Serum pepsinogen I and gastrin concentrations in children positive for Helicobacter pylori

The Difference in Serum Pepsinogen I, Pepsinogen II, Carcinoembryonic Antigen, and Carcinoma Antigen 72-4 Levels between Children with and without Helicobacter Pylori Infection

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common infection in human. The infection is mainly acquired in childhood with global prevalence of 32.3%. Several markers such as pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and carcinoma antigen (CA) 72-4 are associated with H. pylori infection and its complications. OBJECTIVE: To determine the difference in serum pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II, CEA, and CA 72-4 levels in children with and without H. pylori infection. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in Samosir Island, Indonesia. Inclusion criteria were children aged 2 to 18 years who did not take antibiotics, bismuth containing drugs, histamine-2 receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, and immunomodulator for the last 4 weeks before the study. All subjects were divided into 2 groups: H. pylori positive and negative. Demographic and anthropometric data were gathered. Serum pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II, CEA, and CA 72-4 levels were evaluated. The differences were determined using Mann Whitney U-test. RESULTS: A total of 74 subjects were enrolled in this study. H. pylori positive and negative subjects were 38 and 36, respectively. Females were dominant in both groups. No difference was observed in gender, age, anthropometric characteristics, serum CEA level, and CA 72-4 level between both groups. Serum pepsinogen I and pepsinogen II levels were higher in H. pylori positive group compared to their counterparts (p= 0.013 and p= 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: There are significant differences in serum pepsinogen I and II levels between children with and without H. pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori infection and its related factors in junior high school students in Nagano Prefecture, Japan

BACKGROUND

There have been few reports on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in asymptomatic Japanese children and adolescents. We hypothesized that the prevalence of H. pylori infection is very low among Japanese children and that clinical variables such as serum pepsinogen and iron levels are associated with H. pylori infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a sample of 454 junior high school students aged 12-15 years in four areas in Nagano Prefecture. A commercial ELISA kit (E-plate Eiken H. pylori antibody) was used to measure IgG antibody against H. pylori. Serum pepsinogen and iron levels were also measured using standard methods. A urea breath test was performed for seropositive students.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of H. pylori was 3.1% (14/454). There were no significant differences in H. pylori prevalence among mountain, rural, and urban areas. The mean level of both serum pepsinogen (PG I) and PG II was significantly increased in the seropositive subjects compared with the seronegative subjects. When the cutoff values for adults (PG I: 70 ng/mL and PG I/II ratio: 3) were used, 4 of 14 subjects had PG I ≤70 ng/mL and PG I/II ratio ≤3. The results of a logistic regression analysis showed that low serum iron levels were significantly associated with H. pylori infection (P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of H. pylori infection is as low as 3% among junior high school students aged 12-15 years in Japan. The disappearance of H. pylori is accelerating in Japanese children.

Pepsinogen II can be a potential surrogate marker of morphological changes in corpus before and after H. pylori eradication

Background. The aim of this investigation is to study the relationship between gastric morphology and serum biomarkers before and after Helicobacter pylori eradication. Methods. First-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients underwent gastroscopy before and 2.5 years after H. pylori eradication. The morphological changes in two categories (normal to mild and moderate to severe) were compared with level of pepsinogens I and II before eradication (n = 369), after eradication (n = 115), and in those with persistent infection (n = 250). Results: After eradication, pepsinogen I decreased to 70% and pepsinogen II to 45% of the previous values. Unlike pepsinogen II and pepsinogen I to II ratio that were affected by the severity of inflammation and atrophy in corpus in all groups, pepsinogen I generally did not change. After eradication, subjects with high mononuclear infiltration in corpus had lower pepsinogen I (54 versus 77.1 μ/mL), higher pepsinogen II (9.4 versus 6.9 μ/mL), and lower ratio (7.9 versus 11.6) than those without (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Pepsinogen II is a good marker of corpus morphological changes before and after H. pylori eradication.

Age-dependent association among Helicobacter pylori infection, serum pepsinogen levels and immune response of children to live oral cholera vaccine CVD 103-HgR

Background

Through its effects on gastric secretion, we hypothesized that Helicobacter pylori infection may influence oral immunization. Accordingly, we examined the association between H. pylori infection, serum pepsinogen (PG) (measures for H. pylori gastritis) and vibriocidal antibody (a correlate of protection) seroconversion following oral immunization with CVD 103-HgR live cholera vaccine among children of different ages.

Methods

Sera from 422 Chilean children who were vaccinated with a single dose of CVD 103-HgR were tested by ELISA for serum IgG antibodies to H. pylori, PG I and PG II levels and antibodies to Shigella flexneri 2a lipopolysaccharide and hepatitis A virus (as markers of low socioeconomic status and exposure to enteric pathogens).

Results

The likelihood of vibriocidal antibody seroconversion following vaccination with CVD 103-HgR was significantly decreased in H. pylori-seropositive children age 6 months to 4 years with PG II>8 µg/L (adjusted OR 0.14 (95% CI 0.03–0.61; P = 0.009), and also in H. pylori seropositives with lower PG II level (adjusted OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14–0.83; P = 0.017), compared to H. pylori-seronegatives. H. pylori-seropositive children aged 5–9 years with serum PG I>30 µg/L (indicating more severe gastritis) had higher odds of vibriocidal seroconversion than those with lower PG I levels (adjusted OR 4.41, 95%CI 1.26–15.38; P = 0.02). There was no significant association between exposures to S. flexneri 2a or hepatitis A virus and vibriocidal seroconversion.

Conclusions

As H. pylori gastritis progresses with increasing pediatric age in developing country venues, changes in gastric secretion ensue that we believe explain the observed differences in age-related immune responses to immunization with live oral cholera vaccine. The effect of H. pylori and changes of gastric acid secretion on the immunogenicity of various oral vaccines should be studied in different developing, transitional and industrialized country settings.

Multifaceted Assessment of Chronic Gastritis: A Study of Correlations between Serological, Endoscopic, and Histological Diagnostics

Aim. Chronic gastritis was assessed serologically, endoscopically and histologically to identify correlations between these methods. Methods. Subjects comprised 319 patients who had provided informed consent. Serological assessment of chronic gastritis was based on the pepsinogen test method. Endoscopic gastritis and histological gastritis were assessed and scored according to the Kimura-Takemoto classification system and the updated Sydney classification system respectively, and correlations between these three methods were studied. Results. Pepsinogen I/II ratio showed a significant correlation to the extent of mononuclear cell infiltration of the gastric corpus. When histological gastritis was divided, on the basis of the distribution of mononuclear cell infiltration, into gastritis limited to the antrum and corpus gastritis, these types were distinguished with high accuracy using a pepsinogen I/II ratio of 3 as the cutoff. A good correlation was also seen between pepsinogen I/II ratio and development of atrophy in endoscopic gastritis, where groups with and without advanced atrophy were also distinguished with high accuracy using a cutoff value of 3. Conclusion. Significant correlations exist between serum pepsinogen levels, endoscopic gastritis, and histological gastritis. Pepsinogen I/II ratio allows prediction of the existence of endoscopic gastritis and histological gastritis, or the extent of their development, with high accuracy.

