Abstract

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a known histopathologic entity caused by autoantibodies against intrinsic factor and gastric parietal cells. Genetic factors are less known and are more difficult to quantify. This work analyzes a large family affected by CAG with a first objective of establishing a relationship with previous pathologies, laboratory abnormalities and HLA. The second objective was to fit a genetic basis that allows us extend the study by establishing the influence of genetics on the etiology of CAG. The mother and 11 siblings of a family with a high incidence of CAG were studied. Six of them were diagnosed by endoscopy and biopsy. Also in this group we observed elevated Gastrin levels and low Pepsinogen I levels. We found elevated Gastrin levels in three of the asymptomatic siblings. Of special relevance to our target was the relationship with HLA-DQ6.2 that could be a contributing factor to the disease.