Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection improves blood pressure values in patients affected by hypertension

The Interplay between Helicobacter pylori and Gut Microbiota in Non-Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Special Focus on Atherosclerosis

The discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the early 1980s by Nobel Prize winners in medicine Robin Warren and Barry Marshall led to a revolution in physiopathology and consequently in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Subsequently, H. pylori has also been linked to non-gastrointestinal diseases, such as autoimmune thrombocytopenia, acne rosacea, and Raynaud's syndrome. In addition, several studies have shown an association with cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Our narrative review aims to investigate the connection between H. pylori infection, gut microbiota, and extra-gastric diseases, with a particular emphasis on atherosclerosis. We conducted an extensive search on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, using the keywords "H. pylori", "dysbiosis", "microbiota", "atherosclerosis", "cardiovascular disease" in the last ten years. Atherosclerosis is a complex condition in which the arteries thicken or harden due to plaque deposits in the inner lining of an artery and is associated with several cardiovascular diseases. Recent research has highlighted the role of the microbiota in the pathogenesis of this group of diseases. H. pylori is able to both directly influence the onset of atherosclerosis and negatively modulate the microbiota. H. pylori is an important factor in promoting atherosclerosis. Progress is being made in understanding the underlying mechanisms, which could open the way to interesting new therapeutic perspectives.

Recent research progress on the correlation between metabolic syndrome and Helicobacter pylori infection

Background

Globally, metabolic syndrome (MS) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, which have gained an epidemic status, are major challenges to human health, society, and medical professionals. Recent studies have demonstrated that MS is closely related to HP infection. Additionally, HP is an important risk factor for gastric cancer. However, systematic reviews on HP are lacking. This review aimed to summarize and analyze the potential correlation of HP infection with MS and its components, as well as the underlying mechanism, to provide reference and strategies for clinical prevention and treatment.

Methodology

Previous studies examining the correlation between HP and MS since 1990 were retrieved from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. The potential correlation between HP infection and MS and its components was comprehensively analyzed. The keywords "Helicobacter pylori," "HP," "metabolic syndrome," "hypertension," "obesity," "diabetes," or "dyslipidemia" were used in all fields. No language restrictions were imposed.

Results

MS was strongly correlated to HP infection. The inflammatory response and inflammatory factors produced during HP infection are important etiological factors for insulin resistance and MS. The co-occurrence of long-term chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction with MS may be the predisposing factor for HP infection. MS components, such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity were also correlated with HP infection in one or both directions.

Conclusions

HP infection and MS may promote the pathogenesis of each other. The contribution of HP infection and MS to gastric cancer cannot be ruled out based on co-occurrence. The MS components diabetes and obesity may be bidirectionally correlated with HP infection.

Acute Helicobacter pylori Infection Prevalence Among Renal Failure Patients and Its Potential Roles with Other Chronic Diseases: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is relevant to several chronic human diseases, from digestive diseases to renal, metabolic, and cancer diseases. H. pylori infections and chronic kidney diseases are in increasing, global records; if not well controlled in a specific population, these diseases might lead to more clinical complications.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we investigated the prevalence of acute H. pylori infections among 127 dialysis patients via subjecting their serums to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the human Immunoglobulin M (IgM) against H. pylori infections. Samples were from dialysis patients in a single hemodialysis center in Medina, Saudi Arabia, from January to August 2021.

Results

Our results indicated the significant prevalence of H. pylori acute infections among 33.1% of renal failure patients recruited in this study, chi-squared: 14.559, p-value: 0.0001. In addition, no significant occurrence of acute H. pylori infection among males and females, chi-squared: 1.823, p-value: 0.177. Furthermore, the prevalence of acute H. pylori infection was not significant in different age groups of renal failure patients. Chi-squared: 6.803, p-value: 0.147, despite H. pylori-infected cases predominantly represented in patients above 51 years. Moreover, we noticed that hypertension, followed by diabetes, was the most prevalent underlying medical condition among acute infected H. pylori and renal failure patients.

Conclusion

We documented the significant prevalence of acute H. pylori infection among renal failure patients. We also highlighted and discussed the possible potential roles of H. pylori in renal failure and other chronic diseases. Routine screening and treatment for acute H. pylori infection for chronic kidney diseases, hypertension, and diabetes patients would positively reduce the bacterium’s progressive effects on them. They might even improve the control of these diseases.

Relationship between active Helicobacter pylori infection and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, a cross-sectional hospital-based study in a Sub-Saharan setting

Background

Chronic inflammation has been reported as one of the novel coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors. Knowing that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) provokes a local inflammation, the relationship between H. pylori infection and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has received considerable attention. However, the attempt to demonstrate the association between H. pylori and specific cardiovascular disease risk factors is always a challenging issue due to the conflicting reports in the literatures.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study of 363 consecutive dyspeptic subjects in three reference health facilities in Cameroon from October 2020 to October 2021. Each participation gave a written consent and the study was approved by the local Ethical Committee. Check-up for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as dyslipidemia-related parameters, obesity-related parameter, high blood pressure as well as H. pylori detection was done for each participant. Data was analyzed using SSPS statistical package.

Results

Helicobacter pylori infection was significantly associated with higher total cholesterol level (OR: 2.3324, p = 0.0002) and higher LDL cholesterol level (OR: 2.3096, p = 0.0006). The crude OR of H. pylori status on the prevalence of high body mass index (BMI) was 1.0813 (p = 0.7300) and the adjusted OR for confounding factors was 1.1785 (p = 0.5095). The strength of the association between H. pylori infection and blood pressure, shows an OR of 1.3807 (p = 0.2991), 1.0060 (p = 0.9855) and 1.4646 (p = 0.2694) for diastolic pressure, hypertension and high heart rate respectively, while that of systolic pressure was 0.8135 (p = 0.4952). H. pylori infection is associated with dyslipidemia in our milieu.

Helicobacter pylori infection and DNMT3a polymorphism are associated with the presence of premature coronary artery disease and subclinical atherosclerosis. Data from the GEA Mexican Study

BACKGROUND

The association between H. pylori infection and coronary artery disease (CAD) is well-known. Alterations in DNA methylation in CAD have been reported, which can be induced by H. pylori through the DNA demethylases (DNMTs). The objective was to analyze the association and interaction of H. pylori infection and DMNT3a gene polymorphisms with premature CAD (pCAD) and subclinical atherosclerosis (SA).

METHODS

The study included 561 patients with pCAD, 318 subjects with SA, and 599 healthy controls. Antibodies against H. pylori and DNMT3a rs13420827, rs752208, and rs1550117 polymorphisms were determined.

