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Biomedical subjects

H C Jung

Publications and source records attributed to H C Jung.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Omeprazole may be superior to famotidine in the management of iatrogenic ulcer after endoscopic mucosal resection: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Acid suppressing agents are widely used to treat the iatrogenic ulcers following endoscopic mucosal resection for gastric neoplasms. However, the relative merits of proton pump inhibitor or histamine(2)-receptor antagonist for endoscopic mucosal resection-induced ulcers are not known. AIM: To prospectively compare omeprazole and famotidine for the healing of endoscopic mucosal resection-induced ulcers and for bleeding control. METHODS: After endoscopic mucosal resection, patients were randomly assigned to omeprazole (20 mg/day) or to famotidine (40 mg/day) group for a 28-day treatment period. The ulcer sizes and stages, bleeding rates and ulcer-related symptoms were compared. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were randomized equally to each group. Forty-one patients in each group were finally compared. The two groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics. Twenty-eight days after treatment, the two groups were not different with respect to ulcer stage (P = 0.137) or ulcer reduction ratio (P = 0.380). No difference was observed with respect to ulcer-related symptoms (P = 0.437) and no bleeding episode occurred in any of the 82 patients. In subgroup that underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection, fewer patients in the omeprazole group showed active ulcers than those in the famotidine group (P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that omeprazole may be superior to famotidine for iatrogenic ulcers following endoscopic mucosal resection, especially for large ulcers.

Anti-Ulcer Agents↗

Intraoperative gastroscopy for gastric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Few reports are available on the use of intraoperative gastroscopy for gastric surgery. METHODS: The details of 33 patients (25 early gastric cancers and eight gastric submucosal tumors) who underwent intraoperative gastroscopy from June 2003 to June 2004 were analyzed. The type of operation or resection margin was determined by evaluating both sides of the stomach simultaneously by combined operative and gastroscopic methods. RESULTS: Preoperative endoscopic clipping was done preferentially for early gastric cancer. However, when precise localization was needed, intraoperative gastroscopy was used. Curative gastric resection was possible in 25 early gastric cancer patients after accurate lesion localization. Laparoscopic wedge resections of submucosal tumors were performed in seven patients without stenosis by combined laparoscopic and gastroscopic methods. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative gastroscopy can be used effectively during gastric surgery for early gastric cancer or submucosal tumors and can be regarded as a modern stethoscope to gastric surgeons.

Gastric Mucosa↗

Is a 9-month treatment sufficient in tuberculous enterocolitis? A prospective, randomized, single-centre study.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis has increased in parallel with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic and the use of immunosuppressive therapy, and the growing incidence of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, especially with intestinal involvement, reflects this trend. However, the duration of anti-tuberculous therapy has not been clarified in intestinal tuberculosis. AIM: To compare the efficacy of different treatment durations in tuberculous enterocolitis in terms of response and recurrence rates. METHODS: Forty patients with tuberculous enterocolitis were randomized prospectively: 22 patients into a 9-month and 18 into a 15-month group. Diagnosis was made either by colonoscopic findings of discrete ulcers and histopathological findings of caseating granuloma and/or acid-fast bacilli, or by clinical improvement after therapeutic trial. Patients were followed up with colonoscopy every other month until complete response or treatment completion, and then every 6 months for 1 year and annually. Complete response was defined as a resolution of symptoms and active tuberculosis by colonoscopy. RESULTS: Complete response was obtained in all patients in both groups. Two patients in the 9-month group and one in the 15-month group underwent operation due to intestinal obstruction and perianal fistula, respectively. No recurrence of active intestinal tuberculosis occurred during the follow-up period in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculous enterocolitis can be managed by 9-month chemotherapy without disease recurrence. Further investigations are needed in immunocompromised patients.

