Molecular characterization of Helicobacter pylori isolated from Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and fish handlers

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori is a worldwide pathogen that affects both animals and humans with a wide environmental distribution, causing serious health problems in humans. This research has timely addressed the topic of new sources of H. pylori infection, which is currently a global issue, especially in developing countries. For this purpose, 115 Tilapia fish, 50 freshwater samples, and 88 fish-handlers' stool samples were investigated for the presence of H. pylori in Qena Governorate, Egypt. The applied techniques were antigen screening tests, culturing, and molecular methods through ureC gene amplification, and 16 S rRNA characterization.

RESULTS

Helicobacter pylori was detected in 7.83%, 14%, 4.35%, and 12% of the investigated fish and water samples by culture and PCR methods, respectively. Out of the total studied participants, 40 tested positive for H. pylori when screened by stool antigen test, of which 35 (39.77%), and 31 (35.23%) were confirmed by conventional and molecular techniques, respectively. The Fisher's exact test has shown a statistically significant correlation between H. pylori infection, sex, and age as risk factors, while the association was insignificant concerning the residence. Males contracted the infection at a higher rate than females (48.08% and 16.67%, respectively). Also, H. pylori infection rate was the highest among fish-handlers aged 36-45 years old (46.67%), followed by the 26-35 years old age group (39.53%). With regard to the residence, a higher occurrence rate was recorded in the rural (36.07%) than the urban population (33.33%). Helicobacter pylori isolates harbored the highest antimicrobial resistance against ampicillin (100%), metronidazole (95.24%), while the least antimicrobial resistance was recorded against levofloxacin (21.43%), and clarithromycin (26.20%). The phylogenetic analysis revealed a high degree of homology between the isolates selected from Tilapia fish, freshwater, and fish-handlers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data emphasized the role that fish and freshwater play in disseminating H. pylori infection as one of the diseases that has a significant public health issue.

New promising routes in peptic ulcers: Toll-like receptors and semaphorins

Peptic ulcers (PU) are one of the commonest yet problematic diseases found to be existing in the majority of the population. Today, drugs from a wide range of therapeutic classes are available for the management of the disease. Still, the complications of the condition are difficult to tackle and the side effect profile is quite a concern. The literature indicates that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and Semaphorins (SEMAs) have been under study for their various pharmacological actions over the past few decades. Both these signalling pathways are found to regulate immunological and inflammatory responses. Moreover, receptors and signalling molecules from the family of TLRs and SEMAs are found to have bacterial recognition and antibacterial properties which are essential in eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), one of the major causative agents of PU. Our understanding of SEMAs, a class of proteins involved in cell signalling, is relatively less developed compared to TLRs, another class of proteins involved in the immune response. SEMAs and TLRs play different roles in biological processes, with SEMAs primarily involved in guiding cell migration and axon guidance during development, while TLRs are responsible for recognizing pathogens and initiating an immune response. Here, in this review, we will discuss in detail the signalling cascade of TLRs and SEMAs and thereby understand its association with PU for future therapeutic targeting. The review also aims at providing an overview of the study that has been into exploring the role of these signalling pathways in the management of PU.

pylori infection and some other risk factors in the incidence and recurrence of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children

Background

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is one of the chronic diseases in children and it is important to identify its related factors. The present study aimed at investigating the relationship between H. pylori infection and the incidence and recurrence of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children.

Methods

The total number of case participants was 40 and the total number of control participants was 41. Based on the number of cases of nephrotic syndrome (NS), the same number of healthy children of the same age and gender were selected as the control group. The information and data collected include demographic characteristics of patients, duration of disease, number of recurrences, blood pressure and blood excretion in urine, height, and weight, and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms on the checklist. The data were entered into SPSS and analyzed at a significance level of 05.

