Helicobacter Pylori Antibodies Research Articles

Seroprevalence of helicobacter pylori in human immunodeficiency virus-positive Patients and it's correlation with CD4(+) Lymphocyte Count.

Background:This study assessed the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies among Iranian patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It also examines whether anti H. pylori seroprevalence was associated with the severity of the HIV infection or the antiretroviral treatment.Material and Methods:A total of 114 HIV-infected patients and 114 age and sex-matched controls, without symptoms referable to upper gastrointestinal tract were recruited. Blood samples were obtained from all subjects. Serum IgG and IgA against H. pylori measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:The rate of anti H. pylori IgG seropositivity was 57.9% in HIV-infected patients and 28.95% in controls (P < 0.001), while the rate of IgA seropositivity was 2.64% in HIV patients and 31.57% in controls (P < 0.001). Although there was an increasing trend of higher IgG and IgA titre by increasing CD4 cell count in HIV-positive patients, it was not reach statistical significance. There was no statistical difference in the serology of anti H. pylori IgG and IgA between patients receiving antiretroviral therapy comparing untreated HIV patients.Conclusions:This study showed higher seroprevalence of H. pylori IgG along with lower seroprevalence of H. pylori IgA in HIV-positive patients compared matched controls.

Frequency of H. pylori Antibodies among Patients with Gastrointestinal Symptoms Attending Khartoum Teaching Hospital- Sudan

A total of 90 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, and who attended Khartoum Teaching Hospital during the period from April to October 2012, were enrolled in this study. Out of them 35 (38.9%) were males and 55 (61.1%) were females, their age ranges from 15-60 years with mean (33.2). The aim of this study was to detect frequency of Helicobacter pylori IgM, IgG antibodies, and to determine the relationship between the presence of antibodies and certain factors such as (sex, age and genetic susceptibility). 90 serum specimens were collected from patients, and analyzed by ELISA technique. The results showed that 19 (21.1%), 57 (63.3%) were positive for IgM antibody and IgG respectively, while 15 (16.7%) were positive for both. Females were more affected than males, high frequency of positive results was observed among 15-30 age groups. Statistical analysis showed that there was insignificant correlation between age, gender, genetic susceptibility and presence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies (P >0.05).

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric mucosal atrophy in Bhutan, a country with a high prevalence of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Recently, serum Helicobacter pylori antibodies and pepsinogen (PG) have been used for gastric cancer screening. The incidence of gastric cancer in Bhutan is reported to be quite high compared with that in neighbouring countries. In this study, 381 subjects from three areas of Bhutan were assessed for gastric mucosal atrophy and serological parameters. Anti-H. pylori IgG, PG I, PG II and cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) antibodies were measured using ELISA. Subjects were classified into four groups according to H. pylori and PG seropositivity: Group A (H. pylori-negative/PG-negative), Group B (H. pylori-positive/PG-negative), Group C (H. pylori-positive/PG-positive) and Group D (H. pylori-negative/PG-positive). The prevalence of H. pylori in the 381 subjects was 71.1% (271/381), with high infection rates found in rural areas. The PG I/II ratio was significantly inversely correlated with the atrophy score in the antrum and the corpus (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the PG status was significantly associated with the presence of atrophy in the corpus. The prevalence of the PG-positive status was significantly higher among H. pylori-positive subjects than among H. pylori-negative subjects (P<0.001). Based on the ABC method, Group B was the most dominant, followed by Group A, Group C and Group D. The high incidence of gastric cancer in Bhutan can be attributed to the high prevalence of H. pylori infection and gastric mucosal atrophy.

&lt;i&gt;Helicobacter pylori&lt;/i&gt; infection and atrophic gastritis

Helicobacter pylori-infection associated gastritis is known to be a significant risk factor of gastric cancer. Serum levels of Gastrin-17 and Pepsinogen1which are respectively biomarkers of gastric antral and corpus mucosal activity are well known parameters of atrophic gastritis. To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and atrophic gastritis amongst dyspeptic patients and to compare the production of PGI and G-17 in the various atrophic stages. A total of 139 dyspeptic patients aged 46.68±15.50 years [females 106 aged47.23±15.51years, males 33 aged 44.48±14.62] were included during the one year period, March 2008-april 2009 at the district hospital Tombel. The degree of atrophy was determined by the levels of serum pepsinogen1, and gastrin-17 and the presence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies detected by an enzyme immunoassay. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori was 79.82% and that for atrophic gastritis was 6.6%. A decrease in mean serum levels of gastin-17 along with increasing antral atrophy was observed; the mean serum levels of pepsinogen1 were reduced during progression of corpus atrophy. A weak reverse correlation(r =-0.036) was found between Gastrin-17 and Helicobacter pylori antibodies.

