IBS: An epigenetic perspective.

IBS is a common and debilitating disorder. The pathophysiology of IBS is poorly understood and is currently viewed as a biopsychosocial disorder with symptoms mediated via the brain-gut axis. Epidemiological studies of IBS point to risk factors such as familial clustering, sexual abuse and other forms of childhood trauma, low birth weight and gastrointestinal infection. Epigenetics focuses on the complex and dynamic interaction between the DNA sequence, DNA modifications and environmental factors, all of which combine to produce the phenotype. Studies in animal models of early stress and in humans who have experienced childhood trauma or abuse suggest that these events can lead to long-lasting epigenetic changes in the glucocorticoid receptor gene brought about by hypermethylation of a key regulatory component. Animal studies also indicate that the microbiota has a pivotal role in programming the core stress system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the immune system through epigenetic mechanisms. In this Perspectives, an epigenetic model of IBS is presented that incorporates many of the current findings regarding IBS, including proinflammatory markers, neuroendocrine alterations and links with both psychosocial stress and stress related to infection. We conclude that applying epigenetic methodology to this common and disabling disorder may help unravel its complex pathophysiology and lead to more effective treatments.

Enhanced cholinergic-mediated increase in the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in irritable bowel syndrome: role of muscarinic receptors.

OBJECTIVES: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder, which has recently been linked to immune activation. We tested the hypothesis that the pro-inflammatory cytokine profile in IBS is driven by the cholinergic system and determined if the responses are mediated by muscarinic receptors. METHODS: Eighty-eight subjects took part in two studies, 37 IBS patients (Rome II), 14 depressed patients, and 37 healthy volunteers. Eighteen IBS patients had diarrhea predominant IBS, 14 were alternators, and 5 were predominantly constipated. In study 1, blood was drawn for baseline measurement of growth hormone (GH) and cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. Pyridostigmine 120 mg was administered orally and further blood sampling took place for 180 min. In study 2, patients with IBS, depressed patients, and healthy subjects underwent the pyridostigmine test on two separate occasions with procyclidine (antimuscarinic) pre-treatment on one test occasion. Both GH and IL-6 were monitored. RESULTS: In study 1, baseline IL-6 (P= 0.003) and IL-8 levels (P= 0.001) were higher in IBS than in controls. Pyridostigmine stimulated the release of IL-6 and GH, but not IL-8 or IL-10; these responses were significantly augmented in IBS patients relative to controls. The IL-6 level following pyridostigmine administration correlated significantly with the symptom score (P < 0.01). In study 2, IL-6 rose following pyridostigmine in IBS but not depression and procyclidine blocked the rise. The GH response was abolished by procyclidine in all three groups. CONCLUSIONS: IBS and major depression are characterized by a pro-inflammatory profile, whereas IBS patients alone exhibit an exaggerated muscarinic receptor-mediated IL-6 response.

Evidence of an enhanced central 5HT response in irritable bowel syndrome and in the rat maternal separation model.

Efforts to define either a biomarker for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a valid animal model have proven disappointing. The aims of this study were to determine if buspirone stimulates prolactin release through the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT)1a receptor and whether this response is altered in patients with IBS and in the rat maternal separation model. Buspirone (30 mg) was used to stimulate prolactin release in 40 patients with IBS and in 40 healthy controls. In study 1, 10 IBS patients and 10 controls underwent pretreatment with pindolol (5HT1a antagonist) or placebo followed by buspirone. In study 2, 30 patients with IBS and 30 healthy controls had prolactin release stimulated by buspirone. Maternally separated and nonseparated rats were also treated with buspirone and prolactin monitored. Serotonin metabolites were measured together with the expression of the 5HT1a and serotonin transporter (SERT) gene. Pindolol produced a dose-dependent decrease in the buspirone prolactin response. Patients with IBS and maternally separated rats showed an exaggerated release of prolactin in response to buspirone. In the animal model, an increased turnover of 5HT was found in the brainstem together with a trend toward increased activity of the SERT gene. In conclusion altered central serotonin responses are found in both IBS and in an animal model.

