Serum pepsinogen in screening for gastric cancer

Smoking history and severe atrophic gastritis assessed by pepsinogen are risk factors for the prevalence of synchronous gastric cancers in patients with gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: a multicenter prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

No studies have evaluated the relationship between lifestyle and synchronous gastric cancers (SGCs) in patients with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancers (EGCs). Using data from the Tohoku gastrointestinal (GI) study, we aimed to identify factors associated with SGCs.

METHODS

Tohoku GI study is a multicenter prospective cohort study investigating the relationship between lifestyle and metachronous gastric cancers. Patients who had a schedule to undergo ESD for primary EGCs were enrolled. We used logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship of 15 candidate factors, including lifestyle, with the prevalence of SGCs in this study.

RESULTS

Of 850 patients between 2016 and 2019, 16.0% (136 patients) had SGCs. In multivariate analysis, smoking history (odds ratio [OR], 1.93; p = 0.048) and severe atrophic gastritis assessed by pepsinogen (OR, 1.92; p = 0.004) were risk factors for the prevalence of SGCs. Regarding smoking, current smoking (OR, 2.33; p = 0.021), but not former smoking (OR, 1.76; p = 0.098), was a significant risk factor for its prevalence. In the stratified analysis, severe atrophic gastritis assessed by pepsinogen was a risk factor in patients without Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication (OR, 2.10; p = 0.002), but not a risk factor in those with H. pylori eradication (OR, 0.75; p = 0.737).

CONCLUSION

Smoking history was a risk factor for the prevalence of SGCs in patients with ESD for EGCs, and severe atrophic gastritis assessed by pepsinogen was also a risk factor when H. pylori was not eradicated.

Serum Pepsinogen as a Biomarker for Gastric Cancer in the United States: A Nested Case-Control Study Using the PLCO Cancer Screening Trial Data

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer lacks specific symptoms, resulting in diagnosis at later stages and high mortality. Serum pepsinogen is a biomarker for atrophic gastritis, a gastric cancer precursor, and may be useful to detect persons at increased risk of gastric cancer.

METHODS

The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial was conducted in the United States between 1993 and 2001. ELISA-based pepsinogen tests were conducted on prediagnostic serum samples of 105 PLCO participants who developed gastric cancer and 209 age, sex, and race-matched controls. Pepsinogen positive (PG+) was defined as pepsinogen I ≤ 70 μg/L and pepsinogen I/II ratio ≤3.0. Results of conditional logistic regression models, and sensitivity and specificity, of PG+ for gastric cancer are reported.

RESULTS

Gastric cancer cases were more likely to be PG+ (31.4% vs. 5.5%, P < 0.001) at baseline than controls. Compared to PG-, PG+ was associated with an 8.5-fold increased risk for gastric cancer [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.8-19.4]. This risk remained significant after adjusting for Helicobacter pylori, family history of gastric cancer, education, smoking, and BMI (aOR, 10.6; 95% CI, 4.3-26.2). In subgroup analysis, PG+ individuals were 11-fold more like to develop non-cardia gastric cancer (OR, 11.1; 95% CI, 4.3-28.8); conversely, they were not significantly more likely to develop cardia gastric cancer (OR, 2.0; 95% CI = 0.3-14.2). PG+ status yielded low sensitivity but high specificity for both noncardia (44.3%; 93.6%) and cardia gastric cancer (5.7%; 97.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Prediagnostic serum pepsinogen levels from a large, prospective cohort study were associated with risk of gastric cancer, particularly noncardia gastric cancer.

IMPACT

PG status may identify individuals at higher risk of noncardia gastric cancer for targeted screening or interventions. See related commentary by Zhou and Huang, p. 1257.

Scoring model for discriminating gastric cancer risk in patients with negative serum pepsinogen and anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody results

BACKGROUND

The ABC test measures serum pepsinogen and anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody levels to predict precancerous conditions in the stomach and gastric cancer. However, a limitation of this test is that the gastric cancer risk is not negligible in patients with a negative result.

METHODS

Based on their ABC results, 1157 patients were classified into Groups A (n = 392), B (n = 479), C (n = 247), and D (n = 39). In Group A, 24.2% of patients had atrophic gastritis and/or intestinal metaplasia and had thus been incorrectly assigned to Group A. Patients in Group A were then assigned to derivation (n = 236) and validation (n = 156) cohorts by 3:2 random sampling. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors discriminating between a correct (true) and incorrect (false) Group A classification.

RESULTS

A 4-point discriminative model was constructed based on a high-negative H. pylori IgG antibody titer and the patient's age (50-64 and ≥65 years). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the derivation and validation cohorts were 0.868 and 0.894, respectively. In the validation cohort, the addition of a discriminative model score ≥2 to the ABC method showed a similar accuracy for predicting gastric cancer risk compared with the ABC method alone (93.8% vs. 92.4%).

CONCLUSION

The 4-point discriminative model may help identify patients with a normal serological test who are nonetheless at risk of developing gastric cancer.

Role of Serum Pepsinogen II and Helicobacter pylori Status in the Detection of Diffuse-Type Early Gastric Cancer in Young Individuals in South Korea

Background/Aims

The utility of serum pepsinogen (sPG) I and the sPGI/II ratio as biomarkers for screening individuals with gastric cancer (GC) has not been established in Korea. The aim of this study was to define the role of sPG, especially sPGII, in GC screening.

Methods

This study enrolled 2,940 subjects, including patients with GC (n=1,124) or gastric dysplasia (n=353) and controls (n=1,463). Tests to determine sPG levels and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection status were performed. Area under the curve and receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated to identify the optimal cutoff values for sPG. The usefulness of sPG levels for the detection of GC and gastric dysplasia was validated by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The sPGI/II ratio was associated with the risk of gastric dysplasia and advanced-stage intestinal-type GC (IGC). In contrast, sPGII was associated with the risk of early-stage diffuse-type GC (DGC). Significantly higher risk was indicated by an sPGI/II ratio <3 for gastric dysplasia and advanced-stage IGC and by sPGII levels ≥20 µg/L for early-stage DGC. Positive HP status showed a stronger association with DGC than with IGC. When sPGII level and HP status were combined, the prevalence of DGC was higher in the ≥20 µg/L sPGII and HP-positive group. Age younger than 40 years was strongly related to early-stage DGC, especially in females (odds ratio, 21.00; p=0.006).

Conclusions

sPGII ≥20 ng/mL and positive HP status suggest a risk of early-stage DGC, particularly in young adult females in South Korea.

