Does serum nitrite concentration reflect gastric carcinogenesis in Japanese Helicobacter pylori-infected patients?

This study investigated whether the serum nitrite concentration reflects Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammation and atrophic changes of gastric mucosa. Ninety-seven patients underwent biopsy of both antrum and fundus. Samples were analyzed by the rapid urease test and histopathological examination according to the updated Sydney system. Fasting serum samples from each subject were analyzed for specific IgG Helicobacter pylori antibodies, pepsinogen I and II concentrations, and NO2-/NO3- content. Eleven patients had H. pylori eradicated with proton pump-based triple therapy. There was a strong positive correlation between the Helicobacter pylori density in the gastric mucosa and the serum nitrite concentration, but a negative correlation existed between the atrophic grade of the gastric mucosa and both serum nitrite concentration and Helicobacter pylori density in the gastric mucosa. Serum nitrite concentrations decreased significantly after successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Therefore, serum nitrite concentration may be a useful marker for oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.