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Background Hypertrichosis or alopecia of the eyelashes is associated with various diseases or may be drug induced. Although neither increase nor loss of eyelashes is life threatening, eyelash disorders can be psychologically disturbing. However, as control of eyelash growth and the underlying mechanisms of eyelash hypo- or hypertrichosis are largely obscure, available therapy is limited. Objectives To improve this situation, we sought to establish a pragmatic, well-defined mouse model for the study and pharmacological investigation of eyelash follicle biology. Methods We took a morphometric approach to establish an eyelash model using female C57BL/6J mice by comparing with pelage hairs and highlighting the differences. We next applied a hypertrichosis-triggering agent and investigated its effect using the model. Results In eyelashes, a synchronized growth cycle was observed after morphogenesis but was completed earlier than pelage hairs. Exogen was strictly regulated and occurred in every cycle in the eyelash. Otherwise, general morphological features of mouse eyelashes (shafts, follicles, morphogenesis and growth cycle) were comparable with those of pelage hairs. The eyelash growth-stimulatory agent in humans, bimatoprost, significantly extended the duration of anagen, resulting in more and longer eyelashes, but there was no evidence of follicle neogenesis. Conclusions This study shows that mouse eyelashes offer an excellent in vivo model for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of eyelash morphology, development, growth cycle, exogen and pharmacological modulation. This model will help to elucidate the unknown molecular controls of eyelash growth, and to develop novel drugs to treat eyelash disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: It has been reported that inhibitors of gastric acid secretion prevent bleeding after endoscopic mucosal resection for mucosal gastric neoplasm. However, uncertain whether an histamine2-receptor antagonist or proton-pump inhibitor is more effective.: To evaluate prospectively the effectiveness of famotidine or omeprazole for ulcer management after endoscopic mucosal resection.: From July 2003 to October 2004, 57 patients were randomly assigned to famotidine or omeprazole for the management of endoscopic mucosal resection. Both drugs were given intravenously for the first 2 days, thereafter by mouth. The bleeding rates after endoscopic mucosal resection, the effects on the healing of endoscopic mucosal resection-induced ulceration, and cost-benefits were compared.: Twenty-eight patients received famotidine and 29 received omeprazole. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in patient characteristics. The bleeding rates after endoscopic mucosal resection were not significantly different (18% vs. 14%) between the groups. Similarly, no differences were seen in the size of the endoscopic mucosal resection-induced ulceration at 1, 30 and 60 days after resection between groups. The total costs of anti-secretory agents demonstrated a significant cost-benefit to those treated with famotidine (10 420 yen vs. 17 782 yen).: Famotidine is suggested as a better alternative to omeprazole for the management of endoscopic mucosal resection, as it showed a clear cost-benefit, and the healing results after endoscopic mucosal resection were similar for the two treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori infection, as well as NSAIDs induce oxidative stress on gastric mucosa, thereby causing mucosal damage and retarding mucosal repair. Cells can survive against chronic oxidative stress by enhancing activities of anti-oxidant enzymes, thereby protecting cells from DNA damage. Recent studies have clearly shown that the gene encoding Nrf-2 (NF-E2 p45-related factor-2) plays an important role in the induction of antioxidant enzymes against oxidative stress. In this paper, we will describe the cellular mechanisms by which the nrf-2 gene stimulates anti-oxidant enzyme activities during exposure to oxidative stress. Secondly, we will also mention the beneficial effects of sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate family which is abundantly included in broccoli sprouts, on gastric mucosa. Sulforaphane stimulates nrf-2 gene-dependent anti-oxidant enzyme activities, thereby protecting cells from oxidative injury. Finally, we will state our perspective on the efficacy of sulforaphane in protection and repair of gastric mucosa against oxidative stress during H. pylori infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]