Multifaceted Assessment of Chronic Gastritis: A Study of Correlations between Serological, Endoscopic, and Histological Diagnostics

Aim. Chronic gastritis was assessed serologically, endoscopically and histologically to identify correlations between these methods. Methods. Subjects comprised 319 patients who had provided informed consent. Serological assessment of chronic gastritis was based on the pepsinogen test method. Endoscopic gastritis and histological gastritis were assessed and scored according to the Kimura-Takemoto classification system and the updated Sydney classification system respectively, and correlations between these three methods were studied. Results. Pepsinogen I/II ratio showed a significant correlation to the extent of mononuclear cell infiltration of the gastric corpus. When histological gastritis was divided, on the basis of the distribution of mononuclear cell infiltration, into gastritis limited to the antrum and corpus gastritis, these types were distinguished with high accuracy using a pepsinogen I/II ratio of 3 as the cutoff. A good correlation was also seen between pepsinogen I/II ratio and development of atrophy in endoscopic gastritis, where groups with and without advanced atrophy were also distinguished with high accuracy using a cutoff value of 3. Conclusion. Significant correlations exist between serum pepsinogen levels, endoscopic gastritis, and histological gastritis. Pepsinogen I/II ratio allows prediction of the existence of endoscopic gastritis and histological gastritis, or the extent of their development, with high accuracy.

Somatostatin and the gastrointestinal tract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Somatostatin influences motility, secretion, and absorption and often has in vivo a modulating, indirect effect on target cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Knowledge on tissue-specific expression of the five somatostatin receptors (SSTRs), their capacities for internalization and downregulation, their subtype-specific intracellular messengers, and the possibility of forming functionally distinct homodimers or heterodimers, has further complicated the actual in-vivo mechanism of action of somatostatin. This review reports recent in-vivo and in-vitro studies on somatostatin effects on the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, most of them using a new engineered animal model able to define specific roles of somatostatin and/or its receptor subtypes.

RECENT FINDINGS

SSTR2 knockout mice showed normal circulating gastrin and unchanged acid output, suggesting a high degree of plasticity behind gastric acid secretion. Intestinal inflammation significantly increased somatostatin mRNA in SSTR2 null compared to wild type suggesting that somatostatin mediates inflammation also in SSTR2 null mice. In pancreatic islets of SSTR1-5 null mice no variations of islet size, cellular organization or glucagon or insulin content was shown when compared with null SSTRs and control mice.

SUMMARY

Although none of the recent findings produced on somatostatin seem ready to be considered for clinical application, recent developments of animal models such as SSTR knockout mice have highlighted promising results to better understand the direct and indirect effects of somatostatin on gastrointestinal tract functions.

Serum gastrin concentration and changes in G and D cell densities in gastric antrum in children with chronic gastritis

BACKGROUND

Elevated gastrin concentration leading to gastritis is explained as the effect of change in the density of D and G cells. The aim of the study was to determine and compare fasting serum gastrin concentrations, G and D cell densities in gastric antrum mucosa in children with chronic gastritis and in children with no gastritis or Helicobacter pylori infection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 184 patients aged 6-18 years, with chronic abdominal pain underwent endoscopic examination. We created three groups: I--patients with chronic gastritis and H. pylori infection; II--patients with chronic gastritis but no H. pylori infection; III--patients with neither gastric mucosal abnormalities nor H. pylori infection. G and D cell densities were determined in the biopsy specimens (using Rbalpha H Gastrin & Somatostatin antibodies). Fasting serum gastrin concentrations were measured using a Beckmann gamma-counter and a GASK-PR kit.

RESULTS

The mean serum gastrin concentration in group I was higher when compared with group II (p = 0.04) and group III (p = 0.019). No statistically significant differences were found between groups II and III (p = 0.91). There were no statistically significant differences in G and D cell densities between groups.

CONCLUSION

The mean G/D cell ratios in groups I and III were almost identical. The mean fasting serum gastrin concentration was higher in children with both chronic gastritis and H. pylori infection compared with patients without infection or without antral inflammation. No difference in the G cell density or D cell density in children was found, regardless of the presence or absence of gastritis or H. pylori infection.

Meta-analysis: Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment efficacy in children

BACKGROUND

Several meta-analyses assessing the efficacy of anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment in adults have been published but a comparable meta-analysis in children is lacking.

AIMS

To summarize the efficacy of treatments aimed at eradicating H. pylori in children and to identify sources of variation in treatment efficacy across studies.

METHODS

We searched Medline, reference lists from published study reports, and conference proceedings for anti-H. pylori treatment trials in children. Weighted meta-regression models were used to find sources of variation in efficacy.

RESULTS

Eighty studies (127 treatment arms) with 4436 children were included. Overall, methodological quality of these studies was poor with small sample sizes and few randomized-controlled trials. The efficacy of therapies varied across treatment arms, treatment duration, method of post-treatment assessment and geographic location. Among the regimens tested, 2-6 weeks of nitroimidazole and amoxicillin, 1-2 weeks of clarithromycin, amoxicillin and a proton pump inhibitor, and 2 weeks of a macrolide, a nitroimidazole and a proton pump inhibitor or bismuth, amoxicillin and metronidazole were the most efficacious in developed countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Before worldwide treatment recommendations are given for eradication of H. pylori, additional well-designed randomized placebo-controlled paediatric trials are needed, especially in developing countries where both drug resistance and disease burden is high.

Insulin resistance in children with Helicobacter pylori infection

We aimed at investigating insulin resistance in children with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Fasting serum insulin and glucose levels were determined in 31 children with H. pylori (+) (H. pylori-infected group, 20 girls and 11 boys, median age 12 yr, range 6-17) and 29 H. pylori (-) (control group, 18 girls and 11 boys, median age 13 yr, range 5-16). Insulin resistance was assessed using homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) score. Fasting serum glucose levels did not differ significantly between H. pylori (+) and (-) children. Both HOMA-IR score and serum insulin levels were significantly higher in H. pylori-infected compared to control children. The findings of the present study suggested that there is a certain relation between H. pylori infection and insulin resistance in children.

Usefulness of a serological panel test in the assessment of gastritis in symptomatic children

BACKGROUND

Non-invasive methods are advisable for the detection of Helicobacter pylori-related chronic gastritis in pediatric patients. Serum pepsinogens I and II (sPGII and sPGII), gastrin-17 (G-17) and anti-H. pylori antibodies (IgG-Hp) have been proposed as a 'serological gastric biopsy'.

AIM

To assess H. pylori infection and to evaluate gastric mucosa status in a pediatric population by means of serological parameters such as sPGI, sPGII, G-17 and IgG-Hp.

METHODS

45 consecutively children evaluated for upper gastrointestinal symptoms were analyzed. All children were submitted to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies. Serum samples were analyzed for IgG-Hp, sPGII, sPGI and G-17 (Biohit, Helsinki, Finland).

RESULTS

18 children had H. pylori-related mild or moderate non-atrophic chronic gastritis. They presented significantly higher mean levels of sPGII and of IgG-Hp than negative ones, either under or up to 10 years. sPGI showed significantly increased levels in H. pylori-positive patients only over 10 years. G-17 levels were not different between H. pylori-positive and -negative ones. The best cut-offs of IgG-Hp, sPGII and of product IgG-Hp x sPGII, to identify H. pylori infection, were 30 IU/l, 9 microg/l, and 241 IU/l x microg/l, respectively. The product IgG-Hp x sPGII identified H. pylori infection with a 100% sensitivity, 92% specificity, 90% positive predictive value and 100% negative predictive value. IgG-Hp and IgG-Hp showed a correlation (r = 0.94; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined analysis of sPGII and IgG-Hp antibody levels could be recommended as a non-invasive panel for the assessment of H. pylori-related histological alterations of gastric mucosa in childhood.

