The impact of Helicobacter pylori eradication on long-term body weight changes, ghrelin and leptin levels.

INTRODUCTION

The association between chronic Helicobacter pylori infection and hormone levels affecting food intake and obesity remains controversial. Thus, our aim was to investigate the long-term effect of H. pylori eradication on changes in ghrelin and leptin levels in correlation with histologic analysis of the gastric mucosa.

METHODS

A total of 72 patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled between July 2020 and November 2022. Participants were randomly assigned to two treatment groups (group 1: 14-day regimen with esomeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin; group 2: 14-day regimen with esomeprazole, amoxicillin, metronidazole and colloidal bismuth subcitrate). We evaluated changes in insulin resistance (HOMA-IR score), BMI and serum levels of ghrelin and leptin (ELISA test). Measurements were conducted at baseline, two months, and one year following successful H. pylori eradication.

RESULTS

Of the 72 patients included, 13.9% (10/72) did not complete the study protocol. Both treatment groups were similar at enrollment and showed no statistically significant differences. A statistically significant decrease in ghrelin serum levels was observed in both treatment groups (p < 0.001), but not in leptin serum levels (p = 0.309).

CONCLUSIONS

Successful eradication of chronic H. pylori gastritis lowered ghrelin serum levels. Additionally, no changes in patient weight were observed. Serum leptin levels showed no significant changes. These results confirm that there is no hormonal influence on increased body weight after H. pylori eradication. The clinical trial registration number is EUDRA CT 2020-003399-42.