Masaaki Minami

Potential Role for Matrix Metallo- proteinase-3 in Gastric Ulcer Healing

Background/Aims: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases which perform important functions in extracellular matrix remodeling, cell proliferation, and inflammatory processes. Here, we compared MMP-3 levels with those of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 and several inflammatory cytokines in gastric ulcer (GU) patients. Methods: This study enrolled 50 patients with GU and 6 with functional dyspepsia (FD). Samples of gastric mucosa from the antrum and the ulcer site were harvested from GU patients and of antral mucosa alone from FD patients during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Mucosal biopsy tissues were cultured for 24 h, and the culture supernatant was measured for levels of MMP-3, TIMP-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. Results: All GU patients were positive for Helicobacter pylori, while all FD patients were negative. Antral levels of TIMP-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly higher in GU than FD patients. Further, MMP-3 levels were significantly higher in GU patients at the ulcer site than in the antrum, and had a significantly positive correlation with TIMP-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. Conclusion: MMP-3 levels were significantly higher at the ulcer site than in the antrum, suggesting that MMP-3 may perform an important function in gastric ulcer healing.

Changes in biochemical parameters related to atherosclerosis after Helicobacter pylori eradication: HELICOBACTER PYLORI ERADICATION AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Recent evidence suggests that Helicobacter pylori infection is involved in the pathogenesis of extra‐gastrointestinal diseases such as coronary heart disease.

Relationships between Helicobacter pylori infection status, endoscopic, histopathological findings, and cytokine production in the duodenum of Crohn's disease patients.

Background:u2002 The chronic inflammatory process in patients with Crohns disease (CD) may affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The pathogenesis of CD involves immunological abnormalities, including deficient or excessive expression of cytokines. We examined Helicobacter pylori infection status, endoscopic and histopathological findings, and cytokine production in the duodenum of CD patients in comparison with controls.

Long-term follow-up after eradication of Helicobacter pylori with omeprazole, clarithromycin, and tinidazole (OCT regimen) in a Japanese population

Background.u2002 The long‐term benefit of Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment that includes metronidazole on peptic ulcer disease in Japan is unclear. We investigated the rate of H. pylori re‐infection and ulcer relapse after H. pylori eradication.

DNA typing for Helicobacter pylori isolates from eradication-failed patients: comparison of the isolates before and after therapy

Background :u2002Failure of Helicobacter pylori eradication occurs frequently despite use of multiple microbial agents.