RESULTS

The pCAD group presented the highest seroprevalence of H. pylori infection (87.7%) compared to the SA (74.5%, p = 1 × 10^-6) and the control group (63.1%, p = 7 × 10^-23). A significant association was observed between H. pylori infection and pCAD (OR = 2.729, p = 1.0 × 10^-6). The rs13420827 polymorphism was associated with a high risk of H. pylori infection in the whole population (p_additive = 0.009, p_dominant = 0.018, and p_codominant2 = 0.013) and in individuals with SA (p_additive = 0.003, p_dominant = 0.020, p_recessive = 0.013, and p_codominant2 = 0.005). The coexistence of H. pylori infection and the rs13420827GG genotype increases the risk of pCAD (p_interaction = 1.1 × 10^-5).

CONCLUSIONS

According to the model adjusted for more confounding variables, H. pylori infection was associated with almost three times the risk of developing pCAD. The rs13420827G allele was associated with an increased risk of H. pylori infection in the whole population and in individuals with SA. Individuals in whom H. pylori infection and the rs13420827GG genotype coexist are at increased risk of pCAD.

Association of hypertension with helicobacter pylori: A systematic review and meta‑analysis

Background and aims

The number of hypertensive population rises year by year recently, and their age becomes more youthful. For a long time, hypertension has long been regarded as a multi-factorial disease. In addition to smoking, genetics, diet and other factors, helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) had been regarded as a potential risk factor for hypertension in recent years. However, most studies had certain limitations and their results were inconsistent. Thus, it is necessary for us to assess the impact of H. pylori on hypertension through meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched all published relevant literature through multiple databases by July 23, 2021. Pooled results were calculated under the random effect model. Heterogeneity was evaluated by the Q statistic and the I² statistic. The risk of bias was evaluated via ROBINS-I tool. Publication bias was evaluated by the Egger test and Begg funnel plot.

Results

6 eligible studies involving 11317 hypertensive patients and 12765 controls were selected from 20767 retrieval records. Our research confirmed that H. pylori significantly increased the probability of suffering from hypertension in the random effect model (OR:1.34, 95% CI:1.10–1.63, P = 0.002, I² = 74%). The same results were also found in both Asian population and developing country (OR:1.28, 95%CI:1.05–1.55, P = 0.003, I² = 78.5%).

Conclusions

Our results confirmed that H. pylori was a vital risk factor for hypertension. H. pylori-infected people were 13.4% higher risk for hypertension than uninfected individuals. In addition, it will be a new method to prevent and treat hypertension by eradicating H. pylori.

Trial registration

The registration number for systematic review in PROSPERO CRD42021279677.

Increased Risk to Develop Hypertension and Carotid Plaques in Patients with Long-Lasting Helicobacter pylori Gastritis

Helicobacter pylori infection has been reported to be positively associated with hypertension, although with conflicting results. In this study, the relationship between H. pylori infection and hypertension, as well as atherosclerotic carotid lesions, was analyzed. Methods. Clinical records of patients referred to undergo upper endoscopy and gastric biopsy were retrieved. Information regarding the presence of H. pylori infection with atrophy/metaplasia/dysplasia (interpreted as a long-lasting infection), and current or past H. pylori infection was collected, as well as demographic variables, smoking habits, body mass index (BMI), dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, presence of carotid lesions, and current treatment, and analyzed by multivariable regression models. Results. A total of 7152 clinical records from patients older than 30 years (63.4% women) were available for the study. Hypertension was present in 2039 (28.5%) patients and the risk was significantly increased in those with long-lasting H. pylori infection after adjusting for age decades, sex, BMI, cigarette smoking, diabetes, and dyslipidemia (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02–1.35). In addition, the long-lasting H. pylori infection was an independent risk for carotid plaques (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.14–4.09). Conclusions. Our retrospective study demonstrated that long-lasting H. pylori infection is an independent risk factor for hypertension and the presence of carotid lesions after adjusting for potential confounders, although further validation our findings is needed from prospective studies.

Lack of Association Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and the Risk of Thyroid Nodule Types: A Multicenter Case-Control Studyin China

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is high worldwide, while numerous research has focused on unraveling the relationship between H. pylori infection and extragastric diseases. Although H. pylori infection has been associated with thyroid diseases, including thyroid nodule (TN), the relationship has mainly focused on potential physiological mechanisms and has not been validated by large population epidemiological investigations. Therefore, we thus designed a case-control study comprising participants who received regular health examination between 2017 and 2019. The cases and controls were diagnosed via ultrasound, while TN types were classified according to the guidelines of the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS). Moreover, H. pylori infection was determined by C14 urea breath test, while its relationship with TN type risk and severity was analyzed using binary and ordinal logistic regression analyses. A total of 43,411 participants, including 13,036 TN patients and 30,375 controls, were finally recruited in the study. The crude odds ratio (OR) was 1.07 in Model 1 (95% CI = 1.03-1.14) without adjustment compared to the H. pylori non-infection group. However, it was negative in Model 2 (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.97-1.06) after being adjusted for gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure and in Model 3 (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.97-1.06) after being adjusted for total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein on the basis of Model 2. Control variables, including gender, age, BMI, and diastolic pressure, were significantly correlated with the risk of TN types. Additionally, ordinal logistic regression results revealed that H. pylori infection was positively correlated with malignant differentiation of TN (Model 1: OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02-1.11), while Model 2 and Model 3 showed negative results (Model 2: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.96-1.06; Model 3: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.96-1.05). In conclusion, H. pylori infection was not significantly associated with both TN type risk and severity of its malignant differentiation. These findings provide relevant insights for correcting possible misconceptions regarding TN type pathogenesis and will help guide optimization of therapeutic strategies for thyroid diseases.

Impact of Helicobacter pylori-Related Metabolic Syndrome Parameters on Arterial Hypertension

Arterial hypertension is a risk factor for several pathologies, mainly including cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, which rank as leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Arterial hypertension also constitutes a fundamental component of the metabolic syndrome. Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common types of chronic infection globally and displays a plethora of both gastric and extragastric effects. Among other entities, Helicobacter pylori has been implicated in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. Within this review, we illustrate the current state-of-the-art evidence, which may link several components of the Helicobacter pylori-related metabolic syndrome, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and arterial hypertension. In particular, current knowledge of how Helicobacter pylori exerts its virulence through dietary, inflammatory and metabolic pathways will be discussed. Although there is still no causative link between these entities, the emerging evidence from both basic and clinical research supports the proposal that several components of the Helicobacter pylori infection-related metabolic syndrome present an important risk factor in the development of arterial hypertension. The triad of Helicobacter pylori infection, the metabolic syndrome, and hypertension represents a crucial worldwide health problem on a pandemic scale with high morbidity and mortality, like COVID-19, thereby requiring awareness and appropriate management on a global scale.