Analysis on results of physical examination

Objective To statistically analyze the health examination results of workers in a mobile company to understand the health status of the employees of the company,and provide preventive health interventions and countermeasures basis.Methods The data results of physical examination of employees examined in our hospital in 2011 in a mobile company were analyzed.Restlts The health examination of 552 workers out of 613 were in the presence of abnormalities,and the rate was 90.05％.The top five abnormal items were:elevated blood lipids,blood uric acid increased,helicobacter pylori antibody positive,fatty liver and abnormal liver function.Part of the incidence of abnormal items were related to different gender,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.01),the result of abnormalities in the age distribution was different,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).Conclusion The health status of the employees of the company is not optimistic,health education should be strengthened to enhance the health consciousness of the workers,and to strengthen the unit staff health,adhere to the periodic health examination,and comprehensively improve the health of workers,it's very important to their work and life. Key words: Health examination; Results analysis; Countermeasures

Relation between Helicobacter pylori and atrophic gastritis in elderly: Estimation of serum (gastrin 17 and pepsinogen-I) as novel biomarkers

BackgroundSerum levels of gastrin-17 (S-G-17) and pepsinogen I (S-PGI) are biomarkers of gastric antral and corpus mucosa, respectively. We determined whether these tests, together with the assay of Helicobacter pylori antibodies, are a nonendoscopic tool for the diagnosis of atrophic gastritis. ObjectivesTo study the relation between H. pylori infection and atrophic gastritis in the elderly through the estimation of gastrin 17 and pepsinogen I as novel noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers. Material and methodsThe present study included sixty individuals suffering from gastritis there were divided into two groups. Group (I): Thirty patients having H. pylori infection aged above 65years. Group (II): Thirty patients without H. pylori infection aged above 65years. All individuals were subjected to diagnostic upper-gastrointestinal endoscopy and specific gastric biomarkers (serum gastrin-17, serum pepsinogen I/II). ResultsSerum pepsinogen I, II, ratio and gastrin 17 decrease with increasing grade of atrophy of the antrum respectively. Serum pepsinogen I, II, gastrin 17 were significantly lower in mild, moderate, and severe gastritis compared to superficial gastritis patients. ConclusionThe diagnosis of atrophic gastritis obtained with the blood test panel of G.17, SPG I/II and H. pylori antibodies is in good agreement with the endoscopic and biopsy finding. The panel is a tool for nonendoscopic diagnosis and screening of atrophic gastritis.

Cobalamin status in sickle cell disease

Some studies comparing serum cobalamin in individuals with and without sickle cell disease (SCD) have suggested a higher prevalence of cobalamin deficiency in SCD but others have not. Our aim was to prospectively compare cobalamin status in African-Americans with and without SCD. We analyzed blood samples from 86 subjects in two groups: SCD (n = 29) and non-SCD (n = 57). Serum cobalamin, folate, homocysteine, methylmalonic acid (MMA), anti-intrinsic factor antibody, Helicobacter pylori antibody, and gastrin were measured and compared. The median cobalamin was 235 pM in the SCD group vs. 292 pM in the non-SCD group (P-value = 0.014). No significant differences in MMA or homocysteine were seen. Using the criteria of a low cobalamin and an elevated MMA or an elevated MMA alone, cobalamin deficiency was suggested in 4 (13.8%) in the SCD group and 6 (10.5%) in the non-SCD group. Two of these SCD patients and four of these control subjects had chronic renal disease, which may lead to elevated MMA in the absence of cobalamin deficiency. The remaining four met criteria for cobalamin deficiency, 2 (6.9%) in the SCD group and 2 (3.5%) in the non-SCD group (P = 0.6). A lower cobalamin was observed in SCD patients without a higher prevalence of cobalamin deficiency. The inclusion of haptocorrin and holotranscobalamin measurement in future studies may provide a better assessment of cobalamin status in this patient group.