Is GastroPanel serum assay useful in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection and associated gastritis in children?

GastroPanel (Biohit, Helsinki, Finland) is a serum test kit that measures Helicobacter pylori antibodies (HPABs) and pepsinogens I and II and gastrin 17, which reflect the degree of atrophic gastritis. We assessed whether GastroPanel can replace endoscopic biopsies in the diagnostics of H. pylori in children and whether the H. pylori-infected children show markers for atrophic gastritis. Eighty children (median age, 6.8 years; range, 0.6-18.7 years) underwent gastroscopy for H. pylori-related abdominal complaints (n = 40), surveillance after surgery for gastrointestinal tract malformations (n = 20), gastroesophageal reflux (GER) (n = 10), and miscellaneous diseases (n = 10). Gastric biopsies and a serum sample were obtained from all 80 children. HPAB levels of 38 and 15 IU were tested as cutoff values for H. pylori gastritis. The biopsies showed H. pylori-positive gastritis in 30 children, 9 had gastritis not associated with H. pylori, and 41 had normal biopsies. Atrophic gastritis was not found. The sensitivity and specificity of HPAB for H. pylori were 47% and 98% (cutoff, 38 IU), and 73% and 85% (cutoff, 15 IU), respectively. The assays of pepsinogens and gastrin did not improve sensitivity. None of the markers of pepsinogen (PG) I, PGII, and gastrin 17 (G17) indicated atrophic gastritis. GastroPanel is too insensitive for H. pylori screening and does not replace endoscopy. Markers indicative of atrophic gastritis were negative in all children with H. pylori gastritis.

Relationship among serum pepsinogens, serum gastrin, gastric mucosal histology and H. pylori virulence factors in a paediatric population

OBJECTIVE

Serum pepsinogens and gastrin have been proposed as markers of gastritis, but have seldom been studied in children. In this study the aim was to identify host- and Helicobacter pylori-related factors linked to variations in serum gastrin, PGI, PGII, and to evaluate the potential of these biomarkers for diagnosing gastritis, whether H. pylori-associated or not.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-two dyspeptic children referred for endoscopy (peptic ulcer exclusion) were included in the study. H. pylori status (urease, culture, histology) was assessed, and genotype determined (PCR) in H. pylori-positive subjects. Serum gastrin, PGI and PGII levels were measured by standard radioimmunoassay (RIA).

RESULTS

PGI and PGII levels were significantly higher in H. pylori-positive subjects (p=0.007; p=0.012, respectively). Gastrin levels were significantly higher in H. pylori-negative subjects (p=0.035). PGI and PGII were associated significantly with higher antrum inflammation scores (p=0.002; p=0.016, respectively); only PGI was associated with age, after controlling for inflammation (p=0.033) and for activity (p=0.037). The contribution of virulence factors could not be assessed owing to the low number of virulent strains. After multivariate analysis, only antrum inflammation was independently associated with PGI level (p=0.012). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed a low PGI and PGII discriminant power for predicting antrum inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Pepsinogen levels as measured in this study seem predominantly to reflect antral inflammation, but they are not an effective screening test for gastritis (H. pylori-positive or -negative) in dyspeptic children.

Problem of distinguishing false-positive tests from acute or transient Helicobacter pylori infections

BACKGROUND

Reliable detection of acute Helicobacter pylori infections remains problematic. The high prevalence of false-positive non-invasive tests in low H. pylori prevalence populations makes identification of acute and transient infections difficult.

METHODS

We explored the use of serum pepsinogens (PG) for diagnosis of acute infection in patients following H. pylori challenge such that the onset of the infection was known. We then compared those findings to a group of children with presumed acute infections defined as a positive urea breath test (UBT) and negative IgG serology.

RESULTS

We examined the pattern and calculated cut-off values of PG levels in 18 adult volunteers with known acute H. pylori infection. We then compared the results with sera from nine symptomatic children with presumed acute H. pylori infection and a matched control group of nine children who did not meet criteria for acute H. pylori infection. In acute infection, both PGI and II levels increased following H. pylori infection reaching a peak by 2 weeks post-infection. The frequency of a positive test defined as a value > mean +2 SD was 17, 71, and 94% at week 1, 2, and 4 post-infection, respectively. Only one child with presumed acute H. pylori infection had an elevated serum PGI and one had an elevated PGII. Five of the children had follow-up UBTs and four were negative consistent with the diagnosis of false-positive UBT. H. pylori infection was confirmed in the child with an elevated PGI level.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that a single positive noninvasive test in populations of low prevalence is most likely a false-positive result. This suggests that a single positive test requires confirmation preferably using a test that measures a different parameter (e.g., UBT confirmed by stool antigen test). It appears that most "transient"H. pylori infections are diagnosed on the basis of false-positive tests. PG levels are possible candidates as the confirmatory test.

Impact of CagA status on serum gastrin and pepsinogen I and II concentrations in Japanese children with Helicobacter pylori infection

The study aimed to determine the association between cytotoxin-associated gene product (CagA), serum gastrin and pepsinogen levels in Japanese children infected with Helicobacter pylori. Three hundred children were enrolled in the study. H. pylori infection was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and CagA status was assessed using immunoblotting. Serum gastrin and pepsinogen concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. H. pylori seroprevalence was 12.3% (37/300) and CagA status was identified in 28/37 H. pylori-seropositive children (75.7%). Serum pepsinogen I and II levels were significantly higher in CagA-seropositive than CagA-seronegative children with H. pylori infection. There was no significant relationship between CagA seropositivity and serum gastrin levels. In conclusion, CagA status has a significant impact on serum pepsinogen levels, possibly through enhanced gastric mucosal inflammation.

Predictors of cobalamin deficiency in Guatemalan school children: diet, Helicobacter pylori, or bacterial overgrowth?

OBJECTIVES

The authors investigated whether low vitamin B12 intake, impaired gastric function, infection, and bacterial overgrowth were risk factors for the high prevalence of cobalamin deficiency observed in Guatemalan children.

METHODS

The plasma cobalamin concentration of 556 school children was measured and classified as low, marginal, or adequate. In 60 children from each of these three groups, concentrations of serum methylmalonic acid (MMA), plasma homocysteine, and plasma holotranscobalamin II were measured, and usual dietary B12 intake was estimated. Serum gastrin and pepsinogen I concentrations were measured, and and bacterial overgrowth were diagnosed using C-urea and C-xylose breath tests, respectively.

RESULTS

infection was present in 83% (144 of 174) of children, and bacterial overgrowth was found in 25% (28 of 113). Children with infection had higher serum gastrin and pepsinogen I. There were no significant differences among the plasma cobalamin groups in the prevalence of infection, bacterial overgrowth, serum gastrin, or pepsinogen I concentrations. However, there was a significant positive correlation between serum MMA and gastrin concentrations. The average daily consumption of dietary B12 was 5.5 +/- 5.2 microg/day, but intakes for 23% of children were <1.8 micro g/day. B12 intake from fortified snacks added an additional 0.3 +/- 0.2 microg/day. B12 intake was not significantly different among the plasma cobalamin groups, but it was significantly correlated with plasma cobalamin.