Results

From 81 participants in the study, 11 (13.75%) cases were H. pylori positive, of whom 7 (17.5%) cases were in the control group and 4 (10%) cases were in the patients' group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of H. pylori infection rate (P = 0.863). Moreover, there were no significant differences between the patients suffering from the nephrotic syndrome in terms of height, weight, blood pressure, hematuria, duration and recurrence of the disease (p>0.05).

Conclusion

According to the evaluations performed in the present study, there was no relationship between low birth weight, blood pressure, disease duration, and disease recurrence with NS.

Molecular characterization of Helicobacter pylori clinical isolates from Eastern Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES

To describe the frequency of cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) virulence genes and clarithromycin resistance-associated mutations among Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) clinical isolates from Eastern Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out between July 2020 and June 2021 in a tertiary hospital in AL-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. A total of 34 H. pylori isolates were obtained from gastric biopsies of patients with dyspepsia. The existence of the virulence genes was studied by polymerase chain reaction and the gene fragment of the 23s ribosomal subunit (23s rRNA) gene was sequenced.

RESULTS

All isolates harbored the CagA gene. Approximately 97.1% (33/34) isolates were positive using the VacA M primer and 91.2% (31/34) isolates were positive using the VacA S primer. The most frequent allelic combination was S2/M2/cag (60%), followed by S1/M2/cag (26.7%), S1/M1/cag (10%), and S2/M1/cag (3.3%). Approximately 6.5% isolates harbored the A2142G mutation and 29% isolates harbored the A2143G mutation. One isolate contained the mutation T2182C. The phylogenetic analysis showed that 58% isolates clustered with the regional and global isolates while the remaining 42% isolates seemed to be specifically circulating in Saudi Arabia. Most of the patients (73.5%) had already underwent a previous H. pylori eradication therapy.

CONCLUSION

We showed that there is a regional variation in the frequency of the virulence genes among H. pylori isolates. Additionally, we showed the frequency of 23s rRNA mutations related to clarithromycin resistance in Saudi Arabia.

Narrow band imaging for detection of gastric intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM), a precursor of gastric adenocarcinoma, is challenging to diagnose with white light endoscopy (WLE) and can be missed by random gastric biopsies. Narrowband imaging (NBI) may potentially improve the detection of GIM. However, pooled estimates from prospective studies are lacking.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for studies comparing NBI and WLE alone for detection of GIM and synchronous dysplasia. Primary outcome was pooled detection rate of GIM by NBI compared with WLE in prospective studies. The secondary outcome was concurrent dysplasia detection.

RESULTS

Ten studies were found eligible from 306 articles screened. Eight prospective studies were found eligible for primary endpoint of GIM detection. Two other retrospective studies were included for dysplasia detection. A total of 1366 subjects (694 males, 54.4 ± 5.08 years) underwent upper endoscopy. GIM was detected in 482 (35.3%) subjects. NBI detected GIM in 32% additional subjects (70% vs 38%, RR 1.79; 95% CI 1.34-2.37; P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed newer NBI scopes (GIF260) detected significantly more GIM than WLE (RR 2.47; 95% CI 1.63-3.76; P < 0.01) but not the older (H180) NBI endoscopes (RR 1.33; 95% CI 0.93-1.88; P = 0.11). There was moderate heterogeneity between the studies (I²  = 63%). In five studies (n = 628) that reported dysplasia, there was no significant difference between NBI and WLE in dysplasia detection (RR 1.09; 95% CI 0.81-1.47; P = 0.58).

CONCLUSION

Narrowband imaging can significantly increase the detection of GIM when used in addition to standard white light exam during an upper endoscopy.

Involvement of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Ocular Diseases: A State-of-the-Art Review

BACKGROUND

Laryngopharyngeal reflux-associated symptoms embrace a wide variety of head and neck manifestations. Its participation in eye disorders has recently been postulated, and there is currently no consensus in this regard. The aim of this manuscript is to review the role of reflux in the development of ocular signs and symptoms, and its physio-pathological mechanisms.

