Helicobacter Pylori IgG Antibodies Research Articles

Prevalence of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> IgG and stool antigen detection from dyspeptic patients in Jos, Nigeria

Helicobacter pylori is a helical shaped gram negative microaerophilic bacterium , that can inhabit various areas of the stomach. The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among dyspeptic patients attending Endoscopy unit, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). The prevalence of H pylori ; antibodies in plasma and antigen in stool samples of 80 patients examined was studied using ELISA (DIA PRO, Italy) and ICA (BIOTEST China) respectively. Sociodemographic and clinical information was obtained through the assistance of attending gastroenterology staff. Blood grouping was also performed by slide agglutination test for all patients. Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies were detected in plasma of 28 (35%) patients of which 27 patients out of the sero-positive cases were antigen positive while Helicobacter pylori antigen was detected in the stool of 31 (38.8%) patients of which 27 patients out of the antigen positive cases were also seropositve. No significant association was found between Helicobacter pylori and age, sex, ABO blood group, economic status, source of water and consumption of alcohol. Thus, Helicobacter pylori seropositivity with respect to blood groups was found to be 32.6%, 46.7%, 33.3% and 33.3% in blood groups O, B, A and AB respectively, while Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test positive results was found to be 33.3%, 33.3%, 46% and 39.5% in blood groups O, B, A and AB respectively. Hence, no statistical association was found between Helicobacter pylori infection and blood groups of the patients (P>0.05). However, marital status was significantly associated with Helicobacter pylori antibody test (P<0.05). There is need for government to encourage people about the Helicobacter pylori screening test since it is one of the etiologic agent of ulcer. Keywords : Helicobacter pylori , Jos, Peptic ulcer, Prevalence.

Deep learning analyzes Helicobacter pylori infection by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy images.

Background and study aims Helicobacter pylori (HP)-associated chronic gastritis can cause mucosal atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, both of which increase the risk of gastric cancer. The accurate diagnosis of HP infection during routine medical checks is important. We aimed to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN), which is a machine-learning algorithm similar to deep learning, capable of recognizing specific features of gastric endoscopy images. The goal behind developing such a system was to detect HP infection early, thus preventing gastric cancer. Patients and methods For the development of the CNN, we used 179 upper gastrointestinal endoscopy images obtained from 139 patients (65 were HP-positive: ≥ 10 U/mL and 74 were HP-negative: < 3 U/mL on HP IgG antibody assessment). Of the 179 images, 149 were used as training images, and the remaining 30 (15 from HP-negative patients and 15 from HP-positive patients) were set aside to be used as test images. The 149 training images were subjected to data augmentation, which yielded 596 images. We used the CNN to create a learning tool that would recognize HP infection and assessed the decision accuracy of the CNN with the 30 test images by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Results The sensitivity and specificity of the CNN for the detection of HP infection were 86.7 % and 86.7 %, respectively, and the AUC was 0.956. Conclusions CNN-aided diagnosis of HP infection seems feasible and is expected to facilitate and improve diagnosis during health check-ups.

Mental vulnerability, Helicobacter pylori, and incidence of hospital-diagnosed peptic ulcer over 28 years in a population-based cohort

Objective: To examine whether mental vulnerability, an enduring personality characteristic, predicts incident hospital-diagnosed ulcer over three decades.Materials and methods: A population-based cohort study enrolled 3365 subjects with no ulcer history, ages 30–60, in 1982–3. Mental vulnerability, Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies, socioeconomic status, and sleep duration were determined at baseline; non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug use, smoking, leisure time physical activity, and alcohol consumption both at baseline and in 1993–4. Hospital diagnoses of incident ulcer through 2011 were detected using the Danish National Patient Registry.Results: Ulcers were diagnosed in 166 subjects, including 83 complicated by bleeding or perforation. Age-, gender-, and socioeconomic status-adjusted associations were significant for mental vulnerability (Hazard Ratio (HR) 2.0, 95% Confidence Interval 1.4–2.8), Helicobacter pylori (HR 1.7, CI 1.2–2.3), smoking (HR 2.0, CI 1.3–3.1), heavy drinking (HR 1.6, CI 1.1–2.4), abstinence (HR 1.6, CI 1.1–2.5), non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (HR 2.1, CI 1.5–3.0), and sedentary lifestyle (HR 1.9, CI 1.4–2.7). Adjusted for all behavioral mediators, the HR for mental vulnerability was 1.5 (CI 1.0–2.2, p = .04). Mental vulnerability raised risk in Helicobacter pylori seropositive subjects and those exposed to neither Helicobacter pylori nor non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs; its impact was virtually unchanged when analysis was limited to complicated ulcers.Conclusions: A vulnerable personality raises risk for hospital-diagnosed peptic ulcer, in part because of an association with health risk behaviors. Its impact is seen in ‘idiopathic’ and Helicobacter pylori-associated ulcers, and in acute surgical cases.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori on metabolic syndrome parameters in diabetic patients.

