Unveiling the link: Helicobacter pylori infection and impact on ischemia modified albumin, thiol, and disulfide levels

Objectives The objective of this research was to explore the link between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and alterations in ischemia modified albumin (IMA), thiol, and disulfide levels, with a focus on their potential clinical implications. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional study, enrolling 153 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between March and July 2023. Biopsies were obtained from the stomach antrum to diagnose H. pylori. Biochemical parameters, including IMA, thiol, and disulfide, were measured in fasting blood samples. A statistical analysis, including receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, was performed to assess the diagnostic potential of these biomarkers. Results In this study, a total of 153 patients were included, of whom 99 tested positive for H. pylori and 54 tested negative. The H. pylori-positive group exhibited significantly higher levels of disulfide, disulfide/native thiol ratio, disulfide/total thiol ratio, and IMA compared to the H. pylori-negative group (p <= 0.05 for all parameters). In contrast, the native thiol/total thiol ratio was significantly lower in the H. pylori-positive group (p <= 0.05). Conclusions Our study's findings of elevated disulfide levels in H. pylori-positive individuals suggest a potential disruption in redox balance associated with H. pylori infection. This study contributes to the understanding of H. pylori's systemic effects on biochemical markers, offering insights into their diagnostic utility.