Helicobacter pylori Subdues Cytokine Signaling to Alter Mucosal Inflammation via Hypermethylation of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Gene During Gastric Carcinogenesis

The protective effects of Helicobacter pylori: A comprehensive review

Previous reports have estimated that approximately half of the world’s population is infected with Helicobacter pylori, the most prevalent infectious agent responsible for gastrointestinal illnesses. Due to the life-threatening effects of H. pylori infections, numerous studies have focused on developing medical therapies for H. pylori infections, while the commensal relationship and positive impacts of this bacterium on overall human health have been largely overlooked. The inhibitory efficacy of H. pylori on the progression of several chronic inflammatory disorders and gastrointestinal diseases has recently raised concerns about whether this bacterium should be eradicated in affected individuals or maintained in an appropriate balance depending on the patient’s condition. This review investigates the beneficial effects of H. pylori in preventing various diseases and discusses the potential association of conditions such as inflammatory disorders with the absence of H. pylori.

The Interplay Between Helicobacter pylori and Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) Molecules in the Development of Gastric Cancer and Induction of Immune Response

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonizes the stomach and leads to the secretion of a vast range of cytokines by infiltrated leukocytes directing immune/inflammatory response against the bacterium. To regulate immune/inflammatory responses, suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins bind to multiple signaling components located downstream of cytokine receptors, such as Janus kinase (JAK), signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT). Dysfunctional SOCS proteins in immune cells may facilitate the immune evasion of H. pylori, allowing the bacteria to induce chronic inflammation. Dysregulation of SOCS expression and function can contribute to the sustained H. pylori-mediated gastric inflammation which can lead to gastric cancer (GC) development. Among SOCS molecules, dysregulated expression of SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, and SOCS6 were indicated in H. pylori-infected individuals as well as in GC tissues and cells. H. pylori-induced SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, and SOCS6 dysregulation can contribute to the GC development. The expression of SOCS molecules can be influenced by various factors, such as epigenetic DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs, and gene polymorphisms. Modulation of the expression of SOCS molecules in gastric epithelial cells and immune cells can be considered to control gastric carcinogenesis as well as regulate antitumor immune responses, respectively. This review aimed to explain the interplay between H. pylori and SOCS molecules in GC development and immune response induction as well as to provide insights regarding potential therapeutic strategies modulating SOCS molecules.

The involvement of cytokine gene polymorphism in determining the vulnerability to Blastocystis and Helicobacter pylori co-infection in the Egyptian population

AIMS

The present study aimed to identify any potential association between IL-1β and TNF-α gene polymorphism and the risk of Blastocystis infection as well as co-infection of Blastocystis with Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori).

METHODOLOGY

A total of 314 stool samples were collected and examined microscopically for the detection of parasitic infection. DNA was extracted from all samples and utilized to identify Blastocystis molecularly. Positive samples were used for H. pylori detection by rapid tests and PCR. Moreover, we investigate polymorphism in the TNF-α gene at position -1031T/C, -308 G/A, and IL-1β at position +3954C/T using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay.

RESULTS

Out of the 314 stool samples, Blastocystis was detected in 93 (29.6 %); among them, 54 (58.1 %) had a mixed infection of Blastocystis with H. pylori. The TT genotype of the IL-1β gene at position +3954 was significantly higher in Blasocystis-infected patients than in uninfected patients (17.2% vs. 6.3 %, P = 0.02), which might be considered a risk factor (OR = 3.2; CI =1.21-8.52). The TNF-α at position -1031 TT genotype was significantly higher in Blastocystis-infected patients than uninfected patients (44.1% vs. 10.8 %, P< 0.0001). The T allele (OR= 2.67; CI=1.51-4.72, P = 0.0008) might be considered a risk factor. The TNF- α at position -308 AA genotype is higher in Blasocystis infected than uninfected (17.2% vs 7.2 %, P = 0.03). TNF-α -308 AA (OR = 2.72; CI = 1.08-6.89) and A allele (OR= 1.46; CI= 0.797-2.66) might be considered risk factors. The TNF- α at position -308 G/A showed that the GG is the most frequent genotype in Blastocystis with H. pylori-positive patients with a significant association (P = 0.004), as well as the G allele (P = 0.02). The G allele (OR=1.924; CI= 1.071-3.454) might be considered a risk factor for co-infection of Blastocystis and H. pylori.

