Role of serum p53 antibody as a potential marker for Helicobacter pylori- induced peptic ulcer and gastric cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a microaerophilic, acid-resistant bacillus with a distinctive spiral morphology and is classified as Gram-negative. Work is aiming to investigate serum p53 antibody titre as a potential biomarker for the detection of Gastric Cancer (GC) and Peptic Ulcer (PUD) associated with H. pylori infection. Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 120 cases with persistent upper gastrointestinal symptoms. The cases were divided into four equal groups: Group I: H. pylori-positive cases without endoscopic evidence of ulceration or malignancy; Group II: H. pylori-positive individuals with confirmed PUD; Group III: H. pylori-positive cases diagnosed with histologically confirmed GC; and Group IV: the control group. Results Serum p53 antibody titre were significantly elevated in Group III in contrast with both Group I and Group II, and also elevated in Group II than in Group IV. Cases in Group I exhibited significantly elevated Serum p53 Ab titre than those in Group IV. These findings suggest a progressive increase in Serum p53 Ab titre correlating with disease severity, from gastritis to ulceration to malignancy. A significant positive correlation between Serum p53 Ab titre and various clinical symptoms. WBC, AST, ALT, total and direct bilirubin, CRP, and ESR were also positively associated with elevated Serum p53 Abs. Serum titre of hemoglobin, platelet count, and albumin showed significant negative correlations with Serum p53 Ab levels, further supporting the link between systemic inflammation, nutritional status, and disease progression. Conclusion There was a strong correlation between elevated Serum p53 protein antibody titre and GC, emphasizing its potential as a valuable biomarker for early detection, particularly in high-risk individuals with H. pylori infection.