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Background/Aim: In various human cancers, dysfunction of the E-cadherin-catenin complex is associated with a decrease in cellular and tissue differentiation and with higher invasive and metastatic potentials. Since advanced gastric cancers are thought to evolve from early gastric cancers, we investigated whether differences of the E-cadherin-catenin complex expression can be observed between early and advanced gastric cancers. Methods: We have used an immunohistochemical technique to localize E-cadherin and α-, β-, and γ-catenins in 114 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks: 57 from patients with early gastric cancer and 57 from patients with advanced gastric cancer. Results: The immunoreactivity of E-cadherin and α-, β-, and γ-catenins was expressed by normal gastric epithelial cells with strong membranous staining at the intercellular border. Reduced expression of E-cadherin and α-, β-, and γ-catenins occurred in a considerable proportion of both cancer groups. However, no significant difference was seen between early and advanced cancer groups. In the early cancer group, reduced expression of E-cadherin and α-, β-, and γ-catenins correlated with diffuse type of cancer and poor differentiation. However, in the advanced cancer group, reduced expression of the three adhesion molecules, but not β-catenin, correlated with diffuse type of cancer and poor differentiation. The expression of E-cadherin and α-, β-, and γ-catenins did not correlate with depth of invasion or lymph node metastases in both cancer groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that alterations of the E-cadherin-catenin complex may be induced at an early stage of gastric tumorigenesis and may be associated with poorly differentiated and diffuse-type pathways in gastric tumorigenesis.Copyright © 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on functional dyspepsia (FD), characterized by discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, and the benefit of lipase supplementation before fatty meal to relieve its symptoms. Topics discussed by the author include symptoms and causes of dyspepsia, the effect of fatty meals ingestion on FD symptoms, and treatment of FD.

The article focuses on the study "Impact of sleep disorders, quality of life and gastric emptying in distinct subtypes of functional dyspepsia in Japan" conducted by H. Yamawaki which appeared in a 2014 issue of the periodical. The study concluded that sleep disorders distribution in three functional dyspepsia patients were higher as compared to normal people.

Background/Aims: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression appears to be increased in several different types of human cancers, suggesting that the presence of COX-2 is associated with carcinogenesis. Recently, increased expression of COX-2 has been frequently detected in gastric cancer, and this may have prognostic significance. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the expression of COX-2 in a much larger sample to determine whether COX-2 expression is related to the clinicopathological features and survival rates of patients with gastric cancer. Methods: We investigated 140 patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgery between January 1992 and December 1993 and examined the expression of COX-2 in human gastric cancer tissue by immunohistochemistry. Results: COX-2 expression was present in the cytoplasm of tumor cells but not in normal gastric epithelia. Positive expression of COX-2 was detected in 86 of 140 gastric cancers analyzed (61.4%). Positive expression of COX-2 correlated with the depth of tumor invasion (p = 0.015). However, there was no association between COX-2 expression and tumor stage or status of lymph node or distant metastasis. Furthermore, COX-2 expression was not associated with patient survival (p = 0.816). Positive expression of COX-2 occurred more frequently in intestinal than in diffuse or mixed types of cancer and correlated with tumor differentiation (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: These results suggest that COX-2 may play an important role in the evolution of gastric carcinogenesis and be associated with well-differentiated and intestinal type pathways in gastric carcinogenesis. However, COX-2 expression seems to be less useful for establishing prognosis for gastric cancer.Copyright © 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims Delayed gastric emptying (GE) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in subjects with diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate associations between GE time and the major cardiovascular events (coronary heart diseases and ischemic stroke) in diabetic subjects with upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms. Methods: Among 259 subjects with chronic UGI symptoms who underwent gastric emptying study (GES) over 13 years, 122 diabetic subjects without gastric surgery and/or rapid GE were enrolled in this study. We also gathered data about baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, estimated GE half-time (GE T½) and incidence of cardiovascular events following GES. Results: The mean age of subjects was 64.0 ± 17.4 years. There were 86 women and 104 subjects with type 2 diabetes. There were 52 (42.6%) subjects with normal GE, 50 (41.0.