Association of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection with hypoalbuminemia and dietary habits

Abstract

We have recently conducted a large scale epidemiolgy study to document the prevalence and risk factors for Hp infection among the healthy elderly. Previous studies were limited by the small sample size. Materials & methods Sera obtained from 1698 asymptomatic Chinese subjects (239 males, 987 females; mean age 70.6 yrs, range 56-95 yrs) were tested for anti-Hp IgG antibody by using the GAP IgG ELISA kits (Bio-Rad). Their liver function tests and lipid profiles were also examined. Dietary habits were evaluated by a standard questionnaire. Multivariate analysis was performed to test the correlation between Hp infection and these parameters (blood tests and dieiary habits). Results 1226/1698 subjects (72.2%) were positive for anti-Hp antibody. Overall, the males (78.1%) had a significantly higher Hp + rate than the females (70.9%) (P<0.01). There was no appreciable difference in the Hp+ rates for both sexes within each Centile between 56-95 years. Furthermore, there was no evidence of singificant increase in Hp carrier rates with advancing age among this population. Hypoalbuminemia (< 40g/l) but not other biochemical parameters was associated with a higher Hp + rates (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between the lipid profiles (cholesterols & triglycerides) and Hp + rates. An inverse relationship between the frequency of nuts consumption and Hp + rates was observed (p < 0.01). Other dietary (consumption of fast food, sea food, preserved food etc.) and cooking habits (type of cooking oil, boiled, fried or grill etc.) had no influence on the Hp+ rates. ' : Conclusions (1) The overall Hp + rate among the elderly Chinese in Hong Kong was approx. 70%; it reaches a plateau between the age of 56-65 yrs. (2) Men had significantly higher Hp carrier rates than women. (3)Hp+ rates did not increase with advancing age in the elderly between 56-95 yrs. (4) Hypoalbuminemia was associated with higher Hp+ rates which may reflect chronic underlying malnutrition. (5) Consuming nuts frequently may have a protective effect against Hp infection.