The aim of this study is to survey the effect of Helicobacter Pylori on metabolic syndrome parameters in diabetic patients. Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is the most common infection in developing countries. Some studies showed the association between HP infection and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a major mechanism in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and it is said that MetS is more prevalent among HP infected subjects. Also, some studies have shown that MetS is common among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of MetS in diabetic patients and its association with HP. This cross-sectional study was carried out from May to December 2014 on 211 diabetic patients. For each patient, the following data were collected: age, gender, diabetes duration, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), HDL, cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, and HbA1c. The lipid profile was performed on fasting samples. Anti- HP IgG antibody was measured and serum titer >30AU/mL was considered positive. MetS was diagnosed by The National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III report (NCEP-ATPIII) and IDF criteria. Totally 139 patients (65.9%) were HP+ and 72 patients (34.1%) were HP-. Age, gender and diabetes duration were not significantly different in both groups. BMI was significantly lower in HP+ women (29.05±5.26 vs. 31.45±4.8, p=0.02). Although the waist circumference of men was not different between the two groups but it was significantly lower in HP+ women (102.04±12.37 vs. 97.3±10, p=0.03). Although BP and TG levels were not statistically different in HP+ and HP- patients, but HP+ patients had lower HDL level (p=0.037) which was due to lower HDL in men (58.2±26.6 vs. 72.48±28.1, p=0.012). The prevalence of MetS according to the IDF criteria among HP+ and HP- patients was 76.6% vs. 69.8% (p=0.27). Also, the prevalence of MetS according to NCEP-ATP III criteria among HP+ and HP- patients was 90.4% vs. 87.2% (p=0.5). Duration of diabetes did not affect the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among HP+ and HP- patients. It seems that HP infection increases the prevalence of metabolic syndrome through an increase in insulin resistance. According to NCEP-ATPIII criteria, the increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in HP+ patients is almost significant, however more complete studies is recommended to investigate this relationship.

Dysphagia as the Sole Initial Presentation of Celiac Disease

A 33-year-old Caucasian woman presented with 3 months of dysphagia to solids. She had “tightness” in her chest with eating bananas. She reported no weight loss, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. She had no heartburn symptoms. She also did not have any allergic rhinitis symptoms. There was no family history of eosinophilic esophagitis, inflammatory bowel disease, upper gastrointestinal cancers, or celiac disease. Due to her persistent dysphagia, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed revealing mild bulbar duodenitis, and scalloping in the 2nd and 3rd portions of the duodenum (Fig. 1, Fig. 2). Biopsies were taken from her mid esophagus, distal esophagus, stomach antrum, and 2nd and 3rd portions of the duodenum. Labs revealed a tissue transglutaminase IgA of >100 units. Serum IgA, vitamin A, folic acid, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, thyroid stimulating hormone, iron studies, complete blood count, complete metabolic panel, and Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody were all within normal limits.Figure 1Figure 2Biopsies revealed no abnormalities in the mid esophagus, mild reflux esophagitis in the distal esophagus, mild gastritis with no evidence of H. pylori in the stomach antrum, and moderate to severe villous blunting and increased intraepithelial lymphocytosis consistent with Marsh 3 celiac disease in the 2nd and 3rd portions of the duodenum. Her esophagus was empirically dilated and dysphagia persisted post dilation. The patient was started on a gluten-free diet and three months later her dysphagia resolved. Follow-up tissue transglutaminase IgA at the time of resolution of the dysphagia was undetectable indicating resolution of the celiac disease. To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the first reported case of dysphagia as initial and sole presentation of celiac disease completely resolved by gluten-free diet. This patient did not have evidence of eosinophillic esophagitis, Plummer-Vinson Syndrome, or any other culprit for her dysphagia. She also did not complain of any other typical celiac disease symptoms, such as abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel-like symptoms. Laboratory testing of elevated tissue transglutaminase IgA level, followed by gluten-free diet with subsequent resolution of symptoms and normalization of tissue transglutaminase IgA confirmed the patient's celiac disease course. Celiac disease is a diagnostic consideration in the evaluation of unexplained dysphagia. In patients presenting with solid food dysphagia, EGD remains the exam of choice. Whether celiac disease should be routinely excluded in patients presenting with dysphagia warrants further study.

