Helicobacter pylori virulent genes and host interleukin 1 are associated with demographic factors for an increased risk of gastritis

Abstract

AimHelicobacter pylori is a predominant pathogen for the human race and causes gastrointestinal diseases as well as can be an increased risk for cancer. This study examined the bacterial and host genes involved in gastritis and the environmental influences to understand the disease outcome. MethodsPolymerase chain reaction assay was used to analyze the variations in virulence-associated genes of H. pylori in gastritis patients. Human interleukin 1 beta gene polymorphisms and IL-1 receptor antagonist gene (IL-1RN intron 2) variable number tandem repeats were evaluated by PCR and single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis, respectively. Various demographic factors were analyzed and all the statistical tests were two-sided. ResultsInfection with cagA, cagA – Asian lineage positive strains of H. pylori was associated with an increased risk for gastritis. IL-1B-511*T carriers homozygous for the short allele of IL-1RN (IL-1RN*2/*2) had an increased risk for gastritis for the cagA carrier. The odd ratio (OR – 0.17; 95% CI – 0.03 to 0.08; P = 0.04) was significant in certain bacterial (cagA) and host (IL-1RN*2) high-risk genotypes in the gastritis patients. ConclusionThe pathogen and the host genetics in relation to lifestyle habits provide a tool for defining the high-risk individuals and strategize H. pylori eradication programs.