Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0232487 (abdominal discomfort)
 1,724 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Icodextrin is a glucose polymer obtained from starch hydrolysis. It is used as an osmotic agent at 7.5% for peritoneal dialysis (PD). Its use in PD has been associated with several side effects separate from the one reported here, the most frequent being sterile peritonitis. Recently, three mechanisms have been proposed to explain the occurrence of sterile peritonitis: allergy to dextrin, production of anti-dextran antibodies, and impurities introduced during manufacture. Here, we report a peritoneal mononucleosis outbreak that is highly suggestive of being a consequence of the last-mentioned mechanism. During the period December 2001 to May 2002, a group of 8 Spanish hospitals whose individual PD programs regularly share information and activity reported 29 cases of sterile peritonitis associated with icodextrin use in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients [mean age: 60.7 +/- 14.47 years; 8 women (27.59%), 21 men (72.41%); mean time on PD: 25.21 +/- 35.31 months; mean time on icodextrin: 15.17 +/- 11.03 months]. Of the 29 patients, 51.8% showed no symptoms. The remainder presented with mild abdominal discomfort and anorexia. Only 2 patients showed general malaise, severe nausea, fever, and abdominal pain. The initial white cell count in peritoneal effluent was 512 +/- 386 cells/mL (45.0% +/- 28% neutrophils, 44.92% +/- 32.6% mono-nuclear cells, 7.75% +/- 12% eosinophils). In 5 of the patients, we performed an immunophenotype (CD14) study, demonstrating the monocyte nature of 60%-80% (mean: 70.6%) of the cells. Microbiology cultures were always negative. A rechallenge with the same batches of PD fluid was tried. In 100% of the patients, the clinical and cellular patterns relapsed. No short-term changes in peritoneal function have been observed. The manufacturer informed us that the icodextrin was contaminated with a peptidoglycan. In this sterile peritonitis outbreak with a simultaneous, similar clinical presentation in a group of patients treated with icodextrin solution (presumably contaminated with peptidoglycan), clinical outcome was, for the most part, mild-to-moderate. Symptoms disappeared immediately after icodextrin withdrawal and relapsed after rechallenge with the relevant fluid batches. Monocyte cell counts predominated during the episode. Although we cannot rule out an allergic cause, the massive peritoneal mononuclear cell recruitment suggests a particular mechanism. This is a new mechanism for peritoneal cell recruitment in PD.
 ...
PMID:Severe peritoneal mononucleosis associated with icodextrin use in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. 1476 60

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an organic solvent used in a variety of industries for more than 60 years. Several adverse events following acute or chronic exposure to trichloroethylene have been reported. However, TCE-induced hepatitis is very rare. We present the case of a 55-year old male who was presented with anorexia, fatigue and upper abdominal discomfort. Routine laboratory examination revealed marked elevation of liver enzyme values. All possible causes of hepatitis were ruled out. The patient has been working as a shoemaker, in a small room of a basement, with insufficient air-exchange; during the last 5 years he used daily a glue containing 1,1,1 trichloroethylene. The diagnosis of hepatitis was confirmed by liver biopsy. The offending agent was withdrawn. Three months later, he was "feeling well" and liver enzyme values had returned to normal. Six months after the initial biopsy, a second liver biopsy was performed and histology was markedly improved. Workers exposed to hazardous chemicals, such as trichloroethylene, must have periodic follow-up examinations. Good work practices are very important when using toxic substances. In patients whose initial diagnostic workout is negative for common causes of acute or chronic hepatitis, toxic causes should be considered, with emphasis on patient's job and working conditions.
 ...
PMID:Hepatitis caused by occupational chronic exposure to trichloroethylene. 1572 81

Mesenteric cysts are rare intraabdominal tumors. We review the diagnosis, laparoscopic management, patient's outcome and follow-up of evaluation for three cases of mesenteric cyst that presented to Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical School, Department of Surgery, from 1999 to 2002. All of the patients presented with nonspecific abdominal symptoms such as constipation, abdominal discomfort, and anorexia. Preoperative evaluation for differentiating mesenteric cyst from malignancy is made by abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography. The procedure was completed laparoscopically using three trocars in three patients. In one patient retroperitoneal resection was performed. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The follow-up periods ranged from 6 to 36 months, and there were no recurrences. Currently, the surgical treatment of mesenteric cyst should be performed by laparoscopy, which offers significant advantages in terms of reduced morbidity and hospital stay. For appropriate cases in which cyst arises from mesenterium of colon, the retroperitoneal approach should be applied.
 ...
PMID:Laparoscopic treatment of mesenteric cysts. 1576 52