%) subjects with mild delayed GE, and 20 (16.4%) subjects with marked delayed GE. During follow-up (median, 207 weeks), cardiovascular events occurred in 7 (13.5%) subjects with normal GE, 4 (8.0%) subjects with mild delayed GE and 7 (35.0%) subjects with marked GE (P = 0.015). Univariate analysis showed that GE T½ was significantly associated with incidence of cardiovascular events (crude OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.12-2.69; P = 0.014). In a multivariate model, association between GE T½ and incidence of cardiovascular events remained statistically significant after adjustment for baseline characteristics and comorbidities (adjusted OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.21-3.12; P = 0.006). Conclusion A delay of GE was associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular events in diabetic subjects with chronic UGI symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorogenic acid (CA) is a phenolic compound purified from coffee, fruits and their associated beverages, which possess various biological properties, such as antioxidant and anticarcinogenic activities. The present study evaluated the effects of CA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells and the associated intracellular signaling pathways using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. CA pretreatment inhibited LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory mediators including interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and IL-1β in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) with LPS was inhibited by CA pretreatment. CA and STAT3 inhibitor (STAT3i) pretreatment inhibited LPS-induced nuclear translocation of phosphorylated STAT3. In addition, STAT3i inhibited the LPS-induced expression of iNOS, NO and IL-1β similar to the results of CA pretreatment. By contrast, STAT3i did not inhibit the LPS-induced increase in IL-6, TNF-α and MIP-2 expression. These results indicate that CA may suppress LPS-induced NO and IL-1β expression by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 activation in RAW264.7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between the expression of early growth response gene-1 (EGR-1) and the progression of gastric cancers at advanced stages. However, the effects of EGR-1 expression on human gastric cancer progression, particularly on precancerous lesions, have not been investigated. In this study, we evaluate EGR-1 expression levels in target mucosa from patients with early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions, and assess whether EGR-1 expression affects the oncogenic phenotypes of human gastric cancer cells. EGR-1 protein levels were measured in tissues from subjects with normal mucosa (n=6), low-grade dysplasia (n=6), high-grade dysplasia (n=4) and adenocarcinoma (n=3) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry analyses. We also investigated the role of EGR-1 in tumor cell behavior by transiently expressing a dominant active EGR-1 variant in cultured cells. A positive correlation was observed between EGR-1 expression and gastric carcinogenesis (P=0.016). Furthermore, there was an increase in nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of EGR-1 in accordance with the histological grade (P for trends=0.003 and 0.003, respectively), and a positive association between the sum of the nuclear and cytoplasmic EGR-1 expression values and the histological grade (P=0.003). In addition, transient overexpression of EGR-1 enhanced cell proliferation, stimulated cell migration, and promoted the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and AKT in gastric cancer cells in vitro. Our findings demonstrate that EGR-1 may contribute to the early stages of gastric carcinogenesis via the alteration of tumor cell behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in Asian functional dyspepsia (FD) patients has not been well established as in Western countries. DA-9701, a novel prokinetic agent, stimulates gastric emptying and modulates visceral hypersensitivity in vivo and in human studies. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of DA-9701 with a conventional PPI in mono or combination therapy in patients with FD. Methods: In this double-blind, randomized, non-inferiority trial, 389 patients diagnosed with FD using Rome III criteria were allocated among 3 groups: 30-mg DA-9701 t.i.d (means 3 times a day), 40-mg pantoprazole, and 30-mg DA-9701 t.i.d + 40-mg pantoprazole. The primary efficacy end-point was a global assessment of the patient binary response or response on a 5-Likert scale after 4 weeks. Results: The global symptomatic improvement was 60.5% in the DA-9701 group, 65.6% in the pantoprazole group, and 63.5% in the DA- 9701 + pantoprazole group using a 5-Likert scale at week 4 with no significant difference among 3 groups (P = 0.685). Symptom improvement measured by binary outcome was significantly achieved in each of the 3 groups, but not different among groups. Patients in all treatment groups reported significant improvement in the response rate and symptoms according to FD subtypes and dyspepsia-related quality of life (P < 0.001), but there were no significant differences among the 3 groups. Conclusions: DA-9701 improves global and individual symptoms and increases dyspepsia-specific quality of life in patients with FD. The efficacy of DA-9701 monotherapy is comparable with pantoprazole and there is no additive effect with combination of DA-9701 and pantoprazole in patients with FD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is often performed therapeutically, and antithrombotic treatment is required for at least 12 months after stent implantation. However, the development of post-PCI upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) increases morbidity and mortality. We investigated the incidence and risk factors for UGIB in Korean patients within 1 year after PCI. Methods: The medical records of 3,541 patients who had undergone PCI between January 2006 and June 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. We identified 40 cases of UGIB. We analyzed the incidence and clinical risk factors associated with UGIB occurring within 1 year after PCI by comparing the results for each case to matched controls. The propensity score matching method using age and sex was utilized. Results: UGIB occurred in 40 patients (1.1%). Two independent risk factors for UGIB were a history of peptic ulcer disease (odds ratio [OR], 12.