Association of H pylori cagA and vacA genotypes and IL-8 gene polymorphisms with clinical outcome of infection in Iranian patients with gastrointestinal diseases

AIM: To find out if a functional promoter polymorphism in the IL-8 gene along with cagA status and polymorphisms in vacA gene influence the type of diseases in Iranian patients infected by H pylori.

METHODS: IL-8 -251 A/T polymorphism was genotyped by oligonucleotide allele specific PCR (ASO-PCR) in a sample of 233 patients with H pylori infection undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The presence of cagA gene and polymorphisms in vacA gene was also determined by PCR. Association of these genetic polymorphisms with the development of gastritis, peptic ulcers as well as gastric cancer was tested.

RESULTS: When the patients with different clinical manifestations were compared according to the presence of cagA gene or various vacA genotypes, only the vacA genotypes were significantly different among gastritis, peptic ulcer and gastric cancer patients (χ² = 17.8; P = 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the frequency of IL-8 -251 A/T genotypes between patients with gastric cancer and benign diseases (χ² = 10.47; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION: The IL-8 -251 A/T polymorphism and the polymorphisms in H pylori vacA gene are involved in limiting the infection outcome to gastritis and peptic ulcer or in favoring cancer onset in Iranian patients.

Azithromycin in one week quadruple therapy for H pylori eradication in Iran

AIM: To investigate eradication rates, patient compliance and tolerability of a 1-wk Azithromycin-based quadruple therapy versus the 2-wk conventional therapy.

METHODS: A total of 129 H pylori-positive patients were randomized to either omeprazole 20 mg, bismuth subcitrate 240 mg, azithromycin 250 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg, all twice daily for 1-wk (B-OAzM) or omeprazole 20 mg, bismuth subcitrate 240 mg, amoxicillin 1g, and metronidazole 500 mg all twice daily for 2-wk (B-OAM). H pylori infection was defined at entry by histology and rapid urease test and cure of infection was determined by negative urea breath test.

RESULTS: H pylori eradication rates produced by B-OAzM and B-OAM were 74.1% and 70.4% respectively based on an intention to treat analysis, and 78.1% versus 75.7% respectively based on a per-protocol analysis. The incidence of poor compliance was lower, although not significantly so, in patients randomized to B-OAzM than for B-OAM (3.5% versus 4.3%) but intolerability was similar in the two groups ( 35% versus 33.3%).

CONCLUSION: 1-wk azithromycin based quadruple regimen achieves an H pylori eradication rate comparable to that of standard 2-wk quadruple therapy, and is associated with comparable patient compliance and complications.

Relationship between onset of peptic ulcer and meteorological factors

AIM: To discuss the relationship between onset of peptic ulcer (PU) and meteorological factors (MFs).

METHODS: A total of 24 252 patients were found with active PU in 104 121 samples of gastroscoic examination from 17 hospitals in Nanning from 1992 to 1997. The detectable rate of PU (DRPU) was calculated every month, every ten days and every five days. An analysis of DRPU and MFs was made in the same period of the year. A forecast model based on MFs of the previous month was established. The real and forecast values were tested and verified.

RESULTS: During the 6 years, the DRPU from November to April was 24.4 -28.8%. The peak value (28.8%) was in January. The DRPU from May to October was 20.0 -22.6%, with its low peak (20.0%) in June. The DRPU decreased from winter and spring to summer and autumn (P < 0.005). The correlated coefficient between DRPU and average temperature value was -0.8704, -0.6624, -0.5384 for one month, ten days , five days respectively (P < 0.01). The correlated coefficient between DRPU and average highest temperature value was -0.8000, -0.6470,-0.5167 respectively (P <0.01). The correlated coefficient between DRPU and average lowest temperature value was -0.8091, -0.6617, -0.5384 respectively (P <0.01). The correlated coefficient between DRPU and average dew point temperature was -0.7812, -0.6246, -0.4936 respectively (P <0.01). The correlated coefficient between DRPU and average air pressure value was 0.7320, 0.5777, 0.4579 respectively (P <0.01). The average temperature, average highest and lowest temperature, average air pressure and average dew point temperature value of the previous month, ten days and five days could forecast the onset of PU, with its real and forecast values corresponding to 71.8%, 67.9% and 66.6% respectively.

CONCLUSION: DRPU is closely related with the average temperature, average highest and lowest temperature, average air pressure and average dew point temperature of each month, every ten days and every five days for the same period. When MFs are changed, the human body produces a series of stress actions. A long-term and median-term based medical meteorological forecast of the onset of PU can be made more accurately according to this.

Expression of nuclear factor-kappa B and β-defensin-2 in patients with Helicobacter pylori-positive peptic ulcer and their relations with antral gastritis

AIM: To investigate the roles of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), human β-defensin-2 (HBD-2) and antral gastritis in H. pylori-positive peptic ulcer (PU).

METHODS: Patients with H. pylori-positive (n = 40) or H. pylori-negative (n = 17) PU were included in this study. Eight individual were selected as normal controls. Antral histopathology was observed in the patients and controls. The expression of NF-κBp65 and β-denfensin-2 were measured by immunohistochemistry, and then compared between H. pylori-positive and negative patients and normal group as well as between patients with different stages of PU by One-Way ANOVA. Nonparametric statistics was used to analyze the correlations of H. pylori infection, NF-κBp65, HBD-2 expression with the degree of antral gastritis. Meanwhile, the relationship between expression of NF-κBp65 and HBD-2 was also analyzed in H. pylori-positive PU.

