Gastrin and the Moderate Hypergastrinemias

The antral hormone gastrin potently regulates gastric acid secretion and fundic mucosal growth. Consequently, appropriate gastrin secretion and plasma concentrations are important for the early phases of digestion. This review describes as the first premise the normal biogenesis of gastrin in the antral mucosa, but also mentions the extraantral expression. Subsequently, the molecular nature and concentration levels of gastrin in serum or plasma are overviewed. Third, assays for accurate measurements of plasma or serum concentrations are commented. Finally, the problem of moderate hypergastrinemia due to Helicobacter pylori infections and/or treatment with proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) is discussed. The review concludes that accurate measurement of the true concentrations of bioactive gastrins in plasma is important. Moreover, it suggests that moderate hypergastrinemias are also essential health issues that require serious attention.

Automated summary

Gastrin plays a critical role in regulating gastric acid secretion and fundic mucosal growth, with normal production and plasma concentrations being essential for early digestion. This review covers the biogenesis of gastrin in antral mucosa, its expression outside the antrum, molecular nature, concentration levels in serum, accurate measurement assays, and issues related to moderate hypergastrinemia due to H. pylori infections and PPI treatment. Accurate measurement of bioactive gastrin concentrations in plasma is crucial, along with the serious attention required for moderate hypergastrinemias as essential health concerns.