Chronic use of proton pump inhibitors and the quantity of g, d, and ecl cells in the stomach / Uso crônico de inibidores de bomba de prótons e a quantidade de células g, d e ecl no estômago

ABSTRACT Background: Acid inhibition from chronic proton pump inhibitor use and a possible increase in gastrin can lead to changes in the regulation of hydrochloric acid production. However, it has not known whether such chronic use changes the presence of gastrin, delta, and enterochromaffin-like cells in the stomach or the relationship between gastrin and delta cells. Aim: To analyze the number of gastrin-producing gastrin cells, somatostatin-producing cells, and histamine-producing cells in patients who were chronic users of proton pump inhibitor, with or without related Helicobacter pylori infection. Methods: Biopsies from 105 patients, including 81 chronic proton pump inhibitor users (experimental group) and 24 controls, were processed immunohistochemically and subjected to counting of gastrin, delta, and enterochromaffin-like cells in high-magnification microscopic fields and in 10 glands. Results: Gastrin cell, delta cell, and enterochromaffin-like cells counts were similar across the groups and appeared to be unaffected by Helicobacter pylori infection. The ratio between gastrin cells and delta cells was higher in the chronic users of proton pump inhibitor group than in controls. Conclusion: Chronic users of proton pump inhibitor does not affect gastrin cell, delta cell, and enterochromaffin-like cell counts significantly, but may alter the ratio between gastrin cells and delta cells.

RESUMO Racional: A inibição ácida pelo uso crônico de inibidores de bomba de prótons e o possível aumento da gastrina podem ser seguidos de alterações na regulação da produção do ácido clorídrico. Ainda não está definido se o uso crônico altera a quantidade de células G, D e ECL no estômago ou a razão células G/D. Objetivo: Avaliar o número de células G - produtoras de gastrina -, células D - produtoras de somatostatina - e células ECL - produtoras de histamina -, em pacientes com uso crônico de inibidores de bomba de prótons, com ou sem infecção pelo Helicobacter pylori. Método: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo avaliando 105 pacientes, 81 usadores crônicos de inibidores de bomba de prótons e 24 controles, através de biópsias com contagem das células G, D e ECL por estudo imunoistoquímico, de forma quantitativa onde havia maior número de células positivas por campo microscópico de grande aumento e em 10 glândulas. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatística comparando-se o número de células G, D e ECL. A razão entre as células G e D foi maior nos pacientes usadores crônicos de inibidores de bomba de prótons. Conclusão: O uso crônico de inibidores de prótons parece não interferir na contagem das células G, D e ECL, porém, interfere na razão entre as células G e D.

Occurrence of gastric ulcers and serum gastrin levels in jumping horses / Ocorrência de úlceras gástricas e níveis séricos de gastrina em cavalos de hipismo

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of EGUS and to quantify serum gastrin levels in jumping horses during competition season and interseason period. Forty jumping horses, competing at high level were randomly allocated into two groups, the Training Group: twenty jumping horses undergoing intense training and participating in competitions, and the Rest Group: twenty jumping horses in the interseason (resting period). The gastroscopic examinations and blood samples of the horses in the training group were performed 1-2 days following the competition while in the horses of the rest group, following 4 weeks of rest. The serum gastrin levels were measured at two different times: pre-feeding and two hours after feeding the horses (postprandial) by ELISA kit. Gastric lesion score data were compared by the Mann-Whitney U test (α= 0.05) and the mean gastrin values were compared between the groups and between the two moments by the paired tet tests, respectively (α= 0, 05). Squamous gastric ulcers were detected in 42.5% of all jumping horses examined independent of the period, competition season or interseason. Serum gastrin levels were significantly higher in the Training Group with no difference between pre-feeding and postprandial values.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a ocorrência de EGUS e quantificar os níveis séricos de gastrina em cavalos de hipismo durante a época de competições e o período de férias. Quarenta cavalos de hipismo de alta performance foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em dois grupos, grupo treinamento: vinte cavalos de hipismo submetidos a treinamento intenso e participando de competições, e grupo descanso: vinte cavalos de hipismo em férias (período de descanso). As avaliações gastroscópicas e as coletas de sangue dos cavalos em treinamento foram realizadas um ou dois dias após as competições, enquanto nos cavalos do grupo descanso foram realizadas após quatro semanas de repouso. Os níveis séricos de gastrina foram mensurados por kit de ELISA, em dois momentos: antes da alimentação e duas horas após. Os dados de escore das lesões gástricas foram comparados pela prova U de Mann-Whitney (α= 0,05) e os valores médios de gastrina foram comparados entre os grupos e entre os dois momentos pelos testes t e t pareado, respectivamente (α= 0,05). Foram encontradas úlceras gástricas em 42,5% de todos os cavalos examinados, independentemente do período de competições ou repouso. Os níveis séricos de gastrina foram significativamente maiores no grupo treinamento, sem diferença entre os períodos pré e pós-alimentação.(AU)

