| Theme |
Inflammation of Gastric Mucosa |
| Title |
Relationship between Ulcer Recurrence and Inflammation in the Stomach |
| Author |
Kyoji Seno |
First Department of Medicine, Nagoya City University Medical School |
| Author |
Makoto Itoh |
First Department of Medicine, Nagoya City University Medical School |
| [ Summary ] |
Most active peptic ulcers can be cured with anti-secretory drugs, however, maintenance therapy is needed to prevent recurrence of peptic ulcers. It is known that Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infections and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the main causes of ulcer recurrence. Ulcer recurrence seems to be related not only to endoscopic discovery of scar tissue, but also to inflammatory cell infiltration of the gastric mucosa. As the results of various moleculer biological studies have shown, inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules are activated by H.pylori infections or NSAIDs inducing inflammation with neutrophils. Furthermore, the investigation of ulcer recurrence is proceeding with the use of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer models in rats. In the future, it is expected that the role of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules in ulcer recurrence may be more clearly indicated. |