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Chronic Hypergastrinemia: Causes and Consequences

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Abstract

The hormone gastrin plays 2 important roles in gastrointestinal physiology—1 as a major factor in meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion and the other as a trophic hormone for epithelial and enterochromaffin cells. These roles are exaggerated to the point of pathology under conditions of chronic hypergastrinemia as exemplified by the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and pernicious anemia. More recently, the concern about the potential risk of chronic hypergastrinemia has risen because of the widespread use of proton pump inhibitors for maintenance therapy in reflux esophagitis. For this reason, we present a concise overview of the origin, causes, and potential risks of chronic hypergastrinemia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Duke University Center for Clinical Health Policy and Durham VA, Durham, North Carolina, USA

    Lori A. Orlando

  2. DOV Pharmaceutical, Inc., Hackensack, New Jersey, USA

    Lane Lenard

  3. Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

    Roy C. Orlando

  4. Duke Center for Clinical Health Policy and Research, 2200 West Main St, Tower Ste 220, Durham, NC, 27705, USA

    Lori A. Orlando

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Orlando, L.A., Lenard, L. & Orlando, R.C. Chronic Hypergastrinemia: Causes and Consequences. Dig Dis Sci 52, 2482–2489 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-006-9419-3

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