CONCLUSION

SNPs (-1031 T/C and -308 G/A) of the TNF-α and (+3954 C/T) of the IL-1β may be a useful marker in the assessment of the risk of Blastocystis infection, and TNF-α at position -308 G/A) may be a predictor for co-infection of Blastocystis with H. pylori.

Differential cytokine expression in gastric tissues highlights helicobacter pylori's role in gastritis

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), known for causing gastric inflammation, gastritis and gastric cancer, prompted our study to investigate the differential expression of cytokines in gastric tissues, which is crucial for understanding H. pylori infection and its potential progression to gastric cancer. Focusing on Il-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-α, we analysed gene and protein levels to differentiate between H. pylori-infected and non-infected gastritis. We utilised real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for gene quantification, immunohistochemical staining, and ELISA for protein measurement. Gastric samples from patients with gastritis were divided into three groups: (1) non-gastritis (N-group) group, (2) gastritis without H. pylori infection (G-group), and (3) gastritis with H. pylori infection (GH-group), each consisting of 8 samples. Our findings revealed a statistically significant variation in cytokine expression. Generally, cytokine levels were higher in gastritis, but in H. pylori-infected gastritis, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were lower compared to H. pylori-independent gastritis, while IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-α levels were higher. This distinct cytokine expression pattern in H. pylori-infected gastritis underscores a unique inflammatory response, providing deeper insights into its pathogenesis.

Epigenetic modulation of cytokine expression in gastric cancer: influence on angiogenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance

Cytokines are proteins that act in the immune response and inflammation and have been associated with the development of some types of cancer, such as gastric cancer (GC). GC is a malignant neoplasm that ranks fifth in incidence and third in cancer-related mortality worldwide, making it a major public health issue. Recent studies have focused on the role these cytokines may play in GC associated with angiogenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance, which are key factors that can affect carcinogenesis and tumor progression, quality, and patient survival. These inflammatory mediators can be regulated by epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone protein modification, and non-coding RNA, which results in the silencing or overexpression of key genes in GC, presenting different targets of action, either direct or mediated by modifications in key genes of cytokine-related signaling pathways. This review seeks insight into the relationship between cytokine-associated epigenetic regulation and its potential effects on the different stages of development and chemoresistance in GC.

Reactive Oxygen Species and H. pylori Infection: A Comprehensive Review of Their Roles in Gastric Cancer Development

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and makes up a significant component of the global cancer burden. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most influential risk factor for GC, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifying it as a Class I carcinogen for GC. H. pylori has been shown to persist in stomach acid for decades, causing damage to the stomach's mucosal lining, altering gastric hormone release patterns, and potentially altering gastric function. Epidemiological studies have shown that eliminating H. pylori reduces metachronous cancer. Evidence shows that various molecular alterations are present in gastric cancer and precancerous lesions associated with an H. pylori infection. However, although H. pylori can cause oxidative stress-induced gastric cancer, with antioxidants potentially being a treatment for GC, the exact mechanism underlying GC etiology is not fully understood. This review provides an overview of recent research exploring the pathophysiology of H. pylori-induced oxidative stress that can cause cancer and the antioxidant supplements that can reduce or even eliminate GC occurrence.