Differences in the Levels of Gastric Cancer Risk Factors Between Nanjing and Minqing Counties, China / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: In Fujian Province, China, gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among all malignant tumors. Nanjing county and Minqing county are located in inland Fujian and have similar general demographics. However, the adjusted mortality rate of gastric cancer in Minqing was found to be much higher than that in Nanjing. We sought to explore factors associated with this increased risk of gastric cancer between the two counties. METHODS: We recruited 231 and 224 residents from Nanjing and Minqing, respectively, and analyzed differences between their dietary habits, Helicobacter pylori infection rates, and concentrations of serum pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II, gastrin-17, and ratio of pepsinogen I:II. RESULTS: Subjects in Minqing had more first-degree relatives who had been diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal tumor, more unhealthy dietary habits, a higher Helicobacter pylori positive rate, and greater proportion of abnormal serum gastrin-17 than those in Nanjing did. CONCLUSIONS: The factors that differed between these two counties might indicate that residents in Minqing have a higher risk for developing gastric cancer than those in Nanjing do.

Differences in the Levels of Gastric Cancer Risk Factors Between Nanjing and Minqing Counties, China / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: In Fujian Province, China, gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among all malignant tumors. Nanjing county and Minqing county are located in inland Fujian and have similar general demographics. However, the adjusted mortality rate of gastric cancer in Minqing was found to be much higher than that in Nanjing. We sought to explore factors associated with this increased risk of gastric cancer between the two counties. METHODS: We recruited 231 and 224 residents from Nanjing and Minqing, respectively, and analyzed differences between their dietary habits, Helicobacter pylori infection rates, and concentrations of serum pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II, gastrin-17, and ratio of pepsinogen I:II. RESULTS: Subjects in Minqing had more first-degree relatives who had been diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal tumor, more unhealthy dietary habits, a higher Helicobacter pylori positive rate, and greater proportion of abnormal serum gastrin-17 than those in Nanjing did. CONCLUSIONS: The factors that differed between these two counties might indicate that residents in Minqing have a higher risk for developing gastric cancer than those in Nanjing do.

Protective role of curcumin against 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-dioxin-induced histological and biochemical changes in fundic mucosa of the adult rat stomach

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-dioxin [TCDD] is released into the environment from different activities and industrial sources, with a higher incidence of gastric exposure. This work aimed to study the histological and biochemical changes induced by TCDD in the fundic mucosa and the possible protective role of curcumin against these changes. Thirty adult female albino rats were classified into three groups: the control group [group I]; the TCDD group [group II], in which rats received 100 microg/kg TCDD orally for 3 months; and the curcumin+TCDD group [group III], in which rats received an oral dose of 80 mg/kg curcumin in concurrence with TCDD for 3 months. The serum level of the gastrin hormone was measured. Samples from the fundus of the stomach were stained with H and E, Van Gieson, and PAS/alcian blue and for immunohistochemical detection of aryl hydrocarbon receptors [AHR] and chromogranin A. Morphometric and electron microscopic studies were also carried out. Hyperplasia and metaplastic mucosal changes, together with enteroendocrine cell hyperplasia, were evident. Moreover, glandular degeneration, areas of atrophic gastritis, cellular apoptosis, and gastric ulcers were detected. The previous results could be explained by both TCDD-induced hypergastrinemia and increased AHR expression. In contrast, curcumin appeared to have a propitious protective effect against TCDD-induced gastric affection. Most of the TCDD-induced gastric changes were not observed in group III. It was concluded that the gastric mucosa is sensitive to the toxic effects of TCDD and curcumin can be used to avoid TCDD-induced gastric complications

