4—if the varices are found to be “obliterated, minimal, or grade

4—if the varices are found to be “obliterated, minimal, or grade 1. Although the risk of hemorrhagic event in studies evaluating an antiangiogenic agent in HCC appears to be not significantly raised for serious (grade 3-5) events, Daporinad clinical trial there are no standardized across-study eligibility criteria for this “at risk” population in terms of platelet count, prothrombin time, or endoscopic requirements. The eligibility criteria for HCC studies tend to be different from other settings to allow for the hepatic dysfunction that is generally present. For example,

the SHARP study required a platelet count of greater than 60,000. Future studies will need to address this issue in more detail, particularly when multiple vascular targeting agents are combined. In summary, this analysis of both randomized and nonrandomized studies evaluating an antiangiogenic agent in HCC showed that, whereas the use of sorafenib was

associated MAPK Inhibitor Library chemical structure with an increased risk of bleeding in HCC, this was primarily for lower-grade events and similar in magnitude to the risk encountered in RCC. We thank Tito Fojo for helpful comments. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the US Government. “
“Background and Aim:  The relationship between age and esophageal motility parameters (i.e. basal and residual pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter [LES]) remains to be established in achalasia patients, possibly because most previous studies did not distinguish between classic and vigorous achalasia patients. We investigated the relationship between age and esophageal motility parameters in both classic and vigorous achalasia patients. Methods:  A retrospective review of esophageal manometry data in a single center was undertaken. Basal and residual pressure Forskolin order for LES was analyzed. A total of 103 achalasia

patients were enrolled, comprising 84 classic and 19 vigorous types. They were subdivided into three different age groups as follows: 21–40 years old (group A), 41–60 years old (group B), and over 60 years old (group C). Results:  In classic achalasia patients (M : F = 27:57, mean age = 44 ± 15 years old) the older age group showed a significantly higher basal LES pressure (49.62 ± 19.63 mmHg) than the younger age group (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the older age group also showed significantly high residual LES pressure (20.46 ± 8.61 mmHg) than the younger age group (P = 0.0006). In contrast, in vigorous achalasia patients (M : F = 12:7, mean age: 47 ± 15 years old) there were no difference between age and motility indices (all P > 0.05).

Overexpression of AAH identified by postoperative immunostaining

Overexpression of AAH identified by postoperative immunostaining might be an early warning sign that patients at early stages should be closely monitored and should receive appropriate adjuvant therapies. Simultaneously, this work might be helpful in providing a potential therapeutic target for HCC. We thank Li-Xin Wei for the RT-PCR analysis, Li Gao for the pathological examinations, and Yi-Zheng Wang and Ying Hou for a critical

reading of the manuscript. Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article. “
“Inserm UMR 744, Université Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur, Lille, France Drugs induce cholestasis by diverse and still poorly understood mechanisms in humans. Early hepatic effects of chlorpromazine

(CPZ), a neuroleptic drug known for years to induce intrahepatic cholestasis, were investigated buy Ku-0059436 using the differentiated human hepatoma HepaRG cells. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected as early as 15 minutes after CPZ treatment and was associated with an altered mitochondrial membrane potential and disruption of the pericanalicular distribution of F-actin. Inhibition of [3H]-taurocholic acid efflux was observed after 30 minutes and was mostly prevented by N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) cotreatment, indicating a major role of oxidative stress in CPZ-induced bile acid (BA) accumulation. Moreover, 24-hour treatment with CPZ decreased messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the two main canalicular Ribonucleotide reductase bile transporters, bile salt export pump click here (BSEP) and multidrug resistance protein 3 (MDR3). Additional CPZ effects included inhibition of Na+-dependent taurocholic cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) expression