Standard vs magnifying narrow-band imaging endoscopy for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric precancerous conditions

BACKGROUND

Advances in endoscopic imaging enable the identification of patients at high risk of gastric cancer. However, there are no comparative data on the utility of standard and magnifying narrow-band imaging (M-NBI) endoscopy for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, gastric atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia.

AIM

To compare the diagnostic performance of standard and M-NBI endoscopy for H. pylori gastritis and precancerous conditions.

METHODS

In 254 patients, standard endoscopy findings were classified into mosaic-like appearance (type A), diffuse homogenous redness (type B), and irregular redness with groove (type C). Gastric mucosal patterns visualized by M-NBI were classified as regular round pits with polygonal sulci (type Z-1), more dilated and linear pits without sulci (type Z-2), and loss of gastric pits with coiled vessels (type Z-3).

RESULTS

The diagnostic accuracy of standard and M-NBI endoscopy for H. pylori gastritis was 93.3% and 96.1%, respectively. Regarding gastric precancerous conditions, the accuracy of standard and M-NBI endoscopy was 72.0% vs 72.6% for moderate to severe atrophy, and 61.7% vs. 61.1% for intestinal metaplasia in the corpus, respectively. Compared to type A and Z-1, types B+C and Z-2+Z-3 were significantly associated with moderate to severe atrophy [odds ratio (OR) = 5.56 and 8.67] and serum pepsinogen I/II ratio of ≤ 3 (OR = 4.48 and 5.69).

CONCLUSION

Close observation of the gastric mucosa by standard and M-NBI endoscopy is useful for the diagnosis of H. pylori gastritis and precancerous conditions.

Screening for gastric cancer in China: Advances, challenges and visions

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major cancers in China and all over the world. Most GCs are diagnosed at an advanced stage with unfavorable prognosis. Along with some other countries, China has developed the government-funded national screening programs for GC and other major cancers. GC screening has been shown to effectively decrease the incidence of and mortality from GC in countries adopting nationwide screening programs (Japan and Korea) and in studies based on selected Chinese populations. The screening of GC relies mostly on gastroendoscopy, the accuracy, reliability and safety of which have been indicated by previous studies. However, considering its invasive screening approach, requirements on skilled endoscopists and pathologists, and a high cost, developing noninvasive methods to amend endoscopic screening would be highly needed. Numerous studies have examined biomarkers for GC screening and the combination of biomarkers involving pepsinogen, gastrin, and Helicobacter pylori antibodies has been proposed for risk stratification, seeking to narrow down the high-risk populations for further endoscopy. Despite all the achievements of endoscopic screening, evidence on appropriate screening age, intervals for repeated screening, novel biomarkers promoting precision prevention, and health economics need to be accumulated to inform policymakers on endoscopic screening in China. With the guide of Health China 2030 Planning Outline, we have golden opportunities to promote prevention and control of GC. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of screening programs in China and other East Asian countries and introduce the past and current approaches and strategies for GC screening, aiming for featuring the latest advances and key challenges, and illustrating future visions of GC screening.

Modifying Effect of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis on Radiation Risk for Noncardia Gastric Cancer According to Histological Type

The findings from previously published studies have suggested that radiation exposure is associated with increased mortality and incidence of gastric cancer. However, few cohort studies have incorporated risk factors such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection or chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). The current study is aimed at evaluating the modifying effect of CAG on radiation risk of noncardia gastric cancer by histological type, by reanalyzing data from a nested case-control study conducted within the longitudinal clinical cohort of atomic bomb survivors. The analysis was restricted to 297 intestinal- or diffuse-type noncardia cases and 873 controls rematched to the cases on gender, age, city, and time and type of serum storage, and countermatched on radiation dose. Multivariable-adjusted relative risks [95% confidence interval (CI)] of noncardia gastric cancer were 3.9 (2.1-7.2) for H. pylori IgG seropositivity with cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) IgG low titer, 2.6 (1.9-3.6) for CAG, 1.9 (1.3-2.8) for current smoking, and 1.4 (1.1-1.9) for 1 Gy irradiation. Among subjects without CAG, the relative risk (95% CI) of noncardia gastric cancer at 1 Gy was 2.3 (1.4-3.7), whereas relative risk (95% CI) at 1 Gy was 1.1 (0.8-1.5) among subjects with CAG (for the overall interaction, P = 0.012). By histological type, the risk at 1 Gy was high for diffuse type without CAG, with adjusted relative risk (95% CI) of 3.8 (2.0-7.6), but was not high for diffuse type with CAG or for intestinal-type irrespective of CAG status. The results indicate that radiation exposure is associated with increased risk of diffuse-type noncardia gastric cancer without CAG, and this association exists despite adjustment for H. pylori infection and smoking habit.

Analysis of factors associated with recovery of the serum pepsinogen ratio after Helicobacter pylori eradication: a long-term follow-up study in Korea

Objective: Serum levels of pepsinogen (PG) are related to Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammation of the gastric mucosa. This study aimed to examine the influence of H. pylori eradication on serum PG, analyze its associated factors, and evaluate the long-term outcomes.Methods: H. pylori-positive patients who underwent gastroscopy and serum PG measurement were enrolled in a single academic hospital. After H. pylori eradication, the measurement of serum PG level was performed. Recovery of serum PG I/II ratio was defined as a PG I/II ratio after eradication of >3.0 in patients with a PG I/II ratio ≤ 3.0 before eradication. Follow-up involved serum PG measurement and gastroscopy with a rapid urease test annually.Results: In all, 327 patients were eligible for study inclusion. Compared to those before H. pylori eradication, serum PG I (74.9 vs. 44.3 ng/mL, p < .001) and PG II (25.4 vs. 9.1 ng/mL, p < .001) levels significantly decreased after successful eradication. In addition, there was a significant increase in serum PG I/II ratio after eradication (3.07 vs. 4.98, p < .001). In multivariate analyses, the following were independently associated with failed recovery of serum PG I/II ratio despite successful eradication: age ≥ 60 years (odds ratio [OR] = 0.231, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.084-0.629, p = .004) and severe gastric atrophy (OR = 0.156, 95% CI = 0.055-0.440, p < .001).Conclusions: Recovery of serum PG I/II ratio after H. pylori eradication may be achieved in H. pylori-infected patients aged <60 years without severe gastric atrophy.