Superiority of anti-reflux stent compared with conventional stents in the palliative management of patients with cancer of the lower esophagus and esophago-gastric junction: results of a randomized clinical trial.

Palliation of inoperable esophageal cancer with covered stents aims to relieve progressive dysphagia and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Introducing a stent across the esophagogastric junction in lower third tumors may predispose to unchecked gastro-esophageal reflux (GER). Esophageal stents incorporating an anti-reflux valve have been introduced to address this problem. We prospectively compared an anti-reflux stent with a standard stent in the palliation of inoperable lower third esophageal tumors. Forty-nine consecutive patients with malignant dysphagia were randomized to receive a standard (n = 25, group 1) or an anti-reflux stent (n = 24, group 2). HRQoL was assessed before stenting, at 1 week and at 2 months, utilizing European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaires QLQ-C30, QLQ-OES24 and reflux questionnaires. Esophageal pH testing was performed within 1 week of the stent insertion. Detailed statistical analysis was employed to assess general QoL, symptoms and pH scores in both groups. Both groups reported significantly improved QoL, health and dysphagia scores at 1 week and 2 months after stenting. Group 2 patients reported significantly (P < 0.05) better DeMeester symptom, general reflux scores, and normal pH profile at 1 week. At 2 months DeMeester symptom scores were significantly (P < 0.05) better in group 2 compared with group 1. Standard and anti-reflux stents afford comparable relief from dysphagia and improved quality of life in patients with inoperable lower third esophageal cancer. Anti-reflux stents, however, controlled symptomatic and physiologically relevant reflux and should therefore be considered as optimal palliation in this cohort.

Central serotonergic and noradrenergic receptors in functional dyspepsia.

Functional dyspepsia is a symptom complex characterised by upper abdominal discomfort or pain, early satiety, motor abnormalities, abdominal bloating and nausea in the absence of organic disease. The central nervous system plays an important role in the conducting and processing of visceral signals. Alterations in brain processing of pain, perception and affective responses may be key factors in the pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia. Central serotonergic and noradrenergic receptor systems are involved in the processing of motor, sensory and secretory activities of the gastrointestinal tract. Visceral hypersensitivity is currently regarded as the mechanism responsible for both motor alterations and abdominal pain in functional dyspepsia. Some studies suggest that there are alterations in central serotonergic and noradrenergic systems which may partially explain some of the symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Alterations in the autonomic nervous system may be implicated in the motor abnormalities and increases in visceral sensitivity in these patients. Noradrenaline is the main neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system and again alterations in the functioning of this system may lead to changes in motor function. Functional dyspepsia causes considerable burden on the patient and society. The pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia is not fully understood but alterations in central processing by the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems may provide plausible explanations for at least some of the symptoms and offer possible treatment targets for the future.

Cholecystokinin hyperresponsiveness in functional dyspepsia.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common disorder of yet uncertain etiology. Dyspeptic symptoms are usually meal related and suggest an association to gastrointestinal (GI) sensorimotor dysfunction. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is an established brain-gut peptide that plays an important regulatory role in gastrointestinal function. It inhibits gastric motility and emptying via a capsaicin sensitive vagal pathway. The effects on emptying are via its action on the proximal stomach and pylorus. CCK is also involved in the regulation of food intake. It is released in the gut in response to a meal and acts via vagal afferents to induce satiety. Furthermore CCK has also been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of panic disorder, anxiety and pain. Other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline may be implicated with CCK in the coordination of GI activity. In addition, intravenous administration of CCK has been observed to reproduce the symptoms in FD and this effect can be blocked both by atropine and loxiglumide (CCK-A antagonist). It is possible that an altered response to CCK may be responsible for the commonly observed gastric sensorimotor dysfunction, which may then be associated with the genesis of dyspeptic symptoms.