and activity, multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4) overexpression and CYP8B1 inhibition that are involved in BA uptake, basolateral transport, and BA synthesis, respectively. These latter events likely represent hepatoprotective responses which aim to reduce intrahepatic accumulation of toxic BA. Compared to CPZ effects, overloading of HepaRG cells with high concentrations of cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids induced a delayed oxidative stress and, similarly, after 24 hours it down-regulated BSEP and MDR3 in parallel to a decrease of NTCP and CYP8B1 and an increase of MRP4. By contrast, low BA concentrations up-regulated BSEP and MDR3 in the absence of oxidative stress. Conclusion: These data provide evidence that, among other mechanisms, oxidative stress plays a major role as both a primary causal and an aggravating factor in the early CPZ-induced intrahepatic cholestasis in human hepatocytes. (HEPATOLOGY 2013) Cholestatic liver disorders include a spectrum of hepatobiliary diseases of diverse etiologies that are characterized by impaired hepatocellular secretion of bile, resulting in accumulation of bile acids (BA), bilirubin, and cholesterol.

17-19 In our study, antidepressant treatment was a factor associa

17-19 In our study, antidepressant treatment was a factor associated with CD and also with falls. This association might have been favored by the effects of SSRIs on serotonin metabolism36 and the impaired hepatic clearance of these drugs37 in the setting of cirrhosis. Lenvatinib Because patients with CD taking psychoactive medication showed the highest incidence of falls, we hypothesize that CD related to cirrhosis and treatment with psychoactive drugs may have a cumulative effect

on predisposition to falling. In the present study, the incidence of falls was higher in women than in men. This gender difference has also been observed in the general population18, 19, 38 and is thought to be related to lower muscle strength and speed of muscle contraction in women.39 Moreover, in our study, CD was more frequent in women than in men. This could also have contributed to this finding. The precise mechanisms by which an impaired PHES is associated with falls are not known. They could be related to cognitive impairment in cirrhosis, mainly affecting attention, visuomotor coordination, psychomotor speed, and reaction times.1, 4, 6, 12 Such a relationship between cognitive impairment and falls has been observed

in elderly patients17 and in stroke survivors.40 However, in our study, there MI-503 concentration was no relationship between incidence and number of falls per patient and severity of PHES impairment when considering only patients with CD according to PHES ≤4. Moreover, CFF was not statistically different between patients who fell and those who did not. CFF mainly measures attention and reaction capability.2, 34 These findings suggest that the main cause for predisposition to falling is not CD assessed by the PHES, but a coincident neuromuscular disturbance. One possibility is that the higher incidence of falls in patients with altered

PHES might be related from to parkinsonism associated with cirrhosis.41, 42 Parkinsonism in patients with cirrhosis is frequent and related to cognitive impairment and worsening in daily-life activities.41 In the present study, extrapyramidal signs were not specifically assessed. However, we evaluated the TUG in a subgroup of patients, and those with falls took longer to perform the test. This tool is used to assess the risk of falls, and scores are higher when gait and balance disorders are present,29 as in patients with Parkinson’s disease.43 This finding supports the possible role of parkinsonism in the predisposition of patients with CD to fall. Falls in patients with cirrhosis could also be the result of decreased muscle strength.18, 44 Although muscular function was not evaluated in the present study, muscle weakness is frequent in patients with cirrhosis and has been associated with cognitive impairment.45 A recent retrospective study has shown that patients with primary biliary cirrhosis in the noncirrhotic stage fell more than controls, and falling was associated with impairment in lower limb strength.

17-19 In our study, antidepressant treatment was a factor associa

17-19 In our study, antidepressant treatment was a factor associated with CD and also with falls. This association might have been favored by the effects of SSRIs on serotonin metabolism36 and the impaired hepatic clearance of these drugs37 in the setting of cirrhosis. Galunisertib Because patients with CD taking psychoactive medication showed the highest incidence of falls, we hypothesize that CD related to cirrhosis and treatment with psychoactive drugs may have a cumulative effect

on predisposition to falling. In the present study, the incidence of falls was higher in women than in men. This gender difference has also been observed in the general population18, 19, 38 and is thought to be related to lower muscle strength and speed of muscle contraction in women.39 Moreover, in our study, CD was more frequent in women than in men. This could also have contributed to this finding. The precise mechanisms by which an impaired PHES is associated with falls are not known. They could be related to cognitive impairment in cirrhosis, mainly affecting attention, visuomotor coordination, psychomotor speed, and reaction times.1, 4, 6, 12 Such a relationship between cognitive impairment and falls has been observed