Prediction of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis and Gastric Neoplasms by Serum Pepsinogen Assay: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy

Serum pepsinogen assay (sPGA), which reveals serum pepsinogen (PG) I concentration and the PG I/PG II ratio, is a non-invasive test for predicting chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and gastric neoplasms. Although various cut-off values have been suggested, PG I ≤70 ng/mL and a PG I/PG II ratio of ≤3 have been proposed. However, previous meta-analyses reported insufficient systematic reviews and only pooled outcomes, which cannot determine the diagnostic validity of sPGA with a cut-off value of PG I ≤70 ng/mL and/or PG I/PG II ratio ≤3. We searched the core databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase) from their inception to April 2018. Fourteen and 43 studies were identified and analyzed for the diagnostic performance in CAG and gastric neoplasms, respectively. Values for sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the curve with a cut-off value of PG I ≤70 ng/mL and PG I/PG II ratio ≤3 to diagnose CAG were 0.59, 0.89, 12, and 0.81, respectively and for diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC) these values were 0.59, 0.73, 4, and 0.7, respectively. Methodological quality and ethnicity of enrolled studies were found to be the reason for the heterogeneity in CAG diagnosis. Considering the high specificity, non-invasiveness, and easily interpretable characteristics, sPGA has potential for screening of CAG or GC.

The serum pepsinogen levels for risk assessment of gastric neoplasms: New proposal from a case-control study in Korea

To decrease the gastric cancer related mortality rate, endoscopic screening is widely performed in Korea. However, a precise method for identifying those at a high risk of gastric neoplasms has not been established. This study aims to evaluate serum pepsinogen (PG) levels for risk assessment of gastric neoplasms. Between August 2014 and March 2016, a total of 398 subjects, including 87 with gastric neoplasms, were enrolled in this study. On the basis of the serum PG I/II ratio, the enrolled subjects were classified into 4 groups: group A, PG I/II ratio >4; group B, >3 and ≤4; group C, >2 and ≤3; group D, ≤2. Compared with group A, a stepwise increase in the risk of gastric neoplasm was observed from group B [odds ratio (OR) = 9.9, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 4.0-24.4] to group C (OR = 20.9, 95% CI = 8.7-50.5) to group D (OR = 37.3, 95% CI = 14.3-97.4). The optimal cutoff value of the serum PG I/II ratio for predicting gastric neoplasms was 4.5, with a sensitivity of 97.7% and a specificity of 57.6%. A decrease in the serum PG I/II ratio was strongly associated with an increased risk of gastric neoplasms. The serum PG I/II ratio can be used to identify those at a high risk of gastric neoplasms in Korean population.

Relationship between body mass index and the risk of early gastric cancer and dysplasia regardless of Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

Obesity is known to be associated with an increased risk of gastric cardia cancer but not with noncardia cancer. In terms of gastric dysplasia, few studies have evaluated its relationship with obesity. In addition, no study on the relationship between obesity and the risk of gastric cancer has analyzed the status of Helicobacter pylori infection.

METHODS

A case-control study was designed to investigate the relationship between obesity and the risk of gastric cancer and dysplasia adjusted for the status of H. pylori infection in Koreans. Nine hundred ninety-eight gastric cancer patients, 313 gastric dysplasia patients, and 1,288 subjects with normal endoscopic findings were included.

RESULTS

As gender differences could be the largest confounding factor, the risk of gastric cancer and dysplasia with an increasing body mass index (BMI) was analyzed in men and women, separately, and was adjusted for age, smoking, drinking, family history of gastric cancer, H. pylori infection, atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and serum pepsinogen I/pepsinogen II ratio. Obesity (BMI 25 kg/m(2) or greater but less than 30 kg/m(2)) was associated with increased risk of early gastric cancer [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.657; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.086-2.528; P = 0.019] and well or moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (aOR 1.566; 95 % CI 1.011-2.424; P = 0.044) compared with normal BMI status (BMI < 23 kg/m(2)) in men. Obesity was related to gastric dysplasia (aOR 2.086; 95 % CI 1.011-4.302; P = 0.047) in women.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of obesity on gastric cancer showed a gender difference. That is, in men it was related to increased risk of early gastric cancer and well or moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, but it was associated with gastric dysplasia in women regardless of H. pylori infection in Korea. Further research into this difference is necessary.

Helicobacter pylori infection and markers of gastric cancer risk in Alaska Native persons: a retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

Alaska Native persons experience gastric cancer incidence and mortality rates that are three to four times higher than in the general United States population.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate pepsinogen I, pepsinogen I/II ratio, anti-Helicobacter pylori and cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) antibody levels, and blood group for their associations with gastric cancer development in Alaska Native people.

METHODS

The present analysis was a retrospective case-control study that matched gastric cancers reported to the Alaska Native Tumor Registry from 1969 to 2008 to three controls on known demographic risk factors for H pylori infection, using sera from the Alaska Area Specimen Bank. Conditional logistic regression evaluated associations between serum markers and gastric cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 122 gastric cancer cases were included, with sera predating cancer diagnosis (mean = 13 years) and 346 matched controls. One hundred twelve cases (91.8%) and 285 controls (82.4%) had evidence of previous or ongoing H pylori infection as measured by anti-H pylori antibody levels. Gastric cancer cases had a 2.63-fold increased odds of having positive anti-H pylori antibodies compared with their matched controls (P=0.01). In a multivariate model, noncardia gastric cancer (n=94) was associated with anti-H pylori antibodies (adjusted OR 3.92; P=0.004) and low pepsinogen I level (adjusted OR 6.04; P=0.04). No association between gastric cancer and blood group, anti-CagA antibodies or pepsinogen I/II ratio was found.

CONCLUSION

Alaska Native people with gastric cancer had increased odds of previous H pylori infection. Low pepsinogen I level may function as a precancer marker for noncardia cancer.

Serum gastrin and the pepsinogen I/II ratio as markers for diagnosis of premalignant gastric lesions

BACKGROUND

Iran is a country with very high incidences of stomach cancer, especially in Northern parts. Here we assessed prognostic value of serum screening biomarkers among people >50 years old for early detection of precancerous lesions in a hot spot for gastric carcinoma in Guilan Province, North Iran.

METHODS

A cross- sectional population-based survey was conducted on 1,390 residents of Lashtenasha city with the mean age (SD) of 61.8 (9.02) years old (50.8% females) to assess the association of gastrin and the pepsinogen (PG) I/II ratio with premalignant gastric lesions. Blood samples were taken for CBC, blood group, and serologic exams (PGI, PGII, and gastrin 17) from each subject. Expert gastroenterologists performed upper GI endoscopy and ROC curves were generated to determine appropriate cutoff points.

