ABSTRACT
Background:Functional dyspepsia(FD)is a commonly seen functional disease which has great impact on patient’s quality of life and mental health,and has got more and more concern by clinicians. Aims:To explore the role of mast cells (MC)and plasma motilin( MTL)in the pathogenesis of FD. Methods:Sixty FD patients including 32 postprandial distress syndrome(PDS)and 28 epigastric pain syndrome(EPS)patients from September 2013 to January 2014 at the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University were enrolled,and 28 healthy volunteers were served as controls(HS group). The number of gastric mucosal MC,plasma MTL level(fasting and 30 minutes after drinking warm water)and gastric emptying time(T1 / 2 )were compared. Results:Compared with HS group,number of gastric mucosal MC was significantly increased (P < 0. 001),plasma MTL level before and after drinking warm water in FD group were significantly decreased( P <0. 001),T1 / 2 was significantly prolonged(P < 0. 001). No significant difference in number of MC was found between PDS subgroup and EPS subgroup(P = 0. 094). Plasma MTL level before and after drinking warm water in PDS subgroup were significantly lower than those in EPS subgroup( P < 0. 001),and T1 / 2 was significantly prolonged( P < 0. 001). Conclusions:Number of gastric mucosal MC is significantly increased in FD patients compared with HS group,suggesting MC may play a role in the pathogenesis of FD. Plasma MTL level is decreased in FD patients,which may be one of the factors involved in the pathogenesis and occurrence of corresponding symptoms of FD.