DECREASED GASTRIC PROSTAGLANDIN E(2) SYNTHESIS IN PATIENTS WITH GASTRIC-ULCERS AND IN SMOKERS

Background/Aims: Prostaglandin inhibits gastric acid secretion and exe rts protective action. on the mucosa of the stomach. We studied the sy nthesis of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) to determine the role of PGE(2) in peptic ulcer disease. Materials and Methods: Mucosal biopsies from 22 persons were obtained and incubated. PGE(2) was then determined by radioimmunoassay. Results: Compared to healthy subjects, patients wit h gastric ulcers or gastritis show diminished accumulation of PGE(2) i n the incubation, medium. Other factors Like age, gender, and alcohol consumption were also investigated, however, they do not influence end ogenous prostaglandin production, In contrast, PGE(2) synthesis was fo und to be decreased in smokers. Conclusions: Our data indicates a defi ciency in endogenous PGE, synthesis as one cause of gastric ulceration s and offer an. explanation of the higher incidence of gastric ulcer d isease in subjects with nicotine abuse.