RESULTS

Mean values of PGI, PGII, PGI/PGII and gastrin were significantly different between patients with and without atrophy or metaplasia (P<0.05). To diagnose atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, a significantly higher AUC was observed for the PGI/PGII ratio (70 and 72%, respectively) compared to the PGI (56, 55%), PGII (63, 64%) and gastrin (59, 61%) (all p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Biomarker tests such as the PGI/II ratio can be used in the screening and diagnosis of subjects at high gastric cancer risk in our region.

Significant association between serum interleukin-6 and Helicobacter pylori antibody levels among H. pylori-positive Japanese adults

Background. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine produced by many types of cells. Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis that is an underlying cause of coronary heart disease (CHD). Since the 1990s, some studies have shown an association between H. pylori infection and CHD, which may be mediated by inflammation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between serum anti-H. pylori IgG levels and serum IL-6 levels in H. pylori-infected adults. Methods. We enrolled 158 subjects who visited a clinic located in an urban area to be tested for H. pylori infection, using the ¹³C-urea breath test, and who were found to be infected and subsequently received eradication. Results. The geometric mean serum IL-6 level was 1.78 pg/mL for men, 1.57 pg/mL for women, and 1.64 pg/mL overall. Logarithms of serum IL-6 levels were positively correlated with logarithms of serum H. pylori IgG levels (r = 0.24, P = 0.002). In multiple linear regression analysis adjusting for sex and age, the serum IL-6 level was still significantly associated with the IgG level in all subjects (β = 0.18, P = 0.012). Conclusion. Higher H. pylori IgG levels were significantly associated with higher serum IL-6 levels among H. pylori-infected individuals.

Multifaceted Assessment of Chronic Gastritis: A Study of Correlations between Serological, Endoscopic, and Histological Diagnostics

Aim. Chronic gastritis was assessed serologically, endoscopically and histologically to identify correlations between these methods. Methods. Subjects comprised 319 patients who had provided informed consent. Serological assessment of chronic gastritis was based on the pepsinogen test method. Endoscopic gastritis and histological gastritis were assessed and scored according to the Kimura-Takemoto classification system and the updated Sydney classification system respectively, and correlations between these three methods were studied. Results. Pepsinogen I/II ratio showed a significant correlation to the extent of mononuclear cell infiltration of the gastric corpus. When histological gastritis was divided, on the basis of the distribution of mononuclear cell infiltration, into gastritis limited to the antrum and corpus gastritis, these types were distinguished with high accuracy using a pepsinogen I/II ratio of 3 as the cutoff. A good correlation was also seen between pepsinogen I/II ratio and development of atrophy in endoscopic gastritis, where groups with and without advanced atrophy were also distinguished with high accuracy using a cutoff value of 3. Conclusion. Significant correlations exist between serum pepsinogen levels, endoscopic gastritis, and histological gastritis. Pepsinogen I/II ratio allows prediction of the existence of endoscopic gastritis and histological gastritis, or the extent of their development, with high accuracy.

Multifaceted Assessment of Chronic Gastritis: A Study of Correlations between Serological, Endoscopic, and Histological Diagnostics

Aim. Chronic gastritis was assessed serologically, endoscopically and histologically to identify correlations between these methods. Methods. Subjects comprised 319 patients who had provided informed consent. Serological assessment of chronic gastritis was based on the pepsinogen test method. Endoscopic gastritis and histological gastritis were assessed and scored according to the Kimura-Takemoto classification system and the updated Sydney classification system respectively, and correlations between these three methods were studied. Results. Pepsinogen I/II ratio showed a significant correlation to the extent of mononuclear cell infiltration of the gastric corpus. When histological gastritis was divided, on the basis of the distribution of mononuclear cell infiltration, into gastritis limited to the antrum and corpus gastritis, these types were distinguished with high accuracy using a pepsinogen I/II ratio of 3 as the cutoff. A good correlation was also seen between pepsinogen I/II ratio and development of atrophy in endoscopic gastritis, where groups with and without advanced atrophy were also distinguished with high accuracy using a cutoff value of 3. Conclusion. Significant correlations exist between serum pepsinogen levels, endoscopic gastritis, and histological gastritis. Pepsinogen I/II ratio allows prediction of the existence of endoscopic gastritis and histological gastritis, or the extent of their development, with high accuracy.

Novel risk markers for gastric cancer screening: Present status and future prospects

Initial identification of populations at high risk of gastric cancer (GC) is important for endoscopic screening of GC. As serum pepsinogen (PG) test-positive subjects with progression of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) show a high likelihood of future cancer development, this population warrants careful follow-up observation as a high-risk GC group. By combining the PG test with Helicobacter pylori (HP) antibody titers, the HP-related chronic gastritis stage can be classified, thus identifying not only a GC high-risk group but also a low-risk group. Among PG test-negative patients without CAG, those with high serum PG II levels and HP antibody titers are thought to have severe gastric mucosal inflammation and the risk of diffuse-type GC is also high. Meanwhile, in gastric mucosae obtained by endoscopic biopsy, HP infection induces aberrant DNA methylation in CpG islands in multiple gene regions and the extent of methylation clearly correlates with GC risk. By quantifying aberrant DNA methylation in suitable gene markers, we can determine the extent of the epigenetic field for cancerization. These novel concepts and risk markers will have many clinical applications in gastrointestinal endoscopy, including more efficient endoscopic GC screening and a strategic approach to metachronous multiple GCs after endoscopic treatment.

Strategy for eliminating gastric cancer in Japan

A study conducted by the Japan Gast Study Group showed that eradication of Helicobacter pylori reduced the risk of gastric cancer by about one-third. However, it did not completely prevent the onset of latent gastric cancer among those at high risk (i.e., with atrophic gastritis). To prevent deaths from gastric cancer, it is necessary to eradicate H. pylori infection. We propose a program of risk stratification based on the presence of H. pylori infection with or without atrophic gastritis followed by targeted interventions. Those at no risk for gastric cancer (no H. pylori, no atrophic gastritis) need no therapy or follow-up. Those at low risk (H. pylori infected, nonatrophic gastritis) need only H. pylori eradication therapy. The smaller groups at high or very high risk need eradication and cancer surveillance. We estimated the costs and the benefits of this strategy. Gastric cancer screening by simultaneous measurement of serum pepsinogen and H. pylori antibody combined with eradication of H. pylori in all individuals at risk would initially increase national healthcare expenditure, but this would be offset by markedly reducing the cost of treating gastric cancer. The proposed strategy should prevent about 150,000 deaths from gastric cancer during the 5 years after its adoption. If the loss caused by these deaths is also taken into account, the economic effect of this strategy becomes enormous. It would probably reduce the incidence of gastric cancer by more than 80-90% within 10 years. The Japanese government should take the initiative to implement this strategy as soon as possible.

