Effects of N-acetylcysteine plus mesalamine on prostaglandin synthesis and nitric oxide generation in TNBS-induced colitis in rats.

The aim of the present studies was to examine mechanisms by which the rectally administered combination of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) plus mesalamine (5-ASA) affects inducers of inflammation to promote mucosal healing and reduce tissue inflammation in chemically (trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, TNBS) induced colitis in rats. Experimental findings demonstrate that dual therapy with NAC plus 5-ASA was superior to individual agents in reducing histological measures of colitis. NAC alone and in combination with 5-ASA suppressed COX2 gene expression and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) levels to control values.

Luminal antioxidants enhance the effects of mesalamine in the treatment of chemically induced colitis in rats.

Unlabelled: Previous experiments in rats with chemically induced colitis have shown that the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine plus mesalamine (5-ASA) exerted a significantly greater therapeutic effect in promoting mucosal healing when compared to either agent alone. The aims of the present study were to compare the effects of three antioxidants plus mesalamine vs. 5-ASA alone in treatment of colitis induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats.

Evolution of Brunner gland hamartoma associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.

The pathogenesis of Brunner gland hamartoma of the duodenum is unknown. This case report describes the chronology of the development of Brunner gland hamartoma from Brunner gland hyperplasia over a 12-year interval. The study subject, a 64-year-old man with chronic iron deficiency anemia, underwent serial upper endoscopies during this period.

Obscure GI bleeding due to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) diagnosed by capsule endoscopy.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a submucosal tumor which is most commonly found in the stomach and less commonly in small bowel. Small bowel GIST can be difficult to diagnose by conventional imaging and endoscopy techniques. We report a case of obscure GI bleeding due to a stromal tumor (GIST) of the jejunum diagnosed by video capsule endoscopy.

Histamine stimulation of MMP-1(collagenase-1) secretion and gene expression in gastric epithelial cells: role of EGFR transactivation and the MAP kinase pathway.

Background And Aims: GPCR stimulation by various ligands including histamine has been shown to transactivate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). This study examines the functional interactions between the H2 receptor and the EGFR in the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) secretion and gene expressions in cultured gastric epithelial cells.

Methods: AGS cells were incubated for up to 24 h with either histamine or heparin binding-epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) and MMP-1 release was determined by immunoassay.