Can high levels of gastrin 17 cause stomach pain?

Elevated levels of gastrin 17 may lead to stomach pain, usually associated with abnormal gastric acid secretion or stomach diseases. Gastrin-17 is a hormone secreted by G cells in the gastric antrum, primarily responsible for stimulating gastric acid secretion. Elevated levels of this hormone may indicate pathological conditions such as excessive gastric acid, chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric ulcers, or helicobacter pylori infection. When the level of gastrin 17 increases, excessive stomach acid may directly stimulate the gastric mucosa, causing a burning sensation or dull pain, especially when the symptoms are more pronounced on an empty stomach. Long term excessive stomach acid may also induce reflux esophagitis, manifested as pain behind the sternum. If there is Helicobacter pylori infection, the bacteria can damage the gastric mucosal barrier, exacerbate inflammation and pain. Patients with chronic atrophic gastritis may experience feedback elevation of gastrin due to atrophy of the gastric mucosa. At this time, stomach pain often coexists with indigestion and bloating. In rare cases, gastrinoma can lead to abnormal elevation of gastrin-17, a neuroendocrine tumor that can cause refractory stomach pain and multiple ulcers. However, gastrinoma is a rare disease, and most cases of high levels of gastrin-17 are still associated with common gastric lesions. It should be noted that some patients with functional dyspepsia may also experience mild elevation of gastrin, but their stomach pain is more likely to be related to gastrointestinal motility disorders. If high levels of gastrin 17 are detected during testing and accompanied by stomach pain, it is recommended to complete examinations such as gastroscopy and Helicobacter pylori testing. Spicy and stimulating diets should be avoided in daily life, and regular eating should be taken to reduce stomach acid stimulation. If necessary, medications such as omeprazole enteric coated capsules and magnesium aluminum carbonate chewable tablets can be used under the guidance of a doctor to regulate stomach acid. Long term unresolved stomach pain should be monitored for the progression of gastric mucosal lesions and prompt medical attention should be sought to identify the cause.