Immunomodulatory effects of live and pasteurized Lactobacillus crispatus strain RIGLD-1 on Helicobacter pylori-triggered inflammation in gastric epithelial cells in vitro

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori infection is considered as the major risk factor for gastric adenocarcinoma. Today, the increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains has drastically decreased the eradication rate of H. pylori infection. This study was aimed to investigate the inhibitory and modulatory effects of live and pasteurized Lactobacillus crispatus strain RIGLD-1 on H. pylori adhesion, invasion, and inflammatory response in AGS cell line.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The probiotic potential and properties of L. crispatus were evaluated using several functional and safety tests. Cell viability of AGS cells exposed to varying concentrations of live and pasteurized L. crispatus was assessed by MTT assay. The adhesion and invasion abilities of H. pylori exposed to either live or pasteurized L. crispatus were examined by gentamycin protection assay. The mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-10, and TGF-ß genes was determined by RT-qPCR from coinfected AGS cells. ELISA was used for the detection of IL-8 secretion from treated cells. Both live and pasteurized L. crispatus significantly decreased H. pylori adhesion/invasion to AGS cells. In addition, both live and pasteurized L. crispatus modulated H. pylori-induced inflammation by downregulating the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α and upregulating the expression of IL-10, and TGF-ß cytokines in AGS cells. Furthermore, H. pylori-induced IL-8 production was dramatically decreased after treatment with live and pasteurized L. crispatus.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that live and pasteurized L. crispatus strain RIGLD-1 are safe, and could be suggested as a potential probiotic candidate against H. pylori colonization and inflammation.

Normal gastric tissue Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with epigenetic age acceleration, increased mitotic tick rate, tissue cell composition, and Natural Killer cell methylation alterations

Background

Gastric adenocarcinomas are a leading cause of global mortality, associated with chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori. The mechanisms by which infection with H. pylori contributes to carcinogenesis are not well understood. Recent studies from subjects with and without gastric cancer have identified significant DNA methylation alterations in normal gastric mucosa associated with H. pylori infection and gastric cancer risk. Here we further investigated DNA methylation alterations in normal gastric mucosa in gastric cancer cases (n = 42) and control subjects (n = 42) with H. pylori infection data. We assessed tissue cell type composition, DNA methylation alterations within cell populations, epigenetic aging, and repetitive element methylation.

Results

In normal gastric mucosa of both gastric cancer cases and control subjects, we observed increased epigenetic age acceleration associated with H. pylori infection. We also observed an increased mitotic tick rate associated with H. pylori infection in both gastric cancer cases and controls. Significant differences in immune cell populations associated with H. pylori infection in normal tissue from cancer cases and controls were identified using DNA methylation cell type deconvolution. We also found natural killer cell-specific methylation alterations in normal mucosa from gastric cancer patients with H. pylori infection.

Conclusions

Our findings from normal gastric mucosa provide insight into underlying cellular composition and epigenetic aspects of H. pylori associated gastric cancer etiology.

A ferroptosis-related gene in Helicobacter pylori infection, SOCS1, serves as a potential prognostic biomarker and corresponds with tumor immune infiltration in stomach adenocarcinoma: In silico approach

OBJECTIVE

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major risk factor for the stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). This study aimed to investigate the potential role of a H. pylori infection-related gene, SOCS1, in STAD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Online available databases were analyzed to determine the expression, correlations with clinicopathologic parameters, patients' survival, and immunological characteristics of SOCS1 in TCGA-STAD or GEO datasets. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to determine independent risk factors, which were further integrated to establish a nomogram. A comparison of drug sensitivity was conducted for the chemotherapy responses between individuals with low- and high-SOCS1. Prediction of tumor response to checkpoint inhibitors was based on the tumor immunodeficiency and exclusion (TIDE) score.

RESULTS

SOCS1 expression was significantly increased in both H. pylori-infected and STAD patients. Higher SOCS1 expression indicated an undesirable prognosis in STAD patients. SOCS1 upregulation was related to enhanced immune cell infiltrations and the upregulation of immune checkpoints in STAD patients. N stage, age and SOCS1 were identified as independent risk factors for higher mortality of STAD patients and confirmed using the nomogram. Drug sensitivity analyses demonstrated that high expression of SOCS1 in STAD patients could improve the sensitivity to chemotherapy. TIDE score showed that STAD patients with high SOCS1 expression would have superior response to immunotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

SOCS1 may act as a potential biomarker for uncovering the underlying mechanisms of gastric cancer. Increasing the activity of immunotherapy through ferroptosis-immunomodulation may be a viable strategy in STAD therapy.

