Gastrin-17 (G17) is a crucial gastrointestinal hormone primarily secreted by the G cells located in the gastric antrum. It plays a major role in regulating gastric acid secretion and maintaining the health of the gastric mucosa.
It serves as a highly sensitive and specific serological biomarker for evaluating the functional and structural status of the stomach lining.
Abnormal levels of G17 in the blood (either significantly elevated or abnormally decreased) strongly indicate varying degrees of gastric mucosal damage, atrophy, or abnormal acid secretion.
It acts as a non-invasive "serological gastric biopsy." When used in combination with other gastric markers like Pepsinogen I and II (PG I/II), it provides a highly comprehensive assessment of gastrointestinal health.