CONCLUSIONS

The specific cause of cobalamin deficiency in this population remains unclear, but these results suggest that low dietary B12 intake is a risk factor and alterations in gastric secretions may also play a role.

The pepsinogen releasing effect of Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS) affects pepsinogen release by a nontoxic mechanism. We hypothesized that this effect was characteristic of the organism and related to the clinical status of the strain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LPS was isolated from 11 H. pylori strains whose pathogenic profile was known and four other nongastric bacteria. The effects of luminal LPS on guinea pig gastric mucosal pepsinogen release was evaluated using the Ussing chamber technique. CCK-8 (10(-9)M) was used as a positive control.

RESULTS

H. pylori LPS dose-dependently stimulated pepsinogen release with a maximal stimulation at 250 microg/ml (approximately 4500; p < .001 vs. control). LPS from other Helicobacter or Campylobacter species had no effect on pepsinogen release. ANOVA demonstrated significant differences in the efficacies of pepsinogen release between the 11 clinical H. pylori strains (p < .0001) despite the fact that they were all cagA+ and 90 had the cytotoxic vacA subtype s1. Physical and chemical disruption of the LPS suggested that both the structure and the carbohydrate composition of this molecule may play a critical role in pepsinogen release. Polymyxin B partly (p < .03) inhibited and dephosphorylation completely inhibited (p = .0002) LPS-stimulated pepsinogen release.

CONCLUSION

Pepsinogen release is an innate property of all cagA+H. pylori LPS. The structure of the molecule and composition of side-chains are important in this response which appears to be partially lipid A driven.

Variation in serum pepsinogens with severity and topography of Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastritis in dyspeptic patients referred for endoscopy

BACKGROUND

It has long been recognised that specific patterns of gastritis are linked with different gastroduodenal diseases and that serum pepsinogens vary with the histological state of the gastric mucosa. With the discovery of the role of Helicobacter pylori in chronic gastritis and the availability of noninvasive tests for H. pylori infection, individuals with H. pylori gastritis can now be identified without endoscopic biopsy. However, without a knowledge of the pattern and severity of gastritis it is impossible to predict the likelihood of significant associated gastroduodenal pathology.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of serum pepsinogens I and II in predicting the topography and severity of gastritis in H. pylori-infected dyspeptic patients attending for endoscopy.

METHODS

Fasting serum was obtained from consecutive dyspeptic patients attending for endoscopy, and pairs of gastric biopsies obtained from the mid-body and antrum. Gastritis was graded according to the Sydney System, and serum pepsinogen levels determined by radio-immunoassay.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine dyspeptic patients were studied (mean age: 49.6 years) of whom 34 had H. pylori-associated chronic gastritis (Hp-gastritis) - antral predominant gastritis (APG) in 41.2%, pangastritis (PAN) in 52.9%, and corpus predominant (CPG) in 5.9%. Serum pepsinogen II levels were significantly higher, and the serum pepsinogen I : II ratio significantly lower, in the H. pylori positive group than in other groups. Within the Hp-gastritis group, there was a step-wise decrease in serum pepsinogen I levels with progression from APG through PAN to CPG pattern (a cut-off value of > or = 100 ng/ml would have identified APG with a positive predictive value of 77%, though with low sensitivity). Within the Hp-gastritis group, serum pepsinogen I and II levels were correlated with antral chronic inflammation score and serum pepsinogen II levels also with antral activity score. Serum pepsinogen I and the pepsinogen I : II ratio were lowest in severe gastric corpus atrophy.

CONCLUSION

In dyspeptic patients known to be infected with H. pylori, serum pepsinogen values provide an assessment of the overall topography of gastritis, the severity of antral inflammation and the presence of severe corpus atrophy.

[Basal concentrations of gastrin and pepsinogen I and II in gastric ulcer: influence of Helicobacter pylori infection and usefulness in the control of the eradication]

AIM

To study the influence of Helicobacter pylori eradication on basal gastrin and pepsinogen I and II levels in patients with gastric ulcer over a 1-year follow-up period, and to assess the usefulness of these values in confirming H. pylori eradication after treatment.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients with gastric ulcer and H. pylori infection were prospectively studied. At the beginning of the study, endoscopy with biopsies for histologic examination and urease testing was carried out, as were 13C-urea breath test and blood samples for determination of gastrin and pepsinogen I and II values by radioimmunoassay and serology. Histologic study, 13C-urea breath test and laboratory determinations were repeated at months 1, 6 and 12 after completion of eradication treatment.

RESULTS

H. pylori infection was eradicated in 82.1% of patients. In patients with successful H. pylori eradication, the initial mean gastrin value was 75.5 +/- 39.1 pg/ml, while at 1 month after treatment this value decreased to 49.2 +/- 21 pg/ml (p < 0.0001). No further reductions were noted. Initial pepsinogen I and II values were 104 +/- 58 and 15.8 +/- 10 ng/ml, respectively, whereas at month 1 after treatment these values were 77 +/- 42 and 7.3 +/- 4 ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.0001) and were 72 +/- 41 and 6.7 +/- 3 ng/ml respectively at month 6 (p < 0.01); no further variations were observed thereafter. The area under the ROC curve which reveals eradication through reductions in hormonal values was 0.70 for gastrin, 0.78 for pepsinogen I, 0.93 for pepsinogen II and 0.92 for the pepsinogen I/II ratio. At months 6 and 12 after treatment completion, differences in mean gastrin and pepsinogen I and II values between the patients with normal histologic findings and those with chronic gastritis were significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

a) H. pylori eradication is associated with an early fall in basal gastrin values and a progressive decrease in basal pepsinogen I and II values. b) In patients with gastric ulcer, determination of the decrease in basal pepsinogen II levels is a useful and early non-invasive method for confirming eradication. c) Determination of gastrin and pepsinogen I and II values may be useful for assessing improvement in gastritis 6 months after treatment completion.

A comprehensive review of the natural history of Helicobacter pylori infection in children

Across populations of children, Helicobacter pylori prevalence ranges from under 10% to over 80%. Low prevalence occurs in the U.S., Canada, and northern and western Europe; high prevalence occurs in India, Africa, Latin America, and eastern Europe. Risk factors include socioeconomic status, household crowding, ethnicity, migration from high prevalence regions, and infection status of family members. H. pylori infection is not associated with specific symptoms in children; however, it is consistently associated with antral gastritis, although its clinical significance is unclear. Duodenal ulcers associated with H. pylori are seldom seen in children under 10 years of age. H. pylori-infected children demonstrate a chronic, macrophagic, and monocytic inflammatory cell infiltrate and a lack of neutrophils, as compared with the response observed in adults. The effect of H. pylori infection on acid secretion in children remains poorly defined. The events that occur during H. pylori colonization in children should be studied more thoroughly and should include urease activity, motility, chemotaxis, adherence, and downregulation of the host response. The importance of virulence determinants described as relevant for disease during H. pylori infection has not been extensively studied in children. Highly sensitive and specific methods for the detection of H. pylori in children are needed, especially in younger pediatric populations in which colonization is in its early phases. Criteria for the use of eradication treatment in H. pylori-infected children need to be established. Multicenter pediatric studies should focus on the identification of risk factors, which can be used as prognostic indicators for the development of gastroduodenal disease later in life.