A Systematic Review of Apicomplexa Looking into Epigenetic Pathways and the Opportunity for Novel Therapies

Interest in host epigenetic changes during apicomplexan infections increased in the last decade, mainly due to the emergence of new therapies directed to these alterations. This review aims to carry out a bibliometric analysis of the publications related to host epigenetic changes during apicomplexan infections and to summarize the main studied pathways in this context, pointing out those that represent putative drug targets. We used four databases for the article search. After screening, 116 studies were included. The bibliometric analysis revealed that the USA and China had the highest number of relevant publications. The evaluation of the selected studies revealed that Toxoplasma gondii was considered in most of the studies, non-coding RNA was the most frequently reported epigenetic event, and host defense was the most explored pathway. These findings were reinforced by an analysis of the co-occurrence of keywords. Even though we present putative targets for repurposing epidrugs and ncRNA-based drugs in apicomplexan infections, we understand that more detailed knowledge of the hosts' epigenetic pathways is still needed before establishing a definitive drug target.

Investigating the Active Substance and Mechanism of San-Jiu-Wei-Tai Granules via UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology

San-Jiu-Wei-Tai granules (SJWTG) are a significant Chinese patent medicine for the treatment of chronic gastritis (CG), having outstanding advantages in long-term treatment; however, the chemical composition and potential mechanism have not been investigated until now. In this study, a rapid separation and identification method based on UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS was established, and 95 chemical components from SJWTGs were identified, including 6 chemical components of an unknown source that are not derived from the 8 herbs included in SJWTGs. The identified chemical components were subsequently analysed by network pharmacology, suggesting that the core targets for the treatment of CG with SJWTGs were EGFR, SRC, AKT1, HSP90AA1, MAPK1, and MAPK3 and thus indicating that SJWTGs could reduce the inflammatory response of gastric epithelial cells and prevent persistent chronic inflammation that induces cancerization by regulating the MAPK signalling pathway and the C-type lectin receptor signalling pathway as well as their upstream and downstream pathways in the treatment of CG. The key bioactive components in SJWTGs were identified as 2,6-bis(4-ethylphenyl)perhydro-1,3,5,7-tetraoxanaphth-4-ylethane-1,2-diol, a chemical component of an unknown source, murrangatin, meranzin hydrate, paeoniflorin, and albiflorin. The results of molecular docking showed the strong binding interaction between the key bioactive components and the core targets, demonstrating that the key bioactive components deserve to be further studied and considered as Q-markers. By acting on multiple targets, SJWTG is less susceptible to drug resistance during the long-term treatment of CG, indicating the advantage of Chinese patent medicines. Furthermore, the preventive effect of SJWTGs on gastric cancer also demonstrates the superiority of preventive treatment of disease with traditional Chinese medicine.

Digesting the Role of JAK-STAT and Cytokine Signaling in Oral and Gastric Cancers

When small proteins such as cytokines bind to their associated receptors on the plasma membrane, they can activate multiple internal signaling cascades allowing information from one cell to affect another. Frequently the signaling cascade leads to a change in gene expression that can affect cell functions such as proliferation, differentiation and homeostasis. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) and the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) are the pivotal mechanisms employed for such communication. When deregulated, the JAK-STAT and the TNF receptor signaling pathways can induce chronic inflammatory phenotypes by promoting more cytokine production. Furthermore, these signaling pathways can promote replication, survival and metastasis of cancer cells. This review will summarize the essentials of the JAK/STAT and TNF signaling pathways and their regulation and the molecular mechanisms that lead to the dysregulation of the JAK-STAT pathway. The consequences of dysregulation, as ascertained from founding work in haematopoietic malignancies to more recent research in solid oral-gastrointestinal cancers, will also be discussed. Finally, this review will highlight the development and future of therapeutic applications which modulate the JAK-STAT or the TNF signaling pathways in cancers.