Predictive power of serum pepsinogen tests for the development of gastric cancer in comparison to the histologic risk index

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The selection of a high-risk group of gastric cancer is important. This study was performed to compare the efficacy of non-invasive gastric cancer screening through the measurement of pepsinogen (PG) I/II ratio and endoscopic screening using histologic criteria (Meining's risk index for gastric cancer) in Korean patients.

METHODS

Included in the study were 460 gastric cancer patients and 460 control cases who underwent upper endoscopy between June 2003 and July 2008 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Serum PG I/II ratio and histologic characteristics were evaluated for each participant. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to compare the predictive power for gastric cancer of both the PG II/I ratio (the inverse form of PG I/II ratio) and the histologic gastric cancer risk index.

RESULTS

A higher PG II/I ratio was significantly associated with a higher risk for gastric cancer (odds ratio of highest quartile for cancer vs. lowest quartile, 3.51; 95% confidence interval, 2.29-5.36) in the multivariate logistic model. The validity (in terms of calibration and discrimination) of the PG-including multivariate logistic model was comparable to the histologic gastric cancer risk index model. The results were similar regardless of the staging of the cancer, Lauren's histologic classification, and the location of the cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that non-invasive measurement of serum PG I/II ratio is as effective as Meining's histologic gastric cancer risk index in predicting gastric cancer occurrence.

The correlation of endoscopic and histological diagnosis of gastric atrophy

PURPOSE

Gastric atrophy is a premalignant condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between histological and endoscopic findings of atrophy, and to analyze the affecting factors.

METHODS

Atrophy was graded by endoscopy, and biopsy was performed in the antrum and body for the diagnosis of atrophy according to the Sydney system in the 1,330 subjects.

RESULTS

Both endoscopic and histological atrophy increased in proportion to age (P < 0.001). The prevalence of endoscopic atrophy was significantly lower than that of histological atrophy especially below 50 years of age. The sensitivity and specificity of endoscopy for the diagnosis of atrophy based on histological diagnosis of atrophy were 61.5 and 57.7% in the antrum, and were 46.8 and 76.4% in the body of the stomach. Multivariate analysis showed that an age <50 (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.25-0.61) and a PG I/II ratio >3 (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.35-0.71) in the antrum, and an age < 50 (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.19-1.00) and a CRP > 5 mg/dl (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30-0.94) decreased the sensitivity of the endoscopic diagnosis of atrophy in the body.

CONCLUSIONS

A high index of suspicion of gastric atrophy is important in the young age group, and confirmation of the diagnosis by histology is necessary.

Validation of the pepsinogen test method for gastric cancer screening using a follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Serum pepsinogen (PG) measurement has been used for gastric cancer screening since the 1990s. However, there are no reports comparing the screening validity of the PG test method with that of conventional X-ray examination directly in the same population, using a follow-up study.

METHODS

From April 2000 to March 2001, 12 120 residents of Osaka Prefecture, who underwent opportunistic screening at a medical checkup organization in Osaka city (hereafter, "the organization"), were enrolled. They received both a barium meal examination and PG test simultaneously. All the participants were followed up for a 1-year period after the screening. For the participants advised to undergo endoscopic examination, the results of those who were examined at the organization were tallied. The other participants were checked using the Osaka Cancer Registry (hereafter, "the registry").

RESULTS

Of the 12 120 participants, 493 (4.1%) were positive with the PG method and 728 (6.0%) were positive with the X-ray method. Fifty-four (0.4%) were positive for both methods. Thirteen gastric cancer cases were diagnosed by successive esophagogastroduodenoscopies at the organization. Six additional gastric cancer cases were identified by record linkage with the registry. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values of the PG method with a PGI cutoff level of <or=30 ng/ml and PGI/PGII ratio of <or=2.0 were 36.8%, 96.0%, and 1.4%, respectively. These values for the direct X-ray examination were 68.4%, 94.1%, and 1.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The PG test method alone with a PGI cutoff level of <or=30 ng/ml and PGI/PGII <or= 2.0 is not appropriate for gastric cancer screening.

Clinical meaning of pepsinogen test and Helicobacter pylori serology in the health check-up population in Korea

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to assess the affects of age, sex, and Helicobacter pylori status on pepsinogen testing for atrophic gastritis and to establish the clinical implications of pepsinogen test results and H. pylori serology in a Korean population presenting for a health check-up.

METHODS

Serum pepsinogen (PG) I and PG II, and H. pylori IgG were measured in 1485 adults. The PG values were analyzed based on age, sex, and H. pylori status, and the cutoff value for atrophic gastritis was determined.

RESULTS

Serum PG I (sPGI) and sPGII were higher in H. pylori positive than in H. pylori negative individuals (sPGI, 56.3 vs. 42.2 microg/l, P<0.001; sPGII, 17.5 vs. 8.0 microg/l, P<0.001). The PG I/II ratio was lower in H. pylori positive than in H. pylori negative individuals (3.7 vs. 6.0, P<0.001). The sPGII and PG I/II ratio had a positive (r=0.132, P<0.001) and negative correlation with age (r=-0.229, P<0.001), respectively. Men had a higher sPGI (54.7 microg/l) than did women (48.4 microg/l) (P<0.001) but the PG I/II ratio was not statistically different and neither the atrophic gastritis. The PG I/II cutoff value for atrophic gastritis was 6.0 for H. pylori negative and 3.0 for H. pylori positive individuals. sPGI and sPGII were, however, not specific for atrophic gastritis.

CONCLUSION

The H. pylori IgG status, age, and sex were associated with the serum PG levels. To increase the efficacy of the PG I/II ratio for the detection of atrophic gastritis, the cutoff value of the PG I/II ratio should be stratified according to the H. pylori IgG status in the Korean population presenting for a health check-up.

[Clinical utility of serum pepsinogen levels as a screening test of atrophic gastritis]

BACKGROUND

Atrophic gastritis is a well known risk factor for gastric adenocarcinoma. Its confirmatory diagnosis requires histology via endoscopy, which is an invasive method; therefore, periodic follow up evaluation as a screening method is difficult to perform. We evaluated the clinical utility of serum pepsinogens (PG) as a biomarker for screening of atrophic gastritis.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 130 selected dyspeptic patients (M:F=52:78; age, 16-105 yrs; mean age, 50.8 yrs) who had undergone a diagnostic endoscopy. The serum pepsinogen test was performed by a latex turbidimetric immunoassay method (HBI, Korea) using Toshiba-200FR automatic analyzer. The PGI, II level and PGI:PGII ratio of non-atrophic gastritis group were compared with those of atrophic gastritis group, and a correlation with Helicobacter pylori infection was examined. Cut-off points for screening of atrophic gastritis were determined.

