Association between atherosclerosis and gastric biomarkers concerning Helicobacter pylori infection in a Chinese healthy population

Abstract Background Studies have suggested that Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is associated with atherosclerotic process, while the relationship between pepsinogens, gastrin and atherosclerosis is unknown. Aim The aim of the study was to observe association of Hp infection on atherosclerotic parameters and blood pressure, and explore the relationship between atherosclerotic parameters, blood pressure and gastric biomarkers in a healthy population. Methods 395 subjects were chosen and received physical examinations, carotid artery ultrasound, peripheral atherosclerosis measurement, and testing of serum pepsinogen (PG) I and II, Hp antibody, and gastrin-17 (G-17) levels. Analyses were conducted by Student's t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression. Results In Hp-infected subjects, right carotid intima media thickness (R-CIMT) were higher (P = 0.027) and left ankle brachial index were higher in 45–64 years compared to 35–44 years group (P = 0.039, P = 0.016). Hp-IgG, PGI and G-17 respectively positively correlated with CIMT, pulse wave velocity and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.044, P = 0.013, P = 0.021). The unadjusted OR in subjects with elevated CIMT for quartile IV of PGI was 3.542 (95% CI, 1.491–8.411), the adjusted OR was 2.916 (95% CI, 1.035–8.216). The unadjusted OR in subjects with elevated CIMT for quartile III of G-17 was 4.351 (95% CI, 1.670–11.336) and for quartile IV was 3.108 (95% CI, 1.149–8.406), the adjusted OR for quartile III was 4.962 (95% CI, 1.515–16.258). Conclusions Hp infection, higher levels of PGI and G-17 may contribute to atherosclerotic process by influencing atherosclerotic parameters and blood pressure in a healthy population, the influence on CIMT was most significant.