Role of cyclooxygenase-2 in Helicobacter pylori- induced gastritis in Mongolian gerbils

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression is induced in the gastric mucosa of Helicobacter pylori-infected patients, but its role remains unclear. We examined the effects of NS-398 and indomethacin on gastric pathology in H. pylori-infected Mongolian gerbils. COX-1 was detected in both normal and H. pylori-infected mucosa, whereas COX-2 was expressed only in the infected mucosa. PGE(2) production was elevated by H. pylori infection, and the increased production was reduced by NS-398, which did not affect PGE(2) production in normal mucosa. Indomethacin inhibited PGE(2) production in both normal and infected mucosa. Hemorrhagic erosions, neutrophil infiltration, lymphoid follicles, and epithelium damage were induced by H. pylori infection. NS-398 and indomethacin aggravated these pathological changes but did not increase viable H. pylori number. H. pylori-increased production of neutrophil chemokine and interferon-gamma was potentiated by NS-398 and indomethacin. Neither NS-398 nor indomethacin caused any pathological changes or cytokine production in normal animals. These results indicate that COX-2 as well as COX-1 might play anti-inflammatory roles in H. pylori-induced gastritis.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of two isoforms of COX in H. pylori-induced gastritis in mice: possible involvement of PGE2

Neutrophil infiltration mediated by TNF-alpha is associated with various types of gastric injury, whereas PGs play a crucial role in gastric defense. We examined roles of two isoforms of cyclooxygenase (COX) and PGE2 in Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis in mice. Mice infected with H. pylori were given selective COX-1 inhibitor SC-560 (10 mg/kg), selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 (10 mg/kg), or nonselective COX inhibitor indomethacin (2 mg/kg) with or without 16,16-dimethyl PGE2 for 1 wk. H. pylori infection increased levels of mRNA for COX-1 and -2 in gastric tissue by 1.2-fold and 3.3-fold, respectively, accompanied by a significant increase in PGE2 production by gastric tissue. H. pylori infection significantly elevated MPO activity, a marker of neutrophil infiltration, and epithelial cell apoptosis in the stomach. SC-560 augmented MPO activity and epithelial cell apoptosis with associated reduction in PGE2 production, whereas NS-398 had the same effects without affecting PGE2 production. Inhibition of both COX-1 and -2 by indomethacin or concurrent treatment with SC-560 and NS-398 resulted in a stronger increase in MPO activity and apoptosis than inhibition of either COX-1 or -2 alone. H. pylori infection elevated TNF-alpha mRNA expression in the stomach, which was further increased by indomethacin. Effects of COX inhibitors on neutrophil infiltration, apoptosis, and TNF-alpha expression in H. pylori-infected mice were abolished by exogenous 16,16-dimethyl PGE2. In conclusion, PGE2 derived from either COX-1 or -2 is involved in regulation of gastric mucosal inflammation and contributes to maintenance of mucosal integrity during H. pylori infection via inhibition of TNF-alpha expression.     

The effect of ascorbic acid on Helicobacter pylori induced cyclooxygenase 2 expression and prostaglandin E2 production by gastric epithelial cells in vitro

BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is induced by the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) on the gastric mucosa as part of the inflammatory response; this results in the synthesis of prostaglandins that amplify the local inflammatory response. The presence of H. pylori inhibits the secretion of ascorbate into the gastric lumen. Interestingly, ascorbate inhibits the growth of H. pylori and low dietary levels are associated with an increased risk of gastric adenocarcinoma. We therefore investigated the effect of ascorbate on H. pylori mediated COX-2 induction and prostaglandin production in vitro. METHODS: H. pylori was cocultured with gastric epithelial cells in the presence of ascorbate at physiological concentrations. The expression of COX-2 was assessed by Western blotting and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) was assessed by ELISA. RESULTS: Ascorbate inhibited gastric cell PGE(2) synthesis but not in COX-2 expression in response to H. pylori. In the absence of the organism, ascorbate also reduced PGE(2) expression in cells that constitutively express COX-2, again with no reduction of COX-2 protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: Physiological concentrations of ascorbate inhibit PGE(2) but not COX-2 expression in response to H. pylori in gastric epithelial cells.     

Expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 in adaptive cytoprotection induced by mild stress.

