Bacterial infections in cirrhosis: role of proton pump inhibitors and intestinal permeability.

Background:   Cirrhotic patients are at considerable risk for bacterial infections, possibly through increased intestinal permeability and bacterial overgrowth. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase infection risk. We aimed to explore the potential association between PPI use and bacterial infection risk in cirrhotic patients and potential underlying mechanisms in complementary patient and animal models.

Farnesoid X receptor activation inhibits inflammation and preserves the intestinal barrier in inflammatory bowel disease.

Background & Aims: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterised by chronic intestinal inflammation, resulting from dysregulation of the mucosal immune system and compromised intestinal epithelial barrier function. The bile salt, nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR), was recently implicated in intestinal antibacterial defence and barrier function. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of FXR agonists in the treatment of intestinal inflammation in complementary in vivo and in vitro models.

Intestinal barrier function in patients undergoing colectomy.

Aim: The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether the type of approach (open or laparoscopic) and the order of devascularization during laparoscopic colectomy affect intestinal barrier function, local inflammatory response and clinical outcome.

Method: Twenty-two patients undergoing elective colectomy from April 2006 to July 2008 were randomized to two sequences of vascular ligation, starting with either the inferior mesenteric artery or the ileocolic artery. Eighteen patients scheduled for open surgery served as a prospective control group.

Influence of prophylactic probiotics and selective decontamination on bacterial translocation in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

Bacterial translocation (BT) is suspected to play a major role in the development of infections in surgical patients. However, the clinical association between intestinal barrier dysfunction, BT, and septic morbidity has remained unconfirmed. The objective of this study was to study BT in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery and the effects of probiotics, selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD), and standard treatment on intestinal barrier function.

Clinical and basal aspects of anemia during antiviral therapy for hepatitis C.

Background And Rationale: Anemia is a major side effect of combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C. In this study, severity, potential risk factors for and potential underlying mechanisms of anemia were evaluated.

Patients And Methods: 44 chronic hepatitis C patients on interferon-ribavirin treatment were included.