Pylori Research Articles

Biologically Active Peptides from Corn Gluten Meal Improve Microbiota Disorders Caused by Helicobacter pylori Infection in Mice

This study investigated the potential effects of corn protein activity peptides (CPAPs) on inflammation response levels and gastrointestinal microbiota in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection mice. CPAPs significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and down-regulated the mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory factors TGF-β, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB, indicating that CPAPs may antagonize H. pylori-induced inflammatory responses by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathways. Through the intervention of CPAPs, H. pylori colonization in the stomach was significantly reduced. Additionally, the structural composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota improved, with an increase in abundance and diversity. These changes positively regulate gastrointestinal microbiota disorders in mice. In addition, the PICRUST function prediction of intestinal microbiota revealed that CPAPs may prevent or reduce metabolic disorders brought about by H. pylori, which improve biometabolic pathways by modulating intestinal microbiota composition. In conclusion, these findings suggest that CPAPs may prevent or mitigate metabolic disorders induced by H. pylori, offering theoretical support for the development of corn-protein-based functional foods.

Screening for Helicobacter pylori to Prevent Gastric Cancer.

Screening for Helicobacter pylori to Prevent Gastric Cancer.

Screening for Helicobacter pylori to Prevent Gastric Cancer.

Screening for Helicobacter pylori to Prevent Gastric Cancer.

Screening for Helicobacter pylori to Prevent Gastric Cancer.

Screening for Helicobacter pylori to Prevent Gastric Cancer.

Screening for Helicobacter pylori to Prevent Gastric Cancer-Reply.

Screening for Helicobacter pylori to Prevent Gastric Cancer-Reply.

Screening for Helicobacter pylori to Prevent Gastric Cancer.

Screening for Helicobacter pylori to Prevent Gastric Cancer.

Assessing Safety Concerns in Omeprazole Use: An Observational Study of Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions and Patient Adherence in a Spanish Community Pharmacy

Introduction: Omeprazole is commonly prescribed for conditions associated with excess gastric acid, including gastroesophageal reflux and Helicobacter pylori infection. Spain ranks highest among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in omeprazole consumption (measured in doses per 1000 inhabitants per day, DHD), indicating potential overuse and misuse. Community pharmacists are pivotal in collaborating with healthcare professionals to address safety risks and improve patient outcomes. Objective: This study aims to profile omeprazole users to inform pharmaceutical care (PC) strategies that address patient-specific needs and improve treatment safety. Methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study (CEIm Code FCF-OME-2023-01) involving 100 omeprazole users at a community pharmacy in Barcelona from November 2023 to May 2024. Data were collected via clinical interviews using a Data Collection Questionnaire. Results: Among the omeprazole users, 49% were male, 51% female, and 56% were over the age of 65. A significant proportion (71%) exhibited long-term omeprazole use, and 30% were polymedicated (taking five or more medications). Notably, 52% of patients reported no history of gastric symptoms. Additionally, 22% reported using omeprazole occasionally, following short-term, on-demand treatment regimens, while 78% adhered to a chronic daily dosing schedule. Among these patients, 29.5% demonstrated poor treatment adherence. The analysis of medication-related problems (MRPs) among the 78 patients using omeprazole daily and chronically revealed that the most prevalent MRPs were “unnecessary medication”, “lack of adherence”, “wrong administration”, “drug interactions”, and “lack of knowledge regarding medication use”. Based on STOPP criteria, 45% of users were candidates for deprescribing or dose adjustment. Conclusions: The high incidence of MRPs among omeprazole users highlights the need for enhanced pharmaceutical care (PC). Proactive pharmacist interventions, including deprescribing, dose adjustments, and prescriber collaboration, can reduce adverse medication outcomes and promote safer omeprazole use.