Prostaglandins (PG) derived from COX-1 play an important role in the maintenance of mucosal integrity but the role of COX-2-derived products in mucosal defence mechanism has not been fully explained. Mild stress is known to prevent gastric mucosal lesions induced by severe stress via the phenomenon of adaptive cytoprotection but it remains unknown which COX is involved in this adaptation. In this study, the mucosal expression of COX-1 and COX-2 was examined and the inhibitors of these enzymes were used to determine the contribution of these enzymes in adaptive cytoprotection induced by mild stress. Male Wistar rats were exposed to mild water immersion and restraint stress (WRS) at various time intervals ranging from 5 min up to 2 h followed 1 h later by exposure to severe 3.5 h WRS with or without pretreatment with: 1) NS-398 (10 mg x kg(-1) i.g.), a selective COX-2 inhibitor; 2) resveratrol (5 mg x kg(-1) i.g.), a selective COX-1 inhibitor; 3) meloxicam (2 mg x kg(-1) i.g.), preferential COX-2 inhibitor; and 4) indomethacin (5 mg x kg(-1) i.p), non-selective inhibitor of COX. The number of WRS lesions was counted, gastric blood flow (GBF) was measured by H2-gas clearance technique, mucosal biopsy samples were taken for the assessment of PGE2 by radioimmunoassay, and the expression of COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA by RT-PCR. WRS for 3.5 h produced numerous gastric lesions, decreased GBF by 48% and inhibited formation of PGE2 by 68% as compared to intact mucosa. Exposure to mild WRS during 5-30 min by itself failed to affect mucosal integrity but significantly attenuated gastric lesions induced by exposure to severe 3.5 h stress; the maximal protective effect being achieved with mild WRS during 15 min. This protective effect was accompanied by the rise in GBF and the generation of PGE2 in the gastric mucosa. After extension of mild WRS from 15 min up to 1 or 2 h before more severe 3.5 h WRS, the loss of cytoprotective effect of mild WRS against severe stress accompanied by significant fall in the GBF were observed. Pretreatment with NS-398 (10 mg x kg(-1) i.g.) that failed to affect mucosal PGE2 generation, reduced significantly the protection and accompanying rise in GBF produced by mild WRS whereas resveratrol partly reduced the protection and the rise in GBF induced by mild WRS. Meloxicam or indomethacin significantly inhibited PGE2 generation and completely abolished the hyperemia and protection induced by mild WRS against more severe stress. The protective and hyperemic effects of mild WRS were completely restored by the addition of 16,16 dm PGE2 (5 microg x kg(-1) i.g.) to NS-398 or resveratrol, while the deleterious effects of meloxicam and indomethacin were significantly attenuated by the concomitant treatment with this PGE2 analogue. We conclude that PG derived from both, COX-1 and COX-2 appear to be involved in adaptive cytoprotection developed in response to mild stressors.     

Gastrin enhances gastric mucosal integrity through cyclooxygenase-2 upregulation in rats

Gastrin, PGs, and growth factors have important roles in maintaining gastrointestinal mucosal integrity. Cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) are the key enzymes involved in PG synthesis. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms of gastric mucosal protection by gastrin. Fasted rats were administered subcutaneous gastrin 17 with or without gastrin receptor antagonist YM022 pretreatment. Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and COX-2 expression were examined using Western blot analysis. Another series of experiments investigated 1) PGE(2) levels in gastric mucosa, 2) the protective action of gastrin against gastric damage by acidified ethanol, 3) the effects of a specific HB-EGF-neutralizing antibody on gastrin-induced COX-2 expression, and 4) the effects of a specific COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 on PGE(2) synthesis and the mucosal protection afforded by gastrin. Gastrin dose-dependently increased HB-EGF, COX-2 expression, and PGE(2) levels and reduced gastric damage. However, pretreatment with YM022 dose-dependently abolished such effects of gastrin. A specific HB-EGF- neutralizing antibody and an EGF receptor inhibitor decreased gastrin-induced COX-2 expression. NS-398 blocked gastrin-induced PGE(2) synthesis and mucosal protection. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that gastrin enhances gastric mucosal integrity through COX-2, which is partially mediated by HB-EGF, and PGE(2) upregulation in rats.     