METHODS

A systematic approach based on the preferred reporting Items for a systematic review and meta-analysis checklist with a modified population, intervention, comparison, and outcome framework was used to structure the review process of studies that evaluated the possible association, with clear diagnostic methods, of laryngopharyngeal reflux and ocular signs and symptoms. Search was conducted in different indexed databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Scielo and Web of Science) and through the meta-searcher Trip Database with the keywords: reflux, laryngitis, laryngopharyngeal, gastroesophageal, ocular, eye, symptoms, signs, conjunctivitis, keratitis, dacryocystitis, dry eye.

RESULTS

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, in which the primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction and the ocular surface disease were evaluated. The local increase of eye pepsin concentration (>2.5 ng/mL) may affect ocular surface though its direct proteolytic activity and the local expression of proinflammatory cytokines. The H. Pylori, with a similar mechanism to reach the lacrimonasal duct, would be associated with the release of proinflammatory and vasoactive substances that would lead to a mucosa injury and chronic inflammation. Ocular Surface Disease Index seems to correlate directly with the reflux severity, with cut-off of 41.67 score as predictor for disease.

DISCUSSION

The role of laryngopharyngeal reflux in the development of ocular disorders has not yet been demonstrated and data are limited and heterogeneous. It seems theoretically conceivable that pepsin may reach lachrymal duct area through hypopharyngeal-nasal gaseous reflux events. Future studies using objective testing for diagnosis and pepsin detection into the tear and nasal mucosa are needed in order to explore this potential relationship.

Effect of Helicobacter Pylori eradication on patients with ITP: a meta-analysis of studies conducted in the Middle East

Background

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a bleeding disorder. Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium that is presumed to be associated with ITP and therapeutic response of patients. To evaluate the effect of H. pylori eradication on platelet count of ITP patients, we analyzed the studies conducted on the association between H. pylori infection and response to therapy in ITP patients in Western Asia focusing on the Middle East region.

Methods

A systematic search of databases (PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Central) and Google Scholar search engine results was conducted up until January 2020. The keywords included in the search were Helicobacter pylori and/or H. pylori, ITP and/or immune thrombocytopenia.

Results

Seven studies comprising a total of 228 H. pylori-infected patients (193 with successful eradication) were included in this study. The association between H. pylori eradication and ITP was expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The findings showed that patients who received eradication treatment for H. pylori infection had significantly higher OR (OR, 8.83; 95% CI, 2.03‒38.35; P=0.004) than those in the non-eradicated group.

Conclusion

Our results indicate a significant therapeutic effect of H. pylori eradication on the platelet count of patients with chronic ITP. Given the inherent limitations of this study, including the small number of patients, further studies with more patients are recommended.

pylori modulates DC functions via T4SS/TNFα/p38-dependent SOCS3 expression

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium that chronically infects approximately 50% of the world’s human population. While in most cases the infection remains asymptomatic, 10% of infected individuals develop gastric pathologies and 1–3% progress to gastric cancer. Although H. pylori induces severe inflammatory responses, the host’s immune system fails to clear the pathogen and H. pylori can persist in the human stomach for decades. As suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are important feedback regulators limiting inflammatory responses, we hypothesized that H. pylori could modulate the host’s immune responses by inducing SOCS expression.

Methods

The phenotype of human monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs) infected with H. pylori was analyzed by flow cytometry and multiplex technology. SOCS expression levels were monitored by qPCR and signaling studies were conducted by means of Western blot. For functional studies, RNA interference-based silencing of SOCS1–3 and co-cultures with CD4⁺ T cells were performed.

Results

We show that H. pylori positive gastritis patients express significantly higher SOCS3, but not SOCS1 and SOCS2, levels compared to H. pylori negative patients. Moreover, infection of human moDCs with H. pylori rapidly induces SOCS3 expression, which requires the type IV secretion system (T4SS), release of TNFα, and signaling via the MAP kinase p38, but appears to be independent of TLR2, TLR4, MEK1/2 and STAT proteins. Silencing of SOCS3 expression in moDCs prior to H. pylori infection resulted in increased release of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, upregulation of PD-L1, and decreased T-cell proliferation.