Symptoms of functional dyspepsia are characterized by upper abdominal discomfort or pain, early satiety, postprandial fullness,bloating, nausea and vomiting. It is a chronic disorder, with symptoms more than 3 mo per year,and no evidence of organic diseases. Dysfunctional motility, altered visceral sensation, and psychosocial factors have all been identified as major pathophysiological mechanisms. It is believed that these pathophysiological mechanisms interact to produce the observed symptoms. Dyspepsia has been categorized into three subgroups based on dominant symptoms. Dysmotility-like dyspepsia describes a subgroup of patients whose symptom complex is usually related to a gastric sensorimotor dysfunction. The brain-gut peptide cholecystokinin (CCK) and serotonin (5-HT) share certain physiological effects. Both have been shown to decrease gastric emptying and affect satiety. Furthermore the CCK induced anorexia depended on serotonergic functions probably acting via central pathways. We believe that abnormalities of central serotonergic receptors functioning together with a hyper responsiveness to CCK or their interactions may be responsible for the genesis of symptoms in functional dyspepsia (FD).
 ...
PMID:Role of cholecystokinin and central serotonergic receptors in functional dyspepsia. 1655 97

Dinitrotoluenes (DNTs) are byproducts of the explosive trinitrotoluene (TNT), and exist as a mixture of 2 to 6 isomers, with 2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT being the most significant. The main route of human exposure at ammunition facilities is inhalation. The primary targets of DNTs toxicity are the hematopoietic system, cardiovascular system, nervous system and reproductive system. In factory workers, exposure to DNTs has been linked to many adverse health effects, including: cyanosis, vertigo, headache, metallic taste, dyspnea, weakness and lassitude, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Other symptoms including pain or parasthesia in extremities, abdominal discomfort, tremors, paralysis, chest pain, and unconsciousness have been documented. An association between DNTs exposure and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinomas and subcutaneous tumors in rats, as well as renal tumors in mice, has been established. This research was therefore designed targeting the liver to assess the cellular and molecular responses of human liver carcinoma cells following exposure to 2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay. Upon 48 hrs of exposure, LC50 values of 245 +/- 14.724 microg/mL, and 300 +/- 5.92 microg/mL were recorded for 2,6-DNT and 2,4-DNT respectively, indicating that both DNTs are moderately toxic, and 2,6-DNT is slightly more toxic to HepG2 cells than 2,4-DNT. A dose response relationship was recorded with respect to the cytotoxicity of both DNTs. Western blot analysis resulted in a significant expression (p<0.05) of the 70-kDa heat shock protein in 2,6-DNT-treated cells compared to the control cells and at the 200 microg/mL dose for 2,4-DNT. A statistically significant expression in c-fos was also observed at the 200 and 250 microg/mL treatment level for 2,4- and 2,6-DNT, respectively. However, no statistically significant expression of this protooncogene-related protein was observed at the doses of 0, 100, or 300 microg/mL or within the dose range of 0-200 microg/mL for 2,6-DNT. The 45-kDa growth arrest and damage protein was significantly expressed at the dose range of 200 - 250 microg/mL for 2,6-DNT and at the dose range of 200 - 400 microg/mL for 2,4-DNT. Expression of 153-kDa growth arrest and DNA damage protein was significant at the 100, 200, and 250 microg/mL doses for 2,6-DNT and at the 200 microg/mL dose for 2,4-DNT. Overall, these results indicate the potential of DNTs to induce cytotoxic, proteotoxic (HSP70), and genotoxic (GADD45/153) effects, as well as oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory reactions (c-fos).
 ...
PMID:Cytotoxicity and expression of c-fos, HSP70, and GADD45/153 proteins in human liver carcinoma (HepG2) cells exposed to dinitrotoluenes. 1670 39

Toxicity following ingestion of the vagrant, foliose lichen Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa was identified as the putative etiology in the death of an estimated 400-500 elk on the Red Rim-Daley Wildlife Habitat Management Area in Wyoming during the winter of 2004. A single, unsubstantiated report in 1939 attributed toxicity of X. chlorochroa in cattle and sheep to usnic acid, a common lichen secondary metabolite. To test the hypothesis that usnic acid is the proximate cause of death in animals poisoned by lichen, domestic sheep were dosed PO with (+)-usnic acid. Clinical signs in symptomatic ewes included lethargy, anorexia, and signs indicative of abdominal discomfort. Serum creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities were considerably elevated in symptomatic sheep. Similarly, only symptomatic ewes exhibited appreciable postmortem lesions consisting of severe degenerative appendicular skeletal myopathy. The median toxic dose (ED(50)) of (+)-usnic acid in domestic sheep was estimated to be between 485 and 647 mg/kg/day for 7 days.
 ...
PMID:Toxicity of the lichen secondary metabolite (+)-usnic acid in domestic sheep. 1819 70

