Changes in the severity of gastric mucosal inflammation associated with Helicobacter pylori in humans coinfected with intestinal helminths.

Background: Though a few studies in animal models suggest that intestinal helminths (IH) favorably affect evolution of gastritis associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) the studies supporting this concept in humans are only a few and are based on serological data.

Methods: To evaluate the possible influence of IH on the human gastric mucosa, three groups of Venezuelan adults with gastropathy (endoscopically diagnosed) were studied: H.

[Herbals and herbal nutritional products hepatotoxicity].

Herbs and other botanicals have been used in different cultures with medicinal and dietary purposes for centuries. Contrary to the belief of being natural and safe products, their hepatotoxic potential is recognized in several studies worldwide, and represent a health problem that deserves greater attention. The reported prevalence of hepatotoxicity associated with botanicals is variable and depends on various factors such as population, period and design of the study.

Enhanced intracellular calcium promotes metabolic and secretory disturbances in rat gastric mucosa during ethanol-induced gastritis.

Changes in the Ca(2+) homeostasis have been implicated in cell injury and death. However, Ca(2+) participation in ethanol-induced chronic gastric mucosal injury has not been elucidated. We have developed a model of ethanol-induced chronic gastric injury in rats, characterized by marked alterations in plasma membranes from gastric mucosa and a compensatory cell proliferation, which follows ethanol withdrawal.