Conclusions

This study shows that H. pylori induces SOCS3 via an autocrine loop involving the T4SS and TNFα and p38 signaling. Moreover, we demonstrate that high levels of SOCS3 in DCs dampen PD-L1 expression on DCs, which in turn drives T-cell proliferation.

Nanoparticle-based immunotherapy of breast cancer using recombinant Helicobacter pylori proteins

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and is associated with substantial medical and economic burden. We report the development of a hybrid immunotherapeutic system based on recombinant Nap protein from Helicobacter pylori (HP-Nap) for the treatment of breast tumors. Chitosan nanoparticles with pseudo-spherical morphology and positive zeta potential were synthesized as carriers for HP-Nap. In vitro study was performed on mouse breast cancer cell line (4T1) and human breast cancer cell lines (MCF7). In vivo study was done on 4T1 tomural mice. TUNEL assay and real time PCR test were performed on tumor mice receiving the nanoparticle treatment. The nanoparticle-protein complex induced apoptosis in vitro in cultured breast cancer cells. In-vivo studies on inbred, female BALB/c mice confirmed the shrinkage of tumor mass after administration of the nanoparticle complex containing HP-Nap. The TUNEL assay further confirmed apoptosis in extracted mouse breast cancer cells. A decrease in the expression of VEGF and MMP9 genes was observed in 4T1 cells as shown by real time PCR. Our data suggesting that the therapeutic nanocomplex may have led to decreased tumor growth in mice through changing the production rate of cytokines and increasing tumoricidal activities of the immune system.

Helicobacter pylori And Duodenal Ulcer: Systematic Review Of Controversies In Causation

Background

There are controversies on the causal role of H. pylori in duodenal ulceration. Helicobacter pylori are curved gram-negative microaerophilic bacteria found at the layer of gastric mucous or adherent to the epithelial lining of the stomach. It’s a public health significance bacteria starting from discovery, and the prevalence and severity of the infection varies considerably among populations. H. pylori are a risk for various diseases, while the extent of host response like gastric inflammation and the amount of acid secretion by parietal cells affects the outcome of infection.

Method

Relevant literature were searched from databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Hinari, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct.

Result

The review evidence supports a strong causal relation between H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer, as patients are more likely to be infected by virulent strains which later cause duodenal ulceration. Thus, eradication of H. pylori infection decreases the incidence of duodenal ulcers, and prevents its recurrence by reducing both basal gastrin release and acid secretion without affecting parietal cell sensitivity. On the other hand, some studies show that H. pylori infection is not associated with the development of duodenal ulcers and such a lack of association revealed that duodenal ulceration has different pathogenesis.

Conclusion

Despite controversies observed in the causal role of H. pylori to duodenal ulceration by various studies, Hill criteria of causation proved the presence of a causal relation between H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcers. Other factors are also responsible for the development of duodenal ulcers and such factors are responsible for the differences in the prevalence of the diseases.

Comparison of Levofloxacin-Based, 10-day Sequential Therapy with 14-day Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacter Pylori Eradication: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Considering the importance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication, this clinical trial was designed to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of levofloxacin-based, sequential therapy in comparison with quadruple therapy for eradicating H. pylori.

METHODS

Overall 156 patients with dyspepsia and H. pylori infection were included in this study and were randomly allocated to either 10-day sequential therapy group (group A) to receive pantoprazole (40 mg twice daily), amoxicillin (1 gr twice daily), levofloxacin (500 mg twice daily), and tinidazole (500 mg twice daily) (PALT) or 14-day quadruple therapy group (group B) to receive pantoprazole, clarithromycin, bismuth subcitrate, and amoxicillin (PABC). At the end of the study the eradication rate in each group was assessed by urea breath test (UBT).

