Vitamin C (Asc) as a reactive oxygen species scavenger inhibits detrimental oxidation reactions and counteracts formation of mutagenic compounds which damage DNA in the gastric and duodenal mucosa. It has been considered as an important factor in reducing risk of gastric carcinoma. However, the role of uric acid (UA) as an antioxidant factor and its influence on gastric mucosa has not been so well investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between vegetable, fruit and fruit juices intake and water soluble antioxidant (Asc and UA) concentrations in plasma and gastric mucosa. The study also assessed the prevalence and intensity of inflammatory changes in mucosa and Helicobacter pylori infection. 34 patients participated in the study. Asc and UA concentrations in plasma and gastric mucosa samples were examined with the use of liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Histopathological examinations of gastric mucosa were also performed. Higher concentrations of Asc and UA in plasma and less frequent inflammatory changes of gastric mucosa were found in patients regularly consuming vegetables and fruits. It may suggest the protective effect of these compounds on mucosa. No significant relationship was found between H. pylori infection and antioxidant concentrations in plasma and gastric tissue in patients with chronic gastritis.
Conclusions: Diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fruit juices helps in reducing prevalence of inflammatory changes in gastric mucosa. It can be associated with higher Asc and UA concentrations in plasma and higher UA concentrations in gastric mucosa. Lower Asc and UA concentrations in patients with gastritis have no significant relationship with H. pylori infection.