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Helicobacter pylori genotypes influence serum pepsinogen C levels
M Plebani1, D Basso, F Navaglia
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Italy.
Helicobacter
|January 8, 1998
Summary
Helicobacter pylori infection elevates pepsinogen A (PGA) and C (PGC) serum levels. The study found that the cagA gene, associated with H. pylori, specifically increases PGC levels, likely due to heightened mucosal inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori infection significantly impacts serum pepsinogen A (PGA) and C (PGC) levels.
- Elevated PGA and PGC are noted in H. pylori positive individuals, decreasing post-eradication.
- The specific role of H. pylori cytotoxic strains, like cagA, in these changes is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of the cagA genotype of H. pylori on circulating PGA and PGC levels.
- To determine if cytotoxic H. pylori strains correlate with specific pepsinogen changes.
Main Methods:
- Studied 81 H. pylori positive patients, 64 H. pylori negative patients, and 18 healthy controls.
- H. pylori presence confirmed via histology and PCR for urease A and cagA genes.
- Serum PGA and PGC levels measured using radioimmunoassay.
Main Results:
- All H. pylori positive patients had the urease A gene; 55 also had the cagA gene.
- Significantly higher PGA and PGC levels were observed in H. pylori positive patients compared to negative.
- A significant association was found between cagA positivity and elevated serum PGC levels in patients with antral gastritis.
Conclusions:
- The cagA genotype of H. pylori may influence circulating PGC levels.
- This influence is potentially mediated by an increased degree of mucosal inflammation caused by cagA positive strains.