Diagnostic values of serum levels of pepsinogens and gastrin-17 for screening gastritis and gastric cancer in a high risk area in Northern Iran

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the second cause of cancer related death in the world. It may develop by progression from its precancerous condition, called gastric atrophy (GA) due to gastritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of serum levels of pepsinogens (Pg) and gastrin-17 (G17) as non-invasive methods to discriminate GA or GC (GA/GC) patients. Materials and Methods: Subjects referred to gastrointestinal clinics of Golestan province of Iran during 2010 and 2011 were invited to participate. Serum levels of PgI, PgII and G17 were measured using a GastroPanel kit. Based on the pathological examination of endoscopic biopsy samples, subjects were classified into four groups: normal, non-atrophic gastritis, GA, and GC. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine cut-off values. Indices of validity were calculated for serum markers. Results: Study groups were normal individuals (n=74), non-atrophic gastritis (n=90), GA (n=31) and GC patients (n=30). The best cut-off points for PgI, PgI/II ratio, G17 and HP were 80 μg/L, 10, 6 pmol/L, and 20 EIU, respectively. PgI could differentiate GA/GC with high accuracy (AUC=0.83; 95%CI: 0.76-0.89). The accuracy of a combination of PgI and PgI/II ratio for detecting GA/GC was also relatively high (AUC=0.78; 95%CI: 0.70-0.86). Conclusions: Our findings suggested PgI alone as well as a combination of PgI and PgI/II ratio are valid markers to differentiate GA/GC. Therefore, Pgs may be considered in conducting GC screening programs in high-risk areas

Genetic polymorphisms �137 (G > C) (rs187238) and �607 (C > A) (rs1946518) and serum level of interleukin 18 in Fars ethnic groups with metabolic syndrome in Northern Iran

Introduction: We aimed to determine the genetic polymorphisms and serum level of interleukin 18 in Fars ethnic groups. Material and methods: 226 Fars ethnic groups were participated. The ATP III criteria were used to assess MS components. The SNPs of the IL-18 gene were determined with ARMS-PCR. Results: The GG, GC, and CC genotypes of �137 were 50, 40, and 10. The CC, CA, and AA genotypes of �607 were 45, 37, and 18. The GG, GC, and CC genotypes of �137 were 44.20, 43.40, and 12.40, and were 55.75, 36.28, and 7.97 in subjects with and without MS, respectively. The CC, CA, and AA genotypes of �607 were 48.70, 37.20, and 14.20 and were 41.60, 37.20, and 21.20 in both groups, respectively. Conclusion: IL-18 gene may different in specific populations, different ethnic groups and geographic regions. The IL-18 polymorphisms might not be used as a marker of metabolic syndrome. © 2020, © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group