Detection and distribution of Helicobacter pylori antibodies by protein chip in gastroduodenal disease

Objective To detect Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) multiple antibodies of urease (Ure),cytotoxin associated gene A protein (CagA),vacuolating toxin A (VacA),heat shock protein 60 (Hap60) and nitroreductase ( RdxA),and disclose their relations with chronic gastritis,peptic ulcer and gastric cancer.Methods A volume (3 ml) of venous blood was taken from 300 patients of gastroduodenal disease diagnosed by endoscopy,to centrifuge and detect antibodies of Ure,CagA,VacA,Hsp60,RdxA by protein chip technique.Results The infective rates of H.pylori in chronic gastritis,peptic ulcer,and gastric cancer were 34.0％,58.0％,34.0％ ( P ＜ 0.01 ),respectively.In the H.pylori positive chronic gastritis,peptic ulcer and gastric cancer,the positive rates of CagA antibody were 54.9％,75.9％,64.7％ ( P =0.070) ; the positive rates of VacA antibody were 31.4％,22.4％,17.6％ ( P =0.412) ;and the positive rates of Hap60 antibody were 56.9％,48.3％,41.2％ ( P =0.466),respectively.The total positive rate of RdxA antibody was 4.0％ (5/126).Conclusions H.pylori infection and virulence factor CagA are closely related to peptic ulcer,while it did not show the exact correlation between VacA,Hsp60 and gastroduodenal disease.The level of RdxA antibody can not represent the level of H.pylori resistance to metronidazole. Key words: Stomach diseases/metabolism/blood; Duodenal diseases/metabolism/blood; Helicobacter pylori/virology; Protein array analysis

The Presence of Helicobacter pylori in Colorectal Polyps Detected by Immunohistochemical Methods in Children

Polyps are a common cause of hematochezia in children, but the pathogenesis of polyps is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and colorectal polyps in children. Thirty-five patients who had undergone polypectomy after the detection of polyps served as the case group. Twenty-seven patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and normal colonoscopy served as the control group. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stains obtained from paraffin blocks were evaluated and classified according to histopathologic type and degree of dysplasia. The other sections were used to detect HP organisms for immunohistochemistry (IHC). The seroprevalence of HP antibodies in children with colorectal polyps was detected by protein chip technology. HP infection was diagnosed if the serum urease antibody was positive. The HP-positive rate in children with colorectal polyps was 57.1% (20/35), which was higher than the rate of 22.2% (6/27) for colonic mucosa in the control group (P < 0.01). The differences in the presence and absence of HP infection between patients with juvenile polyps and juvenile polyposis syndrome were not statistically significant. Age, gender, and the number, size, and locations of the colonic polyps were not significantly different between the patients with HP-positive and HP-negative polyps. The HP-antibody-positive rate was 65.0% (13/20) in the patients with HP-infection-positive colorectal polyps, which was higher than the rate of 26.7% (4/15) for the patients with HP-infection-negative colorectal polyps (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest a positive association between HP infection and colorectal polyps in children in this study, indicating that HP infection is a risk factor for colorectal polyps in children.

Design of polyglycidol-containing microspheres for biomedical applications

AbstractThe paper presents a short review on the synthesis, characterisation and selected medical applications of poly(styrene/α-tert-butoxy-ω-vinylbenzyl-polyglycidol) (P(S/PGL)) microspheres. The soap-free emulsion-polymerisation of styrene and α-tert-butoxy-ω-vinylbenzyl-polyglycidol macromonomer (PGL) in water yielded core-shell microspheres with a low particle-diameter dispersity (ratio of the weight average particle diameter and the number average particle diameter). The interfacial fraction of PGL units, estimated by XPS, was in the range of 0–42 mole % depending on the concentration of the macromonomer in the polymerisation feed. The studies of adsorption of model proteins showed that the surface fraction of adsorbed protein was significantly reduced when the PGL interfacial fraction was higher than 40 mole %. The P(S/PGL) particles with covalently immobilised proteins were used for the preparation of photonic crystal assemblies suitable for applications in optical biosensors and the medical diagnostic test for the detection of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in the blood serum.

