Kader Ugur

Comparison of the therapeutic effects of sildenafil citrate, heparin and neuropeptides in a rat model of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer

Aims: The purpose of our investigative work has been to determine whether there can be therapeutic roles in the administration of sildenafil citrate, heparin and several neuropeptides on an animal model where gastric ulcers were induced with acetic acid, and to compare their efficacy. Materials and methods: The animals were divided into 13 groups, with 4 animals in each. Gastric ulcers was induced in the animals of 12 groups with one untreated group being left as the control (Group I ‐ control; given normal saline (NS)). The other groups were: Group II (ulcer + NS); Group III (5 mg/kg sildenafil citrate, low dose); Group IV (10 mg/kg sildenafil citrate, high dose); Group V (0.6 mg/kg heparin, low dose); Group VI (6 mg/kg heparin, high dose); Group VII (20 nmol/kg des‐acyl ghrelin); Group VIII (40 nmol/kg des‐acyl ghrelin); Group IX (4 nmol/kg acyl ghrelin); Group X (8 nmol/kg acly ghrelin); Group XI (20 pmol/kg Nesfatin‐1); Group XII (15 nmol/kg Obestatin) and Group XIII (5 nmol/kg Neuropeptide Y). Gastric neuropeptide expression was measured using an immunohistochemical method, and the amount in circulation was detected using ELISA. To compare with no treatment, the controls and other treatment groups, we recorded loss of the surface epithelium of the stomach, erosion, bleeding and inflammatory cell infiltration in the upper halves of the gastric glands. Key findings: The muscularis and the layers beneath it were, however, apparently normal. The gastric mucosa healed with little or no inflammation when sildenafil citrate, low dose heparin, ghrelin, NUCB2/Nesfatin‐1, obestatin, Neuropeptide Y were administered. Significance: Overall the data indicate that low dose heparin, and especially sildenafil citrate and neuropeptides, can be used clinically as an alternative approach in the treatment of the gastric ulcer. HIGHLIGHTSSildenafil citrate is the most promising agent in the treatment of gastric (peptic) ulcer.Neuropeptides can be important among the options for the treatment of gastric ulcers.Although heparin has the potential to treat the gastric ulcer, it is the weakest option.Nesfatin‐1, Obestatin and Neuropeptide Y decrease in the circulation and the gastric tissue when ulcers are present.

An unusual case of hematemesis and epistaxis caused by a pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-secreting neoplasm that is the cause of hypertension in <0.2% of patients with hypertension. We encountered an unusual case of pheochromocytoma involving hematemesis and epistaxis episodes with accompanying hypertensive attacks. Venous ectasia was detected in the esophagus. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed an adenoma in the left adrenal region. The present case illustrates that pheochromocytoma can mimic different clinical conditions.

Could excessive production of tyramine by the microbiota be a reason for essential hypertension

1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Education and Research Hospital, Health Science University, Elazig Campus, 23100 Elazig, Turkey 2Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Medical School, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey 3Department of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Firat Hormones Research Group, Medical School, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey