Gastroduodenal mucosal defense

Although there are now clear associations between ulcer disease and infection with Helicobacter pylori or use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it remains unclear how these factors affect the ability of the gastroduodenal mucosa to resist injury tie, mucosal defense). Progress has been made in understanding the factors that regulate mucus and bicarbonate secretion in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and the influence of antiulcer drugs leg, lansoprazole, omeprazole) on these factors. The discovery of two isoforms of the enzyme responsible for prostaglandin synthesis has resulted in a reappraisal of the role of this class of mediators in mucosal defense, and an evaluation of the theory that selective inhibitors of the inducible form of this enzyme will be ''GI safe.'' The most active area of research in mucosal defense over the past year was concerned with factors influencing mucosal repair. A number of growth factors have been identified as playing key roles in the ulcer healing process. Moreover, the role of these factors in improving the quality of ulcer healing has been carefully examined.