Prophage dynamics in gastric and enterohepatic environments: unraveling ecological barriers and adaptive transitions

Abstract Phage predation plays a critical role in shaping bacterial genetic diversity, with prophages playing a comparable role. However, the prevalence and genetic variability of prophages within the Helicobacter genus remain inadequately studied. Helicobacter species are clinically significant and occupy distinct digestive system regions, with gastric species (e.g., Helicobacter pylori) residing in the gastric mucosa and enterohepatic species colonizing the liver and intestines of various vertebrates. Here, we address this knowledge gap by analyzing prophage presence and diversity across 343 non-pylori Helicobacter genomes, mapping their distribution, comparing genomic features between gastric and enterohepatic prophages, and exploring their evolutionary relationships with hosts. We identified and analyzed a catalogue of 119 new complete and 78 incomplete prophages. Our analysis reveals significant differences between gastric and enterohepatic species. Gastric prophages exhibit high synteny, and cluster in a few groups, indicating a more conserved genetic structure. In contrast, enterohepatic prophages show greater diversity in gene order and content, reflecting their adaptation to varied host environments. Helicobacter cinaedi stands out, harboring a large number of prophages among the enterohepatic species, forming a distinct cohesive group. Phylogenetic analyses reveal a co-evolutionary relationship between several prophages and their bacterial hosts, though exceptions, such as the enterohepatic prophages from H. canis, Helicobacter equorum, H. jaachi, and the gastric prophage from H. himalayensis, suggesting more complex co-evolutionary dynamics like host jumps, recombination and horizontal gene transfer. The insights gained from this study enhance our understanding of prophage dynamics in Helicobacter, emphasizing their role in bacterial adaptation, virulence, and host specificity.

Extraoral halitosis in functional dyspepsia and its association with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and extraoral halitosis are often observed in functional dyspepsia (FD). We aimed to identify their associations for the first time. In this study, extraoral halitosis was diagnosed and assessed through the organoleptic score (OLS). Total symptom score (TSS) of FD, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), gastric Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, and three exhaled volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) (hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide [DMS]), were evaluated. Finally, 63 non-halitosis patients and 45 halitosis patients with extraoral halitosis were identified. Compared to non-halitosis patients, halitosis patients exhibited significantly higher TSS (86 [56, 123] vs. 43 [34, 57], P < 0.001) and SIBO positivity rate (66.67% vs. 11.11%, P < 0.001), but similar H. pylori positivity rate. The adjusted odds ratios of TSS and SIBO were 1.06 and 5.02, respectively. The area under curve (AUC) of the combination of TSS and SIBO for predicting extraoral halitosis was 0.89. Positive correlations were observed between TSS and OLS (r = 0.64), and between TSS and exhaled DMS level (r = 0.86), respectively. The other two VSCs were undetectable or of little value. We conclude that: (1) Extraoral halitosis is closely associated with FD and SIBO; (2) DMS is its primary contributing VSC; (3) FD patients with SIBO as opposed to gastric H. pylori infection are more prone to extraoral halitosis; (4) Clinicians should be aware of SIBO in the management of extraoral halitosis in FD.

PROBIOTICS PRESCRIBED WITH HELICOBACTER PYLORI ERADICATION THERAPY IN EUROPE: USAGE PATTERN, EFFECTIVENESS, AND SAFETY: Results from the European Registry on Helicobacter pylori Management (Hp-EuReg).

To evaluate the prescriptions patterns, effectiveness, and safety of adding probiotics to Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, in Europe. International, prospective, non-interventional registry of the clinical practice of the European gastroenterologists. Data were collected and quality reviewed until March 2021 at AEG-REDCap. The effectiveness was evaluated by modified intention-to-treat analysis, differentiating by geographic areas. Adverse events (AE) were categorized as mild, moderate, and severe. Overall, 36,699 treatments were recorded, where 8,233 (22%) were prescribed with probiotics. Probiotics use was associated with higher effectiveness in the overall analysis (OR 1.631 [95% CI 1.456-1.828]), as well as in triple (1.702 [1.403-2.065]), quadruple (1.383 [0.996-1.920]), bismuth quadruple (1.248 [1.003-1.554] and sequential therapies (3.690 [2.686-5.069]). Lactobacillus genus was associated with a higher therapy effectiveness in Eastern Europe when triple (OR: 2.625 [CI 1.911, 3.606]) and bismuth quadruple (OR: 1.587 [CI 1.117, 2.254]) first-line therapies were prescribed. In Central Europe, the use of probiotics was associated with a decrease in both the overall incidence of AEs (0.656 [0.516, 0.888]) as well as severe AEs (0.312; [0.217, 0.449]). Bifidobacterium genus was associated with lower overall (OR: 0.725 [95% CI 0.592-0.888]) and severe (OR: 0.254 [0.185-0.347]) AEs; and Saccharomyces was associated with reduced overall (OR: 0.54 [CI 0.32-0.91]) and severe (OR 0.257 [CI 0.123-0.536]) AEs under quadruple-bismuth regimen. In Europe, the use of probiotics was associated with higher effectiveness and safety of H. pylori eradication therapy. Lactobacillus improved treatment effectiveness, while Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces were associated with a better safety profile.