Helicobacter pylori infection and eradication in paediatric patients

Helicobacter pylori is now recognised to be typically acquired during childhood. Studies also indicate that the infection is frequently lost in childhood; however, it is still unclear whether this is related to the use of antibacterials, the natural history of the infection, or both. H. pylori colonises gastric mucosa and is causally related to chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in both children and adults. Successful eradication of H. pylori has resulted in the healing of duodenal ulcers and the lowering of the ulcer relapse rate in children. Therapy to cure the infection should be started in all children with peptic (duodenal or gastric) ulcer who are still infected. The ideal anti-H. pylori regimen should be safe, cheap, easy to comply with, well tolerated by children and able to achieve a high cure rate. Although US data are lacking, it is anticipated that the treatment regimen for children should be similar to that in adults (a triple therapy regimen that combines a proton pump inhibitor with 2 antimicrobial agents for 14 days). It is inappropriate to prescribe anti-H. pylori therapy without a firm diagnosis. The use of multiple antibacterials in a paediatric patient with an ulcer but without H. pylori infection cannot provide any benefit to the patient or the community. Such an approach only provides the possibility for adverse effects, for example development of antibacterial resistance among bystander bacteria. It is very important to confirm the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. The [13C]urea breath test is the noninvasive method of choice to determine H. pylori status in children and the ideal test for post-therapy testing. There is a need for post-therapy confirmation because of the likelihood of poor outcome for some treatment regimens, which is why post-therapy testing should be the standard of care. There is weak and inconsistent evidence of an association between H. pylori infection and recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children, in part because of the unclear definition of RAP in the literature. Therefore, there is still considerable debate regarding the treatment of infected children with RAP.

Pediatric gastritis and peptic ulcer disease

Inflammation of the gastric and duodenal mucosa is the end result of an imbalance between mucosal defensive and aggressive factors. The degree of inflammation and imbalance between defensive and aggressive factors can then result in varying degrees of gastritis and/or mucosal ulceration. Gastritis and ulcers of the duodenum or stomach can be classified as primary or secondary. The majority of children with chronic gastritis and ulcers in the stomach or duodenum have secondary inflammation or mucosal ulceration. These secondary ulcers generally occur due to a systemic condition like head trauma or overwhelming sepsis, or as sequelae to drug ingestion (i.e. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents), but secondary gastroduodenal ulcers can also occur in specific disease conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or Crohn's disease. In almost all children with primary duodenal or gastric ulcers mucosal inflammation and, less frequently, ulceration is caused by a spiral shaped, gram-negative, microaerobic rod Helicobacter pylori. Recent epidemiological evidence has linked chronic H. pylori infection with the development of gastric carcinomas.

Changes in serum pepsinogen, gastrin, and immunoglobulin G antibody titers in helicobacter pylori-positive gastric ulcer after eradication of infection

There are no studies of changes in immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers to Helicobacter pylori, serum pepsinogen, and gastrin in patients with H. pylori-positive gastric ulcers. We investigated the effect of therapy for H. pylori-positive gastric ulcer on IgG titers to H. pylori, serum pepsinogen I and II, and gastrin. Thirty-six patients with H. pylori-positive gastric ulcer were treated with lansorazole and antibiotics for 2 weeks. Serum pepsinogen I and II concentrations, serum gastrin, and IgG titers to H. pylori were measured before treatment and then at 4 and 12 weeks after stopping the treatment. The presence or eradication of H. pylori was determined using the rapid urease test and by histologic H. pylori staining. For 19 patients in whom H. pylori had been successfully eradicated, the pepsinogen I/II ratio increased, pepsinogen II levels decreased, and the anti-H. pylori IgG decreased compared with the results from before therapy and with those from 4 and 12 weeks after therapy. Gastrin levels decreased compared with pretreatment results and those from 4 weeks after the end of treatment. In 17 patients in whom the therapy failed to eradicate H. pylori infection, there were no sequential significant changes in the pepsinogen I/II ratio or in the levels of pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II, anti-H. pylori IgG, and gastrin. A decrease in the serum levels of the IgG antibody to H. pylori and gastrin and also an increase in the pepsinogen I/II ratio could be used as predictors for the eradication of H. pylori infection in gastric ulcer.

[Symptomatic Helicobacter pylori infection: prospective study of epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects in children in Tunisia]

BACKGROUND

Epidemiology, criteria for diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori (HP)-related infection in children are still debated.

POPULATION AND METHODS

A total of 130 children and teenagers who presented recurrent episodes of unexplained abdominal pain underwent an endoscopic examination. Gastric biopsies were studied for histology and search for HP (Giemsa and Gram staining, testing for urease and culture in an appropriate environment). Serological tests (Elisa) were performed. HP infection was considered as present when two investigations at least proved positive. Infected children were given one drug (amoxicillin, cimetidine or antiacids) or two drugs (amoxicillin plus tinidazole). Clinical and endoscopic control including histological and bacteriological studies were done for the following 12 to 18 months.

RESULTS

HP infection was present in 70 children (54%). It was associated chronic gastritis in 64 cases (91%) and with duodenal ulcer in the remaining cases (9%). Recurrent abdominal pain, anorexia, weight loss and family history of peptic diseases were significantly associated with HP infection (P < 0.05). Endoscopic examination was normal in 35 infected children (50%); nodular antritis was inconstant (30%) but always associated with HP-related infection (P < 0.001) as was atrophic or follicular chronic gastritis. Eradication of HP, associated with the disappearance of chronic gastritis, was seen in 53% of children given amoxicillin alone and in 85% of those given amoxicillin plus tinidazole, but never in those receiving cimetidine or antiacids. Relapse of the HP-related infection was observed in four children (16%), 6 to 12 months after the first episode.

CONCLUSION

These results show high prevalence of HP-related infections in the Tunisian children who suffer from recurrent episodes of abdominal pain. They also confirm the role of HP in the inflammatory process and the development of gastroduodenal ulcer in children.

Verification of decreased basal and stimulated serum pepsinogen-I levels is a useful non-invasive method for determining the success of eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND

We wanted to demonstrate the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on basal and stimulated pepsinogen-I levels in duodenal ulcer patients and to verify whether modification of such levels is a useful method for determining the success of eradication therapy.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients (24 men; mean age, 45 years) with active duodenal ulcer were studied. In all patients three biopsy specimens were taken from the duodenal bulb, gastric antrum, body and fundus for microbiologic and histologic examination. Triple therapy consisting of bismuth, metronidazole, and tetracycline was administered. Endoscopy was repeated 1 month after completing therapy, and biopsy specimens were again taken from the gastric antrum and body. Serum samples were taken at initial and repeat endoscopies, to measure basal and stimulated (120 min) pepsinogen-I levels after injection of pentagastrin.

RESULTS

H. pylori was eradicated in 26 patients (81%). Significant histologic improvement, in both the antrum and body, was observed (p < 0.001). Basal pepsinogen-I levels (mean and 95% confidence interval) at diagnosis and after eradication were 106 (92-119) and 87 (74-100) ng/ml, respectively (P < 0.001). Similarly, stimulated pepsinogen-I levels (integrated values) decreased from 4790 (4199-5381) before therapy to 3970 (3383-4557) ng/ml.min after eradication (P < 0.001). Pepsinogen I levels did not change in patients in whom H. pylori was not eradicated. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for decreased basal and stimulated pepsinogen-I levels was 0.77 (SE, 0.09) and 0.79 (SE, 0.1), respectively.