Association between Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Systemic Arterial Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis

Fundamento:

Estudos epidemiológicos recentes demonstraram que alterações na microbiota e seus metabólitos estão associadas à hipertensão arterial sistêmica. A Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) é um dos patógenos bacterianos mais comuns, e a possível associação entre a infecção por H. pylori e a hipertensão é controversa.

Objetivos:

Este estudo teve o objetivo de esclarecer a associação entre eles e proporcionar uma nova base teórica para detectar a patogênese da hipertensão.

Métodos:

Foram selecionados estudos caso-controle e transversais sobre a associação entre H. pylori e hipertensão, publicados de 1996 a 2019 indexados nos bancos de dados PubMed, Google Scholar, Chinese Wan Fang Data, e Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). As razões de chance (RC) combinadas e o intervalo de confiança (IC) 95% foram estimados. O I² foi realizado para avaliar a heterogeneidade estatística. O viés de publicação foi avaliado utilizando-se os testes de Beggs e de Egger. Os dados extraídos foram analisados no software Stata 12.0. A significância estatística foi definida com um p-valor < 0,05.

Resultados:

Foram cadastrados 17 estudos envolvendo 6376 casos de hipertensão e 10850 controles. A taxa de infecção por H. pylori em pacientes hipertensos e em controles foi de 64,9% e 56,3%, respectivamente. Foi demonstrada uma associação significativamente positiva entre a infecção por H. pylori e a hipertensão, com uma RC global de 2,07 (IC 95%: 1,46–2,94; p < 0,05). A análise de subgrupos revelou que a prevalência de infecção por H. pylori foi associada à hipertensão na região da Ásia e no grupo de caso-controle, as RC (IC 95%) foram 2,26 (1,51-3,38) e 2,53 (1,72-3,72), respectivamente. Depois de estratificar por métodos de detecção, ainda existiam diferenças entre os subgrupos (todos p < 0,05).

Conclusão:

Esta metanálise indicou que a infecção por H. pylori está associada positivamente à hipertensão.

Helicobacter pylori-Related Metabolic Parameters and Premalignant Gastric Mucosa Histological Lesions in Swiss Bariatric Patients

Obesity, as a major risk factor of metabolic syndrome (MetS), represents a pandemic, especially in Western societies, and is considered a risk factor for malignancies. Helicobacter pylori (Hp), is a definite carcinogen with global distribution. We aimed to investigate, for the first time in Switzerland, the main gastric mucosa premalignant histological lesions of bariatric patients in correlation with MetS components and Hp Infection (Hp-I). By reviewing retrospectively 94304 patient cases, a total of 116 eligible patients having undergone bariatric surgery were identified. The mean patient age was 48.66 years. Hp(+) patients were 24% (28/116). Presence of gastric mucosa atrophy was documented in 8/28 Hp(+) patients (29%) and (2/88) Hp(-) ones (2%) (p = 0.006). Gastric mucosa intestinal metaplasia was observed in 14/28 (50%) Hp(+) patients versus 3/88 (3.4%) of Hp(-) group (p < 0.0001). Hp(+) patients exhibited statistically higher arterial hypertension (p = 0.033). The homeostatic model of assessment insulin resistance was also statistically significantly higher for the Hp(+) group (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, including arterial hypertension, gastric mucosa atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia as variables, statistical significance remained only for intestinal metaplasia (p = 0.001). In conclusion, Hp-I is associated with premalignant gastric mucosa histologic lesions and MetS components, including arterial hypertension and IR. Further large-scale prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

Helicobacter pylori infection and susceptibility to cardiac syndrome X: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is characterized by persistent angina with normal coronary arteries. Several pathophysiologic mechanisms have been introduced, particularly Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.

AIM

To investigate the association between H. pylori infection and CSX.

METHODS

All studies related to H. pylori infection and CSX were evaluated by comprehensive searches of global databases such as ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google scholar. Statistical analyses of selected articles were evaluated based on the summary odds ratio (OR). Finally, heterogeneity and publication bias were estimated using the I² statistic and Cochrane Q-test as well as Begg’s and Egger’s tests.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies met our inclusion criteria and 1435 patients (63% female, and 37% male) were reviewed. A significant association was observed between female patients and this syndrome (P = 0.02). Our results showed a positive association between infection with this pathogen and presence of CSX (OR: 5.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.17-7.64; I²: 82.20). However, no significant association was observed with cagA-positive H. pylori strains and this syndrome (OR: 0.97; 0.56-1.70 with 95%CI). Given the heterogeneity and publication bias, the results need to confirmed by further prospective investigation.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, H. pylori infection is associated with an increased risk of CSX. This bacterium appears to play a major role in the pathogenesis of CXS by inducing persistent inflammation.

Relationship Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Arteriosclerosis

It is reported that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may be linked to non-digestive tract diseases, such as arteriosclerosis including dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we reviewed recent studies available in PubMed dealing with the mechanisms of arteriosclerosis due to H. pylori infection and the effects of H. pylori eradication. Conventional studies suggested that H. pylori infection may increase the risk of arteriosclerosis. A large interventional study is required to clarify the causal relationships and the effects of bacterial eradication.

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with elevated galactose-deficient IgA1 in IgA nephropathy

Background

Mucosal immunity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). This study aimed to investigate if infection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a common bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, associated with IgAN.

Methods

This study included 261 patients with IgAN and 46 healthy controls. Clinical information and plasma samples were collected from patients and healthy controls. H. pylori infection was confirmed by western blot. Plasma IgA1 and galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) levels were detected by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Total H. pylori infection rates showed no statistical differences between IgAN patients and healthy controls, but the infection rates of type I H. pylori in IgAN patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (44.4 vs. 28.3%, p = 0.040). Compared with uninfected patients, the systolic blood pressure, 24-h proteinuria, and blood urea nitrogen levels were significantly higher in patients with H. pylori infection (126.0 ± 15.5 vs. 119.6 ± 14.5 mmHg, p = 0.010; 1.8 ± 2.7 vs. 1.2 ± 1.4 g/24h, p = 0.013; 7.9 ± 5.4 vs. 6.7 ± 3.9 μmol/L, p = 0.042), especially in patients with type I infection (126.5 ± 15.4 vs. 119.6 ± 14.5 mmHg, p = 0.002; 1.9 ± 2.9 vs. 1.2 ± 1.4 g/24 h, p = 0.033; 8.1 ± 5.6 vs. 6.7 ± 3.9 μmol/L, p = 0.041). Similarly, patients with IgAN and type I H. pylori infection showed higher plasma Gd-IgA1 levels than uninfected patients (5.5 ± 2.2 vs. 4.5 ± 2.2 μg/mL, p = 0.037).

Conclusions

Virulent type I H. pylori infection is more common in patients with IgAN. Patients with IgAN and type I H. pylori infection showed lower renal function and higher underglycosylation of plasma IgA1.

