Gastric cancer is one of the most frequent neoplasms and a main cause of death worldwide, especially in China and Japan. Numerous epidemiological, animal and experimental studies support a positive association between...Gastric cancer is one of the most frequent neoplasms and a main cause of death worldwide, especially in China and Japan. Numerous epidemiological, animal and experimental studies support a positive association between chronic Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection and the development of gastric cancer. However, the exact mechanism whereby H. pylori causes gastric carcinogenesis remains unclear. It has been demonstrated that expression of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) is elevated in gastric carcinomas and in their precursor lesions. In this review, we present the latest clinical and experimental evidence showing the role of gastrin and COX-2 in H. pylori-infected patients and their possible association with gastric cancer risk.展开更多
AIM: Pathological prion protein (PrP^sc) is responsible for the development of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). While PrPc enters the organism via the oral route, less data is available to know ab...AIM: Pathological prion protein (PrP^sc) is responsible for the development of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). While PrPc enters the organism via the oral route, less data is available to know about its uptake and the role of gastrointestinal inflammation on the expression of priori precursor PrPc, which is constitutively expressed in the gastric mucosa.METHODS: We studied PrPc expression in the gastric mucosa of 10 Helicobacter pylori-positive patients before and after successful H pylori eradication compared to non-infected controls using RT-PCR and Western blotting. The effect of central mediators of gastric inflammation, i.e., gastrin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) on PrPc expression was analyzed in gastric cell lines.RESULTS: PrPc expression was increased in H pyloriinfection compared with non-infected controls and decreased to normal after successful eradication. Gastrin, PGE2, and IL-1β dose-dependently upregulated PrPc in gastric cells, while TNF-α had no effect.CONCLUSION: H pylori infection leads to the upregulation of gastric PrPc expression. This can be linked to H pylori induced hypergastrinemia and increased mucosal PGE2 and IL-1β synthesis. H pylori creates a milieu for enhanced propagation of prions in the gastrointestinal tract.展开更多
AIM To observe changes in gastric biomarker levels with age and effects of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection in a healthy population, and explore factors associated with gastric biomarkers.METHODS Three hundred...AIM To observe changes in gastric biomarker levels with age and effects of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection in a healthy population, and explore factors associated with gastric biomarkers.METHODS Three hundred and ninety-five subjects were selected and underwent physical examinations, biochemical tests, and measurement of serum pepsinogen(PG)Ⅰ and Ⅱ, gastrin-17(G-17) and H. pylori antibody levels. Analyses were made by Student's t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regressions.RESULTS PGII levels were higher in the ≥ 65-years-old age group(P < 0.05) and PGI/PGII were lower in the ≥ 75-years-old age group(P = 0.035) compared to the 35-44-years-old age group. Levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) were higher(P = 0.009) in H. pylori-infected subjects that were male. LDL-C levels were higher in 55-74-years-old age group(P < 0.05) for H. pylori-infected subjects and 45-64-yearsold age group(P < 0.05) for non-infected subjects compared to 35-44-years-old age group. Hp-Ig G level positively correlated with PGⅠ, PGⅡ and G-17(P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.006), and negatively correlated with PGI/PGII(P < 0.001). Creatinine positively correlated with PGⅠ, PGⅡ and G-17(P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Fasting blood glucose(FBG) positively correlated with PGⅠ/PGⅡ and G-17(P < 0.001, P = 0.037). Age positively correlated with PGII and G-17(P = 0.005, P = 0.026).CONCLUSION PGII levels increased while PGI/PGII declined with age in a healthy population. H. pylori infection had an effect on raising LDL-C levels to increase the risk of atherosclerosis in males, especially those of elderly age. Age, H. pylori infection, levels of renal function and FBG were associated with levels of pepsinogens and gastrin.展开更多
BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)has characteristics of family cluster infection;however,its family-based infection status,related factors,and transmission pattern in central China,a high-risk area for H.pylori...BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)has characteristics of family cluster infection;however,its family-based infection status,related factors,and transmission pattern in central China,a high-risk area for H.pylori infection and gastric cancer,have not been evaluated.We investigated family-based H.pylori infection in healthy households to understand its infection status,related factors,and patterns of transmission for related disease prevention.AIM To investigate family-based H.pylori infection status,related factors,and patterns of transmission in healthy households for related disease prevention.METHODS Blood samples and survey questionnaires were collected from 282 families including 772 individuals.The recruited families were from 10 selected