Background and aims: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most widely prescribed agents. Whereas PPIs are widely regarded as harmlesss, long-term use of PPIs (LTUPPI) can have the potential to increase the risk of developing cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a good indicator of arterial stiffness. There are several studies showing a relationship between LTUPPI and CVD. However, the association with LTUPPI and PWV or arterial stiffness has not been reported. Patients and methods: Patients (n=64) with LTUPPI and controls (n=91) were included. PWV, glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and magnesium levels were measured. Main results: In the LTUPPI group, PWV was greater than in controls (9.08±2.04 vs 7.77±1.52 m/s, respectively, p=0.01); 34.4% of patients and 8.8% of controls had PWV levels <10 m/s (p=0.000). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age (p<0.001) and LTUPPI (p=0.024) were predictors of elevated PWV. Conclusions: PWV values are increased in patients with LTUPPI compared with controls independently of conventional CV risk factors. Measurement of PWV and other arterial stiffness parameters in cases with LTUPPI may be useful to predict possible CVD. Studies with greater numbers are needed to confirm these findings.

Background: Gastric İntestinal Metaplasia (GIM) and Gastric Atrophy (GA) are pre-neoplastic lesions that can lead to gastric cancer. Nowadays, there are no recognized good biomarkers of GIM and GA. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an economical, effective, and repetitive indicator of inflammation. We aimed to comparatively evaluate Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and the NLR. Methods: 88 patients with GIM and 48 patients with GA and 64 patients with non-atrophic-non-metaplastic gastritis were included in the study. NLR and RDW levels were measured in patients and controls. Results: NLR levels were significantly higher in patients with GIM than in controls (p < 0.05). NLR level was correlated positively with presence of GIM (p < 0.05), H.pylori presence in GIM and GA (p < 0.05), and menopause (p < 0.05). A multiple logistic regression analysis showed the GIM was predictor for elevated NLR (p < 0.05). According to the ROC curve analysis, the best cut-off NLR value to differentiate between patients with GIM from GA and/or controls was >2.92 (p < 0.05). In this study, we mainly found a significant association between GIM and NLR. Conclusions: NLR is significantly higher in patients with GIM. NLR can be an independent determinant factor for GIM. Keywords: Intestinal metaplasia; gastric atrophy; biomarker.