Effects of H. pylori Eradication on Ghrelin and Leptin Levels
Author Information
Author(s): Francois Fritz, Jatin Roper, Neal Joseph, Zhiheng Pei, Aditi Chhada, Joshua R Shak, Asalia Z Olivares de Perez, Guillermo I Perez-Perez, Martin J Blaser
Primary Institution: New York University Langone Medical Center
Hypothesis
Gastric H. pylori colonization affects the physiologic regulation of gut hormones involved in food intake, energy expenditure, and body weight maintenance.
Conclusion
Leptin and ghrelin levels, as well as BMI, significantly changed after H. pylori eradication, indicating its role in regulating these hormones.
Supporting Evidence
- Post-prandial acylated ghrelin levels were nearly six-fold higher than pre-eradication.
- Median integrated leptin levels increased by 20% significantly after eradication.
- BMI significantly increased by 5% over 18 months in initially H. pylori-positive individuals.
Takeaway
When people get rid of H. pylori, their hunger hormones change, and they tend to gain weight.
Methodology
The study evaluated veterans undergoing upper GI endoscopy, measuring hormone levels before and after H. pylori treatment.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the study population being predominantly older males.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a veteran's hospital, primarily involving older men, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
92 veterans, primarily older men, with varying H. pylori status.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.005 for ghrelin, p < 0.001 for leptin
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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