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells and is characterised by the presence of insulitis and &and beta-cell autoantibodies. Up to one third of patients develop an autoimmune polyglandular syndrome. Fifteen to 30% of T1DM subjects have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's or Graves' disease), 5 to 10% are diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis and/or pernicious anaemia (AIG /PA), 4 to 9% present with coeliac disease (CD), 0.5% have Addison's disease (AD), and 2 to 10% show vitiligo. These diseases are characterised by the presence of autoantibodies against thyroid peroxidase (for Hashimoto's thyroiditis), TSH receptor (for Graves' disease), parietal cell or intrinsic factor (for AIG /PA), tissue transglutaminase (for CD), and 21-hydroxylase (for AD). Early detection of antibodies and latent organ-specific dysfunction is advocated to alert physicians to take appropriate action in order to prevent full-blown disease. Hashimoto's hypothyroidism may cause weight gain, hyperlipidaemia, goitre, and may affect diabetes control, menses, and pregnancy outcome. In contrast, Graves' hyperthyroidism may induce weight loss, atrial fibrillation, heat intolerance, and ophthalmopathy. Autoimmune gastritis may manifest via iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia with fatigue and painful neuropathy. Clinical features of coeliac disease include abdominal discomfort, growth abnormalities, infertility, low bone mineralisation, and iron deficiency anaemia. Adrenal insufficiency may cause vomiting, anorexia, hypoglycaemia, malaise, fatigue, muscular weakness, hyperkalaemia, hypotension, and generalised hyperpigmentation. Here we will review prevalence, pathogenetic factors, clinical features, and suggestions for screening, follow-up and treatment of patients with T1DM and/or autoimmune polyglandular syndrome.
 ...
PMID:Type 1 diabetes and autoimmune polyglandular syndrome: a clinical review. 2000 14

An 11-year-old, castrated male beagle dog was presented with a sudden onset of clinical signs of depression, abdominal discomfort, anorexia and melena. Radiography and ultrasonography revealed a well-circumscribed mass lesion with a size of 5 cm in diameter at the hypogastrium. A complete blood count and blood chemistry revealed severe anemia, hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia. Through celiotomy, a large tumor mass involving the ileum was resected. The inside of the mass was irregular and sponge-like structure with multiple cavitated structures. On histology, the lesion was diagnosed to be hemangioma of the ileal wall. To the best of our knowledge, this unusual case is the first clinical report on the ileal hemangioma in non-human animal species.
 ...
PMID:Hemangioma of the ileum in a dog. 2023 9

An autopsy case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) with a peculiar form of extensive portal invasion is reported here. A 76-year-old woman presented with anorexia and abdominal discomfort. A high level of serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and endoscopically detected esophageal varices were found. Obvious mass lesion was not identified on CT scan and no portal blood flow was found. The patient died 6 months after admission. At autopsy multiple irregular shaped tumors in the liver were found. The size of the largest one was 3 x 2 cm. These tumors were well-differentiated adenocarcinomas with partial mucinous carcinoma morphology. Surprisingly, portal veins contained mucinous fluid and the inner surface was lined with a single layer of tumor cells but not endothelial cells. Invasion of carcinoma into the tissue outside the blood vessels was hardly observed in organs other than the liver. This form of extensive invasion of the tumor, termed intimal carcinoma spreading, caused complete obstruction of the portal system. To our knowledge there has been no report on this type of portal invasion of ICC.
 ...
PMID:Extensive endothelial replacement by tumor cells in the portal system: an autopsy case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. 2061 38

BACKGROUND: We present the case of a 64-year-old patient who presented to his primary care physician with fatigue, worsening shortness of breath, abdominal discomfort and a rapidly growing abdominal girth, although he had lost 5 kg of weight within 3 months. He had a history of untreated hypertension, compensated renal insufficiency and COPD. Despite weight loss and fatigue, the patient did not experience any other constitutional symptoms such as fever, night sweats or loss of appetite. Investigations: Physical examination, blood tests, CT scan of the abdomen, MRI scan of the abdomen, fine needle biopsy, excisional biopsy, Video Capsule Endoscopy, histology, PET scan. Diagnosis: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, chylous ascites, chyloperitoneum. Management: Systemic chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition and octreotide therapy. CONCLUSION: WE DESCRIBE THE CASE OF A PATIENT IN WHOM TWO EXTREMELY RARE PHENOMENA ARE PRESENT IN COMBINATION: the diagnosis of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor and chylous ascites. While the tumor could be stabilized by different regimens of chemotherapy, the chyloperitoneum was treated with parenteral nutrition and subcutaneous octreotide injections, which resulted in a significant reduction of the amount of chylous ascites drained during regular paracentesis.
 ...
PMID:Chylous Ascites in a Patient with Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor. 2074 Jan 78


<< Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next >>