Impact of Helicobacter pylori infection on liver fibrosis in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C

Both Helicobacter pylori (HP) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are endemic in Egypt. This work aimed to investigate the presence of HP in the liver of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and explore the relation between HP infection, liver histopathology and HCV viral load. The study included 60 patients with CHC. Virological, biochemical, liver biopsy and testing for anti-Hp and anti-schistosomal antibodies in serum were done. Liver tissues were examined for histopathological and presence of Hp by detection of HP 16S rRNA gene by PCR and sequence analysis. Anti-schistosomal and anti HP antibody was found in 45% and 61.7%, respectively. Low stages of fibrosis (F0–F3) were found in 73.3% and advanced fibrosis (F4–F6) in 26.7%. HP DNA was found in 10% of the liver specimens. Although the frequency HP antibodies was equally high in patients with advanced and low fibrosis (68.8% and 59.1%, P>0.05), the HP DNA in liver tissue was significantly more frequent in patients with advanced fibrosis (31.25% vs. 2.7%, P=0.004). Meanwhile, the median viral load of HCV was higher in patients with HP DNA in liver tissue compared to patients with no HP DNA in liver tissue (337.000 vs. 165.000, P=0.3491). HCV RNA titer, fibrosis score and history of blood transfusion, are independent factors associated with HP DNA in liver tissue. In conclusion, the presence of HP in liver tissue of patients with advanced fibrosis suggests a potential relation between HP infection and progression of liver fibrosis due to HCV.

Fasting Gastric pH of Japanese Subjects Stratified by IgG Concentration Against Helicobacter pylori and Pepsinogen Status

The clinical significance of Helicobacter pylori antibody titer has been controversial, and the association between the extent of gastric atrophy or acid secretion and H. pylori antibody concentration has not been elucidated. Serum pepsinogen, H. pylori antibody concentration, and fasting gastric pH (as an indicator of acid secretion) were measured in 231 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. "Atrophic" pepsinogen was defined as pepsinogen-I < 70 ng/mL and pepsinogen-I/II ratio < 3. Other levels of pepsinogen were defined as "normal". Fasting gastric pH was analyzed in subjects stratified by pepsinogen level and by H. pylori antibody concentration. Helicobacter pylori antibody concentration showed no significant relationship with fasting gastric pH when all subjects were analyzed together. In H. pylori-seronegative subjects, fasting gastric pH was within the normal range, irrespective of the extent of mucosal atrophy. In H. pylori-seropositive subjects, H. pylori antibody concentration was positively correlated with fasting gastric pH in subjects with "normal" pepsinogen, but inversely correlated in those with "atrophic" pepsinogen. Particularly in subjects with low H. pylori antibody concentration and atrophic mucosa, a group reportedly at high risk of noncardia cancer, the most impaired acid secretion was shown among subjects with atrophic mucosa. The relationship between acid secretion and H. pylori antibody concentration differs depending on the presence of mucosal atrophy. Our findings provide a possible rationalization for measuring both serum pepsinogen levels and H. pylori antibody concentration in gastric cancer screening.

Association between Helicobacter Pylori infection and autoimmune hypothyroidism in Egyptian population