"Best practice' for Helicobacter pylori eradication in the primary care setting.

This study determined the relative cost effectiveness of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) based triple therapy regimens for Helicobacter pylori eradication in the primary care setting. Using decision tree analysis the expected cost for each H. pylori eradication strategy was determined from the cost of each treatment option multiplied by the probability of that option occurring. Probabilities were obtained using the GMS prescribing database where all patients who received amoxycillin, clarithromycin and a PPI in the ERHA region in 2002 were followed for one year. Depending on the regimen adopted, 40.8% to 46.1% of patients did not require any further medication in the year following H. pylori eradication treatment. The strategy of rabeprazole, amoxycillin and clarithromycin was the most cost effective option with a cost of Euro466 per asymptomatic patient. Two-way sensitivity analysis indicated that the cost of rabeprazole triple therapy and the duration of rabeprazole maintenance therapy would each have to increase by 30% before this strategy ceased to be the most cost effective and hence best practice option for eradicating Helicobacter pylori in the primary care setting in Ireland.

Role of cholecystokinin and central serotonergic receptors in functional dyspepsia.

Symptoms of functional dyspepsia are characterized by upper abdominal discomfort or pain, early satiety, postprandial fullness,bloating, nausea and vomiting. It is a chronic disorder, with symptoms more than 3 mo per year,and no evidence of organic diseases. Dysfunctional motility, altered visceral sensation, and psychosocial factors have all been identified as major pathophysiological mechanisms. It is believed that these pathophysiological mechanisms interact to produce the observed symptoms. Dyspepsia has been categorized into three subgroups based on dominant symptoms. Dysmotility-like dyspepsia describes a subgroup of patients whose symptom complex is usually related to a gastric sensorimotor dysfunction. The brain-gut peptide cholecystokinin (CCK) and serotonin (5-HT) share certain physiological effects. Both have been shown to decrease gastric emptying and affect satiety. Furthermore the CCK induced anorexia depended on serotonergic functions probably acting via central pathways. We believe that abnormalities of central serotonergic receptors functioning together with a hyper responsiveness to CCK or their interactions may be responsible for the genesis of symptoms in functional dyspepsia (FD).

Hypothalamic-pituitary-gut axis dysregulation in irritable bowel syndrome: plasma cytokines as a potential biomarker?

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder with an etiology that has been linked to both psychological stress and infection. The primary aim of this study was to examine the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in patients with IBS and to relate such response to plasma cytokine profiles. METHODS: A total of 151 subjects, 76 patients and 75 controls, were recruited. The patients with IBS were diagnosed according to Rome II criteria. Forty-nine patients and 48 matched controls had cytokine levels measured, and a subset of 21 patients and 21 controls also underwent a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test with plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol measured. The remaining 27 patients and 27 controls underwent a dexamethasone (1 mg) challenge. RESULTS: Cortisol and the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 (together with its soluble receptor) and IL-8 were elevated in all IBS subgroups (diarrhea predominant, constipated, and alternators), although the elevation was most marked in the constipated subgroup. There was no alteration in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Following CRH infusion, an exaggerated release of both ACTH and cortisol was observed in patients with IBS. There was a significant correlation between the ACTH response (deltaACTH) and the IL-6 levels. A similar relationship existed between the deltaACTH/deltacortisol ratio and the IL-6 levels. Dexamethasone suppression of cortisol was similar in patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: IBS is characterized by an overactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and a proinflammatory cytokine increase.