CONCLUSION

H. pylori eradication in duodenal ulcer patients was associated with a significant decrease in basal and stimulated pepsinogen-I levels. Measurement of these levels could determine how successful response to therapy has been in both the eradication and resolution of associated gastritis. Other advantages of this procedure are that it has low cost and results are evident at an early stage.

Helicobacter pylori and peptic disease in the pediatric patient

The data accumulated on Helicobacter pylori infection in children suggests an important causative role of the organism in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in this age group. The importance of eradication of H pylori in asymptomatic children in relation to its role in peptic disease and cancer in adults is debatable. This article describes the current data on bacteriologic features, pathologic spectrum, clinical significance, epidemiology, methods of diagnosis, and treatment of H pylori infection in children. Further studies will provide the information on the pathogenicity, mode of transfer, and optimal treatment of H pylori infection.

Consideration of Helicobacter pylori infection in childhood: immune response, endoscopic and morphological findings

Seventy-five children (aged 9-14 years) infected with Helicobacter pylori were studied endoscopically and morphologically for the signs of infection and immune response by ELISA technique (total IgE and specific IgG against H. pylori); a control group of 36 children (not infected with H. pylori) were studied simultaneously. Helicobacter pylori positive children examined endoscopically revealed a number of mucous membrane changes including erythema, erosions, lymphoid nodular hyperplasia and ulcers. Gastritis was confirmed by histology in 58 children; 6% were termed 'active', others were 'non-active'. When studying the concentrations of anti-H. pylori IgG in children from the control group they were considered to be seronegative but in children infected with H. pylori a considerable increase was noted. An evaluation of the interaction between anti-H. pylori IgG titers and age, endoscopic signs and histology was carried out. Suppositions were made about the presence of links between these characteristics. Children with H. pylori infection showed a considerable increase of total IgE titers in comparison with the control group. The role of IgG and IgE in the development of chronic gastroduodenal diseases associated with H. pylori is discussed.

Behaviour of acid secretion, gastrin release, serum pepsinogen I, and gastric emptying of liquids over six months from eradication of helicobacter pylori in duodenal ulcer patients. A controlled study

The behaviour of basal and stimulated acid secretion, gastrin release, serum pepsinogen I, and gastric emptying of liquids was studied in 19 consecutive patients with Helicobacter pylori positive duodenal ulcer, over a follow up period of six months. Eleven patients were studied before and at three and six months after eradication with lansoprazole plus amoxicillin and tinidazole (case group), whereas the remainder, with persistent H pylori infection, were studied before and after three and six months from ulcer healing, thus constituting the control group. In the case group, three months after eradication, fasting serum pepsinogen I fell from (mean (SEM)) 91.9 (6.9) (pretreatment) to 72.2 (5.1) ng/l and the integrated gastrin response to a meal reduced from 11,470 (1174) (pretreatment) to 8130 (608) pg/ml/h (p < 0.05). Fasting serum gastrin concentrations and maximal acid output reduced significantly only six months after eradication. In contrast, no significant change of any of these measurements was seen in the control group either at three or six months from healing compared with the pretreatment values. Gastric emptying of liquids did not change over the entire period of follow up in both study groups. In conclusion, eradication of H pylori in duodenal ulcer patients is accompanied by a rapid fall in serum pepsinogen I and plasma gastrin concentrations, whereas a slight but significant reduction of maximal acid secretion takes place later on. In contrast, gastric emptying of liquids does not seem to be influenced by H pylori status.

Serum pepsinogen I and pepsinogen II, and the ratio of pepsinogen I/pepsinogen II in peptic ulcer diseases: with special emphasis on the influence of the location of the ulcer crater

To investigate the effect of the location of the ulcer crater on the serum levels of pepsinogen I (PGI), pepsinogen II (PGII) and the ratio of PGI/PGII, these parameters were determined in 161 healthy controls, 29 patients with gastric ulcer in the gastric body (GU-I), 65 with coexistent gastroduodenal ulcer (GU-II), 104 with gastric ulcer in the prepyloric region (GU-III), and 116 with duodenal ulcer (DU). Serum PGI levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in patients with GU-III (110.6 +/- 65.1 ng/mL), GU-II (100.0 +/- 46.6 ng/mL), and DU (92.2 +/- 35.2 ng/mL) than in the controls (77.4 +/- 31.4 ng/mL), while there were no significant differences between GU-I (82.5 +/- 36.3 ng/mL) and the controls. Patients with gastric ulcer in any region had significantly higher (P < 0.01) serum PGII levels (GU-I, 20.0 +/- 15.7 ng/mL; GU-II, 15.5 +/- 10.9 ng/mL; GU-III, 14.3 +/- 10.0 ng/mL) than the controls (10.6 +/- 6.0 ng/mL) and the patients with DU (10.0 +/- 5.5 ng/mL), whereas no significant differences existed between the latter two. The ratio of PGI/PGII in GU-I (5.86 +/- 3.90) was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than any other group (controls, 8.83 +/- 4.70; GU-II, 8.33 +/- 4.99; GU-III; 9.64 +/- 6.13; DU, 10.45 +/- 4.49), while patients with DU it was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than any other groups. These findings indicate that peptic ulcer is comprised of a heterogeneous group of diseases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age dependent hypergastrinaemia in children with Helicobacter pylori gastritis--evidence of early acquisition of infection

Acute Helicobacter pylori associated gastritis causes achlorhydria, a powerful stimulus to gastrin secretion. If H pylori infection is acquired primarily in early childhood, then the degree of hypergastrinaemia in seropositive children should be age dependent. Anti-Helicobacter antibodies and fasting gastrin concentrations were measured in 439 children aged 4 to 13 years attending hospital for routine day case surgery not connected with any gastrointestinal disorder. Thirty per cent were seropositive for H pylori. There was an inverse relationship between the fasting gastrin concentration and age; the mean fasting gastrin in children aged 4-5 years, 155 ng/l, was significantly higher than that seen in children aged 12-13 years, 90 ng/l. The more noticeable hypergastrinaemia seen in young children with H pylori associated gastritis may reflect achlorhydria associated with acute H pylori infection and suggests that this is primarily acquired in early childhood.

Helicobacter pylori infection, serum gastrin, and gastric acid secretion in teen-age subjects with duodenal ulcer, gastritis, or normal mucosa

BACKGROUND

Many studies have confirmed the close association of Helicobacter pylori with duodenal ulcer (DU) in adults. However, in the subtype of DU known as 'childhood' or 'early onset DU' genetic factors seem to play a prominent role in the pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori in teen-age subjects with DU, gastritis, and normal mucosa and to examine the relationship of H. pylori to serum gastrin levels and gastric acid secretion.

METHODS

Sixty-one teen-age subjects (24 with DU, 14 with gastritis, and 23 normal subjects) were investigated for the presence of H. pylori, antral histology, gastrin levels, basal acid output (BAO), and maximal acid output (MAO).