Mendelian randomization and multiomics comprehensively reveal the causal relationship and potential mechanism between atrial fibrillation and gastric cancer

ObjectiveGastric cancer is a harmful disease, the comorbidity mechanism and causality relationship between this disease and other diseases are worth studying.MethodsUsing a two-sample Mendelian Randomization method, this study revealed the potential causal effect of atrial fibrillation (AF) on gastric cancer (GC) risk by constructing a genetic instrument containing 136 AF associated SNPs. Subsequently, analysis identifies 62 AF-GC co-associated genes and constructs a protein-protein interaction network of key genes. High-throughput sequencing data were further used to analyze the association between the two and their impact on the survival outcome of gastric cancer.ResultsThe results showed that AF was negatively associated with gastric cancer, and further analysis revealed that this relationship was independent of GC risk factors such as chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, and alcohol consumption. Enrichment analysis reveals associations of key genes with pathways related to cardiovascular disease, inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, and tumorigenesis. Through single-cell sequencing data analysis, fibroblast subpopulations associated with the key gene set are identified in GC, showing significant correlations with cancer progression and inflammation regulation pathways. Transcription factor analysis and developmental trajectory analysis reveal the potential role of fibroblasts in GC development. Finally, prognosis analysis and gene mutation analysis using TCGA-STAD data indicate an adverse prognosis associated with the key gene set in GC.ConclusionThis study provides new insights into the association between AF and GC and offers novel clues for understanding its impact on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of GC.

Association between Helicobacter pylori infection, serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, and thyroxine in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2000

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori has been increasingly implicated in extra-gastric diseases. Current evidence regarding the association between serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and H. pylori infection remains inconclusive. Consequently, this study aimed to explore the correlation between TSH and T4 levels and H. pylori infection in a US-based population sample.MethodsData from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), comprising 971 participants aged 30–85 years from 1999 to 2000, were analyzed. Binary logistic regression was employed to analyze the correlation between H. pylori and TSH and T4 levels. The impact of TSH and T4 on H. pylori infection was further assessed using restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. In addition, subgroup analyses stratified by sex and age were conducted.ResultsSubjects with H. pylori seropositivity demonstrated lower serum TSH levels and higher serum T4 levels compared to those with H. pylori seronegativity. A significant positive correlation was identified between H. pylori seropositivity and T4 levels with increasing quartiles of hormonal levels in both univariate regression models (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 1.483; 95% CI, 1.033–2.129) and multivariate regression models (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 1.004; 95% CI, 0.981–1.026). Conversely, a negative correlation was observed between H. pylori seropositivity and TSH levels with increasing quartiles of hormonal levels in univariate regression models (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.579; 95% CI, 0.403–0.831) and in multivariate regression models (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.580; 95% CI, 0.389–0.866). In stratified analyses, the adjusted association of serum T4 levels with H. pylori seropositivity was statistically significant among men (T4: Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 2.253; 95% CI, 1.311–3.873), age over 68 years in TSH levels (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.434; 95% CI, 0.206–0.911), and age 41–54 years in T4 levels (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 4.965; 95% CI, 2.071–11.903). RCS analysis revealed a non-linear relationship between TSH levels and H. pylori infection. Notably, when TSH &amp;lt; 0.98 IU/ml, the likelihood of H. pylori infection significantly increased.ConclusionsLower TSH and higher T4 levels were associated with H. pylori infection, particularly among men and elderly individuals.