242 A Combination of Fasting Serum Gastrin Concentration, Pepsinogen 1/2 Ratio and Helicobacter pylori IgG Antibody Serotype Accurately Predicts Gastric Mucosal Preneoplasia in a Large European Cohort

242 A Combination of Fasting Serum Gastrin Concentration, Pepsinogen 1/2 Ratio and Helicobacter pylori IgG Antibody Serotype Accurately Predicts Gastric Mucosal Preneoplasia in a Large European Cohort

Association of Helicobacter pylori IgG Antibody with Microvascular Complications in Type II Diabetic Patients

Association of Helicobacter pylori IgG Antibody with Microvascular Complications in Type II Diabetic Patients

Studying Association between Thyroid Disorders and Helicobacter pylori infection in Iraqi Patients

This study was aimed to investigate the association between thyroid disorder and Helicobacter pylori infection in 122 patients (100 females and 22 males )and for comparison, 60 healthy individuals (31females and 29 males),who had no thyroid disorder, were also included in the study. Blood samples were collected from both patients and the healthier individuals. Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) technique through using Vitek Immuno Diagnostic Assay System (VIDAS) was applied to measure levels of the thyroid hormones (tri-iodothyronine T3, tetra-iodothyroxine T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). From the results obtained, patients were classified into three groups: 40 were considered as belonging to the controlled group (26 females and 14 males), 57 to the hypothyroidism group (52 females and 5 males) and25 belonged to hyperthyroidism group (22 females and 3 males). On the other hand, highest incidence rate of thyroidism was recorded in the age group of (30-39)yrs. 19.67% , followed by (40-49)yrs. with 24.59% and(50-59)yrs. with 18.03%. When concentration and presence of anti -Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies in the human blood samples were detected and measured by Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorrbent Assay (ELISA) technique , the results were showed high prevalence rates of H. pylori infection were detected in the hypothyroidism patients (94.07%), while the lowest prevalence rates were recorded in the healthy individuals ( 66.7%).Statistical analysis of anti –Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies distribution among both healthy and thyroidism patients showed that highly significant differences at p &lt; 0.01 were found between thyroid disorders patients groups.

Studying Association between Thyroid Disorders and Helicobacter pylori infection in Iraqi Patients

This study was aimed to investigate the association between thyroid disorder and Helicobacter pylori infection in 122 patients (100 females and 22 males )and for comparison, 60 healthy individuals (31females and 29 males),who had no thyroid disorder, were also included in the study. Blood samples were collected from both patients and the healthier individuals. Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) technique through using Vitek Immuno Diagnostic Assay System (VIDAS) was applied to measure levels of the thyroid hormones (tri-iodothyronine T3, tetra-iodothyroxine T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). From the results obtained, patients were classified into three groups: 40 were considered as belonging to the controlled group (26 females and 14 males), 57 to the hypothyroidism group (52 females and 5 males) and25 belonged to hyperthyroidism group (22 females and 3 males). On the other hand, highest incidence rate of thyroidism was recorded in the age group of (30-39)yrs. 19.67% , followed by (40-49)yrs. with 24.59% and(50-59)yrs. with 18.03%. When concentration and presence of anti -Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies in the human blood samples were detected and measured by Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorrbent Assay (ELISA) technique , the results were showed high prevalence rates of H. pylori infection were detected in the hypothyroidism patients (94.07%), while the lowest prevalence rates were recorded in the healthy individuals ( 66.7%).Statistical analysis of anti –Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies distribution among both healthy and thyroidism patients showed that highly significant differences at p &lt; 0.01 were found between thyroid disorders patients groups.