Helicobacter pylori infection and the prevalence of hypertension in Chinese adults: The Dongfeng-Tongji cohort

Although many studies explored the association between helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection and hypertension, there is no consensus. This study is to investigate the association between H pylori infection and the prevalence of hypertension among a middle- and old-age Chinese population. A cross-sectional study including 17,100 participants from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort study was performed. All participants underwent a ¹⁴ C-urea breath test and a routine health check-up. Logistics and linear regression with multivariable adjustment were used to quest the association between H pylori infection and hypertension. The individuals with H pylori infection had a higher prevalence of hypertension (57.5% vs 55.1%, P = .002), and infection rate of H pylori in patients with hypertension is higher than that in non-hypertensive individuals (48.8% vs 46.4%, P = .002). After adjustment for potential confounders, H pylori infection increased the prevalence of hypertension (odds ratio, 1.117, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.029-1.213, P = .008). Moreover, compared with participants without H pylori infection, individuals infected had an increase of 0.905 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.025-1.785, P = .044) for diastolic blood pressure. However, there was no interaction between H pylori infection and traditional risk factors on hypertension. These findings suggested that H pylori infection was positively associated with the prevalence of hypertension.

Helicobacter pylori infection increases the risk of metabolic syndrome in pregnancy: a cohort study

Background

The effects of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in pregnant women are unclear to date. This study was designed to explore the relationship between H. pylori infection and MetS during pregnancy.

Methods

Pregnant women were enrolled in the prospective cohort study, and their demographic data and metabolic parameters were collected. H. pylori infection was measured using the C13 urea breath test. All enrolled patients were followed up until the last baby was born. Metabolic disorders, including elevated levels of serum triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and blood glucose (BG), and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, spontaneous preterm birth (SPB), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and uncomplicated pregnancy, were recorded during follow up.

Results

There were 320 pregnant women enrolled in this study. They were divided into two groups according to H. pylori infection, and each group was then divided into two subgroups on whether their BMI was more than 24 or not. The results showed that H. pylori infection significantly increased the incidence of MetS as well as other metabolic disorders, especially in pregnant women with high BMI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that risk factors of MetS were high BMI and H. pylori infection. Besides, H. pylori infection increased the incidence of GDM and preeclampsia and potentially reduced the incidence of uncomplicated pregnancy.

Conclusions

H. pylori infection in pregnant women acts as a crucial risk factor of Mets and affects the incidence of several adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Positive Association Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Metabolic Syndrome in a Korean Population: A Multicenter Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection causes extra-gastrointestinal as well as gastric diseases. This analytical cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the association between H. pylori infection and metabolic syndrome in a Korean population.

METHODS

Anthropometric and metabolic data, as well as anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies, were measured in 21,106 subjects who participated in a health checkup between January 2016 and June 2017. The classification of metabolic syndrome followed the revised National Cholesterol Education Program criteria.

RESULTS

After excluding subjects with a history of H. pylori eradication therapy, or gastric symptoms, the seropositivity of H. pylori was 43.2% in 15,195 subjects. H. pylori-positive participants had significantly higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) than did seronegative participants (P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, high TC, low HDL-C, and high LDL-C were associated with H. pylori seropositivity. Finally, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in H. pylori-seropositive subjects than in negative ones (27.2% vs. 21.0%, P < 0.05), and H. pylori seropositivity increased the likelihood of metabolic syndrome (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.31, P < 0.001) after adjusting for sex, age, BMI, smoking, residence, household income, and education level. However, the association between H. pylori seropositivity and metabolic syndrome disappeared in those ≥ 65 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

H. pylori infection plays an independent role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome in Koreans under 65 years old.

The Possible Role of Helicobacter pylori in Gastric Cancer and Its Management

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a facultative anaerobic bacterium. HP is a normal flora having immuno-modulating properties. This bacterium is an example of a microorganism inducing gastric cancer. Its carcinogenicity depends on bacteria-host related factors. The proper understanding of the biology of HP inducing gastric cancer offers the potential strategy in the managing of HP rather than eradicating it. In this article, we try to summarize the biology of HP-induced gastric cancer and discuss the current pharmacological approach to treat and prevent its carcinogenicity.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among dyspeptic patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

This multicenter study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection among dyspeptic patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Patients with dyspepsia were recruited from tertiary teaching hospitals, three in the South-West and one in the South-South regions of Nigeria, between November 2016 and August 2017. The participants had breath samples analyzed for H. pylori by the Urea Breath Test (UBT) following manufacturer's instructions. Dyspeptic patients who were diagnosed previously with T2DM were recorded. Crosstab using chi-square and correlation analyses were used to test (hypothesis) variables.

RESULTS

The entire cohort included 471 dyspeptics, 19 (4%) of whom had T2DM. H. pylori infection was reported in 232/471 (49.3%) dyspeptics and 13/19 T2DM patients, without significant difference between diabetics and nondiabetics. The majority (84.6%) of those positive for UBT and T2DM were in the age group 52-71 years, while none was in the age group 72-91 years. There was no statistical significance (P>0.05) between the age group, UBT and T2DM positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that, in Nigeria, there is no difference in prevalence of H. pylori in dyspeptic patients with and without T2DM.

Clinical and Socio- Demographic Risk Factors for Acquisition of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Nigeria

Background: The aim of the study was to assess clinical and socio-demographic characteristics as well as prior drug usage as risk factors for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Nigeria. Methods: A total of 347 respondents were surveyed by assessing their clinical and socio-demographic characteristics in comparison with the non-invasive gold standard for H. pylori diagnosis, the urea breath test (UBT). Chi-square test and odds ratio analyses were conducted in order to assess if variables such as socio-demographic factors, drug intake, and history of ulcer/gastritis/ gastric cancer within the family significantly predicted test results. Results: A total of 130 (37.5%) respondents were positive for H. pylori by the UBT. Living with more than three people in an apartment and a history of ulcer/gastritis within the family were significantly associated with H. pylori (p ≤0.05), as well as current antibiotic intake (p ≤0.05). Nationality, stay outside Nigeria, level of education, main occupation, smoking and drinking habits, sources of drinking water, number of children and history of gastric cancer had no significant association with H. pylori infection (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the questionnaire revealed that most socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents had no significant association with H. pylori. Overcrowding, having siblings/parents with history of ulcer/gastritis as well as prior antibiotic usage had a significant association.

[New aspects of Helicobacter pylori infection: Association with metabolic disturbances]

The review is devoted to the analysis of the literature on the possible association of Helicobacter pylori infection with type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and its supposed mechanisms.