Cyclooxygenase-2-regulated vascular endothelial growth factor release in gastric fibroblasts

VEGF is a highly specific stimulator of endothelial cells and may play an important role in angiogenesis in the process of tissue regeneration. We previously showed that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressed in mesenchymal cells of the ulcer bed is involved in the ulcer repair process. To clarify the role of COX-2 in angiogenesis during gastric ulcer healing, we investigated the relation between COX-2 expression and VEGF production in human gastric fibroblasts in vivo and in vitro. Gastric fibroblasts were cultured in RPMI 1640 with and without IL-1alpha or IL-1beta in the presence or absence of NS-398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor. Supernatant VEGF and PGE(2) concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. COX-2 expression in fibroblasts was determined by Western blot analysis. VEGF and COX-2 expression in surgical resections of human gastric ulcer tissue was examined immunohistochemically. IL-1 dose dependently enhanced VEGF release in cultured gastric fibroblasts after a 24-h stimulation. IL-1 also stimulated PGE(2) production in gastric fibroblasts via COX-2 induction. NS-398 significantly suppressed VEGF and PGE(2) release from IL-1-stimulated gastric fibroblasts; concurrent addition of PGE(2) restored NS-398-inhibited VEGF release. COX-2 and VEGF immunoreactivity were colocalized in fibroblast-like cells in the ulcer bed of gastric tissues. These results suggest that COX-2 plays a key role in VEGF production in gastric fibroblasts stimulated by IL-1 in vitro and that angiogenesis induced by the COX-2-VEGF pathway might be involved in gastric ulcer healing.     

COX-2 induction during murine gammaherpesvirus 68 infection leads to enhancement of viral gene expression

The murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68 or gammaHV-68) model provides many advantages for studying virus-host interactions involved in gammaherpesvirus replication, including the role of cellular responses to infection. We examined the effects of cellular cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its by-product prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) on MHV-68 gene expression and protein production following de novo infection of cultured cells. Western blot analyses revealed an induction of COX-2 protein in MHV-68-infected cells but not in cells infected with UV-irradiated MHV-68. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated activation of the COX-2 promoter during MHV-68 replication. Two nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a COX-2-specific inhibitor (NS-398) and a COX-1-COX-2 inhibitor (indomethacin), substantially reduced MHV-68 protein production in infected cells. Inhibition of viral protein expression and virion production by NS-398 was reversed in the presence of exogenous PGE(2). Global gene expression analysis using an MHV-68 DNA array showed that PGE(2) increased production of multiple viral gene products, and NS-398 inhibited production of many of the same genes. These studies suggest that COX-2 activity and PGE(2) production may play significant roles during MHV-68 de novo infection.     

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and nitrotyrosine in human gastric mucosa before and after Helicobacter pylori eradication

To determine whether cure of Helicobacter pylori infection influences the expression of COX-2 and nitrotyrosine in the distal stomach of humans, biopsy specimens were examined immunohistochemically. H. pylori infection was determined using a rapid urease test, culture and histology. Positive staining of COX-2/nitrotyrosine in the epithelium was expressed as the percentage of stained cells to the total epithelial cells.There was a significant increase in COX-2/nitrotyrosine staining in H. pylori -positive subjects compared with H. pylori -negative subjects. Cure of the infection resulted in a significant decrease in both COX-2/nitrotyrosine staining in all patients (52.1+/-12.1% vs 15. 4+/-7.2%, P<0.001; and 57.3+/-13.6% vs 36.1+/-18.0%, P<0.01, respectively). However, immunoreactivity of COX-2/nitrotyrosine was observed in all cases with intestinal metaplasia even after the cure of H. pylori infection.Thus, cure of H. pylori infection may decrease the risk of gastric carcinogenesis due to COX-2 and NO-related compounds in gastric mucosa but not in those patients with intestinal metaplasia.     

Induced microsomal PGE synthase-1 is involved in cyclooxygenase-2-dependent PGE2 production in gastric fibroblasts