Autoimmune hypothyroidism commonly affecting females is one of the commonest causes of thyroid disease in adults. Among the various autoantibody tests applied in research and clinical practice, the determination of thyroid microsomal antibodies (TPO) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TG Ab) still retains its strong value in the screening for thyroid autoimmunity. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, MALT (Mucosa Associated lymphocyte T) Lymphoma and gastric cancer. Aim of the work: The aim of this work was to study the relationship between H.pylori infection and autoimmune hypothyroidism in Egyptian population. Subjects and Methods: This study was carried out on 147 Egyptian persons divided into 3 groups: Hypothyroid Group: Included 49 patients with autoimmune hypothyroidsm and positive antithyroid antibodies with no history of dyspeptic symptoms or peptic ulcer. H.pylori positive Group: Included 50 patients with dyspeptic symptoms or peptic ulcer with H.pylori positive antibodies with no history of any thyroid disease. Control Group: Included 48 apparently healthy persons serving as control. Serum Free T3, Free T4 and TSH were done for all subjects together with Antimicrosomal antibodies (TPO-Ab), Antithyroglobulin antibodies (TG-Ab) and Helicobacter Pylori antibodies (H. pylori Ab). Result There was no significant difference between all groups as regards age. Also there was significant difference between Hypothyroid and H.pylori positive groups as regarding TSH and Free T3, TG-Ab, TPO-Ab and H. pylori Ab. There is also significant difference between Hypothyroid and control groups regarding TSH, free T3, TG-Ab, TPO-Ab, and H. pylori Ab. There is significant difference between H.pylori positive and control groups regarding FT3 and H. pylori AB. Hypothyroid Group was divided according to the presence of H. pylori Ab into –ve &+ve H. pylori Ab subgroups. There was significant difference between the –ve and +ve subgroups as regard TSH, free T4 and TG-Ab. H.pylori positive Group was divided according to the presence of TG Ab & TPO Ab into–ve and +ve subgroups. There was significant difference between the –ve and +ve cases in TSH, free T4, Free T3, and H.Pylori Antibody. Positive correlation was found between H pylori Ab titer and age, TSH, TG-Ab and TPO-Ab titers. There was also negative correlation between H. pylori Ab titer and free T4. There is no correlation between H. pylori Ab titer and free T3. (Correlation is referred to all subjects of the study = 147). Conclusion This study revealed that patients with positive TG & TPO antibodies, showed (+ve) H. pylori Ab, with significant high titer in their sera. The patients with positive H. Pylori Ab showed high serum titer of TG-Ab. In our study H. pylori-Ab correlates to thyroid function tests and thyroid antibodies.

Association between Helicobacter Pylori infection and autoimmune hypothyroidism in Egyptian population

Autoimmune hypothyroidism commonly affecting females is one of the commonest causes of thyroid disease in adults. Among the various autoantibody tests applied in research and clinical practice, the determination of thyroid microsomal antibodies (TPO) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TG Ab) still retains its strong value in the screening for thyroid autoimmunity. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, MALT (Mucosa Associated lymphocyte T) Lymphoma and gastric cancer. Aim of the work: The aim of this work was to study the relationship between H.pylori infection and autoimmune hypothyroidism in Egyptian population. Subjects and Methods: This study was carried out on 147 Egyptian persons divided into 3 groups: Hypothyroid Group: Included 49 patients with autoimmune hypothyroidsm and positive antithyroid antibodies with no history of dyspeptic symptoms or peptic ulcer. H.pylori positive Group: Included 50 patients with dyspeptic symptoms or peptic ulcer with H.pylori positive antibodies with no history of any thyroid disease. Control Group: Included 48 apparently healthy persons serving as control. Serum Free T3, Free T4 and TSH were done for all subjects together with Antimicrosomal antibodies (TPO-Ab), Antithyroglobulin antibodies (TG-Ab) and Helicobacter Pylori antibodies (H. pylori Ab). Result There was no significant difference between all groups as regards age. Also there was significant difference between Hypothyroid and H.pylori positive groups as regarding TSH and Free T3, TG-Ab, TPO-Ab and H. pylori Ab. There is also significant difference between Hypothyroid and control groups regarding TSH, free T3, TG-Ab, TPO-Ab, and H. pylori Ab. There is significant difference between H.pylori positive and control groups regarding FT3 and H. pylori AB. Hypothyroid Group was divided according to the presence of H. pylori Ab into –ve &+ve H. pylori Ab subgroups. There was significant difference between the –ve and +ve subgroups as regard TSH, free T4 and TG-Ab. H.pylori positive Group was divided according to the presence of TG Ab & TPO Ab into–ve and +ve subgroups. There was significant difference between the –ve and +ve cases in TSH, free T4, Free T3, and H.Pylori Antibody. Positive correlation was found between H pylori Ab titer and age, TSH, TG-Ab and TPO-Ab titers. There was also negative correlation between H. pylori Ab titer and free T4. There is no correlation between H. pylori Ab titer and free T3. (Correlation is referred to all subjects of the study = 147). Conclusion This study revealed that patients with positive TG & TPO antibodies, showed (+ve) H. pylori Ab, with significant high titer in their sera. The patients with positive H. Pylori Ab showed high serum titer of TG-Ab. In our study H. pylori-Ab correlates to thyroid function tests and thyroid antibodies.

