Blood pepsinogen as a subclinical marker for duodenal ulcer

Genetic factors, particularly group A pepsinogen (PGA) and certain blood groups, seem to play a considerable part in the heterogeneity of ulcer disease, especially with regard to duodenal ulcer. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum PGA levels both in patients with duodenal ulcer and in various family members, thereby confirming possible correlations between duodenal ulcer and membership in a given blood group. Serum PGA levels were found to be higher in duodenal ulcer patients than in control subjects, whereas relatives of ulcer carriers had intermediate levels. Belonging to any given blood group did not influence PGA levels in the three groups considered. Blood groups and PGA may therefore be considered separate subclinical markers for peptic ulcer, although further prospective studies are warranted before PGA is to be considered as a prognostic marker for the onset of ulcer disease in healthy individuals.