Effect of adequate alcohol intake, with or without cigarette smoking, on the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Background/aims: Chronic adequate alcohol intake induces an "adaptive cytoprotection", mediated by endogenous release of prostaglandins and increased activity of gastric antioxidants, that reduces the mucosal damage caused by higher ethanol concentrations. The aim of our study was to verify the presence of a protection against Helicobacter pylori infection, induced by adequate alcohol consumption, with or without cigarette smoking.

Methodology: We studied 303 consecutive dyspeptic patients, who underwent gastroscopy for the first time.