Association between Helicobacter infection in liver tissue and primary liver carcinoma

Abstract

To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter species and primary liver carcinoma (PLC). The liver samples resected during operation from 21 patients with PLC diagnosed by histopathology and 12 patients with other liver diseases as controls were studied. Helicobacter species in liver specimens from the studied subjects were examined by PCR with Helicobacter specific 16SrRNA primers. The amplified products were identified by Southern hybridization and nucleic acid hybridization in situ and sequencing. The specimens were made slices to undergo in situ hybridization of cDNA-mRNA of Helicobacter. Qualitative and quantitative studies were used to assess the correlation of liver tissue helicobacter infection with PLC. Thirteen of the 21 samples (62%) of PLC were positive for Helicobacter specific 16SrRNA gene, while none was positive in the controls (P < 0.01). In situ hybridization results demonstrated a highly Helicobacter 16SrRNA-mRNA positive rate in the PLC group (62%) and none of positive specimen in the control group (P < 0.01). Nine of the Helicobacter specific PCR applicants were sequenced and a homology of 97.80% in comparison with 16SrRNA of H p was found. Helicobacter infection may exist in the liver tissues of PLC patients with a high infection rate, suggesting an association between Helicobacter infection and PLC.