Gastric atrophy and regional variation in upper gastrointestinal disease.

Abstract

The prevalence of atrophy, rather than age of acquisition and prevalence of H. pylori infection, appears to be a marker of the major upper gastrointestinal disease profiles of a region. Development of atrophy, although apparently related to H. pylori infection, may be a multifactorial condition. Differences in diet, as seen between Guangzhou and Lanzhou, may be important in this regard. Understanding the factors leading to the development of atrophy may enhance our understanding of processes leading to gastric malignancy.