communities in the greater Zhengzhou area with different living standards,and the family members’general data,H.pylori infection status,related factors,and transmission pattern were analyzed.H.pylori infection was confirmed primarily by serum H.pylori antibody arrays;if patients previously underwent H.pylori eradication therapy,an additional 13C-urea breath test was performed to obtain their current infection status.Serum gastrin and pepsinogens(PGs)were also analyzed.RESULTS Among the 772 individuals examined,H.pylori infection rate was 54.27%.These infected individuals were from 246 families,accounting for 87.23%of all 282 families examined,and 34.55%of these families were infected by the same strains.In 27.24%of infected families,all members were infected,and 68.66%of them were infected with type I strains.Among the 244 families that included both husband and wife,spouse co-infection rate was 34.84%,and in only 17.21%of these spouses,none were infected.The infection rate increased with duration of marriage,but annual household income,history of smoking,history of alcohol consumption,dining location,presence of gastrointestinal symptoms,and family history of gastric disease or GC did not affect infection rates;however,individuals who had a higher education level showed lower infection rates.The levels of gastrin-17,PGI,and PGII were significantly higher,and PGI/II ratio was significantly lower in H.pylori-infected groups than in H.pylori-negative groups.CONCLUSION In our study sample from the general public of central China,H.pylori infection rate was 54.27%,but in 87.23%of healthy households,there was at least 1 H.pylori-infected person;in 27.24%of these infected families,all members were infected.Type I H.pylori was the dominant strain in this area.Individuals with a higher education level showed significantly lower infection rates;no other variables affected infection rates.展开更多
AIM: Ghrelin, an endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptor, influences appetite, energy balance, gastric motility and acid secretion. The stomach is the main source of circulating ghrelin. There are i...AIM: Ghrelin, an endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptor, influences appetite, energy balance, gastric motility and acid secretion. The stomach is the main source of circulating ghrelin. There are inconsistent reports on the influence of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection on circulating ghrelin levels. We sought to elucidate the relationship between ghrelin and various peptides in plasma, with special reference to H pylori.METHODS: Plasma ghrelin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in 89 subjects who were referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, consisting of 42 H pylori infected and 47 uninfected ones. Plasma gastrin,somatostatin, leptin, insulin-like growth hormone 1 (IGF-1)and chromogranin A concentrations were also measured.Twelve patients were treated with anti- H pylori regimen.RESULTS: Ghrelin circulating levels were greatly decreased in H pylori-positive than negative individuals (194.2±90.2fmol/mL and 250.4±84.1 respectively, P<0.05), but did not significantly alter following the cure of infection (176.5±79.5 vs 191.3±120.4). There was a significant negative correlation between circulating ghrelin and leptin levels, as well as body mass index, for the whole and uninfected population, but not in H pylori-infected patients. Plasma ghrelin concentrations correlated positively with IGF-1 in H pylori-negative group and negatively with chromogranin A in the infected group.There were no significant correlations among circulating levels of ghrelin, gastrin and somatostatin irrespective of H pylori status.CONCLUSION: H pylori infection influences plasma ghrelin dynamics and its interaction with diverse bioactive peptides involved in energy balance, growth and neuroendocrine function.展开更多
Ever since Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) was recognized as an infectious cause of gastric cancer, there has been increasing interest in examining its potential role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Data from casecontrol...Ever since Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) was recognized as an infectious cause of gastric cancer, there has been increasing interest in examining its potential role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Data from casecontrol and cross-sectional studies, mostly relying on hospital-based samples, and several meta-analyses have shown a positive statistical relationship between H. pylori infection and colorectal neoplasia. However, the possibility exists that the results have been influenced by bias, including the improper selection of patients and disparities with respect to potential confounders. While the evidence falls short of a definitive causal link, it appears that infection with H. pylori /H. pylori-related gastritis is associated with an increased, although modest, risk of colorectal adenoma and cancer. The pathogenic mechanisms responsible for this association remain uncertain. H. pylori has been detected in colorectal malignant tissues; however, the possibility that H. pylori is a direct activator of colonic carcinogenesis remains purely hypothetical. On the other hand, experimental data have indicated a series of potential oncogenic interactions between these bacteria and colorectal mucosa, including induction and perpetuation of inflammatory responses, alteration of gut microflora and release of toxins and/or hormonal mediators, such as gastrin, which may contribute to tumor formation.展开更多
