Promoter methylation correlates with reduced NDRG2 expression in advanced colon tumour.

Background: Aberrant DNA methylation of CpG islands of cancer-related genes is among the earliest and most frequent alterations in cancerogenesis and might be of value for either diagnosing cancer or evaluating recurrent disease. This mechanism usually leads to inactivation of tumour-suppressor genes. We have designed the current study to validate our previous microarray data and to identify novel hypermethylated gene promoters.

Aberrant DNA methylation in non-neoplastic gastric mucosa of H. Pylori infected patients and effect of eradication.

Background: Gene promoter methylation is an epigenetic event leading to gene silencing. This mechanism is particularly relevant in cancer since it can interfere with the activity of specific "suppressor" genes.

Aim: To evaluate promoter methylation of CDH1, p16, APC, MLH1, and COX2 in patients with H.

Genotyping of the lactase-phlorizin hydrolase c/t-13910 polymorphism by means of a new rapid denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography-based assay in healthy subjects and colorectal cancer patients.

Adult-type hypolactasia results from the progressive decline of lactase-phlorizin hydrolase activity in enterocytes after weaning. Lactase nonpersistence may determine a primary lactose intolerance with reduced diary product consumption, which is possibly related to an increased risk of colon cancer. Recently, a genetic variant C/T(-13910) upstream of the lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LCT) gene has been strongly correlated with the lactase persistence/nonpersistence trait in both family and case-control studies.

Lack of association between UGT1A7, UGT1A9, ARP, SPINK1 and CFTR gene polymorphisms and pancreatic cancer in Italian patients.

Aim: To investigate simultaneously UGT1A7, UGT1A9, ARP, SPINK and CFTR genes to verify whether genetic polymorphisms predispose to the development of pancreatic cancer (PC).

Methods: Genomic DNA of 61 pancreatic cancer patients and 105 healthy controls (HC) were analyzed. UGT1A7 genotyping was determined by PCR-RFLP analysis.

Comparison of a monoclonal antigen stool test (Hp StAR) with the 13C-urea breath test in monitoring Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.

Aim: To evaluate the agreement between a mAb-based stool test (HP StAR) and the urea breath test (UBT) in monitoring (H pylori) infection after eradication therapy.

Methods: Patients with discordant results on UBT and Hp StAR underwent endoscopy with biopsies for rapid urease test, culture, and histology to confirm H pylori status.

Results: Among 250 patients (50+/-14 years), 240 (96.

Antisecretory vs. antiproteasic drugs in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis: the evidence-based medicine derived from a meta-analysis study.

Uncertainties still exist about the clinical benefit of pharmacological prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis by either antisecretory drugs such as somatostatin and its long-acting analogue octreotide, or protease inhibitors such as gabexate mesilate. Recent, large-scale prospective studies have reported a fourfold reduction in acute pancreatitis as compared to a placebo with the prophylactic administration of either gabexate mesilate or somatostatin, whereas octreotide was found to be ineffective. An initial meta-analysis of all available controlled trials on this topic has confirmed these findings.

Amoxicillin/tetracycline combinations are inadequate as alternative therapies for Helicobacter pylori infection.

Background: Triple therapy with proton pump inhibitors or ranitidine bismuth citrate, clarithromycin and either amoxicillin or nitroimidazole derivatives are the present gold standards for cure of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, primary resistance to either clarithromycin or nitroimidazole derivatives is increasing and alternative therapies are needed.

Aim: To determine the efficacy and safety of three regimens consisting of amoxicillin and tetracycline or doxycycline combined with either lansoprazole or ranitidine bismuth citrate.