Targeting Helicobacter pylori Through the “Muco-Microbiotic Layer” Lens: The Challenge of Probiotics and Microbiota Nanovesicles

The muco-microbiotic layer represents a critical biological frontier in gastroenterology, emphasizing the intricate interplay between the protective mucus, its resident microbiota, and extracellular vesicles. This review explores the functional morphology of the gastric mucosa, focusing on the gastric muco-microbiotic layer, its role as a protective barrier, and its dynamic interaction with some of the most insidious pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Highlighting the multifaceted mechanisms of H. pylori pathogenesis, we have delved into bacterial virulence factors, host immune responses, and the microbiota’s regulatory effects. Novel therapeutic strategies for H. pylori eradication, including traditional antibiotic therapies and emerging adjuvant treatments like probiotics and probiotic-derived extracellular vesicles, are critically examined. These findings underscore the potential of targeting nanovesicular interactions in the gastric mucosa, proposing a paradigm shift in the management of H. pylori infections to improve patient outcomes while mitigating antibiotic resistance.

Ménétrier Disease: A Scoping Review of Case Reports over the Last 10 Years

Abstract Objective This scoping review aims to map existing recent case reports on Menetrier’s disease examining clinical features, treatment strategies, potential etiological factors, and other associations to enhance understanding and inform future research directions. Methods We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar for case reports on Menetrier’s disease published in English between January 2014 and October 2024. Eligible cases required histopathological confirmation, comprehensive clinical details, and unrestricted access, while pediatric cases and inaccessible records were excluded. Results Among 59 patients, 67.8% presented with Hypoalbuminemia, 37.3% were anemic. Regarding etiology, 20.3% tested positive for Helicobacter pylori suggesting a weaker link between the agent and Menetrier’s disease which highlights the need to explore other causes. 71.2% received pharmacological treatment of which 38% experienced full success, defined by both morphological and symptomatic improvements, while 66.6% experienced only symptomatic relief after treatment. Surgical Intervention was necessary for 35.6% of patients. The variability in clinical presentation and treatment outcomes, along with the lack of standardized approaches, implicate a need for further research to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for Ménétrier’s disease. Conclusions This scoping review identifies critical research gaps in Ménétrier’s disease, including the need for further investigation into genetic predispositions, the role of etiological agents, treatment efficacy of emerging therapies, and the timing of surgical interventions, alongside the importance of cancer surveillance.

Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide layer by plant-derived molecules: A novel approach to combat Helicobacter pylori

The WHO classifies H. pylori as a critical public health issue. H. pylori is a gram-negative bacterium that causes infections in the stomach lining, contributing to conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. The emergence of multidrug resistance in H. pylori presents a major obstacle in treatment, resulting in ineffective therapies and prolonged infections. The lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathway plays a crucial role in the survival of H. pylori. UDP-3-O-acyl-N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase (LpxC) is an essential enzyme, and its crucial role in disease pathogenesis has positioned LpxC as a highly promising druggable target for targeting H. pylori infection. In this study, we utilized structure-based virtual high-throughput screening of phytochemicals to discover potential inhibitors of LpxC. The selection of hits was initially based on their compliance with the Lipinski rule of 5, along with their toxicological, pharmacokinetic properties, and other drug-like attributes. This was followed by 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations in triplicate and MM/based binding free energy calculations. These findings indicated that Panicutine interacts strongly and enhances the stability of the LpxC structure, suggesting it as potential inhibitor of LpxC. The outcomes point to future studies to enhance their effectiveness as innovative and cost-effective treatments for H. pylori infections.

Association between Helicobacter pylori, reflux and chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review.

The prevalence, role, and clinical relevance of Helicobacter Pylori (HP) in sinonasal tissues of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis remain unclear. To investigate the prevalence and clinical relevance of Helicobacter Pylori (HP) in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSSNP). Three investigators conducted a PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library systematic review of the prevalence and clinical relevance of HP infection in CRS patients through the PRISMA framework. A bias analysis was conducted to identify potential heterogeneity and biases across studies. Of the 42 identified studies, 20 met the inclusion criteria, accounting for 741 CRS patients and 368 controls. HP was detected in 37.1% (n = 127/342) of polyps of CRSwNP patients with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 32.7% (n = 37/113) of polyp tissue with the immunohistochemistry (IHC). Controls reported a nasal PCR and IHC detection rates of 14.8% (n = 36/243) and 3.6% (n = 3/84), respectively. The HP rate did not differ between CRSwNP and CRSsNP. Among patients with CRS, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing detected blood HP antigens in 48.7% (n = 74/152) of CRS patients and 41.6% (n = 37/89) of controls. The detection of HP in polyps was associated with the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There was an important heterogeneity between studies for the inclusion criteria, methods of HP detection, and reflux outcomes. Helicobacter Pylori can be detected in one-third of sinonasal tissues from patients with CRS and can be considered a biomarker of GERD. The potential role of HP in the development of CRS remains unclear. The heterogeneity between studies limits the drawing of valid conclusions.