INTRODUCTIONHelicobacter pylori(Hp)infection is closely relatedto gastrointestinal hormones and involves theformation of gastritis,gastric carcinoma and pepticulcer.Its pathogenesis relevant
Gastric colonization by Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of gastric disorders, including atrophic gastritis which can be diagnosed based on levels of serum biomarkers like Gastrin and Pepsinogen. We therefore ex...Gastric colonization by Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of gastric disorders, including atrophic gastritis which can be diagnosed based on levels of serum biomarkers like Gastrin and Pepsinogen. We therefore examined the efficacy of a serological-based method namely GastroPanel Blood kit, in diagnosing and scoring gastritis associated to Helicobacter pylori infection. Patients with dyspeptic symptoms were prospectively recruited on voluntary basis at the Yaounde Central Hospital and University Teaching Hospital, from March to July 2011. The degree of atrophy was classified according to levels in patient serum of pepsinogens I and II (PGI and PGII) and Gastrin 17 (G17) and compared with histological profiles as reference method. A specific ELISA test was used for the detection of H. pylori IgG antibodies. In total, 86 volunteers from 21 to 83 years old (mean = 46.4 ± 3.3) were enrolled, including 74.4% of women and 25.6% of men. The prevalence of gastritis was statistically similar between Gastro Blood Panel test and histology used as reference method (89.5% versus 83.7%: p > 0.20). Diagnosis based on serum makers showed high sensitivity (93.1%) in comparison with the reference method. However, the serological based method has diagnosed more atrophic gastritis than the reference (17.4% versus 7.0%: p 0.05). Furthermore, the prevalence of H. pylori infection did not differ significantly between serological method (84.9%) and reference method (81.4%). These results suggest that diagnosis of atrophic gastritis and H. pylori infection obtained with an optional serological method (GastroPanel) is in a strong agreement with the biopsy findings, and thus can be a useful non endoscopic assessment of stomach mucosal atrophy in patients with dyspepsia.展开更多
AIM To investigate the changes of gastricmucosal ascorbic acid secretion in patients withnonulcer dyspepsia and the effect of gastrin onit,and to relate any observed changes to H.pylori infection and mucosal histology...AIM To investigate the changes of gastricmucosal ascorbic acid secretion in patients withnonulcer dyspepsia and the effect of gastrin onit,and to relate any observed changes to H.pylori infection and mucosal histology.METHODS Ascorbic acid secretions in patientswere examined by collecting continuouslygastric juice for one hour after having aspiratedand discarded fasting gastric juice.Using theclearance rate(mL/min)of ascorbic acid fromblood to gastric juice represented ascorbic acidsecretion in the gastric mucosa.Ascorbic acidconcentrations in plasma and juice weremeasured by ferric reduced method.RESULTS Gastric ascorbic acid secretions inH.pylori-positive patients(1.46 mL/min,range0.27-3.78)did not significantly differ fromthose in H.pylori-negative patients(1.25 mL/min,0.47-3.14)(P】0.05).There were nosignificant differences in ascorbic acidsecretions between patients with mild(1.56 mL/min,0.50-3.30),moderate(1.34 mL/min,0.27-2.93)and severe(1.36 mL/min,0.47-3.78)inflammation(P】0.05).There were nosignificant differences in ascorbic acidsecretions between patients without activity(l.45mL/min,0.27-3.14)and with mild(1.32mL/min,0.61-2.93),moderate(1.49mL/min,0.50-3.78)and severe(1.43 mL/min,0.51-3.26)activity of chronic gastritis either(P】0.05).Ascorbic acid secretions in patientswith severe atrophy(0.56 mL/min,0.27-1.20)were markedly lower than those in patientswithout atrophy(1.51 mL/min,0.59-3.30)and with mild(1.43 mL/ min,0.53-3.78)andmoderate(1.31 mL/min,0.47-3.16)atrophy(P【0.005).There was a significant negativecorrelation between ascorbic acid secretion andseverity of atrophy(correlation coefficient=-0.43,P【0.005).After administration ofpentagastrin,ascorbic acid secretions weremarkedly elevated(from 1.39 mL/min,0.36-2.96 to 3.53mL/min,0.84-5.91)(P【0.001).CONCLUSION Ascorbic acid secretion ingastric mucosa is not affected by H.pyloriinfection.Gastric ascorbic acid secretion ismarkedly related to the severity of atrophy,whereas not related to the severity ofinflammation and activity.Gastrin may stimulategastric ascorbic acid secretion.A decreasedascorbic acid secretion may be an importantfactor in the link between atrophic gastritis andgastric carcinogenesis.展开更多
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81072030 and No.81372659Project Funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)
文摘Gastric cancer is one of the most frequent neoplasms and a main cause of death worldwide, especially in China and Japan. Numerous epidemiological, animal and experimental studies support a positive association between chronic Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection and the development of gastric cancer. However, the exact mechanism whereby H. pylori causes gastric carcinogenesis remains unclear. It has been demonstrated that expression of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) is elevated in gastric carcinomas and in their precursor lesions. In this review, we present the latest clinical and experimental evidence showing the role of gastrin and COX-2 in H. pylori-infected patients and their possible association with gastric cancer risk.