Helicobacter pylori infection and prevalence of high blood pressure among Chinese adults. J Hum Hypertens. 2018;32:158-164. [PMID: 29289960 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-017-0028-8]

Epidemiological studies demonstrated that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was associated with cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. However, the association between H. pylori infection and hypertension remained unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between H. pylori infection and prevalence of hypertension among Chinese adults. We performed a cross-sectional study of 5246 adult participants who were recruited from a health manage center. All participants underwent a ¹³C-urea breath test and a routine health check-up. Logistic and liner regression models were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hypertension in relation to H. pylori infection. Of the 5168 study participants aged 18-70 years, 2034 (39.4%) were females and 955 (18.5%) had hypertension. After adjustment for potential confounders, H. pylori infection was associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.46). In addition, compared with participants not infected with H. pylori, those with H. pylori infection had an increase of 0.735 mmHg (95% CI, 0.101, 1.369) for diastolic blood pressure and 0.723 mmHg (95% CI, 0.034, 1.413) for mean arterial pressure. There was no significant interaction between H. pylori infection and age, sex, and body mass index on the prevalence of hypertension (all P values for interaction >0.05). Findings from this study demonstrate that H. pylori infection was positively associated with prevalence of hypertension among Chinese adults. More well-designed studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Helicobacter pylori infection and severity of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with chronic coronary artery disease

AIM

Controversy exists concerning the relation between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to examine the relationship between HP infection and severity of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with chronic CAD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 150 patients (109 [73%] men; mean age 62.61±10.23 years) scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery were consecutively enrolled in the cross-sectional study. According to rapid urease test and/or gastric biopsy samples stained with hematoxylin and eosin and according to Giemsa, patients were classified as HP positive (n=87; 58%) or HP negative (n=63; 42%). Coronary angiograms were scored by quantitative assessment, using multiple angiographic scoring system: 1) vessel score (number of coronary arteries stenosed ≥50%), 2) Gensini score (assigning a severity score to each coronary stenosis according to the degree of luminal narrowing and its topographic importance) and 3) angiographic severity score (number of coronary artery segments stenosed ≥50%).

RESULTS

In comparison to HP-negative patients, HP-positive patients were more frequently hypertensive (P=0.014), had higher values of systolic (P=0.043) and diastolic (P=0.005) blood pressure and total cholesterol (P=0.013) and had lower values of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C; P=0.010). There were no significant differences between the groups in the severity of coronary atherosclerosis: vessel score (P=0.152), Gensini score (P=0.870) and angiographic severity score (P=0.734).

CONCLUSION

It is likely that HP infection is not a risk factor for the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in chronic CAD patients.

Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review and quantify the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) and metabolic parameters in individuals with H. pylori infection.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed. Inclusion criteria were observational studies assessing the association between H. pylori infection and MS in adult participants. We calculated the pooled effect estimate of MS with 95% confidence interval (CI) between patients infected with H. pylori and those without by using a random-effects model. The secondary outcomes were the differences between groups in homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), body mass index (BMI) and systolic blood pressure (SBP).

RESULTS

Altogether 18 trials with 27 544 participants met the inclusion criteria. Six trials were included in the analysis of MS. There was a statistically significant association between H. pylori and MS with a pooled odds ratio of 1.34 (95% CI 1.17-1.53, I(2)  = 39%, Pheterogeneity < 0.01). Between the infected and non-infected groups there were significant differences in FBG, HDL-C, BMI, triglyceride, HOMA-IR and SBP (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

H. pylori infection is positively associated with MS. Infection with H. pylori is also associated with higher triglyceride, FBG, BMI, HOMA-IR, SBP and lower HDL-C.

Role of Helicobacter pylori infection in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

Though a century old hypothesis, infection as a cause for atherosclerosis is still a debatable issue. Epidemiological and clinical studies had shown a possible association but inhomogeneity in the study population and study methods along with potential confounders have yielded conflicting results. Infection triggers a chronic inflammatory state which along with other mechanisms such as dyslipidemia, hyper-homocysteinemia, hypercoagulability, impaired glucose metabolism and endothelial dysfunction, contribute in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Studies have shown a positive relations between Cytotoxic associated gene-A positive strains of Helicobacter pylori and vascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and stroke. Infection mediated genetic modulation is a new emerging theory in this regard. Further large scale studies on infection and atherosclerosis focusing on multiple pathogenetic mechanisms may help in refining our knowledge in this aspect.

An Alternative Approach for the Rising Challenge of Hypertensive Illness via Helicobacter pylori Eradication

Background

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effect of natural Helicobacter pylori eradication on blood pressure values. The prevalence of hypertension in developing countries has been considered by some reports a consequence of progress and life style changes. In spite of that, traditional risk factors do not appear fully sufficient to explain the rising figures of hypertensive illness which further indicates that attempts to control the problem depending upon traditional measures can never be adequate or decisive. H. pylori could migrate or get forced to migrate to the colon; it will continue producing ammonia for a reason or no reason leading to accumulation of profuse toxic amounts of ammonia, unopposed or buffered by any acidity, which could lead to multiple colonic and a high rectal spasm. A colonic re-absorptive error is established with excessive fluid and salt retention in the body that would definitely lead to hypertension which is supposed to remain inadequately controlled without correction of the underlying etiologic pathological error. It is a prospective study, conducted at Balghsoon Polyclinic, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Ninety-nine middle-aged male patients with essential hypertension under medications and positive for H. pylori dyspepsia were included in the study. They were given natural therapy for H. pylori eradication.

Results

Ninety patients were able to resume normal blood pressure (BP) values and quit their medications.

Conclusion

The concept of the colonic re-absorptive error considered in this study is not just hypothetical as upon its basis, most patients of the study (90.9%) were able to quit medications and maintain normal BP values.

A comparative study of broccoli sprouts powder and standard triple therapy on cardiovascular risk factors following H.pylori eradication: a randomized clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background

In this clinical trial we compared the effects of broccoli sprouts powder, as an alternative and complementary treatment, to those of standard triple therapy, as a common medical treatment, on cardiovascular risk factors following the H.pylori eradication in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Eighty-six type 2 diabetic patients with positive H.pylori stool antigen test (HpSAg) were randomized to receive one of the three following regimens: STT) Standard triple therapy (omeprazole 20 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, twice a day for 14 days), BSP) 6 g/d broccoli sprouts powder for 28 days, and combination of these as STT + BSP. After 4 weeks of treatment, H.pylori eradication rates were assessed by HpSAg. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, serum lipids and lipoproteins as well as serum high sensitive- C reactive protein were also assessed at baseline and at the second examination.

Results

Seventy-seven participants completed the study [STT (n = 28), BSP (n = 25), STT + BSP (n = 24)]. The H.pylori eradication rates were 89.3%, 56.0% and 91.7% in STT, BSP and STT + BSP groups, respectively. After the treatment, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased in STT + BSP group (P < 0.05). Serum triglycerides and TG/HDL-C ratio increased in STT patients group (<0.05). Serum hs-CRP levels significantly decreased in the patients who were treated with BSP per se (3.0 ± 2.5 at baseline vs. 2.3 ± 2.1 after the treatment, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared to standard triple therapy, BSP regimen in addition to considerable effects on H.pylori eradication had also favorable properties on cardiovascular risk factors following the H.pylori eradication.

