Role of duodenal iron transporters and hepcidin in patients with alcoholic liver disease.

Patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) often display disturbed iron indices. Hepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism, has been shown to be down-regulated by alcohol in cell lines and animal models. This down-regulation led to increased duodenal iron transport and absorption in animals.

Duodenal expression of iron transport molecules in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis or iron deficiency.

Disturbances of iron metabolism are observed in chronic liver diseases. In the present study, we examined gene expression of duodenal iron transport molecules and hepcidin in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC) (treated and untreated), involving various genotypes (genotypes which represent risk for HHC were examined), and in patients with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). Gene expressions of DMT1, ferroportin, Dcytb, hephaestin, HFE and TFR1 were measured in duodenal biopsies using real-time PCR and Western blot.

Biodegradable polydioxanone stents: a new option for therapy-resistant anastomotic strictures of the colon.

Objectives: To assess the outcome of self-expandable, biodegradable stent insertion for anastomotic strictures following treatment for rectosigmoid carcinoma.

Methods: Three male patients (median age 66) developed benign strictures after radiotherapy and resection of a recto-sigmoid carcinoma. These were resistant to balloon dilatation and prevented stoma reversal.

Lack of association of iron metabolism and Dupuytren's disease.

Background: Iron accumulation as seen in genetic haemochromatosis is a major cause of hepatic fibrogenesis. A link between chronic liver disease and Dupuytren's disease (DD) is well established, especially in alcoholics.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that iron accumulation might cause fibrosis of the palmar aponeurosis leading to DD.