基金Supported by Bavarian Ministry of Health, Germany
文摘AIM: Pathological prion protein (PrP^sc) is responsible for the development of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). While PrPc enters the organism via the oral route, less data is available to know about its uptake and the role of gastrointestinal inflammation on the expression of priori precursor PrPc, which is constitutively expressed in the gastric mucosa.METHODS: We studied PrPc expression in the gastric mucosa of 10 Helicobacter pylori-positive patients before and after successful H pylori eradication compared to non-infected controls using RT-PCR and Western blotting. The effect of central mediators of gastric inflammation, i.e., gastrin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) on PrPc expression was analyzed in gastric cell lines.RESULTS: PrPc expression was increased in H pyloriinfection compared with non-infected controls and decreased to normal after successful eradication. Gastrin, PGE2, and IL-1β dose-dependently upregulated PrPc in gastric cells, while TNF-α had no effect.CONCLUSION: H pylori infection leads to the upregulation of gastric PrPc expression. This can be linked to H pylori induced hypergastrinemia and increased mucosal PGE2 and IL-1β synthesis. H pylori creates a milieu for enhanced propagation of prions in the gastrointestinal tract.
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)No.2007CB507405,No.2013CB530803 and No.2013CB530804
文摘AIM To observe changes in gastric biomarker levels with age and effects of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection in a healthy population, and explore factors associated with gastric biomarkers.METHODS Three hundred and ninety-five subjects were selected and underwent physical examinations, biochemical tests, and measurement of serum pepsinogen(PG)Ⅰ and Ⅱ, gastrin-17(G-17) and H. pylori antibody levels. Analyses were made by Student's t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regressions.RESULTS PGII levels were higher in the ≥ 65-years-old age group(P < 0.05) and PGI/PGII were lower in the ≥ 75-years-old age group(P = 0.035) compared to the 35-44-years-old age group. Levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) were higher(P = 0.009) in H. pylori-infected subjects that were male. LDL-C levels were higher in 55-74-years-old age group(P < 0.05) for H. pylori-infected subjects and 45-64-yearsold age group(P < 0.05) for non-infected subjects compared to 35-44-years-old age group. Hp-Ig G level positively correlated with PGⅠ, PGⅡ and G-17(P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.006), and negatively correlated with PGI/PGII(P < 0.001). Creatinine positively correlated with PGⅠ, PGⅡ and G-17(P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Fasting blood glucose(FBG) positively correlated with PGⅠ/PGⅡ and G-17(P < 0.001, P = 0.037). Age positively correlated with PGII and G-17(P = 0.005, P = 0.026).CONCLUSION PGII levels increased while PGI/PGII declined with age in a healthy population. H. pylori infection had an effect on raising LDL-C levels to increase the risk of atherosclerosis in males, especially those of elderly age. Age, H. pylori infection, levels of renal function and FBG were associated with levels of pepsinogens and gastrin.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.U1604174Henan Provincial Government-Health and Family Planning Commission,No.20170123 and No.SBGJ202002004Henan Provincial Government-Health and Family Planning Commission Research Innovative Talents Project,No.51282
文摘BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)has characteristics of family cluster infection;however,its family-based infection status,related factors,and transmission pattern in central China,a high-risk area for H.pylori infection and gastric cancer,have not been evaluated.We investigated family-based H.pylori infection in healthy households to understand its infection status,related factors,and patterns of transmission for related disease prevention.AIM To investigate family-based H.pylori infection status,related factors,and patterns of transmission in healthy households for related disease prevention.METHODS Blood samples and survey questionnaires were collected from 282 families including 772 individuals.The recruited families were from 10 selected communities in the greater Zhengzhou area with different living standards,and the family members’general data,H.pylori infection status,related factors,and transmission pattern were analyzed.H.pylori infection was confirmed primarily by serum H.pylori antibody arrays;if patients previously underwent H.pylori eradication therapy,an additional 13C-urea breath test was performed to obtain their current infection