We have previously shown that the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2/PGE2 pathway plays a key role in VEGF production in gastric fibroblasts. Recent studies have identified three PGE synthase (PGES) isozymes: cytosolic PGES (cPGES) and microsomal PGES (mPGES)-1 and -2, but little is known regarding the expression and roles of these enzymes in gastric fibroblasts. Thus we examined IL-1beta-stimulated mPGES-1 and cPGES mRNA and protein expression in gastric fibroblasts by quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively, and studied both their relationship to COX-1 and -2 and their roles in PGE2 and VEGF production in vitro. IL-1beta stimulated increases in both COX-2 and mPGES-1 mRNA and protein expression levels. However, COX-2 mRNA and protein expression were more rapidly induced than mPGES-1 mRNA and protein expression. Furthermore, MK-886, a nonselective mPGES-1 inhibitor, failed to inhibit IL-1beta-induced PGE2 release at the 8-h time point, while totally inhibiting PGE2 at the later stage. However, MK-886 did inhibit IL-1beta-stimulated PGES activity in vitro by 86.8%. N-(2-cyclohexyloxy-4-nitrophenyl)-methanesulfonamide (NS-398), a selective COX-2 inhibitor, totally inhibited PGE2 production at both the 8-h and 24-h time points, suggesting that COX-2-dependent PGE2 generation does not depend on mPGES-1 activity at the early stage. In contrast, NS-398 did not inhibit VEGF production at 8 h, and only partially at 24 h, whereas MK-886 totally inhibited VEGF production at each time point. These results suggest that IL-1beta-induced mPGES-1 protein expression preferentially coupled with COX-2 protein at late stages of PGE2 production and that IL-1beta-stimulated VEGF production was totally dependent on membrane-associated proteins involved in eicosanoid and glutathione metabolism (MAPEG) superfamily proteins, which includes mPGES-1, but was partially dependent on the COX-2/PGE2 pathway.     

17-beta-Estradiol upregulates COX-2 in the rat oviduct

We investigated the regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by 17-beta-estradiol (E2) in the rat oviduct. We observed that COX-2 is expressed mainly in proestrous and estrous stages, periods under estrogenic influence. While exogenous administration of E2 (1 microg/rat) significantly increased COX-2 protein levels, progesterone did not modify it. COX-2 was mainly localized on oviductal epithelial cells from estrogenized rat. Induction of COX-2 expression by E2 was partially reverted by tamoxifen (1 mg/rat), an E2 receptor antagonist. Estradiol treatment also increased prostaglandins (PGs) synthesis: 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) (40%), a stable metabolite of prostacyclin (PGI2), PGF(2alpha) (40%) and PGE2 (50%). Tamoxifen completely suppressed this enhancement. In order to discriminate which isoform of COX was implicated in the stimulatory effect of E2 on PGs synthesis, oviducts were preincubated with meloxicam (Melo: 10(-9)M) or NS-398 (10(-7)M), two selective COX-2 inhibitors. Both Melo and NS-398 abolished the increase of PGs synthesis stimulated by E2. All together, these data indicate that E2 could upregulate COX-2 expression and activity in the rat oviduct and that the stimulatory effect of E2 may be receptor-mediated.     

Regulation of bone morphogenetic protein-2 expression by endogenous prostaglandin E2 in human mesenchymal stem cells

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is generally known as an inducible enzyme, and it produces arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which modulates bone metabolism. Here, we investigated the expression and role of COX isomers in human mesenchymal stem cells. Human mesenchymal stem cells constitutively expressed COX-2 as well as COX-1, and secretion of PGE2 was completely inhibited by NS-398, a specific inhibitor of COX-2. Levels of secreted PGE2 were strikingly higher in human mesenchymal stem cells than in osteoblastic cells differentiated from the mesenchymal cells. This higher production of PGE2 in mesenchymal stem cells was due to higher expression of membrane-associated PGE synthase (mPGES) regulated by early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1). Treatment of human mesenchymal stem cells with NS-398 suppressed expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). The suppression of BMP-2 by NS-398 was abrogated by an EP4 receptor agonist as well as by PGE2. Moreover, BMP-2 expression was suppressed by an EP4 receptor antagonist. These data indicate that PGE2 produced by COX-2 increases BMP-2 expression via binding the EP4 receptor.     

Dendritic cells issued in vitro from bone marrow produce PGE(2) that contributes to the immunomodulation induced by antigen-presenting cells.

Given that preliminary work has indicated that prostaglandins can play a role in modulating dendritic cell (DC) functions, we addressed the prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) biosynthetic capacity of mouse DC produced in vitro from bone marrow cells. We observed production of significant amounts of PGE(2), which was reduced by at least 80% when cells were incubated in the presence of indomethacin, a COX-1 preferential inhibitor. Indeed, when tested by Western blot analysis with specific COX-1 and COX-2 antibodies, only COX-1 expression could be detected in the bone marrow (BM)-DC. For lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated BM-DC, inhibition of PGE(2) production by indomethacin or by NS-398 (a COX-2-selective inhibitor) used alone was less potent. After LPS treatment of BM-DC, COX-1 and COX-2 expression was potent, and inhibition of PGE(2) synthesis needed the presence of both indomethacin and NS-398. We also observed that exogenous PGE(2) diminished the expression of MHC class II molecules by BM-DC and that prostaglandin and indomethacin had antagonistic effects on cell proliferation during the mixed lymphocyte reaction using BM-DC as stimulatory cells. This assessment of PGE(2) suggests that endogenous PGE(2) produced by DC might play a role as an immunomodulating factor during the immune response. This hypothesis is sustained by the fact that IL-12 production by BM-DC is modulated by exogenous PGE(2) as well as endogenous prostaglandin, since either the addition of exogenous PGE(2) or the presence of LPS (which increases endogenous PGE(2) synthesis) decreases IL-12 production, while NS-398 (which decreases LPS-induced PGE(2) synthesis) increases IL-12 synthesis.     