RESULTS

All 24 patients with DU and 8 of 14 with gastritis were infected with H. pylori; none of the normal subjects were infected. Mean gastritis scores and fasting serum gastrin levels were significantly higher in patients with DU or H. pylori-positive gastritis than in subjects with H. pylori-negative gastritis or normal mucosa (p < 0.05). The difference in serum gastrin levels was also significant when patients with DU were compared with those with H. pylori-positive gastritis (p < 0.05). BAO and MAO were significantly higher in patients with DU than in subjects with H. pylori-positive gastritis or normal mucosa (p < 0.05), but there was no difference between subjects with H. pylori-positive gastritis and those with normal mucosa.

CONCLUSION

H. pylori infection is associated closely with teen-age DU and gastritis and with hypergastrinemia but does not affect BAO and MAO in most infected teen-age subjects.

Helicobacter pylori, hypergastrinaemia, and recurrent abdominal pain in children

The association between Helicobacter pylori and recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is controversial. In this cross-sectional study, the authors aim to determine whether hypergastrinaemia causes RAP in children with H pylori gastritis. In 439 children age 4 to 13 years (mean 7.3 years) attending for nongastrointestinal day-case surgery, anti-Helicobacter immunoglobulin G (IgG) was identified in serum by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method validated in children and fasting plasma gastrin was measured. A history of RAP was sought. One hundred twenty-seven children (29%) tested seropositive for H pylori. Fifty-one seronegative children (16.3%) and 22 seropositive children (17.3%) gave a history of RAP. The mean fasting gastrin in seronegative children was 52 ng/L compared with 117 ng/L in seropositive children (P < .001). The mean fasting gastrin in seropositive children with RAP (124 ng/L) was not significantly different from that of seropositive children without RAP (115 ng/L). The high prevalence of H pylori seropositivity in this study is at variance with other reported paediatric data from the developed world. No association between childhood H pylori gastritis, hypergastrinaemia, and RAP was found. In children with H pylori gastritis, the increase in circulating gastrin (mean 140% increase) is greater than that seen in adults (50% increase).

Serological parameters in assessment of degree of gastritis in healthy volunteers

This study was undertaken in healthy volunteers to determine the relation between serum levels of pepsinogen A, pepsinogen C, pepsinogen A:C ratio, and gastrin on the one hand and histology of the gastric mucosa on the other. The grade of gastritis was scored separately for antral and fundic mucosa by three different classifications: Whitehead, activity, and the Sydney score. Among 48 healthy volunteers studied, 17 were found to have gastritis according to the criteria of Whitehead. Fourteen of these 17 subjects with gastritis had H. pylori in gastric biopsies. In all 48 subjects serum pepsinogen A (r = 0.298-0.506; P < 0.01-P < 0.05), pepsinogen A:C ratio (r between -0.377 and -0.495; P < 0.001-P < 0.05) and gastrin (r = 0.38-0.695; P = 0.007-P < 0.01) were significantly correlated to the severity of both antral and body gastritis as assessed by all three classifications. In contrast, there was no significant correlation between serum pepsinogen C and any of the gastritis scores. When the 17 subjects with gastritis were analyzed separately, there were no correlations between the parameters studied and gastritis of the antrum. Regarding the corpus mucosa, serum PgA correlated significantly with the activity score (r = 0.520; P = 0.03), weakly with the Sydney score (r = 0.465; P = 0.06), but not with the Whitehead score. Serum PgC correlated with the Whitehead (r = 0.555; P = 0.02) and Sydney score (r = 0.523; P = 0.03), but only weakly with the activity score (r = 0.441; P = 0.08).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Serum pepsinogens as markers of response to therapy for Helicobacter pylori gastritis

We have investigated the effect of therapy for Helicobacter pylori gastritis on serum concentrations of pepsinogen I and II in 43 patients. In the 22 patients in whom therapy resulted in dramatic decrease in gastritis scores and in clearance of the bacteria, there was a highly significant (P = 0.0001) fall in mean serum pepsinogen II from 13.3 +/- 0.8 to 7.9 +/- 0.7 micrograms/liter, and a less pronounced fall in pepsinogen I from 89.0 +/- 5.9 to 78.5 +/- 0.4 micrograms/liter (P = 0.01). These changes resulted in a significant (P = 0.01) increase in the pepsinogen I/II ratio. In contrast, nonsignificant declines of 3.5% and 11.6% were observed in mean pepsinogen I and II levels in the 21 patients whose gastritis failed to resolve histologically and whose infection did not clear. These findings suggest that serum pepsinogen levels, especially pepsinogen II, are a new tool that may be found to be clinically useful in evaluation of treatment outcome in patients with H. pylori-associated gastritis.

Serum pepsinogen I and II concentrations and IgG antibody to Helicobacter pylori in dyspeptic patients

AIMS

To investigate the association between histologically confirmed gastritis, carriage of Helicobacter pylori and pepsinogen (PG) I and PG II concentrations.

METHODS

Prospective study of 81 dyspeptic patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was made. The extent of gastric mucosal inflammation and the presence of H pylori was determined, and serology to evaluate PG I and II concentrations and IgG titres to H pylori was carried out.

RESULTS

The presence of H pylori was strongly correlated with high IgG antibody titres to H pylori and gastritis. Patients who were H pylori positive had significantly higher PG I and PG II concentrations and a significantly lower PG I:PG II ratio than patients who were negative for H pylori. In 13 patients with duodenal ulcer and H pylori positive gastritis serum PG I concentrations were significantly higher than in H pylori positive patients without duodenal ulcer. Significant correlations were found between the age of patients and serum PG II, the PG I:PG II ratio, IgG antibodies to H pylori, the severity of body gastritis and H pylori infection, and between the degree of gastritis in the body of the stomach and the PG II concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum PG I and II concentrations, together with a fall in the PG I:PG II ratio, could be used as predictors of H pylori infection as well as serum IgG antibody response to H pylori.

Helicobacter pylori infection and exaggerated gastrin release. Effects of inflammation and progastrin processing

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with exaggerated gastrin release. We investigated whether this abnormality was due to the bacteria or the immune response. Fasting and meal-stimulated 'total' and amidated gastrin were measured in 10 H. pylori-infected volunteers before eradication therapy, after 2 and 14 days of therapy, and 4 weeks after completion of therapy. The exaggerated meal-stimulated gastrin concentration remained unchanged after 2 days of therapy, although the polymorphonuclear cell infiltrate and H. pylori bacteria were no longer evident. The expected fall in gastrin concentration after 14 days of therapy was associated with a reduction in the density of mucosal mononuclear cells, suggesting exaggerated gastrin release was related to chronic inflammation or to H. pylori or its products. The effect of H. pylori on normal progastrin processing was also assessed; 2 control groups were included: 10 H. pylori-uninfected volunteers and 13 patients with H. pylori peptic ulcers. There was a significant difference in the proportion of circulating gastrins that were biologically active amidated gastrins between ulcer patients and uninfected controls (56.7 +/- 4% versus 33.8 +/- 4%, p < 0.001). The proportion of amidated to total gastrins did not increase after successful eradication.

Antral G-cell and D-cell numbers in Helicobacter pylori infection: effect of H. pylori eradication

BACKGROUND

It has recently been recognized that Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with abnormalities in the regulation of gastrin secretion. We investigated whether there was a relationship between H. pylori infection and G-cell and D-cell numbers.

METHODS

The numbers of antral G cells and D cells were compared between 20 patients with duodenal ulcer and 24 volunteers, 12 with and 12 without H. pylori infection. The effect of eradication of H. pylori infection on G-cell number was also evaluated. Antral mucosal biopsy specimens were examined using immunohistochemical techniques specific for the presence of gastrin and somatostatin.