status.Serum gastrin and pepsinogens(PGs)were also analyzed.RESULTS Among the 772 individuals examined,H.pylori infection rate was 54.27%.These infected individuals were from 246 families,accounting for 87.23%of all 282 families examined,and 34.55%of these families were infected by the same strains.In 27.24%of infected families,all members were infected,and 68.66%of them were infected with type I strains.Among the 244 families that included both husband and wife,spouse co-infection rate was 34.84%,and in only 17.21%of these spouses,none were infected.The infection rate increased with duration of marriage,but annual household income,history of smoking,history of alcohol consumption,dining location,presence of gastrointestinal symptoms,and family history of gastric disease or GC did not affect infection rates;however,individuals who had a higher education level showed lower infection rates.The levels of gastrin-17,PGI,and PGII were significantly higher,and PGI/II ratio was significantly lower in H.pylori-infected groups than in H.pylori-negative groups.CONCLUSION In our study sample from the general public of central China,H.pylori infection rate was 54.27%,but in 87.23%of healthy households,there was at least 1 H.pylori-infected person;in 27.24%of these infected families,all members were infected.Type I H.pylori was the dominant strain in this area.Individuals with a higher education level showed significantly lower infection rates;no other variables affected infection rates.
文摘AIM: Ghrelin, an endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptor, influences appetite, energy balance, gastric motility and acid secretion. The stomach is the main source of circulating ghrelin. There are inconsistent reports on the influence of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection on circulating ghrelin levels. We sought to elucidate the relationship between ghrelin and various peptides in plasma, with special reference to H pylori.METHODS: Plasma ghrelin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in 89 subjects who were referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, consisting of 42 H pylori infected and 47 uninfected ones. Plasma gastrin,somatostatin, leptin, insulin-like growth hormone 1 (IGF-1)and chromogranin A concentrations were also measured.Twelve patients were treated with anti- H pylori regimen.RESULTS: Ghrelin circulating levels were greatly decreased in H pylori-positive than negative individuals (194.2±90.2fmol/mL and 250.4±84.1 respectively, P<0.05), but did not significantly alter following the cure of infection (176.5±79.5 vs 191.3±120.4). There was a significant negative correlation between circulating ghrelin and leptin levels, as well as body mass index, for the whole and uninfected population, but not in H pylori-infected patients. Plasma ghrelin concentrations correlated positively with IGF-1 in H pylori-negative group and negatively with chromogranin A in the infected group.There were no significant correlations among circulating levels of ghrelin, gastrin and somatostatin irrespective of H pylori status.CONCLUSION: H pylori infection influences plasma ghrelin dynamics and its interaction with diverse bioactive peptides involved in energy balance, growth and neuroendocrine function.
文摘Ever since Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) was recognized as an infectious cause of gastric cancer, there has been increasing interest in examining its potential role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Data from casecontrol and cross-sectional studies, mostly relying on hospital-based samples, and several meta-analyses have shown a positive statistical relationship between H. pylori infection and colorectal neoplasia. However, the possibility exists that the results have been influenced by bias, including the improper selection of patients and disparities with respect to potential confounders. While the evidence falls short of a definitive causal link, it appears that infection with H. pylori /H. pylori-related gastritis is associated with an increased, although modest, risk of colorectal adenoma and cancer. The pathogenic mechanisms responsible for this association remain uncertain. H. pylori has been detected in colorectal malignant tissues; however, the possibility that H. pylori is a direct activator of colonic carcinogenesis remains purely hypothetical. On the other hand, experimental data have indicated a series of potential oncogenic interactions between these bacteria and colorectal mucosa, including induction and perpetuation of inflammatory responses, alteration of gut microflora and release of toxins and/or hormonal mediators, such as gastrin, which may contribute to tumor formation.
