Effects of helicobacter pylori infections on ghrelin and leptin levels

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is common throughout the world. Ghrelin and leptin peptides play a crucial role in the homeostasis of the human body. Previously, some studies showed that H. pylori colonization had been associated with circulating leptin and ghrelin levels, but the certain relationship is still uncertain. The goal of this study is to determine the effects of H. pylori infection on serum ghrelin and leptin levels and how these relates to body weight changes before and after H. pylori eradication. Materials and methods: This study prospectively enrolled 129 dyspeptic patients who had received an endoscopy. A fasting blood sample was obtained from each patient for total ghrelin and leptin analysis. The body mass index (BMI) of each patient was also calculated. Results: Ninety-four patients tested positive and 35 patients tested negative for H. Pylori. There was no significant difference in the serum leptin and ghrelin levels and BMI between those with or without H. pylori infection. While serum ghrelin concentration was significantly decreased after eradication (8.97 ± 0.61ng/ml, 6.96 ± 0.41ng/ml, p = 0.005, respectively), serum leptin concentration and BMI did not change (6.13 ± 0.86, 5.70 ± 1.1, p = 0.79, 23.43 ± 0.26, 23.16 ± 0.24, p = 0.07, respectively). Conclusion: However, no difference was detected in serum ghrelin and leptin levels between H. pylori infected patients and controls, ghrelin levels were decreased with H. pylori eradication, and these differences were correlated with differences in BMI. In conclusion, H.pylori might be play a role on body weight change.