of Biopsy-Proven Acute Tubular Necrosis Associated with Vancomycin Overdose / 대한신장학회지

Vancomycin has been associated with acute kidney injury, particularly in the concomitant treatment with aminoglycoside or in the presence of other risk factor such as preexisting renal disease, sepsis, or hemodynamic instability. Vancomycin-related nephrotoxicity typically manifests as acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. Biopsy-proven acute tubular necrosis associated with vancomycin intoxication in the absence of aminoglycoside has been reported only in very few cases. We report a case of biopsy-proven acute tubular necrosis associated with vancomycin intoxication that was treated by continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration. A 28-year-old male without preexisting renal disease received a massive overdose of vancomycin. The plasma vancomycin level was 440.3 microg/mL. Renal biopsy revealed acute tubular necrosis that there is marked thinning of the tubular epithelium with dilatation of the tubular lumens and severe foamy epithelial cell changes in tubules. Continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration resulted in efficient reduction of serum vancomycin levels, which was followed clinically by recovered of renal function.