Adult↗

The effect of rebamipide on the expression of proinflammatory mediators and apoptosis in human neutrophils by Helicobacter pylori water-soluble surface proteins.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection elicits persistent neutrophil infiltration in gastric mucosa. The expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inhibition of apoptosis in the neutrophils could contribute to the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection. Rebamipide, a mucosal protective and ulcer-healing drug, has been known to inhibit neutrophil activation. AIM: To evaluate the effect of rebamipide on the neutrophils activated by H. pylori water-soluble proteins. METHODS: After neutrophils were stimulated with H. pylori water extract (HPWE) or pre-treated with rebamipide, the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis was determined by radioimmunoassay. Neutrophil apoptosis was evaluated by cytosolic oligonucleosome-bound DNA ELISA and caspase-3 activity was measured by the detection of p-nitroanilide after cleavage from labelled substrate. RESULTS: Stimulation with HPWE up-regulated COX-2 expression and PGE2 secretion, and inhibited neutrophil apoptosis. Rebamipide suppressed PGE2 secretion from neutrophils dose-dependently. Rebamipide, however, did not affect neutrophil apoptosis and caspase-3 activity. CONCLUSIONS: Rebamipide effectively suppressed PGE2 secretion from neutrophils activated by H. pylori water-soluble proteins. This is another possible mechanism of gastric mucosal protection by rebamipide.

Alanine↗

Efficacy of low-dose clarithromycin triple therapy and tinidazole-containing triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapies are recommended as the first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori eradication. AIM: To evaluate the efficacies of low-dose clarithromycin triple therapy and tinidazole-containing triple therapy in a metronidazole resistance prevalent area and to compare the efficacies with standard triple therapy. METHODS: In a randomized, multicentre, prospective study, a total of 352 patients with duodenal ulcer or non-ulcer dyspepsia were randomly divided into three groups according to the administered regimen: OAC250 group (omeprazole, 20 mg, amoxicillin, 1000 mg, and clarithromycin, 250 mg), OAC500 group (omeprazole, 20 mg, amoxicillin, 1000 mg, and clarithromycin, 500 mg) and OTC group (omeprazole, 20 mg, tinidazole, 500 mg, and clarithromycin, 500 mg). The three groups received each regimen twice daily for 7 days. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed before and 4 weeks after treatment. H. pylori status was determined by rapid urease test and 13C urea breath test. RESULTS: The eradication rates in the OAC250, OAC500 and OTC groups were 76.2%, 65.7% and 64.8% (95% confidence interval: 67.9-84.4%, 56.7-74.8% and 55.7-73.9%), respectively, by intention-to-treat analysis (P=0.149) and 92.8%, 87.2% and 84.1% (95% confidence interval: 84.4-97.3%, 77.9-93.8% and 73.9-91.2%), respectively, by per protocol analysis (P=0.088). All regimens were well tolerated and compliance was excellent. CONCLUSIONS: Both low-dose clarithromycin triple therapy and tinidazole-containing triple therapy are effective and safe regimens for H. pylori eradication.

Adult↗

Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on duodenal ulcer scar in patients with no clinical history of duodenal ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori eradication has become the standard treatment for duodenal ulcer. However, there is no relevant evidence for antibacterial treatment of the white scar stage of duodenal ulcer (duodenal ulcer scar) in patients with no past history of duodenal ulcer. AIM: To investigate whether H. pylori eradication could decrease duodenal ulcer recurrence in patients with duodenal ulcer scar and no past history of duodenal ulcer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 66 patients with duodenal ulcer scar: 53 were H. pylori-positive and 13 were H. pylori-negative. H. pylori-positive patients were randomly assigned into two groups (two-to-one allocation): 36 patients were assigned to the treatment group and 17 to the follow-up group. Thirteen H. pylori-negative patients were followed up according to the study protocol. Follow-up endoscopy was performed to evaluate ulcer scar changes and H. pylori status 6 weeks after anti-H. pylori treatment and then every 6 months for up to 30 months. RESULTS: Active duodenal ulcer recurrence was identified in seven of 23 H. pylori-positive/non-cured patients (30%). There was no duodenal ulcer recurrence in 43 H. pylori-negative/cured patients (0%), which was significantly different in terms of duodenal ulcer recurrence (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori eradication is effective at preventing active duodenal ulcer recurrence in patients with duodenal ulcer scar and no past history of duodenal ulcer.

