EXPLORING THE CORRELATION OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI AND SERUM PEPSINOGEN LEVELS WITH ENDOSCOPIC OUTCOMES IN ATHLETES WITH EARLY GASTRIC CANCER

Abstract

This study aims to elucidate the correlation between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, serum pepsinogen levels, and endoscopic findings in athletes diagnosed with early gastric cancer. Data from 150 athletes diagnosed with early gastric cancer at our institution between January 2019 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Each athlete underwent endoscopic evaluation and was tested for HP infection along with serum pepsinogen (PG) levels, including PG I, PG II, and the PG I/PG II ratio. The study evaluated the association of these biomarkers with specific endoscopic features such as gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and other mucosal changes. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships. Results indicated that 54.67% (82/150) of the athletes were HP positive, and 48.67% (73/150) exhibited abnormal serum PG levels. HP-positive athletes demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of endoscopic atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and other notable mucosal alterations compared to those who were HP negative. Similarly, athletes with abnormal PG levels showed a higher prevalence of these endoscopic changes. Statistical analysis confirmed a positive correlation between HP infection and the presence of specific endoscopic changes. Similarly, abnormal PG levels were strongly associated with several pathological endoscopic findings. These results highlight the importance of considering both HP status and serum PG levels in the endoscopic evaluation of athletes with early gastric cancer, aiding in more accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches.KEYWORDS: early gastric cancer; Endoscopic findings; Helicobacter pylori (HP); Serum pepsinogen (PG); Spearman rank correlation.