Do serum biomarkers correlate to the risk of gastric lesions in patients with autoimmune gastritis༟—A systematic review and meta-analysis - 04/11/25
, Yingqi Wang a, 1
, Jiayi Hong a
, Fang He a
, Lijie Hao a
, Linmin Liu b
, Huihong Zhai a, ⁎ 
Highlights |
• | This article proved that serum gastrin levels are significantly elevated in AIG patients with gastric neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) or gastric polyps (GPs). A clear correlation was found, with weighted mean gastrin levels of 811.53 pg/mL indicating increased risk for NETs and 240.02 pg/mL for GPs. |
• | Besides, other serum biomarkers (chromogranin A, vitamin B12, parietal cell antibody) show inconsistent associations with NET or GP development.None provided reliable predictive value, highlighting the specificity of gastrin in this context. |
• | What’s more, limited data suggest a milder gastrin elevation but higher H. pylori co-infection rate in AIG patients with gastric cancer. Older male patients with hypergastrinemia or H. pylori infection may warrant enhanced vigilance for gastric adenocarcinoma. |
• | Last but not least, this study provides evidence-based guidance for endoscopic monitoring in AIG, addressing a significant gap in current clinical guidelines. Individualized screening intervals based on gastrin levels could improve early detection of neoplastic lesions. |
Abstract |
Background & Aims |
Current surveillance strategies for autoimmune gastritis (AIG) lack consensus, and the prognostic role of serum biomarkers remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the correlation between serum biomarkers and the risks of gastric lesions in AIG patients.
Methods |
Studies comparing serum biomarkers in AIG patients with versus without neuroendocrine tumor (NET), gastric polyp (GP), or gastric cancer (GC) were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases (up to March 2025). Basic studies, meta-analyses, reviews, case reports, or studies not published in English were excluded. Two investigators independently extracted data and quality-assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa and AHRQ scales. Statistical analysis used Review Manager 5.4 and Stata MP18. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated. Sensitivity analysis was used to manage heterogeneity and assess the stability of the result.
Results |
Thirteen studies (10 for NET, 4 for GP, and 1 for GC) were included. Elevated serum gastrin correlated significantly with NET (MD: 519.05, 95% CI: 227.96∼810.13, P = 0.0005, I 2 =85%) and GP (MD: 70.54, 95% CI: 43.59∼97.49, P < 0.00001, I 2 =0%; weighted mean: 240.02 pg/ml). With a high heterogeneity in the NET group, we arranged sensitivity analysis and removed two studies that caused heterogeneity, the result consistently showed a statistical difference (MD: 196.62, 95% CI: 76.61∼316.64, P = 0.001, I 2 =22%; weighted mean: 811.53 pg/ml). Publication bias was found neither in NET (Begg’s test: P = 0.1078, Egger’s test: P = 0.3553) nor in GP (Begg’s test: P = 1.0000, Egger’s test: P = 0.4771) groups. Chromogranin A (CgA), vitamin B12, and parietal cell antibody (PCA) showed no consistent associations. For GC, limited data suggested milder gastrin elevation and higher Helicobacter pylori co-infection rates.
Discussion |
Serum gastrin is correlated with NET and GP in AIG patients. The weighted mean serum gastrin level was 811.53 pg/ml in AIG patients with NET, and 240.02 pg/ml in those with GP. Non-enrollment of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), inconsistency in laboratory methods for biomarker detection and diagnostic criteria, and different units of biomarkers may cause limitations of the present study.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : Autoimmune gastritis, Gastrin, Gastric neuroendocrine tumor, Gastric polyp, Gastric cancer
Plan
Vol 49 - N° 10
Article 102722- décembre 2025 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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