Amoxicillin↗

Correlation of Fas and Fas ligand expression with rejection status of transplanted heart in human.

BACKGROUND: Activation of pro-apoptotic systems has been proven in rejection model of animal heart transplantation. The role of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) in graft rejection is not fully understood, and the expression changes of these genes in human transplanted heart have not been elucidated. METHODS: Endomyocardial biopsy samples were taken from 13 consecutive patients undergoing heart transplantation at various times, and they were classified into rejection (REJ, grade 3A or more) and lack of rejection (TOL, grade 1B or less) by International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation rejection grade. Semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate the status of Fas and FasL expression in each sample. RESULTS: Fas was constitutively expressed both in REJ and TOL specimens (expression levels normalized by glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase expression in semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of REJ vs. TOL, 0.842+/-0.096 vs. 0.848+/-0.103, P=0.776); however, FasL expression was detected in 66% of REJ samples and 40% of TOL samples. Normalized levels of FasL expression were 0.591+/-0.494 (REJ) and 0.383+/-0.507 (TOL) (P<0.05). FasL was expressed by cardiomyocytes as well as graft-infiltrating cells. CONCLUSIONS: This up-regulation of FasL may be one of possible mechanisms of apoptosis in rejection process of human cardiac allograft.

Adult↗

Growth related secretion and production of GM-CSF by epithelial cell line.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a growth factor that supports the clonal development of normal granulocyte-macrophage progenitors. Especially in the skin, GM-CSF from keratinocytes may be a critical factor in the melanogenesis of the skin. In addition, GM-CSF is thought to play an important role in impaired wound healing. However, little is known regarding the synthesis and secretion of GM-CSF by keratinocytes of the skin. This investigation evaluated the effects of cell density on the production of GM-CSF by keratinocytes and the changes in the cell cycle. Interestingly, GM-CSF protein secretions and mRNA expressions were highly elevated in sub-confluent HaCat cells, and decreased in confluent state. In particular, GM-CSF production decreased in a density-dependent manner. We also found that the percentage of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle decreased markedly from 50 to 10% when HaCat cells reached a confluent state. These results showed that GM-CSF synthesis and secretion by HaCat cells increases when cells are rapidly proliferating such as in the wound healing process. Thus, it might be said that GM-CSF produced by proliferating keratinocytes possibly contributes to wound healing and melanogenesis at the site of injury.

Cell Count↗

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in human neutrophils activated by Helicobacter pylori water-soluble proteins: possible involvement of NF-kappaB and MAP kinase signaling pathway.

Helicobacter pylori infection elicits persistent neutrophil infiltration in gastric mucosa. The expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) -2 by the neutrophils results in prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis, which may account for alterations in tissue homeostasis. In this study, we found that COX-2 mRNA was up-regulated in the neutrophils when stimulated with both H. pylori water extract (HPWE) and live H. pylori in a transwell model and determined by quantitative RT-PCR. PGE2 synthesis was also enhanced in the neutrophils activated by both the HPWE and live H. pylori. A specific COX-2 inhibitor (NS-398) blocked PGE2 synthesis, and an anti-ulcer agent (rebamipide) suppressed it dose dependently. An NF-kappaB inhibitor (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate), a MAP kinase (MEK) inhibitor (PD98059), and a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor (SB203580) significantly suppressed the COX-2 gene transcription and PGE2 synthesis in the neutrophils. In conclusion, H. pylori water-soluble proteins may enhance the COX-2 expression, and this action could be mediated through the NF-kappaB and MAP kinase signaling pathways. The increased section of PGE2 by the neutrophils may play a proinflammatory role in the gastric mucosal response to H. pylori.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Caspase-3 activity and expression of Bcl-2 family in human neutrophils by Helicobacter pylori water-soluble proteins.