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.70 to 59.66; p=0.001) and the use of anticoagulants (OR, 7.76; 95% CI, 2.10 to 28.66; p=0.002). Conclusions: UGIB after PCI occurred at a rate of 1.1% in the study population. Clinicians must remain vigilant for the possibility of UGIB after PCI and should consider performing timely endoscopy in patients who have undergone PCI and are suspected of having an UGIB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Dieulafoy lesions (DLs) are a rare but significant cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We aimed to define the clinical significance of rebleeding and identify the predictors of rebleeding and mortality in upper gastrointestinal Dieulafoy lesions (UGIDLs). Methods: Patients diagnosed with UGIDLs between January 2004 and June 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to define the predictors of rebleeding and mortality in patients with UGIDLs. Results: The study group consisted of 81 male and 36 female patients. Primary hemostasis was achieved in 115 out of 117 patients (98.3%) with various endoscopic therapies. Rebleeding occurred in 10 patients (8.5%). The mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with rebleeding than in those without rebleeding (30.0% vs. 4.7%, p=0.020). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that kidney disease (p=0.006) and infection (p=0.005) were significant predictors of rebleeding in UGIDLs and that kidney disease (p=0.004) and platelet count (p=0.013) were significant predictors of mortality. Conclusions: Rebleeding has an important prognostic significance in patients with UGIDLs. Kidney disease and infection are major predictors of rebleeding and mortality in patients with UGIDLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Therapies of functional dyspepsia (FD) are limited. DA-9701 is a novel prokinetic agent formulated with Pharbitis semen and Corydalis Tuber. We aimed to assess the efficacy of DA-9701 compared with itopride in FD patients. Methods: Patients with FD randomly received either itopride 50 mg or DA-9701 30 mg t.i.d after a 2-week baseline period. After 4 weeks of treatment, 2 primary efficacy endpoints were analyzed: the change from baseline in composite score of the 8 dyspeptic symptoms and the overall treatment effect. Impact on patients' quality of life was assessed using the Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI) questionnaire. Results: We randomly assigned 464 patients with 455 having outcome data. The difference of the composite score change of the 8 symptoms between the 2 groups was 0.62, indicating that DA-9701 was not inferior to itopride. The overall treatment effect response rate was not different between the groups. When responder was defined as = 5 of the 7 Likert scale, responder rates were 37% of DA-9701 and 36% of itopride group. Patients receiving DA-9701 experienced similar mean percentage of days with adequate relief during the 4-week treatment period compared with those receiving itopride (56.8% vs 59.1%). Both drugs increased the NDI score of 5 domains without any difference in change of the NDI score between the groups. The safety profile of both drugs was comparable. Conclusions: DA-9701 significantly improves symptoms in patients with FD. DA-9701 showed non-inferior efficacy to itopride with com - parable safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Colon transit time (CTT) is a useful diagnostic tool in chronic constipation, but requires good patient compliance. We analyzed the correlation between the gas volume score (GVS) and CTT in patients with chronic constipation. Methods: The study included 145 consecutive patients (65 men) with chronic constipation. The primary outcome was the correlation between the colon GVS and CTT. Secondary outcomes were the differences in colon GVS according to CTT and subtypes of chronic constipation. Results: There were 81 patients with "CTT < 45 hours" and 64 patients with "CTT = 45 hours." In addition, 88 patients were classified as having functional constipation and 57 were classified as having constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). There was no significant correlation between CTT and colon GVS. However, the right colon GVS showed a positive correlation with right CTT (r = 0.255, P = 0.007). The median total colon GVS was significantly higher in patients with "CTT = 45 hours" than in those with "CTT < 45 hours" (5.65% vs 4.15%, P = 0.010). There were no significant differences in colon GVS between the functional constipation and IBS-C. Conclusions: We were unable to detect a correlation between GVS and CTT in patients with chronic constipation. However, total colon GVS may be a method of predicting slow transit in patients with chronic constipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) has been performed as an adjunct to endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) during radiocontrast cholangiography (RC). Radiation exposure during RC poses a health risk to both patients and examiners. We evaluated the feasibility of IDUS without RC in