Helicobacter pylori promotes gastric cancer progression through the tumor microenvironment

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading type of cancer. Although immunotherapy has yielded important recent progress in the treatment of GC, the prognosis remains poor due to drug resistance and frequent recurrence and metastasis. There are multiple known risk factors for GC, and infection with Helicobacter pylori is one of the most significant. The mechanisms underlying the associations of H. pylori and GC remain unclear, but it is well known that infection can alter the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME and the tumor itself constitute a complete ecosystem, and the TME plays critical roles in tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. H. pylori infection can act synergistically with the TME to cause DNA damage and abnormal expression of multiple genes and activation of signaling pathways. It also modulates the host immune system in ways that enhance the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells, promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition, inhibit apoptosis, and provide energy support for tumor growth. This review elaborates myriad ways that H. pylori infections promote the occurrence and progression of GC by influencing the TME, providing new directions for immunotherapy treatments for this important disease. KEY POINTS: • H. pylori infections cause DNA damage and affect the repair of the TME to DNA damage. • H. pylori infections regulate oncogenes or activate the oncogenic signaling pathways. • H. pylori infections modulate the immune system within the TME.

JAK/STAT Signaling: Molecular Targets, Therapeutic Opportunities, and Limitations of Targeted Inhibitions in Solid Malignancies

JAK/STAT signaling pathway is one of the important regulatory signaling cascades for the myriad of cellular processes initiated by various types of ligands such as growth factors, hormones, and cytokines. The physiological processes regulated by JAK/STAT signaling are immune regulation, cell proliferation, cell survival, apoptosis and hematopoiesis of myeloid and non-myeloid cells. Dysregulation of JAK/STAT signaling is reported in various immunological disorders, hematological and other solid malignancies through various oncogenic activation mutations in receptors, downstream mediators, and associated transcriptional factors such as STATs. STATs typically have a dual role when explored in the context of cancer. While several members of the STAT family are involved in malignancies, however, a few members which include STAT3 and STAT5 are linked to tumor initiation and progression. Other STAT members such as STAT1 and STAT2 are pivotal for antitumor defense and maintenance of an effective and long-term immune response through evolutionarily conserved programs. The effects of JAK/STAT signaling and the persistent activation of STATs in tumor cell survival; proliferation and invasion have made the JAK/STAT pathway an ideal target for drug development and cancer therapy. Therefore, understanding the intricate JAK/STAT signaling in the pathogenesis of solid malignancies needs extensive research. A better understanding of the functionally redundant roles of JAKs and STATs may provide a rationale for improving existing cancer therapies which have deleterious effects on normal cells and to identifying novel targets for therapeutic intervention in solid malignancies.

Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) Signaling in Cancer-A Betrayal Within

A ubiquitously expressed cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a significant role in various ongoing cellular mechanisms. The gain or loss-of-function of TGF-β and its downstream mediators could lead to a plethora of diseases includes tumorigenesis. Specifically, at the early onset of malignancy TGF-β act as tumour suppressor and plays a key role in clearing malignant cells by reducing the cellular proliferation and differentiation thus triggers the process of apoptosis. Subsequently, TGF-β at an advanced stage of malignancy promotes tumorigenesis by augmenting cellular transformation, epithelial-mesenchymal-transition invasion, and metastasis. Besides playing the dual roles, depending upon the stage of malignancy, TGF-β also regulates cell fate through immune and stroma components. This oscillatory role of TGF-β to fight against cancer or act as a traitor to collaborate and crosstalk with other tumorigenic signaling pathways and its betrayal within the cell depends upon the cellular context. Therefore, the current review highlights and understands the dual role of TGF-β under different cellular conditions and its crosstalk with other signaling pathways in modulating cell fate.