BACKGROUND: Persistent infiltration of neutrophils is an almost invariable feature of Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric mucosa. A prolongation of neutrophil life-span could contribute to the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection. Recently, we have demonstrated that H. pylori water extracts (HPWE) inhibited neutrophil apoptosis. To elucidate the regulation of intracellular apoptotic signals by HPWE, we examined the activity of caspase-8, -3 and expression of Bcl-2 family in neutrophils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human neutrophils were obtained from the peripheral blood of healthy volunteers by density gradient separation. HPWE was prepared from a supernatant of the H. pylori suspension in distilled water. After neutrophils were incubated with HPWE, expression of Bcl-2 family [antiapoptotic (Bcl-2, Bcl-XL and Mcl-1) and proapoptotic (Bax, Bak and Bcl-XS)] was determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Western blot for Bcl-2 family also performed in neutrophilic differentiated HL-60 cells by all-trans-retinoic acid. The activity of caspase-8, -3 was measured by the detection of p-nitroanilide after cleavage from labeled substrate. RESULTS: HPWE suppressed the activation of caspase-8 and -3, and upregulated the expression of Bcl-XL mRNA and proteins in neutrophils. The expression of Bax and Bak was upregulated and Bcl-2, Bcl-XL and Mcl-1 downregulated in HL-60 cells during neutrophilic differentiation. CONCLUSION: Bcl-XL may have an important role in the neutrophilic development and inhibition of neutrophil apoptosis by H. pylori.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Inhibition of apoptosis in human neutrophils by Helicobacter pylori water-soluble surface proteins.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection in humans causes persistent neutrophil infiltration into the gastric mucosa. It is believed that a prolongation of neutrophil life-span could contribute to the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection. We therefore examined whether the water-soluble surface proteins of H. pylori can influence the apoptosis of neutrophils. METHODS: After neutrophils were incubated with H. pylori water extract (HPWE), neutrophil apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL assay, Hoechst 33342 staining, electron microscopy and ELISA for cytosolic oligonucleosome-bound DNA for up to 48 h. To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of neutrophil apoptosis associated with HPWE, mRNA expression and protein production of Fas, Fas ligand (FasL) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1) were analyzed by RT-PCR, ribonuclease protection assay, Northern blot and Western blotting. Cell surface expression of these death factors was also measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: HPWE inhibited neutrophil apoptosis and cytotoxicity for up to 48 h. The mRNA and protein expression of FasL and the cell surface expression of Fas, FasL and TNF-R1 in HPWE-treated neutrophils were suppressed compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: The water-soluble surface proteins of H. pylori could suppress neutrophil apoptosis. This may be caused by the suppression of FasL expression in neutrophils and Fas, FasL and TNF-R1 expression on the surface of neutrophils.

Apoptosis↗

Intravenous 5-fluorouracil versus oral doxifluridine as preoperative concurrent chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer: prospective randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative radiation treatment with concomitant intravenous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is known to be effective in shrinking and downstaging of tumors. However, chemotherapy has often been limited by its toxicity and poor patient compliance. Oral 5-FU is known to have several advantages over conventional intravenous 5-FU infusion such as lower toxicity and higher quality of life without compromising the efficacy of the treatment. The aim of this study was to compare intravenous 5-FU with oral doxifluridine with respect to tumor response, toxicity and quality of life. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with rectal cancer, staged as over T3N1 or T4 by transrectal ultrasonography between July 1997 and December 1998, were included in this study. Intravenous 5-FU (450 mg/m2) and leucovorin (20 mg/m2) were given for five consecutive days during the first and fifth weeks of radiation therapy (50.4 Gy) (n = 14). Oral doxifluridine (700 mg/m2/day) and leucovorin (20 mg/m2) were given daily during radiation treatment (n = 14). Quality of life was scored according to 22 activity items (good, >77; fair, >58; poor, <57). Surgical resection was performed 4 weeks after completion of concurrent chemoradiation treatment. Tumor response was classified into CR (complete remission), PR (partial response; 50% diminution of tumor volume or downstaging ) and NR (no response). RESULTS: Tumor response was CR 3/14 (21.4%), PR 7/14 (50%) and NR 4/14 (28.6%) in the IV arm versus CR 2/14 (14.2%), PR 6/14 (42.9%) and NR 6/14 (42.9%) in the Oral arm (p = 0.16, 0.23, 0.24), respectively. The quality of life was poor (36.4% versus 33.3%), fair and good (63.6% versus 66.7%) between the IV arm and Oral arm, respectively. Gastrointestinal toxicity was 2/14 (14.3%) in the IV arm versus 5/14 (35.7%) in the Oral arm, respectively. Stomatitis was only observed in the IV arm (1/14, 7.1%). Hematological toxicity was 3/14 (21.4%) in the IV arm versus 4/14 (28.5%) in the Oral arm, respectively. Systemic recurrence during the follow-up periods were 1/14 (7.1%) in the IV arm and 2/14 (14.3%) in the Oral arm, respectively (p = 0.307). One local recurrence was observed in the Oral arm. CONCLUSION: Even though the results were not entirely reliable owing to the small number of patients enrolled, oral doxifluridine-based chemotherapy as preoperative chemoradiation for advanced rectal cancer did not show any significant advantages over intravenous infusion.