RESULTS

Age range of the participants was 18-65 years (average 36.9 years) and 50% of them (78 patients) were men. 78 patients were allocated to group A and 78 patients to groupe B. After antibiotic therapy, all the patients received acid suppression therapy with Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) for 4 weeks and then the eradication rate was confirmed by UBT (Heli FAN plus 13C, Germany). Before performing UBT, all the participants were requested to halt consumption of PPI for at least 1 week. During the treatment there was not any major complication but in group A (sequential therapy), two patients complained of minor complications including musculoskeletal pain. None of the patients in group B had any complaint or side effect. The rate of H. pylori eradication in group A was 78.2% (61 patients) while this rate in group B was 83.3% (65 patients) with no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.42). In subgroup analysis, the rate of eradication among men in group A and B were 76.9% and 89.7%, respectively (p = 0.22) while the eradication rate among women were 79.4% and 76.9%, respectively (p = 1.00).

CONCLUSION

It seems that levofloxacin base sequential therapy does not have any advantage in comparison with quadruple regimen and until finding any more effective short course therapy for H. Pylori eradication; we encourage quadruple regimen to be used as the first line therapy.

The Effect of Helicobacter pylori on Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Helicobacter pylori (HP) occurs in 50% of people worldwide with higher rates reported in the bariatric population. HP has been associated with adverse outcomes following bariatric surgery; however, its true impact has not yet been defined. We aimed to systematically review the effect of HP on bariatric surgery outcomes. A comprehensive literature review was conducted yielding seven studies with 255,435 patients. Meta-analysis found comparable rates of bleeding, leak, hospital length of stay, and weight loss between HP-positive and HP-negative patients. HP was, however, found to be the largest independent predictor of marginal ulceration in those undergoing RYGB, with a tenfold increase versus HP-negative patients. Overall, HP is associated with increased marginal ulceration rates, but has little impact on other bariatric surgery outcomes.

pylori infection

BACKGROUND

Both H. pylori infection and diabetes increase the risk of gastric cancer. This study investigated whether patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and H. pylori infection had more severe corpus gastric inflammation and higher prevalence of precancerous lesions than non-diabetic controls.

METHODS

A total of 797 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were screened for H. pylori, of whom 264 had H. pylori infection. Of these patients, 129 received esophagogastroduodenoscopy to obtain topographic gastric specimens for gastric histology according to the modified Updated Sydney System, corpus-predominant gastritis index (CGI), Operative Link on Gastritis Assessment, and Operative Link on Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia Assessment. Non-diabetic dyspeptic patients who had H. pylori infection confirmed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy were enrolled as controls.

RESULTS

The male as well as total T2DM patients had higher acute/chronic inflammatory and lymphoid follicle scores in the corpus than non-diabetic controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, the female T2DM patients had higher chronic inflammatory scores in the antrum than the controls (p < 0.05). In T2DM patients, the males had significantly higher rates of CGI than the females (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male patients (odds ratio: 2.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.11-4.69, p = 0.025) and non-insulin users (odds ratio: 0.33, 95% confidence interval: 0.15-0.74, p = 0.007) were independent factors for the presence of CGI in the H. pylori-infected patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and H. pylori infection had more severe corpus gastric inflammation than non-diabetic controls. Moreover, male gender and non-insulin users of T2DM patients were predisposed to have corpus-predominant gastritis after H. pylori infection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrial: NCT02466919 , retrospectively registered may 17, 2015.

Multicentric randomised study of Helicobacter pylori eradication and pepsinogen testing for prevention of gastric cancer mortality: the GISTAR study