Blood pressure and stature in Helicobacter pylori positive and negative persons

To evaluate vital signs and body indices in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) positive and negative persons. A total of 22 centres entered the study. They were spread over the whole country, corresponding well to the geographical distribution of the Czech population. A total of 1818 subjects (aged 5-98 years) took part in the study, randomly selected out of 38147 subjects. H. pylori infection was investigated by means of a 13C-urea breath test. Data on height, weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were collected at the clinics of general practitioners. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 30.4% (402/1321) in adults (≥ 18 year-old) and 5.2% (26/497) in children and adolescents (≤ 17 year-old). Once adjusted for age and gender, only a difference in body mass index remained statistically significant with H. pylori positive adults showing an increase of 0.6 kg/m² in body mass index. Once adjusted for age and gender, we found a difference in height between H. pylori positive and H. pylori negative children and adolescents. On further adjustment for place of residence, this difference became statistically significant, with H. pylori positive children and adolescents being on average 3.5 cm shorter. H. pylori positive adults were significantly older compared to H. pylori negative subjects. Once adjusted for age and gender, H. pylori infection had no impact on body weight, body mass index and vital signs either in adults or children and adolescents. Chronic H. pylori infection appeared to be associated with short stature in children. H. pylori infection did not influence blood pressure, body weight and body mass index either in adults or children and adolescents.

Clinical effects of Helicobacter pylori outside the stomach

The discovery of Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach could be considered as one of the most important events of modern gastroenterology. Understanding of the natural history of many disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer and MALT lymphoma, was altered by this discovery. Interestingly, epidemiological studies have also revealed a correlation between H. pylori infection and some diseases localized outside the stomach, especially those characterized by persistent and low-grade systemic inflammation. Of note, H. pylori has an important role in iron deficiency anaemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and vitamin B12 deficiency. Moreover, the association of this bacterial pathogen with many other diseases, including hepatobiliary, pancreatic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders is currently under investigation. In this Review, we summarize the results of the most important studies performed to date surrounding the association of H. pylori infection with extragastric diseases, as well as the strength of the evidence. We also provide information concerning bacterial-host interactions and the mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of each of these extragastric diseases.

Gastric autoantigenic proteins in Helicobacter pylori infection

PURPOSE

This study tried to identify novel gastric autoimmune antigens that might be involved in aggravating the atrophic gastritis among patients with Helicobacter pylori infection using two-dimensional immunoblotting analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Proteins from gastric mucosal antrectomy specimens and AGS cells (gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines derived from a Caucasian patient who had received no prior therapy) were 2-dimensionally immunoblotted separately with a pool of 300 sera from H. pylroi-infected patients at Gyeongsang National University Hospital.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight autoantigenic proteins including alcohol dehydrogenase [NADP+], alpha enolase, gastrokine-1, gastric triacylglycerol lipase, heat shock 70 kDa protein 1, and peroxiredoxin-2 were identified in the gastric mucosal tissue. Fourteen autoantigenic proteins including programmed cell death 6-interacting protein, serum albumin and T-complex protein 1 subunit gamma were identified in the AGS cells. Albumin, alpha-enolase, annexin A3, cytoplasmic actin 1, heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein and leukocyte elastase inhibitor were commonly observed autoantigenic proteins in both gastric mucosal tissue and AGS cells. Alpha-enolase, glutathione S-transferase P, heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein, heat shock 70 kDa protein 1, human mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate synthase (ATP) subunit beta, mitochondrial 60 kDa heat shock protein, peroxiredoxin-2, 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein precursor, tyrosine-protein phosphatase non-receptor type 11 and Tryptophan-Aspartic acid (WD) repeat-containing protein 1 showed 60% or higher amino acid positivity.

CONCLUSION

These newly identified gastric autoimmune antigens might be useful in the control and prevention of gastroduodenal disorders, and might be valuable in breaking the vicious circle that exists in gastroduodenal disorders if their pathophysiological roles could be understood in the progress of chronic atrophic gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcers, intestinal metaplasia, and gastric carcinogenesis.

Association of pathogen burden and hypertension: the Persian Gulf Healthy Heart Study

BACKGROUND

Chronic infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV), Chlamydia pneumoniae, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), and Helicobacter pylori may contribute to essential hypertension. However, the evidence now available does not clarify whether the aggregate number of pathogens (pathogen burden) may be associated with hypertension.

METHODS

Sera from 1,754 men and women aged ≥25 years were analyzed for immunoglobulin G antibodies to C. pneumoniae, HSV-1, H. pylori, and CMV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The aggregate number of seropositives to the studied viral and bacterial agents was defined as pathogen burden. Hypertension was defined according to World Health Organization criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 459 (26.3%) of the subjects had hypertension. In the hypertensive group, 4.2% had 0 or 1 pathogens present, 20.6% had 2, 43.2% had 3, and 32.1% had 4; in the normotensive group, 7.9% had 0 or 1, 28.4% had 2, 42.7% had 3, and 21.0% had 4. Of the 4 studied pathogens, H. pylori seropositivity showed a significant independent association with hypertension (odds ratio (OR) =1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.05-1.79; P = 0.02). In multiple logistic regression analyses, the pathogen burden did not show a significant independent association with hypertension. Coinfection with H. pylori and C. pneumoniae was significantly associated with hypertension compared with double seronegativity after adjustment for age, sex, chronic low-grade inflammation, and cardiovascular risk factors (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.14-2.47; P = 0.008].

CONCLUSIONS

The pathogen burden was not associated with hypertension. However, coinfection with C. pneumoniae and H. pylori showed a significant association with essential hypertension, independent of cardiovascular risk factors and chronic low-grade inflammation.

Association between metabolic syndrome and Helicobacter pylori infection diagnosed by histologic status and serological status

GOALS

We aimed to simultaneously evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection diagnosed histologically and serologically in a large number of healthy Korean adults.

BACKGROUND

Serological positivity for HP does not necessarily indicate current infection. No study to date has compared the association between metabolic syndrome and HP infection diagnosed by histologic and serological status.

STUDY

HP status was ascertained histologically and serologically in healthy Korean adults who underwent comprehensive health screening in a private health screening center in Korea. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation definition. Multivariate logistic analyses were performed, after adjusting for potential confounders, including age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, and income level.

RESULTS

A total of 5889 subjects were included in the analysis. The metabolic syndrome was more strongly associated with histologic positivity for HP [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08-1.48] than serologic positivity (aOR=1.12, 95% CI, 0.95-1.32), after adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and economic status.