Administration, Oral↗

Long-term clinical course and prognostic factors in intestinal Behçet's disease.

PURPOSE: The present study was aimed at evaluating the long-term course of intestinal Behçet's disease and determining predictive factors of prognosis. METHODS: This report is a retrospective study based on the records of 43 patients with intestinal Behçet's disease. The mean follow-up duration was 73 +/- 60 months. We evaluated the efficacy of medical treatment for the intestinal lesion at initial eight weeks. The cumulative probabilities were calculated by using Kaplan-Meier method, and the results were compared by using the log-rank test. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (38 percent) achieved a complete remission of intestinal lesions eight weeks after medical treatment had begun. The patients who achieved a complete remission had a lower probability of receiving an operation than those who had not (13 percent at 2 and 5 years vs. 36 and 43 percent, respectively; P = 0.028). The recurrence probability of intestinal lesions was 25 percent at two years and 49 percent at five years after complete remission with medical treatment. Patients who had a history of intestinal perforation or fistula had a higher probability of recurrence after operation than those without such history (59 vs. 33 percent at 2 years; 88 vs. 57 percent at 5 years; P = 0.020). Patients who had taken azathioprine had a lower probability of receiving reoperation than those who did not (7 vs. 25 percent at 2 years; 25 vs. 47 percent at 5 years; P = 0.035). The length of ileal resection and whether hemicolectomy was performed had no significant effect on the recurrence or reoperation rate. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal Behçet's disease frequently requires a surgical treatment and has a high recurrence rate. The patients who achieved a complete remission with medical treatment, who had no history of intestinal perforation, and who received azathioprine after operation showed better clinical courses. Resection of a short segment of bowel would be a more appropriate surgical procedure.

Adolescent↗

Virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori in Korean isolates do not influence proinflammatory cytokine gene expression and apoptosis in human gastric epithelial cells, nor do these factors influence the clinical outcome.

The cytotoxin-associated gene (cagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin (Vac) production have been reported to be major virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori. However, there have been some disputes regarding the correlation between these virulence factors and clinical outcomes. We evaluated whether the cagA-positive genotype and Vac production might be correlated with various gastroduodenal diseases in Korea and whether this correlation could be due to differences in proinflammatory cytokine gene expression and apoptosis of gastric epithelial cells in vitro. The presence of the cagA gene was examined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Vac production was detected using the bacterial culture supernatant and HeLa cells after H. pylori was isolated from Korean patients. Gastric epithelial cells were infected with cagA+Vac+, cagA+Vac-, or cagA-Vac- strains, after which cytokine gene expression was evaluated, using quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Apoptosis and caspase-3 activation were measured in H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells. There was no significant correlation between the presence of these virulence factors in H. pylori isolates and peptic ulcer or gastric cancer. Upregulation of cytokine gene expression, including that of interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-8, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, as well as apoptosis and caspase-3 activation, were similar in infections with cagA-positive and cagA-negative strains, but were not correlated with the production of Vac. These results suggest that the lack of correlation between virulence factors of isolated H. pylori strains and serious gastroduodenal disease entities in Korea may be due to the similar capacity for proinflammatory cytokine gene expression and apoptosis caused by infection with each of the H. pylori strains.