Serum Nitrate/Nitrite Concentration Correlates with Gastric Juice Nitrate/Nitrite: A Possible Marker for Mutagenesis of the Proximal Stomach

Background/Aims: In the normal acid-secreting stomach, luminally generated nitric oxide, which contributes to carcinogenesis in the proximal stomach, is associated with the concentration of nitrate plus nitrite (nitrate/nitrite) in gastric juice. We investigated whether the serum nitrate/nitrite concentration is associated with that of gastric juice and whether it can be used as a serum marker. Methods: Serum and gastric juice nitrate/nitrite concentration, Helicobacter pylori antibody, and gastric pH were measured in 176 patients undergoing upper endoscopy. Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed that serum nitrate/nitrite concentration was the best independent predictor of gastric juice nitrate/nitrite concentration. On single regression analysis, serum and gastric juice nitrate/nitrite concentration were significantly correlated, according to the following equation: gastric juice nitrate/nitrite concentration (µmol/l) = 3.93 – 0.54 × serum nitrate/nitrite concentration (µmol/l; correlation coefficient = 0.429, p < 0.001). In analyses confined to subjects with gastric pH less than 2.0, and in those with serum markers suggesting normal acid secretion (pepsinogen-I >30 ng/ml and negative H. pylori antibody), the serum nitrate/nitrite concentration was an independent predictor of the gastric juice nitrate/nitrite concentration (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Measuring the serum nitrate/nitrite concentration has potential in estimating the gastric juice nitrate/nitrite concentration. The serum nitrate/nitrite concentration could be useful as a marker for mutagenesis in the proximal stomach.

The combination of serum trefoil factor 3 and pepsinogen testing is a valid non-endoscopic biomarker for predicting the presence of gastric cancer: a new marker for gastric cancer risk

A valid biomarker for predicting the presence of gastric cancer may contribute to reducing deaths from this disease. Although pepsinogen (PG) testing has been introduced as a predictor, its predictive power is not satisfactory. We examined whether serum trefoil factor (TFF) could be a non-endoscopic predictor of the presence of gastric cancer. Gastric cancer patients who underwent preoperative endoscopy were sequentially recruited. Individuals who underwent a thorough medical checkup were enrolled as non-cancer controls. Serum levels of TFF1, TFF2, TFF3, Helicobacter pylori antibody, PG I, and PG II were examined. We studied 192 gastric cancer patients aged 64.3 ± 9.7 years and 1254 non-cancer controls aged 52.3 ± 12.4 years. In the age/gender-matched analysis (187 cases and 561 controls), significant relationships were demonstrated between gastric cancer presence and TFF3 (P < 0.0001), the PGI/II ratio (P < 0.0001), H. pylori antibody (P = 0.001), TFF1 (P = 0.012), and TFF2 (P = 0.020). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for predicting gastric cancer presence was comparably high for all factors (0.893) and for the combination of TFF3 and the PG test (0.883), but was significantly (P < 0.0001) lower for the PG test alone (0.823). A positive PG test showed a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 82%, whereas a combination of TFF3 and PG testing showed a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 80% in predicting the presence of gastric cancer. The combination of serum TFF3 and PG testing might be a valid non-endoscopic biomarker for predicting the presence of gastric cancer.

Dietary habits and gastric cancer risk in north-west Iran

North-west Iran is a high-risk area for gastric cancer (GC). Dietary practices may increase risk of GC. For the first time, the diet-GC association in this area was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Cases and controls were recruited in a population-based study. In addition to collecting dietary data using a food frequency questionnaire, Helicobacter pylori antibody level was measured. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios for associations between dietary factors and GC among 286 cases and 304 controls. A positive association was estimated for total fat intake (OR = 1.33/20 g, 95% CI: 1.12-1.57) and risk of GC. Inverse associations were observed for vitamin C, iron, and zinc intake and risk of GC and its subgroups (cardia, non-cardia). Fruits and vegetables consumption and refrigerator use showed inverse associations (OR = 0.72/100 g, 95% CI: 0.65-0.80 and OR = 0.75/10 years, 95% CI: 0.60-0.95, respectively). Positive association was observed among those who preferred fried food (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.45-3.37) or consumed highly salted/roasted seeds (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.13-3.43). GC in north-west Iran is associated with dietary practices: foods, nutrients and food preparation habits.