various extrahepatic biliary diseases. Methods: IDUS was performed with the insertion of an IDUS probe from the papilla of Vater to the confluent portion of the common hepatic duct without fluoroscopy. The technical success rate and procedure-related complications were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Wire-guided IDUS without RC was performed in 105 patients. The mean age was 66.5 years, and 50 (47.6%) were male. The IDUS diagnoses included choledocholithiasis (73, 69.5%), benign biliary stricture (11, 10.5%), choledocholithiasis with biliary pancreatitis (9, 8.6%), bile duct cancer (5, 4.8%), pancreatic cancer (1, 0.9%), and others (6, 5.7%). After IDUS, 66 (62.8%) underwent stone removal, 19 (18.1%) underwent biliary drainage, and 7 (6.6%) underwent brush cytology and biopsy. No significant complications such as perforation or severe pancreatitis occurred. Conclusions: IDUS without RC was a feasible and safe approach in patients with various extrahepatic biliary diseases. We anticipate a potentially important role of IDUS in various ERC procedures because it lacks the hazards of RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is technically challenging in patients with altered gastrointestinal (GI) anatomy. We evaluated the feasibility of cap-assisted ERCP in patients with altered GI anatomy. Methods: The outcome of ERCP procedures (n=136) was analyzed in 78 patients with Billroth II (B-II) gastrectomy (n=72), Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (n=4), and hepaticoduodenostomy (n=2). The intubation rate for reaching the papilla of Vater (POV), deep biliary cannulation rate, therapeutic interventions and procedure-related complications were analyzed. All of the procedures were conducted using a cap-fitted forward-viewing endoscope. Results: The rate of access to the POV was 97.1% (132/136). In cases with successful access, selective biliary cannulation was achieved in 98.5% (130/132) of the patients. The successful biliary cannulation rates were 100% (125/125) for B-II gastrectomy, 50% (2/4) for Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and 100% (3/3) for hepaticoduodenostomy. After selective biliary cannulation, therapeutic interventions, including stone extraction (n=57), sphincterotomy (n=54), stent placement (n=37), nasobiliary drainage (n=20), endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (n=7) and mechanical lithotripsy (n=15), were performed successfully. The procedure-related complication rate was 8.8% (12/136), including immediate bleeding (5.9%, 8/136), pancreatitis (2.2%, 3/136), and perforation (0.7%, 1/136). There were no procedure-related deaths. Conclusions: Cap-assisted ERCP is efficient and safe in patients with altered GI anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is considered a high-risk procedure in patients with previous acute coronary syndrome (ACS); however, clinical studies are rare in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of ERCP in patients with previous ACS. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with previous ACS who underwent ERCP between January 2007 and August 2012. The clinical characteristics, ERCP diagnoses, treatment results, and complications were analyzed. Results: Fifty patients underwent ERCP an average of 41.6 months after ACS. The most common indication for ERCP was calculous cholangitis. After deep biliary cannulation, endoscopic sphincterotomy, biliary stone removal and endoscopic biliary drainage were successfully performed. Immediate postsphincterotomy bleeding occurred in seven patients, which was successfully controlled using endoscopic therapy. Elevation of cardiac troponin I levels were observed in three patients (6%) before ERCP, and all of these patients were diagnosed with pancreatobiliary disease combined with recurrent ACS, which was treated with coronary artery stent insertion (n=2) and balloon angioplasty (n=1). Conclusions: Therapeutic ERCP is effective and safe in patients with previous ACS. Cardiac troponin I elevation should be considered a warning sign for recurrent ACS in patients who undergo ERCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The use of proton pump inhibitors or misoprostol is known to prevent the gastrointestinal complications of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Rebamipide is known to increase the mucosal generation of prostaglandins and to eliminate free oxygen radicals, thus enhancing the protective function of the gastric mucosa. However, it is unknown whether rebamipide plays a role in preventing NSAID-induced gastropathy. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of rebamipide compared to misoprostol in preventing NSAID-induced gastrointestinal complications in patients requiring continuous NSAID treatment. Methods: We studied 479 patients who required continuous NSAID treatment. The patients were randomly assigned to groups that received 100 mg of rebamipide three times per day or 200 μ g of misoprostol three times per day for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint of the analysis was the occurrence rate of gastric ulcers, as determined by endoscopy after 12 weeks of therapy. Results: Of the 479 patients in the study, 242 received rebamipide, and 237 received misoprostol. Ultimately, 44 patients (18.6%) withdrew from the misoprostol group and 25 patients (10.3%) withdrew from the rebamipide group. There was a significant difference in withdrawal rate between the two groups (p=0.0103). The per protocol analysis set was not valid because of the dropout rate of the misoprostol group; thus, the intention to treat (ITT) analysis set is the main set