Vegetarianism as a Protective Factor for Reflux Esophagitis: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study Between Buddhist Priests and General Population

Several risk factors for reflux esophagitis, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, are recognized. But vegetarianism as a protective factor for reflux esophagitis has not been reported. The aim of this study is to elucidate the protective effect of vegetarianism for reflux esophagitis. This is a cross-sectional study that compared the prevalence of reflux esophagitis of 148 Buddhist priests, who are obligatory vegetarians with that of age- and sex-matched controls who underwent health checkups in a health promotion center. The prevalence of reflux esophagitis was higher in the control group than in the Buddhist priest group (21.6 vs 12.2 %). Weight, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and abdominal adipose tissue area were higher and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol were lower in the Buddhist priest group. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in the Buddhist priest group than the control group (30.4 vs 17.6 %). In univariate analysis, male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 3.325; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.659-6.666), current smoking (OR = 3.37; 95 % CI, 1.439-7.881), alcohol consumption (OR = 2.75; 95 % CI, 1.375-5.481), waist circumference (OR = 1.99; 95 % CI, 1.062-3.739), negative for Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody (OR = 1.89; 95 % CI, 1.018-3.491) and non-vegetarianism (OR = 1.99; 95 % CI, 1.062-3.739) were associated with reflux esophagitis. According to multivariate analysis, male sex (OR = 3.44; 95 % CI, 1.698-6.970), non-vegetarianism (OR = 2.08; 95 % CI, 1.086-3.974) and negative H. pylori IgG antibody (OR = 1.96; 95 % CI, 1.039-3.712) were significantly associated with reflux esophagitis. A non-vegetarian diet is associated with reflux esophagitis.

The Epidemiology and Natural History of Barrettʼs Esophagus and Intestinal Metaplasia of Gastroesophageal Junction in Korea

Purpose: The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is rapidly increasing in western countries. However, the diagnosis of EAC and Barrett's esophagus (BE), its precursor, in Asian countries are still uncommon in spite of increased western food pattern or obesity. There are few studies describing prevalence of EAC and BE in asymptomatic people who undergo endoscopy (EGD) for health check. However, no study has described the natural history of BE. We aimed to investigate the epidemiology and natural history of BE and intestinal metaplasia of gastroesophageal junction (IMGEJ) initially diagnosed during an asymptomatic health check EGD at a single center in South Korea. Methods: From 2001 to 2010, 180,087 asymptomatic people who underwent EGD for health check at a tertiary care center were identified. Their EGD report, photographs, and pathology were reviewed and BE (columnar segment ≥ 1 cm with specialized intestinal metaplasia, or IMGEJ (intestinal metaplasia in biopsies from the gastroesophageal junction) were identified. Serum Helicobacter pylori (HP) IgG antibody was checked in all subjects. Their subsequent EGD and pathology reports and medical records were reviewed. Results: A total of 126 subjects (M:F = 91:35, mean age = 51.9±10.3) were identified. 73 subjects (0.04%) were diagnosed with BE and 53 subjects (0.03%) with IMGEJ. The mean number of biopsies taken was 1.6±0.8. Of the 73 subjects with BE, 72 (98.6%) had short-segment BE (SSBE), and 1 (1.4%) had longsegment BE (LSBE). HP IgG antibody was positive in 35 (47.9%) of BE and 27 (50.9%) of IMGEJ. Erosive esophagitis was identified in 27 (37.0%) BE subjects (13 with grade A, 12 with grade B, and 2 with grade C using the Los Angeles classification system) and 25 (47.2%) IMGEJ subjects (12 with grade A, 4 grade B). Hiatal hernia was diagnosed in 11 (15.1%) BE and 9 (17.0%) IMGEJ subjects. Among the 126 subjects diagnosed with either BE or IMGEJ, 50 were lost to follow-up and 76 received endoscopic surveillance with a mean duration of follow-up of 3.4±2.1 years (range 0.3-8.5 years). No subject developed EAC or high-grade dysplasia, and all 76 subjects were alive in May 2011. Conclusion: The prevalence of BE in Korea is still low and when it occurs, it is almost exclusively SSBE. In this limited descriptive report of subjects with BE and IMGEJ in an asymptomatic cohort in Korea, no one developed EAC or highgrade dysplasia over 3 years follow-up. A prospective well-organized standardized protocol of consecutive persons undergoing EGD in Asia is warranted.

Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in fibromyalgia syndrome

Although there are some studies suggesting relation between different types of infection and fibromyalgia syndrome (FM), there is presently no proof that FM is caused by an infection. Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection may cause extragastric manifestations. Inflammation is an important mediator of increased sympathetic nervous system activity and may lead to pain in fibromyalgia patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the HP seropositivity in fibromyalgia patients compared with controls for possible role of HP infection in FM. Sixty-seven patients with fibromyalgia were evaluated. Two of them were excluded from the study because of high level of acute phase reactants. Sixty-five female patients with fibromyalgia and 41 randomly selected age-matched female healthy controls were enrolled to study. Serum HP IgA and IgG antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was assessed in patients and controls. Seropositivity of HP IgG antibody in the fibromyalgia patients was significantly higher than in the control group. No statistically significant differences were found regarding the clinical features between fibromyalgia patients with HP IgG antibody and patients without IgG antibody. Our study suggests that former HP infection may have a role in the etiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome or may act as a triggering factor. However, high seroprevalence of HP in general population and prevalent asymptomatic infection make it difficult to interpret these results for the definite role of HP in FM. Highlighting the pathophysiologic mechanisms of FM will result in more effective treatment regimens.

Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in fibromyalgia syndrome

Although there are some studies suggesting relation between different types of infection and fibromyalgia syndrome (FM), there is presently no proof that FM is caused by an infection. Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection may cause extragastric manifestations. Inflammation is an important mediator of increased sympathetic nervous system activity and may lead to pain in fibromyalgia patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the HP seropositivity in fibromyalgia patients compared with controls for possible role of HP infection in FM. Sixty-seven patients with fibromyalgia were evaluated. Two of them were excluded from the study because of high level of acute phase reactants. Sixty-five female patients with fibromyalgia and 41 randomly selected age-matched female healthy controls were enrolled to study. Serum HP IgA and IgG antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was assessed in patients and controls. Seropositivity of HP IgG antibody in the fibromyalgia patients was significantly higher than in the control group. No statistically significant differences were found regarding the clinical features between fibromyalgia patients with HP IgG antibody and patients without IgG antibody. Our study suggests that former HP infection may have a role in the etiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome or may act as a triggering factor. However, high seroprevalence of HP in general population and prevalent asymptomatic infection make it difficult to interpret these results for the definite role of HP in FM. Highlighting the pathophysiologic mechanisms of FM will result in more effective treatment regimens.

Antiplatelet therapy, Helicobacter pylori infection and complicated peptic ulcer disease in diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study

To assess whether, based on its relationship with complications of peptic ulcer disease (PUD), directed Helicobacter pylori serological screening is justified in diabetic patients prior to commencement of antiplatelet therapy. We analysed data from the longitudinal, community-based Fremantle Diabetes Study (FDS). The present substudy included (i) 1301 patients (91.2% of the total FDS sample; mean age 62.0 +/- 13.3 years, 49.5% male) with available sera from baseline assessment between 1993 and 1996, and (ii) a subset of 40 patients admitted to hospital for complicated PUD (bleeding and/or perforation) between baseline and end of June 2006. All hospital admissions for complicated PUD in the population of Western Australia were identified over the same period. Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies were measured in all patients at baseline and in the subset at the FDS visit prior to hospital admission. Helicobacter pylori seropositivity was present in 60.6% of FDS patients at baseline and was independently associated with increasing age and non-Anglo-Celt/non-Asian ethnicity. There were 2.9 (95% confidence interval 2.1, 3.9) first admissions for complicated PUD per 1000 patient-years, an incidence more than seven times that in the local general population. Independent baseline predictors of hospital admission were increasing age, serum urea, non-aspirin anticoagulant therapy, sulphonylurea therapy, peripheral arterial disease and diabetic retinopathy, but not aspirin use, H. pylori seropositivity or their interaction. There are diabetes-specific risk factors for complicated PUD, including sulphonylurea use and vascular complications. Knowledge of H. pylori serological status does not predict complicated PUD in diabetes regardless of use of antiplatelet therapy.