Antigens, Bacterial↗

Helicobacter pylori water-soluble surface proteins activate human neutrophils and up-regulate expression of CXC chemokines.

To elucidate the mechanisms of the persistent neutrophil recruitment in H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa, we evaluated the activation of human neutrophils and CXC chemokine expression in neutrophils by H. pylori water-soluble surface proteins. H. pylori water extract (HPWE) was prepared from a supernatant of the H. pylori suspension in distilled water. After neutrophils were stimulated with HPWE, the mobilization of intracellular free calcium, the expression of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1beta, and the secretion of myeloperoxidase (MPO) were enhanced in the neutrophils. In H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa, transendothelial and transepithelial migration of neutrophils were observed by electron microscopy and mucosal MPO levels were elevated. Up-regulation of the expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and growth-related oncogenes (GROs; GROalpha, GRObeta and GROgamma) mRNA and protein in neutrophils by HPWE was demonstrated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. In conclusion, H. pylori-induced neutrophil recruitment may be mediated by CXC chemokines which are expressed by neutrophils activated by H. pylori water-soluble surface proteins.

Chemokines, CXC↗

Long-term effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication on intestinal metaplasia in patients with duodenal and benign gastric ulcers.

This study was conducted to investigate whether or not the eradication of H. pylori could lead to the regression of intestinal metaplasia (IM) in patients with either duodenal ulcer (DU) or benign gastric ulcer (BGU). The initial antral IM grade was 0.21 in the 72 patients of the H. pylori-eradicated DU group, this decreased to 0.17, 0.14, 0.13, and 0.09 after periods of four weeks, one year, two years, and four years, respectively, but without statistical significance. In the corpus of the DU group, where IM grade was low (0.02), there was no detectable change in IM. The initial antral IM grade of 0.69 in the 41 patients of the H. pylori-eradicated BGU group decreased substantially to 0.61, 0.44, and 0.39 after periods of four weeks and one and two years, respectively, but again without statistical significance. The initial corporal IM grade of the BGU group of 0.27 decreased to 0.20, 0.15, and 0.06 after periods of four weeks and one and two years, again without statistical significance. In contrast, the IM grades of the noneradicated DU group (N = 20) and the BGU group (N = 16) showed nearly no change in the antrum and corpus. Gastritis grades of antrum and corpus in the H. pylori-eradicated DU or BGU group significantly decreased with respect to time (P = 0.0001), but there were no significant changes in the corresponding noneradicated groups. Although there was no statistical significance, IM decreased in the antrum and corpus of the stomach with BGU and in antrum of those with DU over a two to four-year period after H. pylori eradication, suggesting the possible reversibility of IM.

Adolescent↗

Upregulated cyclooxygenase-2 inhibits apoptosis of human gastric epithelial cells infected with Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori induces apoptosis and alters the proliferation of gastric mucosal epithelial cells. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the inducible form of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis, is known to cause alteration in epithelial cell growth. The goal of this study was to determine whether COX-2 gene expression by H. pylori infection could influence gastric epithelial cell apoptosis. Expression of COX-2 mRNA and proteins was up-regulated in Hs746T gastric epithelial cell lines infected with H. pylori, when assessed by quantitative RT-PCR and western blot. Inhibition of COX-2 expression using NS-398, a specific COX-2 inhibitor, showed a significant increase of gastric epithelial cell apoptosis and caspase-3 activation in Hs746T cells infected with H. pylori. Moreover, the effect of NS-398 on H. pylori-induced apoptosis was reversed by the addition of PGE2. These results suggest that up-regulated COX-2 expression by H. pylori infection can inhibit apoptosis of gastric epithelial cells.

Apoptosis↗