Gastric antioxidant, nitrites, and mucosal lipoperoxidation in chronic gastritis and Helicobacter pylori infection.
We have evaluated gastric juice pH, nitrites and vitamin C levels, mucosal glutathione, and malondialdehyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation, in patients with chronic gastritis undergoing endoscopy. Patients had chronic gastritis with (n = 28) or without (n = 60) atrophy and/or concomitant Helicobacter pylori infection. Nineteen healthy subjects, without major macroscopic or histologic changes, were included as controls. Ten subjects were studied before and after H. pylori eradication. Vitamin C levels were low in atrophic gastritis (p < 0.006) and H. pylori infection (p < 0.02). Nitrite concentrations and pH were significantly higher in atrophy (p < 0.005 and 0.0001). Glutathione turnover was higher than normal in gastritis, with higher levels of oxidized glutathione (p < 0.02). Gastric malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased by gastritis (p < 0.05) and H. pylori infection (p < 0.05). Overall, more active gastritis coincided with lower vitamin C levels and higher malondialdehyde levels. After H. pylori eradication a drop in mucosal MDA levels was observed (p = 0.04). In summary, chronic gastritis and H. pylori infection correlate with increased free-radical production, reduced gastric vitamin C levels, and increased glutathione turnover. The possible implications of these changes in the pathogenesis of gastric damage and in carcinogenesis are intriguing.
Farinati
F
F
Cattedra Malattie Apparato Digerente, Policlinico Universitarío, Padova, Italy.
Della Libera
G
G
Cardin
R
R
Molari
A
A
Plebani
M
M
Rugge
M
M
Di Mario
F
F
Naccarato
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000378:metabolism; D005750:Gastric Juice / Q000378:metabolism*; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D005756:Gastritis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology*; D005757:Gastritis, Atrophic / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D016481:Helicobacter Infections; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D008297:Male; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D009573:Nitrites / Q000378:metabolism*
D005609:Free Radicals; D009573:Nitrites; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D005978:Glutathione; D001205:Ascorbic Acid