Comparison of transesophageal endoscopic plication (TEP) with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in the treatment of uncomplicated reflux disease.

Background: Transesophageal endoscopic plication (TEP) is a novel endotherapeutic approach in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This non-randomized prospective study compares TEP with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF).

Methods: Twenty-four consecutive patients treated with LNF, and 27 managed by TEP were studied.

Ursodeoxycholic acid inhibits interleukin 1 beta [corrected] and deoxycholic acid-induced activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1 in human colon cancer cells.

Deoxycholic acid (DCA) has been implicated in colorectal carcinogenesis in humans with effects on proliferation and apoptosis, mediated at least in part by activation of transcription factors nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), activator protein 1 (AP-1) and protein kinase C (PKC) enzymes. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is reported to reduce the frequency of colonic carcinogenesis in ulcerative colitis patients. Hence, we postulated that it might differ from DCA in its regulation of these transcription factors.

The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in colorectal cancer: role in tumor development and significance of allelic loss in tumor progression.

Background And Aim: Folate deficiency predisposes to sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC). Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a critical folate-metabolising enzyme and a polymorphism at position 677 (C677T), is associated with reduced enzyme activity. We investigated whether this functional polymorphism modulates the risk of developing CRC.

Endocinch therapy for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a one year prospective follow up.

Background: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is, in the main, treated with either proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs or a Nissen fundoplication operation. Recently, BARD developed Endocinch, a device used to place sutures just below the oesophagogastric junction (OGJ) to treat GORD.

Aim: To evaluate the long term benefit of the Endocinch technique in patients seen up to 12 months post procedure.