clove and Peptic-Ulcer

Ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R)-induced gastrointestinal disorders are caused by free radicals, resulting in organ damage and functional disarrangement. This study aimed to investigate the healing effects of hydroalcoholic extracts from the leaves of Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC. (HEEP) in male and female Wistar rats with I/R-induced peptic injuries, and the role of antioxidants in improving this response. After I/R-induced gastric and duodenal injuries, male and female [intact (INT) and ovariectomized (OVZ)] rats were orally treated with HEEP for 6 days. Biochemical analysis was used to determine the catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, as well as malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels, to measure the gastric and duodenal healing process. Six days of HEEP treatment significantly decreased the I/R-induced gastric [male (73.68%), INT (52.83%), and OVZ (43.13%)] and duodenal damage [male (57.03%), INT (56.04%), and OVZ (54.83%)] in all groups. In OVZ rats, the healing effect of HEEP occurred because of the increased activity of SOD (2x) and CAT (1.16x) in the gastric mucosa. In the duodenal mucosa of INT rats, the extract reduced MPO (20.83%) activity. The 6-day HEEP treatment improved the healing of I/R-induced peptic ulcer injury, with the system acting differently in males and females. The antioxidant system is an important component of the HEEP activity during post-I/R mucosal recovery. This result revealed the importance of antioxidant compounds in minimizing the severity of I/R-related events.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Eugenia; Female; Gastric Mucosa; Ischemia; Male; Peptic Ulcer; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reperfusion; Reperfusion Injury; Stomach Ulcer; Superoxide Dismutase

The experience of the Digestive Endoscopy Center of the Soavinandriana Hospital in Antananarivo provides insight into not only esogastroduodenal disease in Madagascar but also technical problems involved in performing esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy in tropical areas. From September 1990 to March 1995 a total of 12000 esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy procedures were performed without complication. The main finding was duodenal ulcer which observed in 3580 cases (29.8% of patients) followed by peptic esophagitis due to gastroesophageal reflux in 555 cases and gastric ulcer in 460 cases. Esophageal cancer was detected in 16 cases and malignant gastroduodenal tumor in 82 cases including 63 adenocarcinomas and 5 digestive lymphomas. Overall 4156 procedures (34.6%) were normal and 1130 procedures (9.4%) were performed to investigate digestive tract hemorrhage. These findings document the high incidence of duodenal ulcer in Madagascar where treatment of this condition is difficult due to the high cost. This study underlines the problems encountered in operating an endoscopy department in tropical areas especially with regard to desinfection of equipment and training of endoscopists.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; Endoscopy, Digestive System; Esophageal Neoplasms; Esophagitis; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Madagascar; Male; Middle Aged; Peptic Ulcer; Stomach Neoplasms; Tropical Medicine

Helicobacter pylori infection has been studied in 60 patients who were suffering from either a peptic ulcer disease or a gastritis complaint. Helicobacter pylori was searched in antral biopsy specimens using standard bacteriological methods (Gram-staining urea-test, culture) and histological staining techniques (hematoxylin-eosin-saffron, undifferentiated Giemsa). The culture was successful in 40 cases. The antibacterial activity of 13 malagasy medicinal plants has been tested versus Helicobacter pylori using disc method on agar culture. For five extracts, we observed an anti-Helicobacter pylori activity which would deserve further investigations.

Topics: Adult; Biopsy; Female; Gastritis; Gastroscopy; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Madagascar; Male; Medicine, African Traditional; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Peptic Ulcer; Plants, Medicinal; Population Surveillance; Prevalence

Topics: Africa; Asian People; Black People; Humans; Madagascar; Peptic Ulcer