Influence of Helicobacter pylori Infection on Gastric Motor and Sensory Function in Asymptomatic Healthy Volunteers

Kim, Byung Wook; Choi, Myung Gyu; Choi, Hwang; Park, Sung Kyu; Bhang, Choon Sang; Kim, Jin Il; Han, Suk Won; Chung, In Sik; Chung, Kyu Won; Sun, Hee Sik

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The influence of Helicobacter pylori infection on gastric motility and sensation is unclear. Our hypothesis is that H. pylori infection increases gastric sensation and reduces gastric accommodation.
METHODS
Seventeen healthy volunteers were recruited by public advertisement. Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed by a questionnaire. All subjects underwent gastrofiberoscopy for assessment of organic diseases and for diagnosis of H. pylori infection. We evaluated for (1) proximal gastric compliance, (2) gastric sensation for three symptoms (nausea, abdominal fullness, and abdominal discomfort/pain) during balloon inflation and (3) fasting and postprandial proximal gastric tone using a barostat.
RESULTS
The H. pylori negative (HP-) volunteers were eight (M:F=7:1, mean age 28+/-4 years) and the H. pylori positive (HP+) volunteers were nine (M:F=5:4, mean age 31+/-11 years). There was no difference in the fasting and the postprandial proximal gastric tone between the two groups. The minimal distending pressure was similar between the two groups [5.50+/-1.69(HP-) vs. 5.78+/-1.72 (HP+)]. No differences were detected on aggregate perception scores during the three levels of phasic distension.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests that H. pylori infection in asymptomatic subjects may not significantly alter gastric sensitivity or gastric accommodation.