in elderly patients17 and in stroke survivors.40 However, in our study, there buy Y-27632 was no relationship between incidence and number of falls per patient and severity of PHES impairment when considering only patients with CD according to PHES ≤4. Moreover, CFF was not statistically different between patients who fell and those who did not. CFF mainly measures attention and reaction capability.2, 34 These findings suggest that the main cause for predisposition to falling is not CD assessed by the PHES, but a coincident neuromuscular disturbance. One possibility is that the higher incidence of falls in patients with altered

PHES might be related Farnesyltransferase to parkinsonism associated with cirrhosis.41, 42 Parkinsonism in patients with cirrhosis is frequent and related to cognitive impairment and worsening in daily-life activities.41 In the present study, extrapyramidal signs were not specifically assessed. However, we evaluated the TUG in a subgroup of patients, and those with falls took longer to perform the test. This tool is used to assess the risk of falls, and scores are higher when gait and balance disorders are present,29 as in patients with Parkinson’s disease.43 This finding supports the possible role of parkinsonism in the predisposition of patients with CD to fall. Falls in patients with cirrhosis could also be the result of decreased muscle strength.18, 44 Although muscular function was not evaluated in the present study, muscle weakness is frequent in patients with cirrhosis and has been associated with cognitive impairment.45 A recent retrospective study has shown that patients with primary biliary cirrhosis in the noncirrhotic stage fell more than controls, and falling was associated with impairment in lower limb strength.

Further, malignant transformation of SSA/P arises predominantly i

Further, malignant transformation of SSA/P arises predominantly in the right side of the colon. Recently, in Japan as well as other countries, the incidence of advanced cancer in the right side of the colon Dabrafenib in vitro has increased

in elderly persons. The pathogenic and cancerization factors of SSA/P are of great clinicopathological importance. “
“We read with great interest the article by Tripathi et al.1 In this randomized controlled trial, carvedilol, a noncardioselective vasodilating beta-blocker, was compared with variceal banding ligation (VBL) for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleed. The authors found carvedilol to have lower bleeding rates than VBL, with no difference in survival by intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses. Ibrutinib cell line In addition, this was the first reporting of drug therapy having an advantage over VBL. Although their results provided important data for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding, several issues deserve further discussion. First, the most important finding was the greater efficacy of carvedilol in the prevention of the first variceal bleed by ITT analyses. However, the significant statistic disappeared after per-protocol analyses. The dropout rates of the two treatment arms were around 30%, suggesting that only 70% of the initial subjects really completed the study protocol. In addition, the relative higher rate of first

variceal bleed in the VBL arm could be due to several reasons, such as bleeding before the first

endoscopy following randomization in three patients, noncompliance with the VBL protocol in five patients, and the use of propranolol as rescue therapy in patients with discontinued intervention, which was less effective in primary prevention of variceal hemorrhage than VBL, as confirmed by two meta-analyses.2, 3 In contrast, PRKD3 the rescue treatment for patients with discontinued intervention in the carvedilol arm was VBL. Taking these lines of evidence together, we should be very careful to interpret the results from the ITT analyses. Second, bleeding due to banding ulceration was one important complication of VBL, thus decreasing the efficacy in primary prophylaxis for variceal bleed. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis with bleeding tendency obviously had increased risk of bleeding from banding ulceration. In this study, two-thirds of patients in the VBL arm had decompensated liver reserve and almost 40% of them were classified as having Child C cirrhosis. Therefore, the risk of bleeding from banding ulceration could be higher in this population, which could contribute to the higher rate of first variceal bleed in the VBL arm. Therefore, whether patients with Child C classification, severe coagulopathy, or bleeding tendency could benefit from VBL for primary prophylaxis needs further studies to confirm.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of advanced adenomas and adenocar