The pregnane X receptor locus is associated with susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The pregnane X receptor (PXR) regulates an array of genes involved in the response to xenobiotics. Evidence from several studies suggests that xenobiotic metabolism may play a role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and that low levels of PXR may be associated with disease expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of functional polymorphisms of the PXR encoding gene (NR1I2) with disease in IBD populations. METHODS: This was a case-control study examining 8 NR1I2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with altered activity of PXR-regulated genes in an Irish cohort including 422 patients with IBD and 350 ethnically matched controls. RESULTS: We showed significant associations of NR1I2 with IBD, Crohn's disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis (UC) groups compared with a control population for SNPs -23585 (IBD: P = .000008; odds ratio [OR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-2.00) and -24381 (IBD: P = .0002; OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.21-1.84). SNPs 7635 (P = .0008) and 8055 (P = .007) were found to be associated with IBD and CD but not UC. Risk of IBD is strongly correlated to genotype at these sites, especially for the -25385CC genotype (P = .00001; OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.87-4.66). We also show specific correlations of IBD phenotype with genotypes and haplotypes in the patient group. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that genetic variation in the PXR encoding gene, which has been associated with altered activity of PXR, is strongly associated with susceptibility to IBD, CD, and UC.

Proinflammatory cytokine and nuclear factor kappa-B expression along the inflammation-metaplasia-dysplasia-adenocarcinoma sequence in the esophagus.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased significantly in the western world over the last 20 yr. Most cases arise in a background of chronic gastroesophageal reflux, and specialized intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's esophagus is frequently an antecedent phenotype or evident in association with adenocarcinoma. The molecular events that characterize the pathway from inflammation to metaplasia to dysplasia and adenocarcinoma are poorly understood. AIMS: To examine the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IL-1beta along the esophagitis, metaplasia, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma pathway, and to correlate this with histological changes and expression of the transcription factor NF-kappaB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fresh biopsy specimens were collected from patients with reflux esophagitis (n=15), Barrett's esophagus (n=35), Barrett's adjacent to adenocarcinoma (n=8), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (n=35). IL-8 and IL-1beta expression were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NF-kappaB expression was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. RESULTS: Elevated expression of NF-kappaB was found in 2 (13%) out of 15 patients with reflux esophagitis, 21 (60%) out of 35 patients with Barrett's esophagus, and 28 (80%) out of 35 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. All 5 patients with Barrett's esophagus and high-grade dysplasia showed elevated expression of NF-kappaB. IL-8 and IL-1beta were significantly increased in esophagitis, Barrett's, and adenocarcinoma compared with squamous epithelium, and in adenocarcinoma compared with all other groups. There was a stepwise increase in the expression of IL-8, IL-1beta, and NF-kappaB from normal through Barrett's epithelium to adenocarcinoma in eight cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The levels of both IL-8 and IL-1beta in adenocarcinoma patients correlated with stage of disease. Patients with adenocarcinoma who were NF-kappaB positive had significantly higher levels of both IL-8 (p=0.04) and IL-1beta (p=0.03) compared to adenocarcinoma patients who were NF-kappaB negative. CONCLUSIONS: The proinflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IL-1beta are elevated in esophagitis and Barrett's epithelium, and markedly elevated in adenocarcinoma. NF-kappaB activation is infrequent in esophagitis, but is increased in Barrett's epithelium and adenocarcinoma. The association of NF-kappaB activation with cytokine upregulation was only evident in patients with adenocarcinoma. These patterns may play an important role in Barrett's inflammation and tumourigenesis, and inhibition of the NF-kappaB/proinflammatory cytokine pathway may be an important target for future chemoprevention strategies.