Incidence and risk factors for the development of chronic atrophic gastritis: Five year follow‐up of a population‐based cohort study

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a well-established precursor of intestinal gastric cancer. However, data on incidence of CAG are rare, especially from population-based studies. The aim of this analysis was to estimate the incidence of CAG in a large population-based study among older adults from Germany and to identify major risk factors associated with its development. In the baseline and 5-year follow-up examinations of the ESTHER study, serological measurements of pepsinogen (PG) I and II and Helicobacter pylori antibodies were performed in 5,229 women and men, aged 50-74 years at baseline. Information on additional potential risk factors was obtained by questionnaire. CAG was defined by PGI < 70 ng/mL and PGI/PGII < 3. In total, there were 58 (1.1%) incident CAG cases. CAG incidence increased with increasing age from 0.5% in age group 50-54 years to 2.1% in age group 70-74 years. Seropositivity with H. pylori was strongly associated with CAG incidence, with adjusted odds ratios of 5.0 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-15.8] and 11.3 (95% CI: 4.2-30.0) for participants with cytotoxin associated gene A (cagA) negative and cagA positive H. pylori infection at both baseline and follow-up compared to those without H. pylori infection, respectively. Gender, education, smoking, alcohol consumption and family history of gastric cancer were not significantly associated with CAG incidence. Incidence of CAG is rather low in the German population. Older age and infection with H. pylori are key risk factors for the development of CAG.

Assessment of Degree of Health of the Stomach by Concomitant Measurement of Serum Pepsinogen and Serum Helicobacter Pylori Antibodies

The stomach was assessed by measuring serum pepsinogen (PG) and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) antibodies by immunoassay, based on the findings of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed on the same day. The assessment involved 1,636 individuals who visited the hospital for general medical checkups. Those negative for Hp antibodies and PG were grouped in group A, Hp-positive/PG-negative subjects were included in group B, and PG-positive subjects in group C. Group A comprised 660 subjects (40.3%), group B 514 (31.4%), and group C 462 (28.2%). Gastric cancer was detected in 0.87% (4/462) in group C, 0.19% (1/514) in group B, and 0% (0/660) in group A. All four patients with gastric adenoma were in group C. Hyperplastic polyps were detected most frequently in group C followed by group B, while there were no cases in group A. By contrast, most fundic gland polyps were found in group A. The detection rate of peptic ulcers was highest in group B, while that of reflux esophagitis was highest in group A. These findings suggest that the "degree of health" of the stomach can be assessed by measuring serum PG and Hp antibodies.

S1167 The Usefulness of the “Degree of Health” of the Stomach by Measurement Serum Pepsinogen and Helicobacter pylori Antibody – A Prospective Study Using by Endoscopy

Aim: To determine the prevalence of colorectal adenoma in asymptomatic Hong Kong Chinese 40 to 49 years with and without a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer. Methods: We performed colonoscopy in consecutive asymptomatic subjects 40 to 49 years of age who voluntarily participated in this screening program. Lesions seen during colonoscopy examination were removed. An advanced neoplasm was defined as an adenoma at least 10mm in diameter, with villous histologic features, severe dysplasia, or a cancer. The junction between splenic flexure and descending colon defined proximal and distal location. Results: One thousand and five subjects underwent screening colonoscopy over a twenty eight month period. Of them 1001 (Men 377, Mean age [SD] 44.9 [2.8]) had a complete examination; 690 (68.9%) subjects had no detectable lesions, 177 (17.7%) had tubular adenomas, 109 (10.9%) had hyperplastic polyps and 25 (2.5%) (95 percent confidence interval 1.5% to 3.5%) had advanced neoplasm including 3 invasive cancers. Eighteen of 25 (72%) advanced neoplasms were located in the distal colon. A family history (one first degree relative with colorectal cancer diagnosed below 60 years of age) was present in 216 subjects. The number needed to treat to detect an advanced neoplasm was 40 (95 percent confidence interval 29 to 67). Factors predictive of the presence of any adenoma were male sex (OR 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 2.05, p=0.0231) and age (OR 1.08, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.14, p=0.019). Having a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer was not predictive of an advanced neoplasm (OR 1.7, 95% confidence interval 0.7-4.1, p=0.205) Conclusions : In asymptomatic Hong Kong Chinese between 40 to 49 years of age, the incidence of advanced neoplasm was low. The findings of invasive cancers however raise concern over the current screening recommendation.