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of advanced adenomas and adenocarcinoma in patients < 50 years old referred for rectal bleeding. Methods: We included consecutive adult patients 18 to 49 years of age who consulted at a gastroenterology and endoscopy ambulatory center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, between October 2011 and April 2012. We excluded patients at high risk for CRC, check details altered coagulation, and incomplete studies except for those with stenosing carcinoma. Design: Prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Interventions: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) lavage solution

or phosphates, with or without bisacodyl were used for bowel preparation. MAPK inhibitor Colonoscopies were performed under sedation with Olympus 160/180 series equipment. The resection/biopsy of lesions were performed according to endoscopists’daily practice. Biopsies were evaluated by pathologists specialized in gastroenterology and histology was valued as gold

standard. Positive diagnosis consisted on advanced adenomas (> 1 cm, villous component and high-grade dysplasia (HGD)) and/or adenocarcinoma. We also assessed whether there was any relationship between age, gender or site of lesion and positive findings. Endoscopic and histological features were registered. The protocol was approved the local IRB. Statistical analysis: MedCalc 1,5; VCCstat 2.0 and 95% CI were estimated, Student Test, Chi square Test. Results: We analyzed 423 patients, 47% (198/423) were women; average age was 37 + -8 years (range 19–49). 336/423 (79.4%; 95 CI 74–82) had hemorrhoids. 1. The prevalence of advanced neoplasia in this population was 27/423 (6.4%; 95 CI 4.3–9.3), advanced adenoma was 17/423 (4.0%; 95 CI 2, 4–6, 5) and adenocarcinoma was

10/423 (2.4%; 95 CI 1.2–4.4); morphologically 2 adenocarcinoma were polyps, 2 were flat lesions (slightly elevated) and 6 were stenosing lesions. 2. Positive findings were significantly higher in patients ≥ 40 Idoxuridine years (OR = 3.29 CI95 1.4 to 7.7), equal in both genders (p = ns) and more prevalent in left colon. Conclusion: In our sample, 10 of 100 patients younger than 50 years with advanced adenomas and/or adenocarcinoma present with rectal bleeding. This is lower than in older population. However, considering that CRC in young adults has a more aggressive biological behavior and mortality rate, diagnostic efforts should be made when approaching these patients. Key Word(s): 1. advanced adenoma; 2. adenocarcinoma; 3. rectal bleeding; 4.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of advanced adenomas and adenocar

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of advanced adenomas and adenocarcinoma in patients < 50 years old referred for rectal bleeding. Methods: We included consecutive adult patients 18 to 49 years of age who consulted at a gastroenterology and endoscopy ambulatory center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, between October 2011 and April 2012. We excluded patients at high risk for CRC, Gefitinib purchase altered coagulation, and incomplete studies except for those with stenosing carcinoma. Design: Prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Interventions: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) lavage solution

or phosphates, with or without bisacodyl were used for bowel preparation. selleckchem Colonoscopies were performed under sedation with Olympus 160/180 series equipment. The resection/biopsy of lesions were performed according to endoscopists’daily practice. Biopsies were evaluated by pathologists specialized in gastroenterology and histology was valued as gold

standard. Positive diagnosis consisted on advanced adenomas (> 1 cm, villous component and high-grade dysplasia (HGD)) and/or adenocarcinoma. We also assessed whether there was any relationship between age, gender or site of lesion and positive findings. Endoscopic and histological features were registered. The protocol was approved the local IRB. Statistical analysis: MedCalc 1,5; VCCstat 2.0 and 95% CI were estimated, Student Test, Chi square Test. Results: We analyzed 423 patients, 47% (198/423) were women; average age was 37 + -8 years (range 19–49). 336/423 (79.4%; 95 CI 74–82) had hemorrhoids. 1. The prevalence of advanced neoplasia in this population was 27/423 (6.4%; 95 CI 4.3–9.3), advanced adenoma was 17/423 (4.0%; 95 CI 2, 4–6, 5) and adenocarcinoma was