Factors influencing the development of Barrett's epithelium in the esophageal remnant postesophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Barrett's esophagus results from chronic reflux of both acid and bile. Reflux of gastric and duodenal contents is facilitated through the denervated stomach following esophagectomy, but the development of Barrett's changes in this model and the relationship to gastric and esophageal physiology is poorly understood. AIMS: To document the development of new Barrett's changes, i.e., columnar metaplasia or specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) above the anastomosis, and relate this to the recovery of gastric acid production, acid and bile reflux, manometry, and symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients at a median follow-up of 26 months (range = 12-67) postesophagectomy underwent endoscopy with biopsies taken 1-2 cm above the anastomosis. The indication for esophagectomy had been adenocarcinoma (n = 27), high-grade dysplasia (n = 2), and squamous cell cancer (n = 19). Physiology studies were performed in 27 patients and included manometry (n = 25), intraluminal gastric pH (n = 24), as well as simultaneous 24-hour esophageal pH (n = 27) and bile monitoring (n = 20). RESULTS: Duodenogastric reflux increased over time, with differences between patients greater than and less than 3 years postesophagectomy for acid (p = 0.04) and bile (p = 0.02). Twenty-four patients (50%) developed columnar metaplasia and of these 13 had SIM. The prevalence of columnar metaplasia did not relate to the magnitude of acid or bile reflux, to preoperative neoadjuvant therapies, or to the original tumor histology. The duration of reflux was most significant, with increasing prevalence over time, with SIM in 13 patients at a median of 61 months postesophagectomy compared with 20 months in the 35 patients who were SIM-negative (p < 0.006). Supine reflux correlated with symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The development of Barrett's epithelium is frequent after esophagectomy, is time-related, reflecting chronic acid and bile exposure, and is not specific for adenocarcinoma or the presence of previous Barrett's epithelium. This model may represent a useful in vivo model of the pathogenesis of Barrett's metaplasia and tumorigenesis.

Impaired visceral sensitivity to acid reflux in patients with Barrett's esophagus. The role of esophageal motility*.

Patients with Barrett's esophagus have been reported to have impaired visceral sensitivity to acid perfusion and distension compared with non-Barrett's refluxers, but the mechanism is poorly understood. Esophageal motility and clearance mechanisms may be important, and this study explored the relationship of motility with symptoms. Seventy-four patients with Barrett's esophagus were compared with 216 patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) with abnormal acid reflux scores, and 50 symptomatic patients who had normal acid exposure. All patients had esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring. Thirty-six Barrett's patients also had 24-h bile reflux monitoring. Symptoms were assessed by Symptom Index (SI) during 24-h pH monitoring. Barrett's patients with normal motility had a significantly lower SI than GERD patients for similar acid exposure (P < 0.001). Barrett's patients with abnormal motility had higher acid exposure than those with normal motility (P < 0.05), but the SI values for this group was not significantly different from the GERD patients. SI and Bile reflux in Barrett's esophagus was not significantly different in patients with normal or abnormal motility. Barrett's patients had less sensitivity than GERD patients for similar acid exposure. Normal motility in Barrett's esophagus is associated with the poorest sensitivity and the presence of increased acid exposure is required in order to achieve sensitivity levels comparable with GERD patients.

Transvenous liver biopsy via the femoral vein.

AIM: To study the safety, effectiveness and diagnostic value of transvenous forceps biopsy of the liver in 54 patients with coagulopathy, gross ascites or morbid obesity and suspected liver disease in whom percutaneous liver biopsy was contraindicated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forceps biopsy of the liver via the femoral vein was attempted in 54 adult patients with advanced liver disease of unknown aetiology who had coagulation disorders (41 cases), gross ascites (11 cases) or morbid obesity (two cases). In each patient two to six biopsies (average four) were taken using a radial jaw forceps inserted via the right or left femoral vein. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in 53 cases. Hepatic vein catheterization failed in one patient. Adequate liver tissue for diagnosis was obtained in 84% of cases. One patient developed delayed haemorrhage at 12 h from a capsular leak that was undetected during the biopsy procedure. This patient required blood transfusions and laparotomy to control bleeding. There were no deaths in the 53 patients studied. Transient minor chest and shoulder pain was encountered during sheath insertion into a hepatic vein in 23 patients. Three patients developed a femoral vein haematoma, which resolved with conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: Transvenous liver biopsy via the femoral vein is another safe, effective, simple alternative technique of biopsy when the percutaneous route is contraindicated.