Evaluation of specific biochemical indicators of Helicobactepylori-associated gastric cancer in Egypt

The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of some specific biochemical indicators in discriminating between Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis and H. pylori-associated stomach cancer [serum gastrin level, serum soluble E-cadherin and tissue COX-2 activity, as well as serodiagnostic markers for H. pylori infection] in order to find a simple diagnostic test that can reasonably predict the development of gastric cancer. The study participants comprised 20 patients with gastric carcinoma, 20 patients with positive H. pylori-associated gastritis and 20 individuals as the control group. Standard procedures and quality control measures were followed. Using cut-off values and ROC analysis to assess the diagnostic abilities of the biochemical indicators, E-cadherin showed the highest sensitivity [100%]. We suggest that close follow-up together with periodic endoscopic examination for all patients with persistent H. pylori infection and serum soluble E-cadherin level above 5 microg/mL is essential

Influence of Long-term Gastric Acid Suppression Therapy on the Expression of Serum Gastrin, Chromogranin A, and Ghrelin / 대한소화기학회지

No abstract available.

Influence of Long-term Gastric Acid Suppression Therapy on the Expression of Serum Gastrin, Chromogranin A, and Ghrelin / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Long-term use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) induces hypergastrinemia, which results from the suppression of gastric acid secretion. Hypergastrinemia causes enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell hyperplasia, which is a predisposing factor of carcinoid tumor of stomach. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of long-term gastric acid suppression on the gastric peptides levels, such as gastrin, chromogranin A, or ghrelin. METHODS: Control group included patients who had no medication over six months. Both H2RA (H2 receptor antagonist) and PPI groups had medication at least for six months. Fasting blood was taken from each patient to assay serum gastrin, chromogranin A, and ghrelin by RIA and ELISA techniques. RESULTS: The patients with the above reference range of serum gastrin and chromogranin A were more commonly found in PPI group compared to control and H2RA group. However, serum ghrelin level was within the reference range in all the patients regardless of groups. There was no difference in the ratio of serum gastrin/chromogranin A among three groups. Both average serum levels of gastrin and chromogranin A were significantly elevated in PPI group compared to control and H2RA group. There was a significant correlation between the level of serum gastrin and chromogranin A. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term administration of H2RA does not affect the serum gastrin and chromogranin A level. However, long-term administration of PPI increases serum gastrin and chromogranin A. Ghrelin may influence gastric acid secretion in other pathway than ECL cell-mediated pathway such as gastrin or chromogranin A.

Development of carcinoid tumors of the glandular stomach and effects of eradication in Helicobacter pylori-infected Mongolian gerbils.

The relation between Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication and prevention of stomach carcinoid development has hitherto remained unclear. We therefore examined this problem using an Hp-infected and Hp-eradicated Mongolian gerbil (MG) model. Enterochromaffin-like (ECL) lesions (hyperplasia/dysplasia and carcinoid) were histopathologically evaluated in the glandular stomachs of Hp-infected and Hp-eradicated MGs. In addition, serum gastrin levels were analyzed. Hp infection induced significant increase in the development of ECL lesions in the glandular stomach, as well as serum gastrin levels as compared with non-infected MGs, while Hp eradication was associated with significant alleviation. The development of ECL lesions in the glandular stomach strongly correlated with titers of anti-Hp antibodies and serum gastrin levels in MGs. In conclusion, Hp infection induces carcinoid development, and Hp eradication prevents its occurrence in the glandular MG stomach, this being strongly linked with reduction in serum gastrin levels.

