N-nitroso compounds and Helicobacter pylori in the gastric remnant.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to investigate the role of N-nitroso compounds (NOC) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in gastric stump carcinogenesis.


METHODS
Analyses of biochemical parameters such as pH and NOC concentration were carried out on 65 fasting gastric juice samples obtained at endoscopy from 45 patients previously submitted to partial gastrectomy for benign peptic ulcer disease (23 Billroth I, 22 Billroth II/Reichel-Polya) and 20 normal controls. Biopsy specimens were taken to determine histology and H. pylori status.


RESULTS
Significantly higher mean pH values and NOC concentrations were found in partial gastrectomies compared to normal controls. In relation to surgical methods, higher mean pH values and NOC concentrations were observed in the gastric juice of patients with Billroth II compared to Billroth I gastrectomies. Independently of the type of surgical reconstruction, higher mean NOC levels were recorded in patients with more severe histological changes and H. pylori infection.


CONCLUSIONS
All these data suggest that high levels of NOC in gastric juice and H. pylori infection could be cofactors in gastric stump carcinogenesis.
Guadagni
S
S
Department of Surgery, University of L'Aquila, Milan, Italy.
Pistoia
M A
MA
Amicucci
G
G
Leocata
P
P
Ventura
L
L
Ventura
T
T
Chiominto
A
A
Deraco
M
M
Vaglini
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005743:Gastrectomy; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009603:Nitroso Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology
D009603:Nitroso Compounds