for the efficacy analysis in this study. After 12 weeks, the occurrence rate of gastric ulcers was similar in the rebamipide and misoprostol groups (20.3% vs 21.9%, p=0.6497) according to ITT analysis. In addition, the therapeutic failure rate was similar in the rebamipide and misoprostol groups (13.6% vs 13.1%, p=0.8580). The total severity score of the gastrointestinal symptoms was significantly lower in the rebamipide group than in the misoprostol group (p=0.0002). The amount of antacid used was significantly lower in the rebamipide group than in the misoprostol group (p=0.0258). Conclusions: Rebamipide can prevent gastric ulcers when used with NSAIDs and can decrease the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with NSAID administration. When the possibility of poor compliance and the potential adverse effects of misoprostol are considered, rebamipide appears to be a clinically effective and safe alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Synchronous/metachronous gastric epithelial neoplasias (GENs) in the remaining lesion can develop at sites other than the site of endoscopic resection. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the predictive value of serum pepsinogen for detecting multiple GENs in patients who underwent endoscopic resection. Methods: In total, 228 patients with GEN who underwent endoscopic resection and blood collection for pepsinogen I and II determination were evaluated retrospectively. Results: The mean period of endoscopic follow-up was 748.8±34.7 days. Synchronous GENs developed in 46 of 228 (20.1%) and metachronous GENs in 27 of 228 (10.6%) patients during the follow-up period. Multiple GENs were associated with the presence of pepsinogen I <30 ng/mL (p<0.001). Synchronous GENs were associated with the presence of pepsinogen I <30 ng/mL (p<0.001). Conclusions: Low pepsinogen I levels predict multiple GENs after endoscopic resection, especially synchronous GENs. Cautious endoscopic examination prior to endoscopic resection to detect multiple GENs should be performed for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal xanthomas are characterized by foamy cytoplasmic cells containing lipid in lamina propria, and occur almost in the gastric mucosa. Colonic xanthomas have been described in rare case. All reported colonic xanthomas were located in rectosigmoid. Rectosigmoid xanthomas have tended to exhibit small polypoid lesion, on the contrary flat in stomach. We report a case of xanthoma on ascending colon presenting as a laterally spreading tumor resected by endoscopic mucosal resection method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective biliary cannulation is an essential prerequisite for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The cap-fitted forward-viewing endoscope has been used for ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy. In this case series, 12 patients with periampullary diverticulum underwent ERCP using the cap-assisted forward-viewing endoscope due to failure of biliary cannulation using the standard technique. Successful ERCP was achieved in all patients with no serious complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsaicin is known to have tumor suppressive effects. However, the molecular mechanisms and targets of capsaicin involved in exerting anticancer activity are complex and remain to be clarified. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of capsaicin on human gastric cancer cells (AGS cells) and demonstrate that capsaicin induced apoptosis in AGS cells. Results of the MTT assay and flow cytometry revealed that capsaicin potentially inhibited the proliferation of AGS cells and induced apoptosis in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Cleaved caspase-3 was increased and Bcl-2 was reduced by treatment with capsaicin in AGS cells. Capsaicin treatment decreased the expression of phosphorylated ERK 1/2, p38 MAPK or JNK in AGS cells. The results of this study suggest that capsaicin may serve as an anti-tumorigenic agent in human gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic cough. The aims of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of multichannel intraluminal impedance combined with pH monitoring (MII/pH monitoring) in patients with suspected symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and to assess the correlation between GER symptoms and reflux nature. Methods: Seventy patients with suspected symptoms of GERD (such as heartburn, acid regurgitation, noncardiac chest pain, globus and chronic cough) were enrolled. All patients were asked to discontinue medications that would influence esophageal motor function and gastric acid secretion at least one week ago. All subjects underwent MII/pH monitoring. Results: Forty-five patients (64.3%) were diagnosed with GERD. Among these patients, eleven patients (15.7%) had pathologic acid reflux by pH data and thirty-four patients (48.6%) had pathologic bolus exposure by impedance. Subjects with chronic cough had a higher De- Meester score (p=0.009), percentage of acid exposure time (p=0.007), acid bolus exposure % time (p=0.027), distal acid reflux episodes (p=0.015) and proximal acid reflux episodes (p=0.030) than subjects without chronic cough. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the impedance monitoring enhanced diagnostic sensitivity than pH-monitoring alone by 48.6%. In addition, reflux episodes at the distal and proximal esophagus were noted to be important factors associated with chronic cough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the primary catechin in green tea, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. The aim of the current study was to characterize the impact of EGCG on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced innate signaling in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) isolated from ICR mice. Methods: The effect of EGCG on LPS-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and the electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Results: EGCG inhibited accumulation of LPS-induced IL-12p40, IL-6, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 mRNA in BMMs. EGCG blocked LPS-induced IκBα degradation and RelA nuclear translocation. EGCG blocked the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB. LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 was inhibited by EGCG. U0126 (an inhibitor of MEK- 1/2) suppressed the LPS-induced IL-12p40, IL-6, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 mRNA accumulation in BMMs. Conclusions: These results indicate that EGCG may prevent LPSinduced pro-inflammatory gene expression through blocking NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in BMMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Duodenal Dieulafoy's lesions are rare and only several cases were reported so far. Their characteristic appearance and location make it difficult to be diagnosed in the clinical practice. Massive bleeding often results from these lesions and can impede the accurate early treatment. Case presentation: 67 years old male patient suffered a fatal bleeding from Dieulafoy-like lesion located at the mouth of the periampullary diverticulum. Inintial endoscopic therapy and radiologic embolization failed to stop the bleeding, while direct observation and hemoclipping by the side viewing endoscopy successfully established correct diagnosis and permanent cure of the lesion. Conclusion: Aggressive endoscopic examinations combined with the accurate endoscopic threatment should be adopted when Dieulafoy-like lesion is suspected as a possible cause of the proximal small bowel hemorrahge. Verification of the diagnosis and definitive treatment often needed repeated examination by side-viewing endoscope as well as stabilization of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caspase 8 and survivin are known as key molecules of apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between promoter methylation and expression and apoptotic function of caspase 8 and survivin in HCC. Promoter methylation of the caspase 8 and survivin gene was analyzed in 73 primary HCC using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. The relationship between immunohistochemical expression of gene products and proliferative/apoptotic indices, and clinicopathological parameters was also investigated. Twenty-five (34%) and 24 (33%) patients had promoter methylation of caspase 8 and survivin gene. Immunohistochemical staining of caspase 8 and survivin was observed in 35 (48%) and 32 (44%). The methylation of caspase 8 and survivin demonstrated a negative correlation with immunohistochemical expression of gene products ( P= 0.049 and P= 0.001). Methylation of caspase 8 and positive expression of its gene product was significantly correlated with high apoptotic indices ( P= 0.032 and P= 0.026). Nuclear survivin expression was significantly correlated with high proliferative index ( P= 0.001). On survival analysis, positive nuclear survivin expression was associated with a poor prognosis in HCC ( P= 0.043). In conclusion, epigenetic alteration by promoter methylation of caspase 8 and survivin may constitute an important regulatory mechanism for expression of those genes in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Duodenal Dieulafoy's lesions are rare and only several cases were reported so far. Their characteristic appearance and location make it difficult to be diagnosed in the clinical practice. Massive bleeding often results from these lesions and can impede the accurate early treatment. Case presentation: 67 years old male patient suffered a fatal bleeding from Dieulafoy-like lesion located at the mouth of the periampullary diverticulum. Inintial endoscopic therapy and radiologic embolization failed to stop the bleeding, while direct observation and hemoclipping by the side viewing endoscopy successfully established correct diagnosis and permanent cure of the lesion. Conclusion: Aggressive endoscopic examinations combined with the accurate endoscopic threatment should be adopted when Dieulafoy-like lesion is suspected as a possible cause of the proximal small bowel hemorrahge. Verification of the diagnosis and definitive treatment often needed repeated examination by side-viewing endoscope as well as stabilization of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Recently, abnormal activation of the Wnt pathway has been found to be involved in the carcinogenesis of HCC. However, the relationship between genetic changes in the Wnt pathway–associated genes and its protein expression has not been studied in patients with HCC and cirrhotic nodules. The purpose of this study is to explore the contribution of inappropriate activation of the Wnt pathway in liver carcinogenesis. Methods: Somatic mutation in exons 3–5 of AXIN1 and exon 3 of β-catenin were analyzed by direct sequencing and expression of axin and β-catenin proteins by immunohistochemistry in a series of 36 patients with HCC and cirrhosis. Results: The AXIN1 and β-catenin gene mutations were observed in 25% (9/36) and 2.8% (1/36) of HCCs, respectively. All mutations detected in AXIN1 and β-catenin genes were missense point mutations. Abnormal nuclear expression of β-catenin was observed in 11 of 36 cases of HCCs (30.6%), but not in