RESULTS

The mean serum concentration of PGI showed a decline from normal (60.7 ng/mL), nonatrophic gastritis (54.2 ng/mL), and atrophic gastritis (51.8 ng/mL) to gastric adenocarcinoma (32.6 ng/mL). The mean ratio of PGI:PGII was lower in atrophic gastritis (3.2) compared to non-atrophic gastritis (4.7) (P=0.021). In patients with H. pylori infection, the mean serum PGII level was higher and the PGI:PGII ratio was lower than those in patients without H. pylori infection, and the differences were statistically significant. For screening of atrophic gastritis, the best cut-off point of PGI:PGII ratio was 4, with a sensitivity of 82.6% and specificity of 91.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum pepsinogen test is a useful biomarker for screening of atrophic gastritis, a well-known precancerous lesion of gastric adenocarcinoma. Measuring both pepsinogen I and II concentrations simultaneously to obtain pepsinogen I/II ratio provides a clinically useful information for the detection of atrophic gastritis.

Atrophic gastritis, but not antibody to Helicobacter pylori, is associated with body mass index in a Japanese population

BACKGROUND

The relationship between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and body mass index (BMI) is controversial. Several reports have indicated that eradication of HP infection induces an increase in BMI. In contrast, epidemiological case-control studies have failed to show an association between HP infection and BMI. Therefore, we investigated whether HP and atrophic gastritis (AG) were associated with BMI.

METHODS

A total of 617 individuals were recruited for the measurements of BMI, serum leptin, pepsinogens (PGs) I and II, and IgG antibody to HP (HP-IgG). BMI and leptin of the subjects were compared when the subjects were stratified by HP-IgG and PGs.

RESULTS

The subjects were divided into AG-positive and AG-negative groups according to PGs (AG-positive: PG I < or = 70 ng/ml and PG I/II ratio < or =3.0). BMI after adjusting for sex and age was significantly lower in the AG-positive group than in the AG-negative group (23.47 +/- 3.05 vs. 24.18 +/- 3.25, P = 0.010). When the subjects were divided into two groups according to HP-IgG, BMI tended to be lower in the HP-IgG-positive group, though the difference was not large. When the subjects were divided into four groups for different combinations of AG and HP-IgG, BMI was the lowest in the AG-positive and HP-IgG-negative group.

CONCLUSIONS

BMI was associated with AG, as diagnosed by PGs, but not with HP infection status. These results mean that HP infection affects BMI via atrophic gastritis.

Cancer high-risk subjects identified by serum pepsinogen tests: outcomes after 10-year follow-up in asymptomatic middle-aged males

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer screening using the pepsinogen filter test is receiving wide recognition in Japan owing to convenience, freedom from discomfort or risk, efficiency, and economy. Because the long-term outcomes of cancer development in extensive atrophic gastritis detected by pepsinogen test are unclear, test-positive and test-negative subjects were investigated in a longitudinal cohort study.

METHODS

Subjects comprised 5,209 middle-aged men with measured serum pepsinogen levels who were followed for 10 years. Cancer development based on "atrophy-positive" and "atrophy-negative" criteria used for cancer screening was investigated.

RESULTS

During the study, 63 cases of cancer developed in the cohort, representing an incidence rate of 125 per 100,000 person-years. Pepsinogen test screening using the most widely used atrophy-positive criterion (pepsinogen I, < or =70 ng/mL; pepsinogen I/II ratio, < or =3.0) displayed 58.7% sensitivity, 73.4% specificity, and 2.6% positive predictive value. Cancer incidence rate was 276 per 100,000 person-years for the atrophy-positive group and 70 per 100,000 person-years for the atrophy-negative group. Incidence rate was higher in groups fulfilling stricter positive criteria detecting more extensive atrophy, reaching 424 per 100,000 person-years. In addition, 9.2% of atrophy-negative subjects with pepsinogen I of >70 ng/mL and pepsinogen I/II ratio of < or =3.0 (reflecting putative inflammation-based high pepsinogen II level) are at high risk for cancer, particularly diffuse-type cancer, with a cancer incidence rate comparable with atrophy-positive subjects (216 per 100,000 person-years).

CONCLUSION

Atrophy-positive subjects by pepsinogen filter test, particularly those fulfilling stricter criteria, and atrophy-negative subjects with low pepsinogen I/II ratio reflecting putative extensive active inflammation constitute populations at high risk for gastric cancer, requiring thorough endoscopic examination.

Evaluation of gastric cancer risk using topography of histological gastritis: a large-scaled cross-sectional study

We evaluated the topography of histological gastritis, which may be risk factors for gastric cancer (GCa). A total of 530 Helicobacter pylori-positive patients underwent diagnostic upper-gastrointestinal endoscopy. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the gastric antrum and body to assess the grade of gastritis. Subjects were divided into four groups by the topography of active gastritis (antrum predominant gastritis, AP; pan-gastritis with or without corpus atrophy, Pan-1 and Pan-2; and corpus predominant gastritis, CP). A higher prevalence of GCa followed the order of Pan 2-->CP-->Pan 1-->AP. The age of patients decreased in the same order. When we set Pan 2 and CP as a high-risk group, the sensitivity and specificity for GCa detection were 77.3 and 54.7%, which were superior to the serum criteria using pepsinogens. These suggest that topography of histologic gastritis is an important marker to identify the high-risk group.

The role of serum pepsinogen and gastrin test for the detection of gastric cancer in Korea

BACKGROUND AND AIM

This study was performed to determine whether serum pepsinogen (PG) and gastrin testing can be used to detect gastric cancer in Korea.

METHODS

Serum levels of PG I (sPGI) and sPGII, PG I/II ratios, and gastrin levels were measured in 1006 patients with gastroduodenal diseases including cancer. Follow-up tests were performed 1 year after Helicobacter pylori eradication.

RESULTS

sPGI and sPGII levels increased and PG I/II ratios decreased in line with the severity of activity, chronic inflammation, and the presence of H. pylori (p < .01). In contrast, sPGI levels and PG I/II ratios decreased in proportion with the severity of atrophic gastritis (AG)/intestinal metaplasia (p < .01). Gastrin levels were found to be correlated with chronic inflammation negatively in the antrum but positively in the corpus. H. pylori eradication reduced sPGI, sPGII, and gastrin levels, and increased PG I/II ratios to the levels of H. pylori-negative patients, and was found to be correlated with reductions in activity and chronic inflammation of gastritis. The sensitivity and specificity of a PG I/II ratio of < or = 3.0 for the detection of dysplasia or cancer were 55.8-62.3% and 61%, respectively. In addition, sPGI and sPGII levels of intestinal-type cancer were significantly lower than those of the diffuse type, respectively (p = .008 and p = .05, respectively). Gastric cancer risk was highest in the H. pylori-positive, low PGI/II ratio (< or = 3.0) group with an odds ratio of 5.52 (confidence interval: 2.83-10.77).