文摘INTRODUCTIONHelicobacter pylori(Hp)infection is closely relatedto gastrointestinal hormones and involves theformation of gastritis,gastric carcinoma and pepticulcer.Its pathogenesis relevant
文摘Gastric colonization by Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of gastric disorders, including atrophic gastritis which can be diagnosed based on levels of serum biomarkers like Gastrin and Pepsinogen. We therefore examined the efficacy of a serological-based method namely GastroPanel Blood kit, in diagnosing and scoring gastritis associated to Helicobacter pylori infection. Patients with dyspeptic symptoms were prospectively recruited on voluntary basis at the Yaounde Central Hospital and University Teaching Hospital, from March to July 2011. The degree of atrophy was classified according to levels in patient serum of pepsinogens I and II (PGI and PGII) and Gastrin 17 (G17) and compared with histological profiles as reference method. A specific ELISA test was used for the detection of H. pylori IgG antibodies. In total, 86 volunteers from 21 to 83 years old (mean = 46.4 ± 3.3) were enrolled, including 74.4% of women and 25.6% of men. The prevalence of gastritis was statistically similar between Gastro Blood Panel test and histology used as reference method (89.5% versus 83.7%: p > 0.20). Diagnosis based on serum makers showed high sensitivity (93.1%) in comparison with the reference method. However, the serological based method has diagnosed more atrophic gastritis than the reference (17.4% versus 7.0%: p 0.05). Furthermore, the prevalence of H. pylori infection did not differ significantly between serological method (84.9%) and reference method (81.4%). These results suggest that diagnosis of atrophic gastritis and H. pylori infection obtained with an optional serological method (GastroPanel) is in a strong agreement with the biopsy findings, and thus can be a useful non endoscopic assessment of stomach mucosal atrophy in patients with dyspepsia.
基金the Youth Scientific Found of Ministry of Healthy.
文摘AIM To investigate the changes of gastricmucosal ascorbic acid secretion in patients withnonulcer dyspepsia and the effect of gastrin onit,and to relate any observed changes to H.pylori infection and mucosal histology.METHODS Ascorbic acid secretions in patientswere examined by collecting continuouslygastric juice for one hour after having aspiratedand discarded fasting gastric juice.Using theclearance rate(mL/min)of ascorbic acid fromblood to gastric juice represented ascorbic acidsecretion in the gastric mucosa.Ascorbic acidconcentrations in plasma and juice weremeasured by ferric reduced method.RESULTS Gastric ascorbic acid secretions inH.pylori-positive patients(1.46 mL/min,range0.27-3.78)did not significantly differ fromthose in H.pylori-negative patients(1.25 mL/min,0.47-3.14)(P】0.05).There were nosignificant differences in ascorbic acidsecretions between patients with mild(1.56 mL/min,0.50-3.30),moderate(1.34 mL/min,0.27-2.93)and severe(1.36 mL/min,0.47-3.78)inflammation(P】0.05).There were nosignificant differences in ascorbic acidsecretions between patients without activity(l.45mL/min,0.27-3.14)and with mild(1.32mL/min,0.61-2.93),moderate(1.49mL/min,0.50-3.78)and severe(1.43 mL/min,0.51-3.26)activity of chronic gastritis either(P】0.05).Ascorbic acid secretions in patientswith severe atrophy(0.56 mL/min,0.27-1.20)were markedly lower than those in patientswithout atrophy(1.51 mL/min,0.59-3.30)and with mild(1.43 mL/ min,0.53-3.78)andmoderate(1.31 mL/min,0.47-3.16)atrophy(P【0.005).There was a significant negativecorrelation between ascorbic acid secretion andseverity of atrophy(correlation coefficient=-0.43,P【0.005).After administration ofpentagastrin,ascorbic acid secretions weremarkedly elevated(from 1.39 mL/min,0.36-2.96 to 3.53mL/min,0.84-5.91)(P【0.001).CONCLUSION Ascorbic acid secretion ingastric mucosa is not affected by H.pyloriinfection.Gastric ascorbic acid secretion ismarkedly related to the severity of atrophy,whereas not related to the severity ofinflammation and activity.Gastrin may stimulategastric ascorbic acid secretion.A decreasedascorbic acid secretion may be an importantfactor in the link between atrophic gastritis andgastric carcinogenesis.