Growth hormone and growth hormone receptor in atrophic gastritis

Objective To study the signicance of the serum GH and the GHR expression of gastric tissue in simple chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and gastric carcinoma. Methods The serum GH and gastric mucosal GHR levels were detected in 30 cases of atrophic gastritis, 30 gastric carcinoma and 30 normal volunteers using the RIA and En Vinsion technique. Results The average GH level (1.021±0.132 ug/L) and expression rate of GHR (10%)were observed in atrophic gastritis which were significantly lower than those in the normals (2.869±0.512ug/L and 100%, respectively). However, it was no significant changes of serum GH level (3.176±0.421ug/L) and GHR expression rate (13.33%) in gastric carcinoma when compared to atrophic gastritis. Conclusion There are significant lower levels of GH and GHR expression in atrophic gastritis, suggesting that low levels of GH/GHR may hinder the repair and recovery of CAG. Decreased levels of GH and GHR definitely have an adverse effect on the progression of CAG. GH has no role in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. We recommend using GH to treat CAG.