This study is aimed to see the effect of pregnancy on pepsinogen secretion and its possible protective role against ulceration. Fifty pregnant women without symptoms ofpeptic ulcer disease were studied for serum pepsinogen level. These levels were compared with those of a control group composed of age-matched, nonpregnaflt healthy women. An elevated level ofserum pepsinogen wasfound during pregnancy. Fourteen percent ofpregnant women had low levels ofpepsinogen while 20% showed normal pepsinogen level, because they were associated with severe anemia. Regular feeding, good nutrition. and emotional tranquility during pregnancy were favourable factors to reduce the chances of ulceration. Increased secretion of estrogen and progesterone, increased secretion of gastric mucus, bicarbonate and prostaglandins during pregnancy enhance cytoprotection against ulceration. Increased secretion of histaminase blocks or destroys the histamine action at the parietal cells which slows down acid secretion and helps to avoid ulcer formation. ResuJts The mean serum pepsinogen level for pregnant women was 856.0 ± 474.1 units/mll24 h (mean ±
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.