A prospective study of circulating mutant KRAS2 in the serum of patients with colorectal neoplasia: strong prognostic indicator in postoperative follow up.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mutant tumour derived DNA has been detected in the sera of colorectal cancer patients. We investigated if mutant serum KRAS2 was detectable preoperatively in a large group of patients with colorectal neoplasia. A prospective study of 94 patients who underwent putative curative resection for colorectal carcinoma (CRC) was performed to ascertain if serum mutant KRAS2 could be used postoperatively as a disease marker. METHODS: Preoperative sera from 78 patients were analysed (group A). Sera from 94 patients were obtained three monthly for up to three years during the postoperative period (group B). Codon 12 and 13 KRAS2 mutations were analysed in matched tumour and serum samples. RESULTS: In the preoperative group (group A), KRAS2 mutation was found in 41/78 (53%) tumours and in 32/78 (41%) preoperative sera. Of 41 tumour KRAS2 mutation positive cases, 31/41 (76%) had an identical serum mutation detectable. In group B, the postoperative follow up group, 60/94 cases were primary tumour KRAS2 mutation positive. Of these 60, 16/60 (27%) became persistently serum mutant KRAS2 positive postoperatively. Ten of 16 (63%) of these developed a recurrence compared with only 1/44 (2%) patients who remained serum mutant negative (odds ratio 71.7 (95% confidence interval 7.7-663.9; p=0.0000). None of 34 tumour mutation negative cases became serum mutant KRAS2 positive postoperatively, despite recurrence in 9/34 patients. The relative hazard of disease recurrence in postoperative serum mutant KRAS2 positive patients was 6.37 (2.26-18.0; p=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Serum mutant KRAS2 can be detected preoperatively in all stages of colorectal neoplasia. Postoperatively, serum mutant KRAS2 is a strong predictor of disease recurrence, stronger even than Dukes' stage of disease, and thus shows potential for use in clinical practice as a marker of preclinical disease recurrence.

Altered hypothalamic cholinergic responses in patients with nonulcer dyspepsia: a study of pyridostigmine-stimulated growth hormone release.

OBJECTIVE: Acetylcholine plays a central and peripheral role in regulating gastric motility. In the hypothalamus, it is a key neuroendocrine modulator; acting through somatostatin, it brings about the release of growth hormone (GH). We measured hypothalamic cholinergic receptor sensitivity in patients with nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD) by examining GH release in response to cholinergic challenge. METHODS: Forty patients with NUD and 40 healthy comparison subjects were administered pyridostigmine (the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, 120 mg), and GH release over a 3-h period was monitored. RESULTS: Calculating response as the maximum GH relative to baseline (delta GH), the mean +/- SEM response in the patients was 11.9 +/- 1.9 U/L and in the healthy subjects 6.7 +/- 0.7 mU/L (t = 2.1, df = 78, p = 0.03). Helicobacter pylori status had no appreciable impact on GH response with H. pylori-positive patients having a mean response of 10.5 +/- 2.1 mU/L and negative patients a mean response of 13.2 +/- 3.4 mU/L. Overall, patients with NUD release more GH in response to pyridostigmine challenge than healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with NUD may have a pathophysiological disturbance involving central cholinergic systems.

Pituitary-adrenal response to naloxone in non-ulcer dyspepsia: preliminary evidence for a reduction in central opioid tone.

BACKGROUND: Non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) is one of the core functional bowel disorders. There has been recent emphasis on possible abnormal brain-gut interactions as being central to its pathophysiology. In this preliminary study, we examined central opioid tone in Helicobacter pylori-negative NUD patients using naloxone, an opioid antagonist, which stimulates pituitary-adrenal activity. The opioid system is known to govern nociceptive processing and to play a role in gut motor activity. SUBJECTS: Eight subjects with NUD and 8 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were examined. METHODS: Naloxone, 0.125 mg/kg, was administered at time 0. Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol responses were measured over a 120-min period. Maximum pituitary-adrenal responses in the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: The ACTH response was significantly attenuated in the NUD group (p < 0.05). The cortisol response did not differ between the 2 groups (p = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Central opioid tone may be reduced in subjects with NUD. Our preliminary findings suggest that altered opioidergic activity may contribute to NUD pathophysiology, influencing the symptom profile through altered gut motor activity or possibly by influencing visceral sensitivity.