Helicobacter pylori IgG Antibodies in Aqueous Humor and Serum of Subjects With Primary Open Angle and Pseudo-exfoliation Glaucoma in a South Indian Population

A prospective, nonrandomized, comparative study was carried out to investigate levels of anti-Helicobacter pylori-specific IgG antibodies in the aqueous humor and serum of patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), exfoliation syndrome [pseudo-exfoliation glaucoma (PXFG)], and with normotensive cataract patients, who served as controls. Aqueous humor was aspirated at the beginning of glaucoma surgery from 50 eyes of 50 patients with POAG, with PXFG and at the beginning of phacoemulsification cataract surgery from controls. Serum samples were obtained. Anti-H. pylori IgG concentration in the aqueous humor and serum was measured by means of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Serum analysis of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies revealed statistically significant difference between POAG and PXFG (52.26+/-52.51 vs. 25.22+/-35.27, P=0.01). Also, the difference between POAG and controls was statistically significant (54.05+/-55.04 vs. 33.83+/-41.73, P=0.04). However, on comparing PXFG with the control group, the difference was statistically insignificant (P=0.12). The mean concentration of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies in aqueous humor of patients in POAG and controls were not statistically different (3.93+/-5.14 vs. 2.65+/-2.87, respectively, P=0.73). The mean concentration of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies in aqueous humor of patients in PXFG and controls were not statistically different (8.87+/-30.25 vs. 2.65+/-2.87, respectively, P=0.83). There was also no statistical difference of IgG levels between POAG and PXFG (3.93+/-5.14 vs. 8.87+/-30.25, respectively, P=0.87). The levels of anti-H. pylori IgG titers in sera of individuals with POAG were significantly higher compared with PXFG and control groups. We support the hypothesis of the role of anti-H. pylori antibodies in causative mechanism for POAG. We could not find a significant link between the anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies and the PXFG.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Asthmatic Children

The aim of this article is to investigate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, frequency of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), existence of atopy and levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) in children with bronchial asthma. One hundred and thirty seven children who were diagnosed as bronchial asthma and/or wheezy child aged between 1 and 17 years were enrolled into the study. Peripheral venous blood samples were obtained to determine the total IgE and HP IgG antibody levels. GER was evaluated by the scintigraphic method and the presence of atopy was investigated by skin prick test. The study was conducted in 86 (62.8%) boys and 51 (37.2%) girls. HP IgG antibody levels were found negative in 125 (91.2%) and positive in 12 (8.8%) cases. GER was detected in 73 (53.7%) of the children. Forty-one (37.3%) children were accepted as atopic according to skin prick test results. The average total IgE levels of the participants was 168.89 +/- 270.76 IU/ml. A significant difference could not be determined related to GER, atopy frequency and serum IgE levels between the cases who had HP antibody positivity or not. The present findings suggest that the rate of HP antibody positivity is low in patients with bronchial asthma and a significant difference could not be determined in GER, and atopy between patients with positive and negative HP antibodies. High atopy frequency found in our patient group raises the question of whether allergic diseases can be protective against fecal-oral infectious diseases.

The relationship between Helicobacter pylori IgG titre and coronary

Objectives — The role of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in the progression of atherosclerosis is con-troversial.We investigated the relation between HP IgG antibody titres and severity and intensity of coronary atherosclerosis and also clinical presentation of coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods — The patient group consisted of 353 patients with angiographically proven CAD, which contains 3 different subgroups: 163 patients with myocardial infarction (MI), 106 patients with unstable angina (USAP) and 84 patients with stable angina (SAP). Control group included 163 subjects with angiographically proven normal coronary arteries. Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody titres were measured by an enzyme immunoassay method in all patients. Gensini and Extent scores were used to evaluate the angiographic severity and extent of atherosclerosis. C-reactive protein levels were measured by Behring nephelometry system kits.Results — Seropositivity rates for HP were similar between groups (82.7% in the patient group and 86.6% in the control group (P > 0.05)). Also HP-IgG levels were similar among the MI, USAP and SAP groups. No significant correlation was observed between CRP levels and HP-IgG level titres. There was no significant correlation between HP-IgG level (r = 0.086, P = 0.2) and Gensini score but a significant poor correlation was observed between HP-IgG level and Extent score (r = + 0.156, P = 0.03).Conclusions — Helicobacter pylori IgG titres do not play an important role in the presentation of CAD and do not increase systemic inflammatory response. However, Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody titres may be correlated with the extent of CAD.

