[ ABSTRACT] AIM: To investigate the expression and significance of Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) in chronic superficial gastritis.METHODS:The Wistar rats (n=30) were randomly divided into blank group, model group and control group.The Wistar rat model of chronic superficial gastritis was established by in-tragastric administration of 0.02%ammonia and long-term irregular diet.All rats were sacrificed, and gastric tissues were harvested and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.The expression of Lgr5 at mRNA and protein levels was analyzed by re-verse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS:Lgr5 was mainly expressed in the cell membrane and cytoplasm.Lgr5 showed high expression in model group compared with blank group and control group.No obvious difference between blank group and control group was observed.CONCLUSION:Persistent in-flammation leads to increased expression of Lgr5.Lgr5 may be a proinflammatory tumor promoting factor.