BACKGROUND: Adenosine deaminase is an enzyme which is postulated to have a role in the generation of gastric mucosal inflammation. The aim of our study was to determine and compare adenosine deaminase activity in the gastric mucosa of patients with chronic gastritis developed in partially resected and intact stomachs. MATERIAL/METHODS: 182 patients were studied, 102 non-operated and 80 after distal gastric resection. Biopsy specimens were taken endoscopically from the gastric mucosa 2 cm proximal to the stoma or corresponding upper third of the intact stomach. Gastritis was classified according to the Sydney system. The activity of adenosine deaminase in the mucosal homogenates was measured by determination of ammonia liberated from the substrate and expressed in nmol NH3/mg protein/min. RESULTS: Adenosine deaminase activity was lower in partially resected than in intact stomachs, regardless of Helicobacter pylori infection. While no difference was found in adenosine deaminase activity between Billroth I and Billroth II procedures in subjects without H. pylori infection, the activity was lower in those with Billroth II procedure in the presence of H. pylori infection. As the severity of gastritis increased, enzyme activity decreased in the mucosa of the intact stomach, but was not significantly altered in the mucosa of the gastric remnant. CONCLUSIONS: Adenosine deaminase activity differs in intact and partially resected stomachs, but it does not appear to be a factor promoting chronic gastritis.

Keywords: Gastritis - enzymology, Stomach Neoplasms - microbiology, Ulcer - enzymology