Host and environmental factors for gastric cancer in Babol, the Caspian Sea Coast, Iran

To clarify host and environmental factors for gastric carcinogenesis, we obtained information about gastric cancer mortality in Babol, in the North of Iran, and recruited 130 participants aged 30-80 years from the general population of Babol in 2004. A urea breath test, assessment of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori, a pepsinogen test, a marker of chronic atrophic gastritis, and determination of urinary excretions of sodium and potassium were performed. Diet and lifestyle information was also obtained using a questionnaire. The stomach cancer mortality rate for men in Babol (38.2/10(5)) was found to be somewhat lower than that for Japanese men (45.1/10(5)), while the mortality for women (26.9/10(5)) was higher than for Japanese women (20.9/10(5)). Positive rates for the urea breath test were 77.5 and 81.8% for Iranian men and women, respectively. Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies were present in 68.7 and 73.7% of Iranian men and women, respectively, both values being marginally higher than for Japanese. We also found 51.0 and 52.8% to be positive for a pepsinogen test, significantly higher than the Japanese values. Urinary excretions of salt and potassium in this population appeared approximately the same as the consumption in Japanese. The elevated gastric cancer mortality in both men and women in Babol seems, by and large, to be related to higher H. pylori infection rates and prevalence of chronic atrophic gastritis. Certain factors, including H. pylori DNA diversity, host factors and their interactions, together with the level of medical practice, prevalence of and access to secondary prevention of stomach cancer, may also be associated with the relatively high mortality.

Gastric Status and Vitamin B12 Levels in Cardiovascular Patients

Proper absorption of vitamin B12 requires gastric corpus mucosa that functions appropriately and secretes intrinsic factor needed as an essential cofactor for the absorption of dietary vitamin B12 in the small bowel. Here we describe the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and atrophic corpus gastritis (ACG) in patients with coronary heart disease. Fasting serum was obtained from patients who were admitted for cardiovascular diseases at the Coronary Care Unit in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. The status of gastric mucosa was assessed by using the serum levels of pepsinogens I and II, gastrin-17, and Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies and analyzed over vitamin B12 level subgroups. The study population consisted of 376 patients (mean age, 65 years [SD, 13 years], 227 [60%] males). Low vitamin B12 levels (<150 pM) were detected in 28 patients (7%). Of these 28 patients, 5 (18%) had ACG according to the biomarker assays. Altogether, another 140 patients (37%) had vitamin B12 levels between 150 and 250 pM, of whom 10 (7%) had ACG. Of the remaining patients, five (2%) had ACG. Deficiency of vitamin B12 is common among subjects with coronary heart disease. Up to 20% of these deficiencies are related to ACG.

Helicobacter pylori infection in combination with the serum pepsinogen I/II ratio and interleukin-1β-511 polymorphisms are independent risk factors for gastric cancer in Thais

Thailand has the lowest incidence of gastric cancer in the world. Helicobacter pylori infection, a low serum pepsinogen I/II ratio, and interleukin (IL)-1beta-511 polymorphisms are suspected to be risk factors for gastric cancer. A total of 167 Thais, comprising 56 cancer patients and 111 volunteers without cancer, underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopic examination and three fixed-point biopsies; a cancer tissue biopsy was also done, and blood samples were collected. The subjects without cancer were divided into normal subjects and chronic gastritis patients. IL-1beta-511 polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, and the serum levels of pepsinogen I and II were determined by a radioimmunoassay. Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody and tissue pathology were tested in all groups. The pepsinogen I/II ratio was significantly lower in the gastric cancer group than in the normal and chronic gastritis groups [odds ratio (OR), 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10-4.80; P = 0.025]. Gastric cancer patients were positive for the H. pylori IgG antibody more frequently than negative (OR, 2.946; 95% CI, 1.4-6.39; P = 0.005). However, only 15 (27%) cancer patients were both positive for H. pylori IgG antibody and had low serum pepsinogen I/II. The C/C genotype was found more frequently in the gastric cancer group than in the group with a normal gastric mucosa (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.50-0.81; P = 0.014). A low serum pepsinogen I/II ratio combined with positivity for H. pylori IgG, and a IL-1beta-511 C/C genotype may be independent risk factors for gastric cancer in Thais.