Chemical formula: CHâ‚„Nâ‚‚O Molecular mass: 60.055 g/mol PubChem compound: 1176
The urease enzyme is not present in mammalian cells, so the presence of urease in the stomach is evidence that bacteria are present. The presence of urease is not specific for H.pylori, but other bacteria are not usually found in the stomach.
To detect H.pylori, urea labeled with 14C is swallowed by the patient. If gastric urease from H.pylori is present, urea is split to form CO2 and NH3 at the interface between the gastric epithelium and lumen and 14CO2 is absorbed into the blood and exhaled in the breath.
Urea is a recognised hydrating agent that has been widely used topically to treat dry or damaged skin.
Following ingestion of the capsule by a patient with H.pylori, 14CO2excretion in the breath peaks between 10 and 15 minutes and declines thereafter with a biological half-life of about 15 minutes. 14C-urea that is not hydrolyzed by H.pylori is excreted in the urine with a half-life of approximately 12 hours. About 10% of the 14C remains in the body at 72 hours and is gradually excreted with a biological half-life of 40 days.
Not applicable.
No specific information is presented given the widespread use of topically applied urea on humans over many years.
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