CONCLUSION

PG I/II ratio (< or = 3.0) was found to be a reliable marker for the detection of dysplasia or gastric cancer, especially of the intestinal type. This detection power of PG I/II ratio (< or = 3.0) significantly increased in the presence of H. pylori, and thus, provides a means of selecting those at high risk of developing gastric cancer in Korea.

Asia-Pacific consensus guidelines on gastric cancer prevention

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Gastric cancer is a major health burden in the Asia-Pacific region but consensus on prevention strategies has been lacking. We aimed to critically evaluate strategies for preventing gastric cancer.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary group developed consensus statements using a Delphi approach. Relevant data were presented, and the quality of evidence, strength of recommendation, and level of consensus were graded.

RESULTS

Helicobacter pylori infection is a necessary but not sufficient causal factor for non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma. A high intake of salt is strongly associated with gastric cancer. Fresh fruits and vegetables are protective but the use of vitamins and other dietary supplements does not prevent gastric cancer. Host-bacterial interaction in H. pylori infection results in different patterns of gastritis and differences in gastric acid secretion which determine disease outcome. A positive family history of gastric cancer is an important risk factor. Low serum pepsinogens reflect gastric atrophy and may be useful as a marker to identify populations at high risk for gastric cancer. H. pylori screening and treatment is a recommended gastric cancer risk reduction strategy in high-risk populations. H. pylori screening and treatment is most effective before atrophic gastritis has developed. It does not exclude the existing practice of gastric cancer surveillance in high-risk populations. In populations at low risk for gastric cancer, H. pylori screening is not recommended. First-line treatment of H. pylori infection should be in accordance with national treatment guidelines.

CONCLUSION

A strategy of H. pylori screening and eradication in high-risk populations will probably reduce gastric cancer incidence, and based on current evidence is recommended by consensus.

Early changes in ghrelin following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: influence of vagal nerve functionality?

BACKGROUND

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) effectively produces massive weight reduction, improving health in morbidly obese patients. The mechanisms for the weight loss, and the fate of the excluded gastric mucosa, are not fully clarified. To what extent the appetite-stimulating gastric peptide ghrelin is affected remains controversial.

METHODS

Circulating concentrations of ghrelin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), pepsinogen I (PGI) and gastrin were examined in 15 morbidly obese patients (median BMI 45 kg/m2) preoperatively, and on days 1, 2, 4, 6 and at months 1, 6 and 12 after RYGBP.

RESULTS

Ghrelin levels fell on postoperative day 1 and increased after 1 month to preoperative levels, and rose further at 6 and 12 months. PP concentrations decreased on day 1 and subsequently returned to preoperative levels. PGI levels peaked transiently the first days after surgery and subsequently declined to lower than preoperative levels. Gastrin levels were gradually reduced postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Ghrelin and PP fall transiently after surgery, possibly due to vagal dysfunction, and ultimately, as weight loss ensues, ghrelin secretion increases to higher than preoperative levels. The RYBGP procedure affects the gastric mucosa, as reflected by a transient increase in circulating PGI, and subsequently, the mucosa in the excluded stomach is at rest, as shown by low levels of PGI and gastrin.

Reduction in gastric cancer mortality by screening based on serum pepsinogen concentration: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Pepsinogen testing is widely used in Japan as a method of screening for gastric cancer. To evaluate the efficacy of this method, a case-control study was conducted in a rural town in Hiroshima prefecture, Japan, where no previous pepsinogen testing had been performed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three age-and gender-matched control subjects were randomly selected for each of 41 individuals who had died of gastric cancer. The three control subjects were selected from individuals who were living in the same area as the patient when gastric cancer was diagnosed.

RESULTS

The odds ratios for death from gastric cancer among control subjects screened within 1 and 2 years before the individuals were diagnosed versus those not screened were 0.238 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.061-0.929), and 0.375 (95% CI: 0.155-0.905), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The study results suggest that gastric cancer screening using the pepsinogen method may reduce mortality from gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer screening using the serum pepsinogen test method

The current status of gastric cancer screening, worldwide, as well as in Japan, using the serum pepsinogen test method, was reviewed. We performed a metaanalysis of sensitivity and specificity results from 42 individual studies (27 population-based screening studies: n = 296 553 and 15 selected groups: n = 4 385). Pooled pairs of sensitivity and false-positive rates (FPr) for pepsinogen I level < or = 70 ng/ml; pepsinogen I/II ratio < or = 3, had a sensitivity of 77%/FPr27%. The positive predictive value varied between 0.77% and 1.25%, and the negative predictive value varied between 99.08% and 99.90%. Therefore, we concluded that the definition of the pepsinogen test should include the pepsinogen I/II ratio, as consistency was obtained for both the population-based studies and the selected groups for those studies that used pepsinogen I serum levels together with the pepsinogen I/II ratio for screening for gastric cancer in high-incidence regions other than Japan. Individuals testing positive for extensive atrophic gastritis by serum pepsinogen levels undergo endoscopic examination to test for the presence of gastric cancer. We should increase the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the gastric cancer screening system, by the identification of groups, at low-risk, as well as those at high-risk, of developing gastric cancer, using a combination of assays of serum Helicobacter pylori antibody titers and the concentration of pepsinogen I and II. In conclusion, the pepsinogen test method can be used as a screening test for high-risk subjects, rather than as a tool for screening for cancer itself. I hope that this pepsinogen test method will become a world standard for gastric cancer prevention in the near future, in other countries, as well as in Japan.

Using serum pepsinogens wisely in a clinical practice

Serum pepsinogen (PG) has been used as biomarkers of gastric inflammation and mucosal status, including atrophic change, before the discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Serum pepsinogen I (PG I) and pepsinogen II (PG II) levels are known to increase in the presence of H. pylori-related nonatrophic chronic gastritis. The measurement of serum PG provides much information on the presence of intestinal metaplasia as well as atrophic gastritis. The eradication of H. pylori provokes a significant change in serum PG values: it reduces both PG I and PG II and elevates the PG I to PG II ratio. Recently, the serum PG test method has been the first screening step in Japan, as well as photofluorography. Serum PG tests are used to screen for high risk subjects with atrophic gastritis, rather than as a test for cancer itself. Unlike photofluorography or endoscopy, serum PG screening can identify non-ulcerated differentiated asymptomatic cancer, irrespective of the size and location of the lesion. Most cases detected by the PG method are asymptomatic early gastric cancers and are limited to the mucosa, which are particularly well suited for endoscopic treatment. The PG method can contribute greatly to the patients' quality of life.

