Immunometabolic dysregulation in gastric ulcer: Association of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, trace elements, and atherogenic lipid profile.

Gastric ulcer remains a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by disruption of the gastric mucosal barrier due to an imbalance between injurious and protective factors. Recent attention has focused on the role of inflammatory mediators, micronutrient status, and metabolic alterations in the progression of this condition. Cytokines are known to promote inflammatory cascades and mucosal damage and modulates immune responses during gastric injury. Also, trace elements including zinc and copper are essential for maintaining antioxidant defense, immune function, and tissue repair. This case control study included 60 patients diagnosed with gastric ulcer and 60 apparently healthy individuals as normal controls. All participants were recruited from the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hospital in Al-Najaf. The two groups were matched in terms of age and body mass index to minimize potential confounding effects. Serum levels of IL-10, IL-1beta, zinc, copper, and lipid profile parameters were assessed using standard laboratory methods. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 26. Due to non-normal distribution of variables, median values were used for data representation. Spearman's rank correlation test was applied to evaluate associations among variables, and the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic performance of the studied parameters. The findings revealed a significant elevation in both IL-1beta and IL-10 levels among gastric ulcer patients compared to controls, indicating activation of inflammatory and regulatory immune pathways. Zinc levels were significantly reduced in patients, suggesting a possible link between micronutrient depletion and impaired mucosal defense. The present study demonstrated a combined pattern of inflammatory activation, zinc deficiency, and lipid profile disturbance in gastric ulcer patients. These alterations may collectively contribute to disease pathogenesis and could serve as useful indicators for disease assessment and monitoring.