CONCLUSIONS

The stronger association between metabolic syndrome and histologic positivity than serological positivity suggests that the effects of HP infection on the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic outcomes may be reversible. Further prospective studies are needed.

Cure of alopecia areata after eradication of Helicobacter pylori: a new association?

Alopecia areata is a disease of the hair follicles, with strong evidence supporting autoimmune etiology. Alopecia areata is frequently associated with immune-mediated diseases with skin manifestations such as psoriasis and lichen planus, or without skin manifestations such as autoimmune thyroiditis and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is present in around 50% of the world's population and has been associated with a variety of immune-mediated extra-digestive disorders including autoimmune thyroiditis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and psoriasis. A case of a 43-year old man with an 8-mo history of alopecia areata of the scalp and beard is presented. The patient was being treated by a dermatologist and had psychiatric support, without any improvement. He had a history of dyspepsia and the urea breath test confirmed H. pylori infection. The patient went into remission from alopecia areata after H. pylori eradication. If such an association is confirmed by epidemiological studies designed for this purpose, new therapeutic options could be available for these patients, especially in areas where infection with H. pylori is highly prevalent.

Differential effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on time-trends in brady/hypokinesia and rigidity in idiopathic parkinsonism

BACKGROUND

We examine the effect of eradicating Helicobacter in idiopathic parkinsonism (IP). Marked deterioration, where eradication-therapy failed, prompted an interim report in the first 20 probands to reach de-blinding. The null-hypothesis, "eradication has no effect on principal outcome, mean stride length at free-walking speed," was rejected. We report on study completion in all 30 who had commenced post-treatment assessments.

METHODS

This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group efficacy study of eradicating biopsy-proven (culture and/or organism on histopathology) Helicobacter pylori infection on the time course of facets of IP, in probands taking no, or stable long-t(1/2), anti-parkinsonian medication. Persistent infection at de-blinding (scheduled 1-year post-treatment) led to open active eradication-treatment.

RESULTS

Stride length improved (73 (95% CI 14-131) mm/year, p = .01) in favor of "successful" blinded active over placebo, irrespective of anti-parkinsonian medication, and despite worsening upper limb flexor rigidity (237 (57-416) Nm x 10(-3)/year, p = .01). This differential effect was echoed following open active, post-placebo. Gait did not deteriorate in year 2 and 3 post-eradication. Anti-nuclear antibody was present in all four proven (two by molecular microbiology only) eradication failures. In the remainder, it marked poorer response during the year after eradication therapy, possibly indicating residual "low-density" infection. We illustrate the importance of eradicating low-density infection, detected only by molecular microbiology, in a proband not receiving anti-parkinsonian medication. Stride length improved (424 (379-468) mm for 15 months post-eradication, p = .001), correction of deficit continuing to 3.4 years. Flexor rigidity increased before hydrogen-breath-test positivity for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (208 (28-388) Nm x 10(-3), p = .02), increased further during (171 (67-274), p = .001) (15-31 months), and decreased (136 (6-267), p = .04) after restoration of negativity (32-41 months).

CONCLUSION

Helicobacter is an arbiter of progression, independent of infection-load.

[Helicobacter pylori infection and autoimmune disease such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura]

Helicobacter pylori infection is implicated in the pathogenesis of extradigestive diseases such as acne rosacea and idiopathic chronic urticaria and autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune gastric atrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, anti phospholipid antibody syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis, Sjoegren syndrome, Henoch-Schoenlein purpura, and Type B insulin resistance syndrome. H. pylori eradication ameliorated the condition in some, but not all, of those with these autoimmune diseases. Recent studies primarily in Italy and Japan found that H. pylori eradication in those infected with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) results in a persistent platelet count increase in over half of those treated, suggesting that although pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the relationship between H. pylori infection and autoimmune disease remain unclear, yet-unknown immunological events induced by H. pylori infection almost certainly occur in the development of autoimmune response. A majority of isolated H. pylori strains express human Lewis (Le(x) and/or Le(y) determinants and in some strains, Le(a), Le(b), sialyl-Le(x)), and H determinants in the O-chain of the surface lipopolysaccharide. Previous studies showed that this molecular mimicry helps the bacterium evade host responses while evoking autoantibody responses to Le antigens. The anti-Le(y) autoantibody is also reported to promote H. pylori adhesion to gastric epithelial cells, leading to development of gastric atrophy. Moreover, one can hypothesize that anti-Le autoreactive antibodies induced by H. pylori infection are involved in the development of autoimmune diseases, although no clinical studies showing that anti-Le immune responses are involved in the etiology of these autoimmune diseases have been conducted. Proving this hypothesis would require quantitative and qualitative analysis of autoantibodies and T cell functions to Le antigens. High frequent phase variation of Le structures in the O-polysaccharide of H. pylori may influence the immune response of patients to Le antigens.

Involvement of Helicobacter pylori infection and impaired glucose metabolism in the increase of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity

BACKGROUND

The role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains controversial. The present study was designed to elucidate the pathogenic role of H. pylori in the early stages of atherosclerosis by measurement of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in relation to glucose metabolism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

baPWV level, anti-H. pylori antibody, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and other conventional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases were measured in 947 subjects who attended their annual medical check-up.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analyses indicated that age, gender (male), body mass index, FBG, systolic blood pressure, and smoking habits were each independently related to baPWV values. In younger subjects (30-49 years), H. pylori seropositivity was significantly correlated with an increase of baPWV levels (r = 0.100, p = .0445). baPWV values in the H. pylori-positive subjects with impaired glucose metabolism (IG: FBG >or= 110 mg/dL and/or HbA1c >or= 5.9%) were significantly greater than those in the H. pylori-negative subjects with IG (p = .0078). Furthermore, H. pylori-positive subjects with IG were at higher risk for increase of baPWV, in younger (r = 0.203, p < .0001) as well as in older subjects (50-69 years, r = 0.099, p = .0009).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that H. pylori seropositivity is a potential risk factor for increased baPWV levels, and that H. pylori infection accelerates the effect of IG on an increase of baPWV, especially in younger subjects. Thus, the possible interaction between H. pylori infection and IG may contribute to the early development of atherosclerosis.

Effective regimens for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

Successful Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy remains a challenge in medical practice. Currently, a proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy containing clarithromycin, amoxicillin or nitroimidazole for 7 days is the recommended first-line treatment approach with an expected eradication success rate of approximately 80%. As a second-line treatment option in the case of failure, a ranitidine bismuth citrate-based quadruple therapy is currently recommended curing another 80% of patients, leaving a subset of patients with persistent H. pylori infection. For these patients, promising rescue options have been evaluated including regimens that contain rifabutin, quinolones, furazolidone or high-dose amoxicillin. The role of susceptibility testing is still under discussion. It is not generally recommended prior to first-line treatment but guidelines propose a role for culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing after failure of the second attempt. Meanwhile, data on the geographic distribution of resistance pattern are available and may guide therapeutic decisions with regard to the combination of antibiotics chosen for the individual patients aiming at 100% cure rate in each individual patient.

