Abstract: Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a known etiological agent of chronic gastritis (CG) and
peptic ulcer, and there is a causal relationship between the infection and iron deficiency anaemia.
Objective: To determine the effect of H. pylori infection on serum iron levels, its relationship with
inflammation, generation of reactive oxygen species in CG, and endoscopic changes in the gastric
mucosa. The study included patients with activated CG - laboratory-confirmed HP positive
(n=45), HP negative (n=15), and 80 healthy volunteers. The Fe, TIBC, CRP levels, ROS
generation and antioxidant capacity (AOC) indicators were determined. Patients undergo
endoscopic assessment of gastric inflammation activity. Results: Patients with HP(+) gastritis had
significantly lower serum Fe values, higher ROS levels and reduced AOC compared to HP(-) and
control groups. A statistically significant moderate correlation was found between the
inflammatory marker and ROS generation. The demonstrated increased levels of ROS, CRP and decreased iron moderately correlated with endoscopic changes in the gastric mucosa. Conclusion:
Oxidative stress, as the primary pathophysiological mechanism in chronic inflammation caused
by HP, determines the degree of endoscopic changes in the gastroduodenal mucosa and changes
in iron metabolism.
Keywords: Chronic gastritis, HP, serum iron, ROS, AOC

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