Randomized controlled trial of scleroligation versus band ligation alone for eradication of gastroesophageal varices.

Background And Aims: Gastric varices develop in 5% to 33% of patients with portal hypertension. Their most common form is concomitant gastroesophageal varices. Scleroligation (combined sclerotherapy and band ligation) has been used successfully in management of esophageal varices but has not been evaluated previously in the management of gastroesophageal varices.

Antifibrotic effect of aloe vera in viral infection-induced hepatic periportal fibrosis.

Aim: To investigate the anti-oxidative and anti-fibrotic effects of aloe vera in patients with liver fibrosis.

Methods: Aloe vera high molecular weight fractions (AHM) were processed by patented hyper-dry system in combination of freeze-dry technique with microwave and far infrared-ray radiation. Fifteen healthy volunteers as the control group and 40 patients were included.

Effect of probiotics on pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-kappaB activation in ulcerative colitis.

Aim: To demonstrate the therapeutic effect of probiotics in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and their effect on inflammatory mediators and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activation in these patients.

Methods: Thirty patients with mild to moderate UC were randomly classified into two groups: sulfasalazine group, who received sulfasalazine 2400 mg/d; and probiotic group, who received sulfasalazine 2400 mg/d with probiotic. The patients were investigated before and after 8 wk of treatment with probiotic (Lactobacillus delbruekii and Lactobacillus fermentum).