10/423 (2.4%; 95 CI 1.2–4.4); morphologically 2 adenocarcinoma were polyps, 2 were flat lesions (slightly elevated) and 6 were stenosing lesions. 2. Positive findings were significantly higher in patients ≥ 40 CYTH4 years (OR = 3.29 CI95 1.4 to 7.7), equal in both genders (p = ns) and more prevalent in left colon. Conclusion: In our sample, 10 of 100 patients younger than 50 years with advanced adenomas and/or adenocarcinoma present with rectal bleeding. This is lower than in older population. However, considering that CRC in young adults has a more aggressive biological behavior and mortality rate, diagnostic efforts should be made when approaching these patients. Key Word(s): 1. advanced adenoma; 2. adenocarcinoma; 3. rectal bleeding; 4.

e, ICC and ECC) For example, Klatskin tumors were not given a u

e., ICC and ECC). For example, Klatskin tumors were not given a unique code in Version 1 of the ICD-O (International Classification of Diseases for Oncology) (1973-1991); therefore, it could have been characterized topographically as ICC or ECC. In Version 2 of the ICD-O (1992-2000), it was given a unique histology code that could be linked to ICC, rather than ECC. In Version 3 of the ICD-O (2001-present), STA-9090 price the histological code could be linked to either ICC or ECC.10 In addition to the misclassification of Klatskin tumors, there are other possible reasons for the misclassification of CC, including the detection of CCs at an advanced stage, which makes it difficult to determine the anatomical origin, and

the histological variation of CCs, which can result in their classification as other hepatobiliary malignancies. Given that CC is a relatively rare liver cancer in most world regions, misclassifications can substantially impact the findings of epidemiological studies. Consequently, no definitive statement can be made on the temporal trends of CC in most world regions in the absence of striking consistent trends. For example, in the United States, Welzel et al. reported that misclassification PF-562271 cell line of Klatskin tumors had contributed to the temporal trends of increasing ICC and decreasing ECC between 1992 and 2000.10 Furthermore, recent SEER data (2000-2005)

suggest that the temporal trends are reversing, with decreased ICC and increased ECC incidence.11 BMI, body mass index; CC, cholangiocarcinoma; CI, confidence interval; ECC, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; HBV, hepatitis B virus; HCC, hepatocellular cancer; HCV, hepatitis C virus; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; ICC, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; OR, odds ratio; PSC, primary sclerosing cholangitis. There are several established risk factors for CC, including parasitic infections, primary sclerosing cholangitis, biliary-duct cysts,

hepatolithiasis, and toxins. Other less-established potential risk factors include inflammatory bowel Masitinib (AB1010) disease (IBD), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), cirrhosis, diabetes, obesity, alcohol, smoking, and host genetic polymorphisms. In studies where the distinction between ICC and ECC was used, some potential risk factors seem to have a differential effect on CC, depending on the site. Therefore, the consistent use of a more refined classification would allow a better understanding of risk factors for CC. The hepatobiliary flukes, Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis, are associated with the development of CC, particularly in Southeast Asia. They are flat worms that inhabit the bile ducts and, occasionally, the gallbladder and pancreatic duct of mammals. Eggs laid by the adult worms are passed in feces, which may be ingested by snails, where they hatch and then mature into cercariae and, subsequently, penetrate the flesh of freshwater fish, where they develop into metacercariae.

e, ICC and ECC) For example, Klatskin tumors were not given a u

e., ICC and ECC). For example, Klatskin tumors were not given a unique code in Version 1 of the ICD-O (International Classification of Diseases for Oncology) (1973-1991); therefore, it could have been characterized topographically as ICC or ECC. In Version 2 of the ICD-O (1992-2000), it was given a unique histology code that could be linked to ICC, rather than ECC. In Version 3 of the ICD-O (2001-present), check details the histological code could be linked to either ICC or ECC.10 In addition to the misclassification of Klatskin tumors, there are other possible reasons for the misclassification of CC, including the detection of CCs at an advanced stage, which makes it difficult to determine the anatomical origin, and

the histological variation of CCs, which can result in their classification as other hepatobiliary malignancies. Given that CC is a relatively rare liver cancer in most world regions, misclassifications can substantially impact the findings of epidemiological studies. Consequently, no definitive statement can be made on the temporal trends of CC in most world regions in the absence of striking consistent trends. For example, in the United States, Welzel et al. reported that misclassification Caspase inhibitor of Klatskin tumors had contributed to the temporal trends of increasing ICC and decreasing ECC between 1992 and 2000.10 Furthermore, recent SEER data (2000-2005)