Body indices and basic vital signs in Helicobacter pylori positive and negative persons

It has been hypothesized that Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection may contribute to reduced stature, risk of hypertension or obesity. The aim was to evaluate body indices in Hp positive and negative persons. A total of 2436 subjects (4–100 years old) were tested for Hp status by ¹³Curea breath test. Data on height and weight were collected for 84%, and blood pressure for 80% of the study subjects. The prevalence of Hp infection was 41.6%. The odds ratio for a 10-year increase in age was 1.21 (95% CI 1.17–1.25, p-value <0.001). Statistically significant negative association of Hp positivity with body height was most pronounced in the younger age groups, while a positive association of Hp positivity with body mass index was only seen in those aged 15+ years. There was a negative effect of Hp positivity on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in subjects below 25 and a relatively strong positive effect on blood pressure in subjects over 65 years. Residual confounding by social characteristics as a possible explanation for the associations of Hp positivity with height and blood pressure cannot be excluded. Unmeasured factors related to social and family environment may cause the apparent association between Hp positivity and children’s growth and blood pressure.

Some fibrocystic breast change may be caused by sexually transmitted H. pylori during oral nipple contact: supporting literature and case report of resolution after gut H. pylori eradication treatment

OBJECTIVES

To briefly review previously published evidence for Helicobacter pylori (Hp), colonization of extra-intestinal sites and suggest an hypothesis that breast acini and ducts be added to this list, concluding such breast colonization is not rare and is a sexually transmitted infection.

METHODS

PubMed literature search and review with a case report.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Evidence indicates oral Hp is common and can remain in the mouth after successful eradication in stomach and duodenum. (2) Evidence indicates that the breast is also occasionally colonized by Hp. (3) Hp may be injected retrograde up into ducts of the breast during oral nipple stimulation during sexual activity and this Hp may give rise to some cases of fibrocystic breast change. (4) A case of painful fibrocystic change that had been present for two years in a 27 year old female, resolved after gastrointestinal Hp treatment.

A Sick Eye in a Sick Body? Systemic Findings in Patients with Primary Open-angle Glaucoma

Despite intense research, the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is still not completely understood. There is ample evidence for a pathophysiological role of elevated intraocular pressure; however, several systemic factors may influence onset and progression of the disease. Systemic peculiarities found in POAG include alterations of the cardiovascular system, autonomic nervous system, immune system, as well as endocrinological, psychological, and sleep disturbances. An association between POAG and other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease, has also been described. Furthermore, the diagnosis of glaucoma can affect the patient's quality of life. By highlighting the systemic alterations found in POAG, this review attempts to bring glaucoma into a broader medical context.

Systematic review and meta-analysis: proton pump inhibitor vs. ranitidine bismuth citrate plus two antibiotics in Helicobacter pylori eradication

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the Helicobacter pylori eradication efficacy with ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC) and two antibiotics, and to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials comparing the efficacy of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) vs. RBC with two antibiotics for 1 week.

SELECTION OF STUDIES

Studies evaluating RBC plus two antibiotics were considered. For the meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials comparing PPI vs. RBC plus two antibiotics for 1 week were included.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Electronic and manual bibliographical searches. Assessment of study quality and data extraction: Independently done by two reviewers.

DATA SYNTHESIS

'Intention-to-treat' eradication rate. Meta-analysis was performed, combining the odds ratios (OR) of the individual studies. Subanalysis: Depending on the type of antibiotics and the quality of the studies.

RESULTS

Mean H. pylori eradication with 7-day RBC-clarithromycin-amoxicillin, RBC-clarithromycin-nitroimidazole, and RBC-amoxicillin-nitroimidazole was 83%, 86%, and 71%, respectively. The meta-analysis showed comparable efficacy with RBC and PPI when they were combined with clarithromycin and amoxicillin (OR = 1.11; 95% CI = 0.88-1.40), or with amoxicillin and metronidazole (OR = 0.92; 95%CI = 0.60-1.41). However, when comparing PPI vs. RBC plus clarithromycin and a nitroimidazole, higher cure rates with RBC than with PPI were demonstrated (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.15-2.37).

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of RBC and PPI-based triple regimens were comparable when using the clarithromycin-amoxicillin or the amoxicillin-metronidazole combination. However, RBC seems to have a higher efficacy than PPI when clarithromycin and a nitroimidazole are the antibiotics prescribed. Therefore, if one prefers to use the clarithromycin-nitroimidazole regimen, RBC should be used instead of a PPI.

Helicobacter pylori and extragastric diseases--other Helicobacters

Reports on Helicobacter pylori and extragastric diseases have almost doubled this year compared with last year, bearing witness to the persistent scientific interest in this branch of Helicobacter-related pathology. Data belong increasingly to the area of vascular medicine, as well as hematology, dermatology, pediatrics and other fields. Unfortunately, these studies show overall controversial results, due to the impact of several confounding factors, and to the difficulty of recruiting homogeneous patient populations. Furthermore, many studies continue to be conducted on Helicobacter species other than H. pylori, focusing on animal models of gastroenterological illnesses which may retain strong similarities with human diseases. In this paper, taxonomy, detection and characterisation of Helicobacter spp. will be reviewed, together with the most important data issued this year on other Helicobacters and animal models.

Helicobacter pylori infection: anything new should we know?

Over the past year, 2003-4, there have been a number of studies consolidating previous work in relation to pathogenesis of disease, diagnosis and management of Helicobacter pylori. Studies into the pathogenesis of disease have identified the main adhesin of H. pylori as an important virulence marker and as a potential target for therapy. Molecular investigations of both the strain and host variations have identified the action of several of the virulence factors, e.g. cagA, vacA, on disrupting host cell signalling and the consequences in respect of the release of chemokines from the damaged gastric epithelium and the effect on apoptosis. Over the past year, there have been further diagnostic kits developed based on modifications of current technology. Two promising areas of research for diagnosis are the use of host/strain genome polymorphisms as a means of identifying high-risk patients who may develop severe disease and the use of proteomics to identify potential antigens of diagnostic (or therapeutic) use. The three main antibiotics that are used in first-line eradication regimens are clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxycillin. Of these, metronidazole has the highest prevalence of resistance, followed by clarithromycin; amoxycillin resistance is only rarely reported. The decreasing success of current first-line therapy is the driving force for the development of new antibiotic combinations and a search for novel sources for chemotherapeutic agents and novel therapeutic targets.