The Relationship of Gastrin, Pepsinogen, and Helicobacter pylori in Erosive Reflux Esophagitis / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is known as a major cause of atrophic gastritis and is associated with serum gastrin, pepsinogen, and gastric acid secretion. There is still a controversial association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and H. pylori infection. This study was designed to investigate the relationship among serum gastrin, pepsinogen, and H. pylori infection in the erosive reflux esophagitis (ERD) patients. METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed as ERD by one gastroenterologist at the Kangnam St. Marys hospital were prospectively enrolled. The persons without ERD in the control group were matched for age and sex. We examined the gastrin, pepsinogen I (PG I), PG II, PG I/II ratio, and H. pylori infection. RESULTS: Forty five patients were enrolled in ERD group and 66 persons in control group. The H. pylori infection rate in ERD group was lower than that in the control group (11.1% vs. 43.9%, p<0.001). PG I/II ratio in ERD group was higher than that in the control group (7.0+/-3.1 vs. 5.3+/-2.6, p=0.003). The PG II (p=0.016) and gastrin (p=0.029) in ERD group were lower than those in the control group. BMI in ERD group was higher than that in the control group (24.5 vs. 23.1 kg/m(2), p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The H. pylori infection rate in ERD group was lower and PG I/II ratio was higher than that in the control group. Reflux esophagitis is thought to be reversely associated with the atrophy of gastric mucosa.

serum gastrin level in patients with schistosomiasis and fascioliasis

The study assessed changes in fasting serum gastrin level in early schistosomiasis and chronic fascioliasis in 52 patients. Forty patients had either schistosomiasis or fascioliasis alone. Twelve patients had combined infection with both parasitosis. Also, ten healthy parasite free individuals were selected as a control. All were clinically examined and subjected to stool analysis, liver function tests and sero-diagnosis for H. pylori. Serum gastrin was measured by radioimmunoassay and showed significant elevation in all patients [with schistosomiasis, fascioliasis or both parasites] compared to controls. A significantly higher serum gastrin level was detected among patients with combined infection relative to either with schistosomiasis or fascioliasis. Alkaline phosphatase activity increased significantly in all patients as compared to control. The activity of the enzyme had significant positive correlation with egg counts in patients with either parasite and with serum gastrin level in those with combined infection. The results were discussed

Assessment of esophageal motility disorders in chronic renal failure

In patients with chronic renal failure [CRF] anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are common yet poorly understood symptoms. The study aimed to examine motor function disturbances of the esophagus as well as modulating hormonal factors and its effect on nutritional status in patients with [CRF] .We studied 50 patients stratified into 3 groups: G1: 25 patients with [CRF], on hemodialysis, G2: 25 patients with [CRF], on conservative treatment and G3: ten subjects with abnormal upper GI. Manifestations, but with normal renal functions. S. gastrin and S. albumin were examined in all groups and esophageal manometric assay was done for all. At presentation G1: showed the presence of elevated lower esophageal sphincter pressure and incomplete lower sphincter relaxation with elevated residual pressure on relaxation associated with low percentage of relaxation on wet swallows. In addition to a high amplitude and prolonged duration of esophageal contractions as compared to G3, this was associated with hypergastrinemia and low S. albumin. Moreover G2: showed the same results as for G1, plus a high percentage of uncoordinated contractions as compared to G3, but it lacks high amplitude and prolonged duration of esophageal contractions . We conclude that esophageal motility abnormalities and elevated serum gastrin may be a consequence of [CRF], in addition, elevated serum gastrin may play an important role in initiating these abnormalities and that esophageal manometry should thus be considered for patients with CRF presenting with gastrointestinal upsets

Total gastrectomy with substitution of stomach by jejunal pouch with and without duodenal passage: study in rats

