Effect of Interleukin-1 Beta Polymorphisms on Serum Pepsinogen

Atrophic gastritis caused by chronic Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is related to the development of gastric cancer. Serum pepsinogen (PG) levels have been known as serological markers of atrophic gastritis. Individuals with serum PG I≤70 ng/mL and with a PG I/II ratio of≤3.0 have been thought to be at a higher risk for gastric cancer and were considered as “positive for the PG-method”. Recently, polymorphisms of interleukin-1 beta were reported to be associated with gastric cancer risks. Therefore, we examined the relationship between IL-1B polymorphisms and serum PGs in subjects who underwent a medical check-up in relation to Hp-infection. In the Hp-negative group, there were no subjects positive for the PG method. In the Hp-positive group, the incidence of IL-1B-511 T/T in the group positive for the PG method was significantly higher in comparison with that in the group negative for the PG method. Polymorphisms of IL-1B-511 appears useful for the selection of individuals who should undergo Hp-eradication therapy before progression of atrophic gastritis.