Published online Dec 15, 1996. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v2.i4.226
Revised: August 9, 1996
Accepted: October 10, 1996
Published online: December 15, 1996
AIM: To investigate the relationship between plasma cAMP and cGMP levels and spleen-qi deficiency in chronic atrophic gastritis.
METHODS: Plasma cAMP and cGMP levels were detected in chronic atrophic gastritis patients with spleen-qi deficiency (n = 87). Thirty patients underwent self-controlled study prior to and after 1-2 courses of Weiweian therapy, with each course lasting 3 mo. The samples were detected using 125I-labelled cAMP and cGMP kits.
RESULTS: Plasma cAMP and cGMP levels in all cases of chronic atrophic gastritis patients with spleen-qi deficiency syndrome were lower than or at the lower margin level. In the 30 patients receiving Weiweian therapy, both plasma cAMP and cGMP levels increased significantly after the therapy as compared with those prior to the therapy (P < 0.01, and < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Measurements of plasma cAMP and cGMP levels are of great importance in CAG patients with spleen-pi deficiency, and Weiweian therapy can correct the spleen-qi deficiency. Furthermore, plasma cAMP may serve as a prognostic factor in CAG, and it might prevent CAG from progressing into gastric cancer since plasma cAMP is low in gastric cancer.