cirrhotic nodules. Reduced or absent expression of axin was seen in 24 of 36 HCCs (66.7%). The abnormal expression of β-catenin and axin proteins was closely correlated with mutations of AXIN1 and β-catenin ( P < 0.0001 and P = 0.008, respectively). Conclusions: These data suggest that mutation of AXIN1 gene is a frequent and late event for HCC associated with cirrhosis, and is correlated significantly with abnormal expression of axin and β-catenin. Therefore, activation of Wnt signaling through AXIN1 rather than β-catenin mutation might play an important role in liver carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Small-caliber upper endoscopes can be used safely and effectively for sedation-free colonoscopy. The objective of the study is to assess the efficacy of a small-caliber upper endoscope (9.2 mm) comparing with a standard colonoscope (12.2 mm). METHODS: In a prospective trial, patients undergoing sedation-free colonoscopy were randomly assigned to the upper endoscope (E) or the standard colonoscope (C). Outcome measures included patient self-assessed pain score (4-point scale), endoscopist-assessed pain score (4-point scale), cecal intubation rate, difficult cecal intubation rate (>900 s), number of polyps detected, and complication rates. RESULTS: A total of 244 patients were entered. Clinical characteristics were not different between the two groups. Cecal intubation was achieved in 91.0% of the patients in each group. The mean patient self-assessed pain score (SD) was significantly lower in the E group compared with the C group: 1.44 (0.81) versus 2.08 (1.10), p < 0.001. The mean endoscopist assessment of patient pain score (SD) was significantly lower in the E group compared with the C group as well: 1.27 (0.67) versus 1.58 (0.90), p= 0.003. In patients with low body mass index (BMI < 22 kg/m2), the cecal intubation rate was significantly higher in the E group (97.7% vs 79.4%, p= 0.026) and the difficult cecal intubation rate was significantly lower in the E group (9.3% vs 32.4%, p= 0.011). There were no significant differences in the number of polyps detected and complication rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION: A small-caliber upper endoscope is tolerable and effective for sedation-free colonoscopy, especially in patients with low BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder with characteristic features of skin and central nervous system involvement. Gastrointestinal involvement is rare, but the risk of malignancy development is considerable. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is caused by gastrin-secreting tumors called gastrinomas. Correct diagnosis is often difficult, and curative treatment can only be achieved surgically. Case presentation: A 41-year-old female affected by neurofibromatosis type 1 presented with a history of recurrent epigastric soreness, diarrhea, and relapsing chronic duodenal ulcer. Her serum fasting gastrin level was over 1000 pg/mL. An abdominal CT scan revealed a 3 x 2-cm, well-enhanced mass adjacent to the duodenal loop. She was not associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Operative resection was performed and gastrinoma was diagnosed by immunohistochemical staining. The serum gastrin level decreased to 99.1 pg/mL after surgery, and symptoms and endoscopic findings completely resolved without recurrences. Conclusion: Gastrinoma is difficult to detect even in the general population, and hence symptoms such as recurrent idiopathic peptic ulcer and diarrhea in neurofibromatosis type 1 patients should be accounted for as possibly contributing to Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the extrahepatic bile duct presenting as obstructive jaundice is an extremely rare disease. At this writing, a review of the medical literature disclosed 17 reported cases of primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma arising from the extrahepatic bile duct. We, herein, report an additional case of obstructive jaundice caused by primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the common bile duct, in a 21-year-old woman. Our patient showed clinical evidence of obstructive jaundice, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a long strictured segment of the common bile duct with proximal bile duct dilatation. These clinical and radiological findings resembled those of cholangiocarcinoma. Resection of the common bile duct tumor, cholecystectomy, lymph node dissection, and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy were carried out. Histology and immunohistochemistry of the resected specimen confirmed a diffuse large B-cell-type malignant lymphoma involving the common bile duct. She received four courses of combination chemotherapy, including cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP), and 3060 cGy external irradiation. She has been well, without evidence of tumor recurrence, 17 months after the surgery. In summary, first, primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the extrahepatic bile duct, despite its rarity, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of causes of obstructive jaundice. Second, an accurate histopathologic diagnosis and surgical resection, if feasible, combined with chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy may be the approach to offer a chance for cure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ectopic pancreas is usually an incidental finding at surgery or autopsy and rarely produces clinical symptoms. But it is capable of producing symptoms, depending on its location, size and involvement of the overlying mucosa. Case Report: We report a case with