Coccoid Helicobacter pylori in patients with obesity: an immunohistochemical study.

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a Gram-negative bacterium that infects approximately fifty percent (50%) of individuals worldwide. The coccoid form of HP, a dormant state with altered morphology, has been associated with persistent infections and antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of the coccoid form of HP in patients living with obesity. Sleeve gastrectomy specimens from obese patients and gastric biopsies from non-obese individuals were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and histopathological examination were performed to identify and quantify the coccoid forms of HP. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the results between the two groups. The study included 53 obese patients and 62 non-obese individuals. The percentage of coccoid forms of HP was significantly higher in obese patients compared to non-obese individuals (median 50% vs. 10%, p < 0.001). Type of gastritis was also significantly different between the groups. Obese patients exhibited a higher prevalence of the coccoid form of HP in their gastric mucosa. This finding suggests that the gastric microenvironment in obesity may favor the formation of the coccoid form, potentially impacting the colonization and pathogenicity of HP. The higher prevalence of the coccoid form in obese patients has important clinical implications, as it is more resistant to antibiotics and difficult to eradicate. Alternative treatment strategies may be necessary to effectively manage HP infections in this population. Furthermore, the presence of the coccoid form may increase the risk of HP-associated diseases in obese individuals. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore novel treatment approaches for HP infection in the context of obesity.

The value of serum tumor-associated autoantibodies in screening and diagnosis of gastric cancer.

To investigate the clinical value of serum autoantibodies in the screening and diagnosis of gastric cancer. A total of 570 gastric cancer patients and 373 controls were enrolled in this study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantitatively detect autoantibodies in the tested serum, and statistic modeling was conducted to analyze their relationships with various clinical and pathological parameters. The results of autoantibody detection in gastric cancer patients were significantly different from those of the control group. A combination of 7 autoantibodies, including CLDN18, CAGE1, CTAG1A, PBRM1, RASSF7, IMMP2L and COPB1, was selected for modeling (AUC = 0.885). The diagnostic specificity was approximately 0.86 when combined 7-TAAs with Helicobacter pylori, while the positive predictive value was increased to 0.94. The abnormal elevation of different TAAs proteins in gastric cancer patients is related to factors such as disease stage, tumor differentiation degree, and invasion depth. The determination of serum autoantibody panel has clinical value in screening and prediction of gastric cancer, and can be used as an auxiliary index in clinical diagnosis. The combination of 7-TAAs and Helicobacter pylori can effectively improve the screening specificity and positive predictive value. The detection results of different proteins were related to the stage of disease, the degree of tumor differentiation and the depth of invasion.

Superoxide dismutase promotes gastric tumorigenesis mediated by Helicobacter pylori and enhances resistance to 5-fluorouracil in gastric cancer.

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection is the most common risk factor for gastric cancer (GC). The effect of the antioxidase manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) in gastric tumorigenesis remains unclear. We explored the molecular mechanisms of links between H.pylori, inflammation, and SOD2 in GC. We found that SOD2 was upregulated in GC. GC patients with high SOD2 expression showed worse overall survival. H.pylori infection promoted SOD2 expression by transcriptionally activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Knockdown of SOD2 led to increased levels of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in response to H.pylori infection. Our research demonstrates that SOD2 can serve as an inhibitor of ferroptosis by activating AKT, and stabilizing GPX4 protein, which subsequently induces 5-fluorouracil resistance. These findings reveal a mechanism whereby H.pylori can promote gastric carcinogenesis by activating the NF-κB/SOD2/AKT/GPX4 pathway, leading to the inhibition of ferroptosis. This may provide a promising therapeutic target for GC.

RNase Y mediates posttranscriptional control of the virulence-associated CncR1 small-RNA in Helicobacter pylori

RNase Y mediates posttranscriptional control of the virulence-associated CncR1 small-RNA in Helicobacter pylori