OBJETIVO: Estudo comparativo foi realizado entre a bolsa jejunal de Fernando Paulino (FP) e uma bolsa jejunal (JP) interposta entre o esôfago e duodeno, para substituir o estômago após gastrectomia . Foi investigado o efeito dos dois procedimentos na histologia do esôfago, estado nutricional e gastrinemia sérica em ratos. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e seis ratos Wistar pesando 282±17g foram aleatoriamente submetidos a sham operation (S), FP e JP após gastectomia total. Decorridas 8 semanas, foi colhido sangue por punção cardíaca para dosagem de proteínas totais, albumina, ferro, transferrina, folato, cobalamina, calcio, e gastrina. Os animais receberam dose letal de anestésico e tecido do esôfago terminal foi retirado para histologia. Foi observada a mortalidade operatória dos animais. RESULTADOS: Quarenta e seis ratos foram operados e 30 sobreviveram por 8 semanas. Cinco (33,3 %) morreram após FP e 11 (52,3%) após JP (p<0.05). Esophagitis pós-operatória ocorreu em 6 ratos JP. Na 8ª semana o peso corporal foi maior nosratos submetidos a FP do que JP (p>0.05). Os ratos submetidos a JP tiveram uma diminuição significativa na albumina, glucose, transferrina, ferro, folato e cálcio, comparado com o sham (p<0.05). Os níveis de gastrina sérica, ferro e calcio mostraram-se significantemente maiores nos ratos submetidos a JP do que nos FP (p<0.05). Nos ratos FP a transferrina e a cobalamina estiveram significantemente diminuídas comparando-se os níveis do pré-operatório com a 8ª semana (p<0.05). CONCLUSÃO: A bolsa jejunal de F. Paulino, em ratos, resultou em mortalidade operatória e incidência de esofagite de refluxo menor do que a interposição de JP. A JP não afetou a dosagem sérica de gastrina, ferro e cálcio, provavelmente devido à preservação da passagem dos alimentos pelo duodeno.

Changes in the serum gastrin levels in patients with colorectal cancer

Gastrin receptors have been demonstrated on the human colon cancer cell line, which may indicate that gastrin has trophic effect on human colon cancer cell. A total of 16 patients [5 men [31.25%] l1 women [68.75%]; mean age 49.3 years] with established diagnosis of colorectal cancer [group1] and 10 patients [5 men [50%], 5 women [50%]; mean age 36.2 year]with different types of hernia [group 2] taken as control, were studied. Blood sample for estimation of serum gastrin were taken both fasting and postprandial before and after resection of the tumor in group I, also blood samples from group 2 [control] were taken once for estimation of fasting and postprandial serum gastrin. The results shows that,the fasting [mean +/- sd 59,63 +/- 18.78 pgm/ml] and postprandial [mean +/- SD 94.65 +/- 33.25 pgm/ml] serum gastrin in group 1 before resection were significantly higher when compared with group 2 [control] fasting [means +/- SD 40.68 +/- 8.15 pgm/ml] and postprandial [means +/- SD 59.02 +/- 16.42 pgm/ml] p=0.006 and p=0.004 respectively. Also serum gastrin concentrations were significantly lower, fasting [means +/- SD 44.89 +/- 9.46 pgm/ml], postprandial [means +/- SD 69.32 +/- 25.39 pgm/ml] p=0.009 and p=0.002 respectively after apparently curative resection when compared to the preoperative level. In conclusion, the presence of colorectal cancer is associated with endogenous hypergastriaemia, which resolved after resection of the tumour. Substances which decrease the level of circulating gastrin will be as useful in regulating tumour growth as gastrin receptor antagonists

effect of breast feeding on plasma cholecystokinin in neonates

this prospective study was conducted to evaluate the effect of breast-feeding on cholecystokinin in neonates. this study was conducted in King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital. Plasma concentration of cholecystokinin [CCK] was estimated in 41 neonates [19 boys, 22 girls]. The study was done in the neonates on the third day after delivery. Serum CCK was estimated by radioimmunoassy. it was found that CCK rises immediately after breast feeding and declines 10 minutes later. CCK rises immediately after breast-feeding and declines 10 minutes later

Plasma gastrin levels in alcoholic and idiopathic chronic pancreatitis patients free from helicobacter pylori infection

Previous studies on gastrin levels in chronic pancreatitis [CP] patients have given conflicting results. These studies did not take into consideration the influence of Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] infection on gastrin release. Also, there is no previous study that compared alcoholic CP patients to patients with idiopathic pancreatitis. Our aim was to measure basal and postprandial plasma gastrin levels in all CP patients, including subgroups of alcoholic, idiopathic, severe and mild CP patients, and compare them with healthy subjects after the eradication of H. pylori infection. Patients and Basal and postprandial gastrin levels were measured in 30 patients with CP [10 patients with alcoholic and 20 patients with idiopathic CP] and in 25 healthy subjects. A significant increase in basal gastrin levels was found only in a subgroup of alcoholic CP [P<0.05] in comparison to healthy subjects. A significant increase in postprandial plasma gastrin levels [P<0.01] was found in all chronic pancreatitis compared to healthy subjects. In the absence of H. pylori infection, plasma gastrin levels were significantly higher in chronic pancreatitis patients than in healthy subjects. Chronic alcoholism, however, does not appear to be the only factor responsible for the increased plasma gastrin levels in these patients