Prophylactic and therapeutic benefits of COX-2 inhibitor on motility dysfunction in bowel obstruction: roles of PGE₂ and EP receptors

We reported previously that mechanical stretch in rat colonic obstruction induces cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression in smooth muscle cells. The aims of the present study were to investigate whether in vivo treatment with COX-2 inhibitor has prophylactic and therapeutic effects on motility dysfunction in colon obstruction, and if so what are the underlying mechanisms. Partial colon obstruction was induced with a silicon band in the distal colon of 6-8-wk-old Sprague-Dawley rats; obstruction was maintained for 3 days or 7 days. Daily administration of COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 (5 mg/kg) or vehicle was started before or after the induction of obstruction to study its prophylactic and therapeutic effects, respectively. The smooth muscle contractility was significantly suppressed, and colonic transit rate was slower in colonic obstruction. Prophylactic treatment with NS-398 significantly prevented the impairments of colonic transit and smooth muscle contractility and attenuated fecal collection in the occluded colons. When NS-398 was administered therapeutically 3 days after the initiation of obstruction, the muscle contractility and colonic transit still improved on day 7. Obstruction led to marked increase of COX-2 expression and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) synthesis. Exogenous PGE(2) decreased colonic smooth muscle contractility. All four PGE(2) E-prostanoid receptor types (EP1 to EP4) were detected in rat colonic muscularis externa. Treatments with EP1 and EP3 antagonists suppressed muscle contractility in control tissue but did not improve contractility in obstruction tissue. On the contrary, the EP2 and EP4 antagonists did not affect control tissue but significantly restored muscle contractility in obstruction. We concluded that our study shows that COX-2 inhibitor has prophylactic and therapeutic benefits for motility dysfunction in bowel obstruction. PGE(2) and its receptors EP2 and EP4 are involved in the motility dysfunction in obstruction, whereas EP1 and EP3 mediate PGE(2) regulation of colonic smooth muscle contractile function in normal state.     

Roles of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 in prostanoid production by human endothelial cells: selective up-regulation of prostacyclin synthesis by COX-2

The two cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2, both metabolize arachidonic acid to PGH(2), the common substrate for thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)), prostacyclin (PGI(2)), and PGE(2) synthesis. We characterized the synthesis of these prostanoids in HUVECs in relation to COX-1 and COX-2 activity. Untreated HUVEC expressed only COX-1, whereas addition of IL-1beta caused induction of COX-2. TXA(2) was the predominant COX-1-derived product, and TXA(2) synthesis changed little with up-regulation of COX-2 by IL-1beta (2-fold increase). By contrast, COX-2 up-regulation was associated with large increases in the synthesis of PGI(2) and PGE(2) (54- and 84-fold increases, respectively). Addition of the selective COX-2 inhibitor, NS-398, almost completely abolished PGI(2) and PGE(2) synthesis, but had little effect on TXA(2) synthesis. The up-regulation of COX-2 by IL-1beta was accompanied by specific up-regulation of PGI synthase and PGE synthase, but not TX synthase. An examination of the substrate concentration dependencies showed that the pathway of TXA(2) synthesis was saturated at a 20-fold lower arachidonic acid concentration than that for PGI(2) and PGE(2) synthesis. In conclusion, endothelial prostanoid synthesis appears to be differentially regulated by the induction of COX-2. The apparent PGI(2) and PGE(2) linkage with COX-2 activity may be explained by a temporal increase in total COX activity, together with selective up-regulation of PGI synthase and PGE synthase, and different kinetic characteristics of the terminal synthases. These findings have particular importance with regard to the potential for cardiovascular consequences of COX-2 inhibition.     

