The link between meal related symptoms and cytokine release in patients with functional dyspepsia

Aims: Immune responses are believed to play a critical role for the manifestation of functional gastrointestinal disorders. In recent studies we have demonstrated (AJG 2004;99(4):703–10) differences in systemic cytokine levels after a meal. The current study aimed to assess the link between baseline and lipopolysacharide (LPS) stimulated cytokine levels and the symptom pattern in patients with functional dyspepsia. Methods: 22 (H. pylori-negative) patients with functional dyspepsia according to ROME II (8 males, aged 21–72 mean 46.3) were recruited after a standardized diagnostic work-up. Symptom pattern and sev…