Influence of laboratory and endoscopy-related factors on the assessment of serum pepsinogens and gastrin-17

Abstract

Background & aim: Serum pepsinogen (PG) I and PG II are non-invasive parameters in the detection of atrophic gastritis. The diagnostic add on value of serum gastrin-17 (G-17) remains uncertain. The aim of the study was to assess the stability at different time point and to evaluate the influence of clinical factors on of these serum parameters. Methods: For stability analyses the plasma and serum samples from 23 subjects were processed at different time points. Ten additional patients were included to evaluate the influence of upper GI endoscopy and 18 patients to evaluate the effect of bowel cleansing before colonoscopy. Results: PG I, PG II and G-17 levels were not statistically different in serum and plasma. PG I and PG II serum levels were stable overtime and their assessment is not influenced by laboratory factors. G-17 is associated with time-dependent degradation (p= 0.0001). Upper GI endoscopy and bowel preparation prior colonoscopy were associated with minimal variations in PG I, PG II, while G-17 showed subject-specific alterations. Conclusions: PG I and PG II serum levels are stable overtime. However, G- 17 stability is closely dependent on time of processing and storage. Upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy preparation lead to minimal non-significant changes in basal PG I, PG II and G-17 levels.