Low concentrations of zinc in gastric mucosa are associated with increased severity of Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammation

BACKGROUND: Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common cause of gastric cancer. H. pylori induces oxidative stress while zinc deficiency results in increased sensitivity to it. In Ecuador, the prevalence of gastric cancer and zinc deficiency are high. We hypothesized that zinc deficiency in Ecuadorian people would cause increased H. pylori-induced inflammation in the gastric mucosa associated with lower tissue zinc concentrations. METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-two patients with dyspepsia underwent endoscopy to obtain gastric mucosa biopsies. Diagnosis of H. pylori infection and its severity, histopathology, mucosal zinc concentration, and inflammation intensity were determined. RESULTS: H. pylori-infected patients with non-atrophic chronic gastritis had lower concentrations of zinc in gastric mucosa than uninfected patients with the same type of gastritis (251.3 +/- 225.3 vs. 426.2 +/- 279.9 ng/mg of protein; p = .016). Considering all patients, the more severe the H. pylori infection, the higher the percentage of subjects with infiltration by polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells (p = .0001). Patients with high PMN infiltration had lower mucosal zinc concentrations than patients with low PMN infiltration (35.2 +/- 20.7 vs. 242.9 +/- 191.8 ng/mg of protein; p = .021). CONCLUSIONS: The degree of inflammation in H. pylori-induced gastritis appears to be modulated by gastric tissue zinc concentrations.     

Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on the expression of DNA mismatch repair protein

BACKGROUND: Helicobacer pylori infection is a major gastric cancer risk factor. Deficient DNA mismatch repair (MMR) caused by H. pylori may underlie microsatellite instability (MSI) in the gastric epithelium and may represent a major mechanism of mutation accumulation in the gastric mucosa during the early stages of H. pylori-associated gastric carcinogenesis. In this study, we examined the expression of DNA MMR protein (hMLH1 and hMSH2) in patients with chronic H. pylori infection before and after eradication of the infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gastric tissue samples were collected from 60 patients with H. pylori gastritis and peptic ulcer disease before and after eradication of the infection. The DNA MMR protein expression (hMLH1 and hMSH2) was determined by immunohistochemical staining in 60 patients before and after H. pylori eradication. The percentage of epithelial cell nuclei and intensity of staining were then compared in gastric biopsies before and after eradication. RESULTS: The percentage of hMLH1 (76.60 +/- 20.27, 84.82 +/- 12.73, p=.01) and hMSH2 (82.36 +/- 12.86, 88.11 +/- 9.27, p<.05) positive epithelial cells significantly increased in 53 patients who became H. pylori-negative after eradication therapy. However, the intensity of hMLH1 and hMSH2 staining was not significantly different. In those 7 patients, who did not respond to the eradication therapy and were still H. pylori-positive, the percent positivity and intensity of hMLH1 and hMSH2 staining did not change. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of DNA MMR proteins increased in the gastric mucosa after H. pylori eradication, indicating that H. pylori gastritis may be associated with a reduced DNA MMR system during infection. The effect of H. pylori infection on MMR protein expression appears to be at least partially reversible after H. pylori eradication. These data suggest that H. pylori gastritis might lead to a deficiency of DNA MMR in gastric epithelium that may increase the risk of mutation accumulation in the gastric mucosa cells during chronic H. pylori infection.     

A role for cyclooxygenase-2 in lipopolysaccharide-induced anorexia in rats

Because nonselective cycloooxygenase (COX) inhibition attenuated anorexia after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration, we tested the ability of resveratrol (2.5, 10, and 40 mg/kg) and NS-398 (2.5, 10, and 40 mg/kg), selective inhibitors of the two COX isoforms COX-1 and -2, respectively, to attenuate LPS (100 microg/kg ip)-induced anorexia. NS-398 (10 and 40 mg/kg) administered with LPS at lights out attenuated LPS-induced anorexia, whereas resveratrol at all doses tested did not. Because prostaglandin (PG) E(2) is considered the major metabolite synthesized by COX, we measured plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PGE(2) levels after LPS administration. LPS induced a time-dependent increase of PGE(2) in CSF but not in plasma. NS-398 (5, 10, and 40 mg/kg) blocked the LPS-induced increase in CSF PGE(2), whereas resveratrol (10 mg/kg) did not. These results support a role of COX-2 in mediating the anorectic response to peripheral LPS and point at PGE(2) as a potential neuromodulator involved in this response.