Hypochlorhydria, Inflammation, Parietal and G-Cell Populations
This study has incredible implications. This is a mouse study, but if it holds true in humans (and if this concept ever makes it out of this journal…) it could blow a hole in one of the highest prescription classes in Western civilization.
This article suggests that the normal stomach up-regulates its ability to make MORE acid in response to inflammation caused by bacterial infection. On the other hand, stomachs with impaired gastric acid production (hypochlorhydria), are more susceptible to infection and further injury from bacteria. The hypochlorhydria can be genetic or from treatment with acid suppressive drugs. The bottom line–we need to seriously re-evaluate or use of acid suppressive therapy in patients with gastritis and ulcers and especially H. pylori infection.
Gastroenterology — Abstracts: ZAVROS et al. 122 (1): 119