Serum pepsinogen and gastric cancer screening

Since the 1990's, the test for serum pepsinogen as a marker for chronic atrophic gastritis has been incorporated into gastric cancer screening programs, on a trial basis, to identify people at high risk for gastric cancer. The addition of the serum test to the cancer screening program has been shown to improve the detection rate of cancer and pepsinogen testing is useful in detecting early-stage gastric cancers arising from atrophic gastric mucosa, which macroscopically tend to be elevated and histologically differentiated. Furthermore, the cost for the detection of a single cancer case is much less than that for conventional screening. Thus, with the introduction of pepsinogen testing, complimenting barium X-ray, a more efficient screening system is available.

Role of Helicobacter pylori and autoimmunity in serological atrophic corpus gastritis in a Dutch primary care community

BACKGROUND

Atrophic corpus gastritis predisposes to vitamin B12 deficiency and gastric cancer. Little is known about the seroprevalence of atrophic corpus gastritis in the general population of Western Europe.

AIM

To investigate the seroprevalence of atrophic corpus gastritis in a West-European primary care community in relation to Helicobacter pylori infection and autoimmunity.

METHODS

Nine hundred and ninety-seven consecutive persons attending one general practice were asked to participate in the study by completing a questionnaire and donating fasting blood. Gastrin, pepsinogen A and C, and antibodies to H. pylori and parietal cells were measured by well-validated immunological methods. Criteria for serological atrophic corpus gastritis were pepsinogen A < 17 microg/l, pepsinogen A/C ratio <1.6, and gastrin >100 ng/l.

RESULTS

Thirty-four participants (3.4%) fulfilled the serological criteria of atrophic corpus gastritis. Twenty-one of them (62%) and 17 of 34 (50%) age-matched and sex-matched nested controls were H. pylori positive [NS; odds ratio, 1.62 (0.62-4.24)], while 15 of them (44%) and one of 34 controls had antibodies to parietal cells [P < 0.005; odds ratio, 24.0 (3.00-201)].

CONCLUSIONS

The seroprevalence of atrophic corpus gastritis in this primary care community is 3.4%. When compared with controls, the approximate relative risk of having atrophic corpus gastritis was significantly higher (P < 0.025) for antibodies to parietal cells (24.0) than to H. pylori (1.62). In view of the decreasing risk of H. pylori infection in the western world, it is likely that the impact of H. pylori on the development of atrophic corpus gastritis will further diminish.

The serum pepsinogen test as a predictor of gastric cancer: the Hisayama study

The authors examined whether a serum pepsinogen test (SPT) based on the combination of the serum pepsinogen I level and pepsinogen I/II ratio is a good predictor of gastric cancer occurrence in a general Japanese population. A total of 2,446 subjects aged > or =40 years were classified into negative, positive, and strong-positive SPT groups and were followed prospectively for 14 years (1988-2002). Compared with that for the negative SPT group (26 men, 10 women), gastric cancer incidence increased significantly for both men (n = 17; age-adjusted hazard ratio = 4.56, 95% confidence interval: 2.42, 8.60) and women (n = 6; age-adjusted hazard ratio = 5.84, 95% confidence interval: 2.00, 17.11) in the strong-positive SPT group. It was also significantly higher in the positive SPT group for men (n = 23; age-adjusted hazard ratio = 3.91, 95% confidence interval: 2.23, 6.86). These associations did not attenuate even after adjustment for other comprehensive risk factors. Stratified analysis revealed significant associations between the SPT and development of intestinal-type gastric cancer as well as of cancer in both Helicobacter pylori-negative and -positive subjects. These findings suggest that the SPT can serve as a predictor of intestinal-type gastric cancer, irrespective of H. pylori infection.

Influences of the absence of random assignment of bids on estimating willingness to pay using a discrete-choice question

This study examined the influences of the interaction between a bid and the respondent's characteristics due to insufficient random assignment of bids on the estimation of willingness to pay (WTP) using data from a discrete-choice question. A contingent valuation survey of 152 examinees undergoing X-ray testing for gastric cancer screening was conducted, and the median and mean WTP for the serum pepsinogen test were estimated using a logistic regression model to which the interaction terms between the bid and the respondent's characteristics, which included gender, age, annual income, frequency of prior use of a gastric cancer screening program, and perceived health, were added. There were remarkable differences in the estimated WTP according to whether the interaction term of annual income, to which the bids had failed to be assigned randomly and which had been positively correlated with the bid, was added in the model. It is suggested that it may be necessary to check if the bids were randomly assigned to the respondent's characteristics and, when correlations with the bid are found, to adjust their interaction effects.

Correlation of ratio of serum pepsinogen I and II with prevalence of gastric cancer and adenoma in Japanese subjects

OBJECTIVE

Gastric cancer (GC) and adenoma (GA) are reported to be related to atrophic gastritis, in which the serum pepsinogen (PG) I level and the PGI/PGII ratio (I/II ratio) are reduced. To verify that the finding of a low PG level increases the risk for GC and GA, we investigated the correlation between low PG levels and the prevalence of GC and GA in individuals.

METHODS

The 2,039 subjects (734 Japanese men, mean age 68.5 yr, and 1,305 women, mean age 66.7 yr), selected from among 10,996 local residents who underwent health check-ups based on reductions in their serum PG levels, underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

RESULTS

Gastrointestinal endoscopy detected 21 GCs and 15 GAs. The prevalence of GC was higher than that in the residents without low serum PG. The percentage of early stage of GC (90%) was significantly higher than that of GC detected in unscreened residents (56.9%). The prevalence of GC in men was closely and significantly correlated with the I/II ratio (r = 0.935, p = 0.0063), whereas there was less correlation with age (r = 0.842, p = 0.0734). The prevalence of GA was also closely and significantly correlated with the I/II ratio in men (r = 0.881, p = 0.0203), but not with age (r = 0.163, p = 0.7928). In women the prevalence of GC (r = 0.744, p = 0.090) and GA (r = 0.678, p = 0.1392) did not correlate as strongly with the I/II ratio, although the highest prevalence was seen in the group with the lowest I/II ratio.

CONCLUSION

Our study verified that a low I/II ratio signifies a high risk for GC and GA and that measuring serum PG levels can be used as a screening method for GC and GA.