massive gastrointestinal bleeding from ectopic pancreas mimicking jejunal tumor, confirmed by emergency operation. A 40-year-old male was admitted to Chonnam National University Hospital with a 2-day history of melena. A technetium-99m-labeled RBC scan showed massive radioactivity in loops of small bowel due to active bleeding. Superior mesenteric angiography revealed a hypervascular stained mass supplied by proximal jejunal branch. A computed tomographic scan of abdomen revealed an enhancing mass in the proximal jejunum. At emergency operation, bleeding from the center of the mass was found situated approximately 30 cm from the Treitz ligament. Segmental resection of the involved jejunum and end-to-end anastomosis were performed. Histologic examination of resected specimen revealed an ectopic pancreas. Conclusion: So far, there have been no case reports of massive gastrointestinal bleeding from ectopic pancreas mimicking jejunal tumor as described in our case. In every patient in whom ectopic pancreas can definitely be seen to cause clinical symptoms including gastrointestinal bleeding, the lesion should be excised.Copyright © 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic scissors offer a benefit over other devices by avoiding potential complications related to thermal and mechanical injury of surrounding structures. We describe our experience with endoscopic scissors in three difficult endoscopic interventions. A fishbone embedded in the esophageal wall penetrated very close to the pulsating aorta and the bronchus. The fishbone was cut in half by endoscopic scissors and removed without injury to adjacent organs. A gastric submucosal tumor with an insulated core that could not be resected by electrosurgical devices was cut using endoscopic scissors following endoloop placement. Extravascular coil migration after transcatheter arterial embolization resulted in a duodenal ulcer. The metallic coil on the duodenal ulcer was cut by endoscopic scissors without mechanical or thermal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of endoscopic resection, a less invasive treatment modality, for type 1 gastric neuroendocrine tumor (NET). Methods From January 2004 to December 2017 were included in this study. All patients had undergone endoscopic mucosal resection for the lesions and histologically confirmed to NET. Results The median age was 57.2 years (range, 44 to 70 years) with 12 females (63.2%). NETs were detected in 13 patients as single and multifocal in six patients (range, 3 to 9). Endoscopic resection was performed to 44 NETs in 19 patients. Mean diameter of 44 NETs was 7.4±2.9 mm. The most common tumor location of gastric NETs was body (90.9%), followed by fundus (6.8%) and antrum (2.2%). Histologic grade of NETs were grade 1 (95.5%) and grade 2 (4.5%). EUS was performed in 12 patients (63.2%). EUS showed hypoechoic (50%) and homogeneous (91.7%) was most common finding. Second layer (66.7%) was most common involved layer, followed by third layer (25%) and first layer (8.3%). Cap-assisted EMRs were performed for 10 (22.7%), EMRs for 27 (61.4%) and EMRs after ligation for seven NETs (15.9%). En-bloc resection was performed in 43 NETs (97.7%). R0 resection was performed in 35 NETs (79.5%). Regular follow-up duodenoscopy after 1 year from endoscopic resection was performed in 14 patients (68.4%). Median follow-up duration was 36.2 months (range, 23 to 118.2 months). Recurrence was observed in three patients (10%). One patient recurred from solitary tumor (10%) and two patients recurred from multicentric tumor (50%). Conclusions Endoscopic mucosal resection is considered a safe and effective treatment option for type 1 gastric NET. Multicentric tumor could be a risk factor of recurrence of gastric NET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims Gastric ectopic pancreas is a benign tumor. But there are some limitations to distinguish ectopic pancreas from malignant tumor without histologic confirmation. We analyzed endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) features of Submucosal tumor diagnosed as ectopic pancreas after endoscopic resection. Methods Thirty-one patients who were diagnosed gastric ectopic pancreas by histopathology were included in this study (from January 2004 to July 2018). All of them underwent EUS and endoscopic resection: endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection. Results Seventeen patients (54.8%) were female, with a median age of 41.1 years (range, 14 to 74 years). Most commonly, the lesions were localized in antrum (n=26, 83.9%). Before histologic confirmation, In EUS finding, most commonly involved layer were muscularis mucosae (51.5%) and submucosal layer (51.5%). Mean size was 10.6 mm (range, 7 to 15 mm). Mixed echogenicity (61.3%), heterogenous pattern (77.4%), and indistinct border (54.8%) was commonly observed. Calcification (12.9%), anechoic duct-like structure (32.3%), and thickening of muscularis propria (more than twice than normal) (41.9%) were observed in some patients. Endoscopic mucosal resection (41.9%) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (58.1%) were performed. En-bloc rate was 69.2% and 88.9% respectively. Conclusions EUS can help identify the features of the ectopic pancreas. For complete ablation, endoscopic submucosal dissection may be better than endoscopic mucosal resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response by Chang-Hwan Park to a letter to the editor about paper "Sedation-free colonoscopy using an upper endoscope is tolerable and effective in patients with low body mass index: A prospective randomized study" in the 2006 issue is presented.