Anti-Helicobacter antibodies and fasting gastrin concentrations in children with recurrent abdominal pain

Fifty children divided into 2 groups were studied. Group I included 30 children with non organic recurrent abdominal pain [RAP] as defined by Apley and Naish, aged 3.5-11.8 years. Group II [control group] consisted of 20 apparently healthy children with no gastrointestinal symptoms nor signs, aged 4 -10.5 years. All children were subjected to detailed history taking and thorough physical examination, urine and stool analysis, complete blood count and abdominal ultrasonography. Anti-Helicobacter IgG antibodies were investigated by immunoassay and fasting gastrin concentrations were measured using the Double Antibody Gastrin procedure for all children. In the present study, children with and without RAP were well matched for age and sex. The mean fasting gastrin concentration was not significantly related to RAP. Thirty percent [30%] of studied children with RAP were seropositive for H-pylori compared to 15% only of control children. In children seropositive for H. Pylori, there were no significant relations between sex, age and fasting gastrin concentration to occurrence of RAP. Similarly, the relation of sex, age and fasting gastrin concentration to occurrence of RAP was not significant among children seronegative for H. pylori. Evaluation of the differences between seropositive and seronegative children in our study showed that H. pylori infection increased fasting gastrin concentration by more than 100%. It could be concluded that H. pylori is a common infection in our children. It results in a marked rise of fasting gastrin with its possible clinicopathologic consequences. However, H. pylori infection and hypergastrinemia showed no significant causal relationship to RAP at the currently available clinical characteristics

Gastrinemia basal elevada de patogenia incierta: presentación de un caso / Basal hypergastrinemia of uncertain origin: case report

Se describe el caso de un hombre de 61 años con diabetes e insuficiencia renal crónica que consulta por hemorragia digestiva alta. Los resultados de sus análisis confirman su estado y muestran gastrina sérica basal elevada por encima de valores extremos y IgG anti Helicobacter pylori (+). Responde a la terapéutica instituida ante la sospecha de Gastrinoma que no pudo ser localizado.

possible role of gastrin in cholelithiasis in cirrhotics

The present study was conducted to find out the relation between gastrin hormone level and the prevalence of gallbladder stones in cirrhotic patients. Eighty five patients with liver cirrhosis and 20 individuals as a control were included in the study. Fasting serum gastrin was estimated and abdominal ultrasonography were done for the patients and the individuals whereas guided liver biopsies were done for the patients. The study showed higher prevalence of gallbladder stones among patients [31.7%], compared to the control [0%]. The study showed a significant increase in serum gastrin level in patients compared with control, moreover, the study showed that serum gastrin levels among patients with gallbladder stones had statistically significant higher levels compared with the serum gastrin among patients having no gallstones. From the present study it can be concluded that gastrin hormone elevation can be a contributing factor for the pathogenesis of gallbladder stones in cirrhotic patients

Changes in the serum gastrin levels in patients with colorectal cancer

A total of 16 patients [5 men and 11 women with a mean age of 49.3 years] with established diagnosis of colorectal cancer [group 1] and 10 patients [5 men and 5 women with a mean age of 36.2 years] with different types of hernia [group 2] taken as controls was studied. Blood samples for the estimation of serum gastrin were taken both fasting and postprandial before and after resection of the tumor in group one. The results showed that the fasting [mean +/- SD 59.63 +/- 18.78 pgm/ml] and postprandial [mean +/- SD 94.65 +/- 33.25 pgm/ml] serum gastrin levels in group 1 before resection were significantly higher when compared with group 2, fasting [mean +/- SD 40.68 +/- 8.51 pgm/ml] and postprandial [mean +/- SD 59.02 +/- 16.42 pgm/ml]. In conclusion, the presence of colorectal cancer was associated with endogenous hypergastrinemia, which was resolved after resection of the tumor. Substances which decreased the level of circulating gastrin could be as useful in regulating tumor growth as gastrin receptor antagonists