INTRODUCTION

Population-based eradication of Helicobacter pylori has been suggested to be cost-effective and is recommended by international guidelines. However, the potential adverse effects of widespread antibiotic use that this would entail have not been sufficiently studied. An alternative way to decrease gastric cancer mortality is by non-invasive search for precancerous lesions, in particular gastric atrophy; pepsinogen tests are the best currently available alternative. The primary objective of GISTAR is to determine whether H pylori eradication combined with pepsinogen testing reduces mortality from gastric cancer among 40-64-year-old individuals. The secondary objectives include evaluation of H pylori eradication effectiveness in gastric cancer prevention in patients with precancerous lesions and evaluation of the potential adverse events, including effects on microbiome.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Individuals are recruited from general population (50% men) in areas with high gastric cancer risk in Europe and undergo detailed lifestyle and medical history questionnaire before being randomly allocated to intervention or control groups. The intervention group undergoes H pylori testing and is offered eradication therapy if positive; in addition, pepsinogen levels are detected in plasma and those with decreased levels are referred for upper endoscopy. All participants are offered faecal occult blood testing as an incentive for study participation. Effectiveness of eradication and the spectrum of adverse events are evaluated in study subpopulations. A 35% difference in gastric cancer mortality between the groups is expected to be detectable at 90% power after 15 years if 30 000 individuals are recruited. Biological materials are biobanked for the main and ancillary studies. The study procedure and assumptions will be tested during the pilot phase.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the respective ethics committees. An independent Data Safety and Monitoring Board has been established. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific meetings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02047994.

National Consensus on Management of Dyspepsia and Helicobacter pylori Infection

Dyspepsia is one of numerous general complaints, which is commonly encountered by doctors of various disciplines. In daily practice, the complaint is not only limited for gastroenterologists. Knowledge on pathophysiology of dyspepsia have been developing continuously since a scientific investigation has been started in 1980's, which considers Helicobacter pylori as one of key factor in managing dyspepsia, either it is associated with ulcer or non-ulcer. The management of dyspepsia cannot be separated from the management of H. pylori and there is an additional new knowledge associated with definition, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of both dyspepsia and H. pylori infection.This consensus document on the management of dyspepsia and H. pylori infection in Indonesia has been developed using the evidence-based medicine principles; therefore, it can be used as a reference for doctors in dealing with dyspepsia and H. pylori infection cases in their daily practice. It is expected that with the new consensus, doctors can provide greater service to their patients who have dyspepsia and H. pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori infection is an independent risk factor for colonic adenomatous neoplasms. Cancer Causes Control. 2017;28:107-115. [PMID: 28025763 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-016-0839-x]

PURPOSE

Helicobacter pylori infection is considered to have a positive association with colorectal neoplasms. In this study, we evaluated the association between H. pylori infection and colorectal adenomas, based on the characteristics of these adenomas in Korea, where the prevalence of H. pylori infection is high and the incidence of colorectal cancer continues to increase.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of 4,466 subjects who underwent colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy during screening (1,245 colorectal adenomas vs. 3,221 polyp-free controls). We compared the rate of H. pylori infection between patients with adenoma and polyp-free control cases, using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The overall rate of positive H. pylori infection was higher in adenoma cases than in polyp-free control cases (55.0 vs. 48.5%, p < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) of positive H. pylori infection in patients with adenoma compared to polyp-free controls was 1.28 (95% CI 1.11-1.47). The positive association of H. pylori infection with colorectal adenomas was more prominent in advanced adenomas (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.25-2.70) and multiple adenomas (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.26-2.35). Based on the location of these adenomas, the OR was significant only in patients with colonic adenomas (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.13-1.52) and not in those with rectal adenoma (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.58-1.24).

CONCLUSION

Helicobacter pylori infection is an independent risk factor for colonic adenomas, especially in cases of advanced or multiple adenomas, but not for rectal adenomas.

Expression and Function of miR-155 in Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract.Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17. [PMID: 27187359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17050709]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of small noncoding RNA that can regulate the expression of target genes under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. miR-155 is a multifunctional miRNA with inflammation-related and oncogenic roles. In particular, the dysregulation of miR-155 has been strongly implicated in Helicobacter pylori-related gastric disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer in addition to being involved in molecular changes of important targets and signaling pathways. This review focuses on the expression and function of miR-155 during inflammation and carcinogenesis and its potential use as an effective therapeutic target for certain gastrointestinal diseases.