Gastric ulcers are extremely painful sores that occur in the stomach lining. While super oily food and stress are underlying risk factors, unexpectedly the most common cause is an infection from bacteria known as Helicobacter Pylori. The discovery of this bacteria even won a Nobel Prize in 2005 and led to development of an antibiotic age. These bacteria are naturally present in the acidic environment of the stomach. These bacteria can overgrow in excessive acidic conditions or from unsanitary conditions. This can irritate the stomach causing inflammation.
The initial symptoms are hard to figure out and include severe heartburn, nausea, stomach pain and bloating. The discomfort only worsens with time. People end up on liquid diets which again are very painful. Late stages ulcers may lead to bleeding and non-healing sores that may become difficult to treat. It may also result in dark stool along with blood. Depending on the type of ulcer, you may lose or gain weight.
Unknown Causes of Gastric Ulcers
Excessive Use of Painkillers
Patients with chronic diseases like arthritis frequently consume anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin. These drugs interfere with the enzymes that are responsibly for protecting the inner lining of stomach. This leads to infiltration of immune cells leading to inflammatory response. In worse cases, it may result in a hole in the duodenum that may require emergency surgery.
Alcohol Consumption and Smoking
Alcohol and smoking can irritate the lining of the stomach causing reduced blood flow and thus flared up inflammation and irritation in stomach lining.
Poor Sleep
Latest research has pointed out that disturbed sleep is linked to a higher occurrence of gastric ulcers. Our sleep time is when the body recovers the most. Any disturbance in the sleep cycle can also affect the gut. While the reason is unknown, we believe this is the only plausible cause.
Stress
Stress indeed is a very underrated cause of gastric ulcers. People undergoing mental trauma or stress have a very high risk of development of ulcers. Stress causes stomach acid to increase which can erode the protective layering.
The Pathways Behind Gastric Ulcers
The bacterial infection induces inflammation that causes injury in the stomach lining. The damage alters the release of somatostatin, which enhances the secretion of gastrin. The process results in increased acid production. Painkillers, particularly Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are weak acids when digested by stomach acid. They augment the permeability of the stomach layer, resulting in cell injury. NSAIDs also decrease prostaglandin synthesis by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase enzymes. Prostaglandin leads to the secretion of bicarbonate in the stomach, the formation of the stomach barrier, and injury repair. Therefore, NSAIDs increase the susceptibility of the stomach to ulcer formation in response to gastric acid and pepsin damage. Additionally, decreased blood flow to the stomach can also cause damage to the stomach layer, resulting in ulcers.
Are Gastric Ulcers Treatable?
Patients across the world have approached Advancells for its revolutionary PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment and have seen visible improvement in their condition. Whether the ulcers are gastric or Diabetic, PRP treatment has been an effective treatment option that relieves the long pain and distress for the patient. There is an enhanced recovery of patients as compared to conventional treatments that take months to cure. While current treatments do cure ulcers, the tendency of relapse is very high. PRP consists of a mixture of growth factors that speed up the body’s wound healing mechanism thus aiding in faster recovery. Platelets are also body’s natural healers which make this therapy safe. The therapy is very simple and involves 3 stages:
- Isolation of blood from the patient
- Concentration of PRP from the blood
- Infusion of the PRP back into the patient. It is relatively pain-free and the effects could be observed through a period of few weeks.
If you are suffering from gastric ulcers and are interested in knowing more about this new technology, do let us know in the comments section below.
Stem Cell Treatment
In addition to PRP, stem cell treatment has also emerged as a promising therapy for gastric ulcers. Mesenchymal stem cells are known for their paracrine effects that induce self-repair in tissues. They also show anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties that could prove beneficial in gastric ulcer treatment. Research has demonstrated reduced inflammation, formation of new blood vessels, and improved repair process that promoted the healing of ulcers. Further analysis revealed the healing process might be attributed to the paracrine effects rather than stem cell transformation into gastric cells.
Additionally, the extracellular vesicles exhibited effects comparable to those of stem cells, thus unlocking another treatment option for gastric ulcers. These vesicles are responsible for the paracrine effects of stem cells and can exert stem cell-like effects in a cell-free manner. Genetic profiling revealed that they increased the expression of remodeling genes and activated the ERK/MAPK and PI3K/PKB pathways involved in angiogenesis and cell survival.
Conclusion
Gastric ulcer is associated with stomach pain, which can lead to bleeding in its advanced stages. There is no absolute cure for the ulcers, and one has to rely on the management of the disorder by improving lifestyle habits. However, recent advancements have generated few treatments with the potential to cure gastric ulcers- PRP, stem cells, and stem cell secreted vesicles. All of them have demonstrated the capacity to induce the healing of ulcers. Advancells is progressing in these therapeutic modalities by providing high-quality stem cells.
FAQs
Q: Which bacteria cause gastric ulcers?
Helicobacter pylori is known to cause gastric ulcers. Although present naturally in the stomach, they overgrow in acidic environments, leading to inflammation and the formation of ulcers.
Q: What are the symptoms of gastric ulcers?
The signs of gastric ulcers include heartburn, stomach pain, bloating, nausea, bleeding and dark stool.
Q: What are the risk factors for gastric ulcers?
Certain medications, stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor sleep, food habits, etc., can cause gastric ulcers.
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