Serum pepsinogen I and gastrin in peptic ulcer patients using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Background/Aims: The inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have very complex effects on the gastric mucosa. They, for instance, inhibit mucosal cell proliferation in gastric ulcer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these effects manifest as changes in pepsinogen I and gastrin concentrations. Methodology: Fasting serum pepsinogen I and gastrin samples were collected from 53 consecutive Helicobacter pylori (HP) positive peptic ulcer patients. Ulcer was diagnosed by endoscopy. The presence of HP was determined from the histological specimen taken from the antral mucosa. Histological changes in the gastric mucosa were evaluated according to the Sydney system. A structured personal interview was carried out with all patients at endoscopy, including detailed questions on the daily use of NSAIDs. Patients were divided into two groups according to their use of NSAIDS. Results: The age-adjusted mean pepsinogen I concentration was significantly lower in patients who used NSAIDs compared to those who did not (91 vs 127 ng/l, p =0.0035). There was no difference in the mean gastrin concentration between these two groups (91 vs 86 μg/I, p=0.74). Conclusions: Serum pepsinogen I concentration was lower in HP positive peptic ulcer patients who used NSAIDs compared to those who did not.