RESULTS

The number of G cells was significantly (P < 0.02) less in patients with duodenal ulcer than in either infected or uninfected controls (3.7 +/- 0.3 vs. 6.2 +/- 0.6 and 5.3 +/- 0.5 G cells per gland for infected and uninfected controls, respectively). The ratio of G-cells to D-cells was similar in duodenal ulcer patients (2.2) and uninfected controls (2.0). It was found that, although eradication of the H. pylori infection results in a dramatic reduction in stimulated gastrin secretion, it is not associated with a change in the numbers of antral G cells or D cells in patients with duodenal ulcer.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that H. pylori infection-associated increase in gastrin secretion appear to be related to local factors regulating G-cell function.

Local cellular and immune response by antral mucosa in patients undergoing treatment for eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Thirty-six patients with nonhealing or recurrent duodenal ulcers (DU) were treated with omeprazole; 20 mg/day for one month followed by triple therapies (metronidazole, 400 mg three times a day, tetracycline, 500 mg four times a day with either colloidal bismuth, 120 mg four times a day or sucralfate 1 g four times a day. At least two gastric mucosal samples were collected from the antral portion of the stomach and from the duodenum before and immediately after omeprazole therapy and four weeks after completion of triple therapies. Samples were fixed in buffered formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde and examined histologically and histochemically for inflammation, density of H. pylori colonization, and immunohistochemically for the density of gastrin-secreting cells, immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM), kappa and lambda light chains and T-lymphocyte population. H. pylori colonization of the antral mucosa before treatment was noted in 100% and active gastritis in 86% of patients. The histologically assessed clearance rate after omeprazole treatment was 47.3%, and after triple therapies, 69.5%. The prevalence of gastritis was observed in 63.9% and 33.3% respectively. All therapies were associated with an accumulation of serous fluid, increased population of lymphocytes and plasma cells, and secretion of immunoglobulins, particularly IgG and IgM in the upper part of the lamina propria. These changes, together with increased numbers of T lymphocytes within the crypt epithelium and the lamina propria, were associated with the presence of H. pylori organisms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of ranitidine bismuth citrate on postprandial plasma gastrin and pepsinogens

Ranitidine bismuth citrate was compared with an equipotent dose of ranitidine, to determine whether the former, by an anti-Helicobacter pylori activity, would counteract the rise of gastrin resulting from ranitidine's gastric acid antisecretory activity. Twenty four men with duodenal ulcers were studied before and on the 8th day of dosing with either ranitidine bismuth citrate 800 mg twice daily or ranitidine 300 mg twice daily (double blind, randomised, parallel groups). Fasting and postprandial plasma gastrin and plasma pepsinogen I and II concentrations were measured, and a 13C-urea breath test was performed before and on the 8th day of dosing. The 13C-urea breath tests were positive in 21 patients before dosing and remained positive in nine of nine of the ranitidine dosed patients, whereas only two of 12 patients treated with ranitidine bismuth citrate remained positive. The expected rise in meal stimulated plasma gastrin with ranitidine was seen in the 12 patients who received ranitidine but, despite suppression of H pylori urease activity in 10 of 12 patients taking ranitidine bismuth citrate, there was no attenuation of the meal stimulated gastrin rise. There was no significant difference in the mean derived (4 hour) plasma pepsinogen I and II concentrations after dosing with ranitidine or ranitidine bismuth citrate.

Pepsinogens in health and disease

Pepsinogens, precursors of pepsins (potent and abundant digestive enzymes that are the primary products of the gastric chief cells), are members of the family of aspartic proteases. Because of the heterogeneity of pepsinogens, several classifications have appeared in the literature. I describe the recommended classification and nomenclature of the aspartic proteases and discuss their genetics, biochemistry (structure, activation of zymogens, mechanism of proteolytic activity and inhibitors), and physiology. The focus will be on the zymogens of pepsin, the so-called pepsinogens. The measurement of these enzymes in serum is a reliable noninvasive biochemical method for evaluating peptic secretion and obtaining information on the gastric mucosal status. A detailed review of the methods for the measurement of pepsinogens in serum, urine, and gastric mucosa is also provided. Data on pepsinogen levels in healthy subjects are discussed with respect to sex, age, smoking habit, and the presence of a circadian rhythm. The value of pepsinogen measurements in peptic ulcer to determine ulcer outcome and recurrence, in gastric cancer, and in Helicobacter pylori infection is reviewed. Finally, the effects of drugs on peptic secretion are discussed. In light of these data, the measurement of aspartic proteases, and in particular that of pepsinogen A and C, may be regarded as an effective biochemical approach to the evaluation and monitoring of patients with upper gastrointestinal diseases.

Short report: twenty-four-hour hyperpepsinogenaemia in Helicobacter pylori-positive subjects is abolished by eradication of the infection

Twenty-four-hour plasma pepsinogen I and II concentrations were determined in 8 healthy subjects with antibody to Helicobacter pylori, before and after treatment with tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate, amoxycillin and metronidazole, Therapy was successful in the 5 subjects with active H. pylori infection. In these subjects, median integrated 24-h plasma pepsinogen I and II concentrations significantly decreased from 2288 and 357 micrograms.h/L before treatment, respectively, to 1811 and 171 micrograms.h/L at 4-6 weeks after treatment, and 1643 and 150 micrograms.h/L at 20-24 weeks. By contrast, in the 3 subjects without evidence of active H. pylori infection, pre-treatment plasma pepsinogen I and II concentrations were similar to values found in the H. pylori-infected subjects after successful therapy, and they did not change significantly in response to therapy. H. pylori infection is associated with reversible hyperpepsinogenaemia.

Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide stimulates gastric mucosal pepsinogen secretion

The effect of Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide on guinea pig gastric mucosal pepsinogen secretion has been examined using an Ussing chamber technique. Luminal addition of H. pylori lipopolysaccharide resulted in a fifty-fold stimulation of pepsinogen secretion compared to a twelve-fold increase with E. coli lipopolysaccharide. Electron microscopy showed marked degranulation of zymogen granules but no evidence of chief cell disruption.

Helicobacter pylori in children with peptic ulcer and their families

Little is known about the source and spread of Helicobacter pylori, but transmission from infected family contacts has been suggested. We have therefore investigated 15 children with peptic ulcer and their first-degree relatives for H. pylori. Serum anti-H. pylori IgG, pepsinogen I, and gastrin levels were measured. Endoscopy was carried out on the children and relatives, and biopsies were taken from the gastric antrum for histology, microbiology, and urease testing. Six of 11 children with duodenal ulcer (55%) and two of four children with gastric ulcer (50%) were positive for H. pylori. Fourteen of 16 parents (87%) and eight of 13 siblings (61%) of H. pylori-positive children with peptic ulcer were also infected compared with eight of 14 parents (57%) and none of four siblings of H. pylori-negative children with peptic ulcer (P less than 0.10, greater than 0.05, and NS, respectively). The children with H. pylori-negative peptic ulcer and negative siblings combined were younger than positive children with peptic ulcer and positive siblings (P less than 0.001). The reliability of serum anti-H. pylori IgG level as a screening test for infection was confirmed. These findings call into question a pathogenetic role for H. pylori in some childhood peptic ulceration, but do suggest that person-to-person spread of infection occurs.