suggest that the temporal trends are reversing, with decreased ICC and increased ECC incidence.11 BMI, body mass index; CC, cholangiocarcinoma; CI, confidence interval; ECC, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; HBV, hepatitis B virus; HCC, hepatocellular cancer; HCV, hepatitis C virus; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; ICC, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; OR, odds ratio; PSC, primary sclerosing cholangitis. There are several established risk factors for CC, including parasitic infections, primary sclerosing cholangitis, biliary-duct cysts,

hepatolithiasis, and toxins. Other less-established potential risk factors include inflammatory bowel Rolziracetam disease (IBD), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), cirrhosis, diabetes, obesity, alcohol, smoking, and host genetic polymorphisms. In studies where the distinction between ICC and ECC was used, some potential risk factors seem to have a differential effect on CC, depending on the site. Therefore, the consistent use of a more refined classification would allow a better understanding of risk factors for CC. The hepatobiliary flukes, Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis, are associated with the development of CC, particularly in Southeast Asia. They are flat worms that inhabit the bile ducts and, occasionally, the gallbladder and pancreatic duct of mammals. Eggs laid by the adult worms are passed in feces, which may be ingested by snails, where they hatch and then mature into cercariae and, subsequently, penetrate the flesh of freshwater fish, where they develop into metacercariae.

e, ICC and ECC) For example, Klatskin tumors were not given a u

e., ICC and ECC). For example, Klatskin tumors were not given a unique code in Version 1 of the ICD-O (International Classification of Diseases for Oncology) (1973-1991); therefore, it could have been characterized topographically as ICC or ECC. In Version 2 of the ICD-O (1992-2000), it was given a unique histology code that could be linked to ICC, rather than ECC. In Version 3 of the ICD-O (2001-present), http://www.selleckchem.com/products/AZD1152-HQPA.html the histological code could be linked to either ICC or ECC.10 In addition to the misclassification of Klatskin tumors, there are other possible reasons for the misclassification of CC, including the detection of CCs at an advanced stage, which makes it difficult to determine the anatomical origin, and

the histological variation of CCs, which can result in their classification as other hepatobiliary malignancies. Given that CC is a relatively rare liver cancer in most world regions, misclassifications can substantially impact the findings of epidemiological studies. Consequently, no definitive statement can be made on the temporal trends of CC in most world regions in the absence of striking consistent trends. For example, in the United States, Welzel et al. reported that misclassification Y-27632 price of Klatskin tumors had contributed to the temporal trends of increasing ICC and decreasing ECC between 1992 and 2000.10 Furthermore, recent SEER data (2000-2005)

suggest that the temporal trends are reversing, with decreased ICC and increased ECC incidence.11 BMI, body mass index; CC, cholangiocarcinoma; CI, confidence interval; ECC, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; HBV, hepatitis B virus; HCC, hepatocellular cancer; HCV, hepatitis C virus; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; ICC, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; OR, odds ratio; PSC, primary sclerosing cholangitis. There are several established risk factors for CC, including parasitic infections, primary sclerosing cholangitis, biliary-duct cysts,

hepatolithiasis, and toxins. Other less-established potential risk factors include inflammatory bowel Urease disease (IBD), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), cirrhosis, diabetes, obesity, alcohol, smoking, and host genetic polymorphisms. In studies where the distinction between ICC and ECC was used, some potential risk factors seem to have a differential effect on CC, depending on the site. Therefore, the consistent use of a more refined classification would allow a better understanding of risk factors for CC. The hepatobiliary flukes, Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis, are associated with the development of CC, particularly in Southeast Asia. They are flat worms that inhabit the bile ducts and, occasionally, the gallbladder and pancreatic duct of mammals. Eggs laid by the adult worms are passed in feces, which may be ingested by snails, where they hatch and then mature into cercariae and, subsequently, penetrate the flesh of freshwater fish, where they develop into metacercariae.