The Value of Gastric Biomarkers in Detecting Precancerous Lesions in Patients with Dyspepsia

Abstract

Background and purpose: Identifying precancerous lesions for early detection of gastric cancer is greatly important in high risk areas for stomach cancer. In this study, we evaluated stomach biomarkers as a non-invasive method for recognition of gastric precancerous lesions. Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study, patients with chronic dyspeptic symptoms who were candidate for endoscopy were selected from Sari gastroenterology clinic. After endoscopic and pathological evaluations, patients were divided into three groups: those with normal endoscopic findings and pathology, patients with chronic active gastritis, and those with intestinal metaplasia. Their serum samples were evaluated for PG1, PG2, PG1/PG2 ratio, Gastrin-G17, and Helicobacter pylori serology. Data analysis was done in SPSS V21. Results: A total of 63 patients were investigated of whom 19 were found with normal endoscopic results and pathology, 25 had chronic active gastritis, and there were 19 with intestinal metaplasia. Serum levels of PG1 and PG2 in patients with chronic active gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were higher than normal patients (p<0.05). These patients also had higher incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection compared with normal patients. (75% vs. 21%). Conclusion: Measurement of PG1, PG2, and anti-H pylori antibody in dyspeptic patients can be helpful in identifying gastric precancerous lesions.

Keywords

• chronic gastritis
• intestinal metaplasia
• gastric biomarkers
• helicobacter pylori