A common p73 polymorphism is associated with a reduced incidence of oesophageal carcinoma.

The incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma is rising; to date, no susceptibility genes have been identified. p73, a novel p53 homologue, maps to chromosome 1p36, a region commonly deleted in oesophageal cancers. p73 shares some p53-like activity, but in addition, may also play a role in gastrointestinal epithelial inflammatory responses. A non-coding p73 polymorphism (denoted AT or GC) may be functionally significant. We investigated whether this polymorphism might play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of oesophageal cancer. This was a case-control, retrospective study. 84 cases of oesophageal cancer (25 squamous and 59 adenocarcinoma) and 152 normal population controls were genotyped for this polymorphism. Informative cases were examined for p73 LOH within the tumour. AT/AT homozygotes were significantly less prevalent in the oesophageal cancer population (1/84 = 1.2%) compared to controls (15/152 = 9.9%) (P < 0.02), corresponding to an odds ratio of 0.11 (95% C.I. 0.02-0.6, P < 0.02), or 9-fold reduced risk. Moreover, AT/AT homozygotes were significantly less frequent in the cancer population than would be expected under the Hardy-Weinberg hypothesis (P = 0.0099). LOH at the p73 locus was observed in 37.8% (14/37) of the AT/GC heterozygotes studied; in all cases there was loss of the AT allele. Our findings indicate that p73 AT/AT homozygotes appear to be protected against the development of oesophageal cancer. Clinically, this observation could have implications in aiding identification of high-risk Barrett's oesophagus patients.

A double-blind placebo-controlled study of buspirone-stimulated prolactin release in non-ulcer dyspepsia--are central serotoninergic responses enhanced?

BACKGROUND: Dyspepsia is a common symptom for which an organic cause is found in only 40% of patients. When no cause is apparent and the dyspepsia is considered to be idiopathic, a diagnosis of non-ulcer dyspepsia is made. The pathophysiology of non-ulcer dyspepsia is poorly understood and numerous theories have been put forward, including a theory of enhanced central serotoninergic receptor sensitivity. AIM: To determine the sensitivity of serotonin receptors in non-ulcer dyspepsia. METHODS: Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, we compared buspirone (a serotonin type 1a partial agonist)-stimulated prolactin release in 50 patients and 59 healthy comparison subjects. Buspirone, 30 mg, or matching placebo was administered on two separate occasions and prolactin release over 180 min was monitored. Patients and healthy subjects received both treatments in random order, 1 week apart. RESULTS: Overall, patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia had greater prolactin release in response to the buspirone challenge than the healthy comparison subjects, with differences most significant at 90 min following the challenge. Enhancement occurred in patients both with and without Helicobacter pylori infection. Female subjects, both patients and healthy volunteers, showed a greater response to buspirone than male subjects, and the augmentation of response observed in male and female patients was greater in females. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia have enhanced central serotoninergic responses and such responses are independent of H. pylori infection. Blockade of such receptors might be an appropriate therapeutic strategy.

Impact of cortisol on buspirone stimulated prolactin release: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Buspirone is known to stimulate prolactin release. Clinical studies (e.g. in chronic fatigue syndrome) suggest that the response may be influenced by baseline cortisol levels. We conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled study to examine the relationship between the prolactin response to buspirone challenge and baseline cortisol level. Fifty healthy volunteers took part in the study. Buspirone was found to consistently elevate PRL levels above those seen following placebo administration. The PRL response as measured by area under the curve was highly correlated with the baseline cortisol level.