RESULTS: The histological severities of both active and chronic inflammation were correlated with H. pylori density (active: r = 0.374, P < 0.01; chronic: r = 0.333, P < 0.05). NF-κBp65 was expressed mainly in the nucleus of gastric epithelial and mesenchymal cells in lamina propria while HBD-2 was expressed mainly in the cytoplasm of the surface cells of gastric mucosal epithelium. The expression of NF-κBp65 and HBD-2 were significantly higher in H. pylori-positive patients than those in H. pylori-negative ones (6.4 ± 3.28 vs 3.78 ± 2.16, P < 0.01; 12.96 ± 5.03 vs 4.69 ± 2.05, P < 0.01), and both expression of NF-κBp65 and HBD-2 were correlated with histological severity of active and chronic inflammation (active: r = 0.744, 0.524, P < 0.01; chronic: r = 0.650, 0.606, P < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between the expression of NF-κBp65 and HBD-2 (r = 0.438, P < 0.01). The expression of NF-κBp65 (4.28 ± 2.11, 3.65 ± 2.27) and HBD-2 (8.15 ± 4.28, 6.24 ± 3.71) in PU patients at the stage of healing and scaring were lower significantly than those (7.14 ± 3.24, 13.56 ± 5.43) of PU patients at active stage (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: H. pylori infection leads to the over-expression of NF-κB and HBD-2 and enhancement of active and chronic inflammation. NF-κB activation may contribute to the induction of HBD-2 expression, and play an important role in the pathogenesis of H. pylori-positive PU.

How to measure (or not) compliance to eradication therapy

This study aimed to test a novel method of compliance measurement in Portuguese community pharmacy in Helicobacter pylori patients. A case series design was used where compliance indicators were electronically measured, aside with patients' reports. Experienced adverse drug reactions, perceived benefit of therapy and quality of life were also measured. Mean compliance proportion was 56% and a positive impact on patients' perceived health status was found. The method used was welcomed by community pharmacists, albeit having an influence on patients' normal behaviour.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 in peptic ulcer disease: An inverse association with Helicobacter pylori

AIM: To assess the frequency of herpes simplex virus type I in upper gastrointestinal tract ulcers and normal mucosa with the modern and better assays and also with a larger number of well characterized patients and controls and its relationship to Helicobacter pylori(H pylori).

METHODS: Biopsy specimens from 90 patients (34 with gastric ulcer of the prepyloric area and 56 with duodenal ulcer) were evaluated. Biopsies from 50 patients with endoscopically healthy mucosa were considered as the control group. The method used to identify herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) was polymerase chain reaction. H pylori was detected by the CLO-test and by histological method.

RESULTS: Herpes simplex virus-1 was detected in 28 of 90 patients with peptic ulcer (31%) [11 of 34 patients with gastric ulcer (32.4%) and 17 of 56 with duodenal ulcer (30.4%)] exclusively close to the ulcerous lesion. All control group samples were negative for HSV-1. The likelihood of H pylori negativity among peptic ulcer patients was significantly higher in HSV-1 positive cases than in HSV-1 negative cases (P = 0.009). Gastric ulcer patients with HSV-1 positivity were strongly associated with an increased possibility of Helicobacter pylori negativity compared to duodenal ulcer patients (P = 0.010).

CONCLUSION: HSV-1 is frequent in upper gastro-intestinal tract ulcers but not in normal gastric and duodenal mucosa. There is an inverse association between HSV-1 and H pylori infection.

Lewis blood genotypes of peptic ulcer and gastric cancer patients in Taiwan

AIM: The Lewis b (Leb) antigen has been implicated as a possible binding site for attachment of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) to gastric mucosa. However, studies both supporting and denying this association have been reported in the literature. Differences in secretor (Se) genotype have been suggested as a possible reason for previous discrepancies. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between Le and Se genotypes and H pylori infection rates in people with peptic ulcer or gastric cancer.

METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 347 patients with endoscopic evidence of peptic ulcer disease (235 cases of duodenal ulcer, 62 of gastric ulcer, and 50 of combined duodenal ulcer/ gastric ulcer) and 51 patients with gastric cancer on endoscopy. Peripheral blood specimens from 101 unrelated normal volunteers were used as controls. Lewis phenotype was determined using an antibody method, whereas Le and Se genotypes were determined by DNA amplification and restriction enzyme analysis. Gastric or duodenal biopsies taken from patients with endoscopic evidence of peptic ulcer or gastric cancer were cultured for H pylori. Isolates were identified as H pylori by morphology and production of urease and catalase. The H pylori infection status was also evaluated by rapid urease test (CLO test), and urea breath test (13C-UBT). Results of studies were analyzed by chi-square test (taken as significant).

RESULTS: H pylori was isolated from 83.7% (303/347) of patients with peptic ulcer disease. Statistical analysis did not show any significant difference in Lewis phenotype or genotype between patients with and without H pylori infection. No significant association was found between Lewis genotype and peptic ulcer or gastric cancer.

CONCLUSION: Lewis blood genotype or phenotype may not play a role in the pathogenesis of H pylori infection. However, bacterial strain differences and the presence of more than one attachment mechanism may limit the value of epidemiological studies in elucidating this matter.

One-week dual therapy with ranitidine bismuth citrate and clarithromycin for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Brazilian patients with peptic ulcer

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of ranitidine bismuth citrate plus clarithromycin given for 1 wk in Brazilian patients with peptic ulcer.

METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients with peptic ulcer were randomized in two treatment groups: (1) 1-wk regimen consisting of ranitidine bismuth citrate 400 mg b.i.d. with clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. or (2) 2-wk regimen of the same treatment. Eradication of the infection was considered when both the histologic examination and the urease test were negative for the infection 3 mo after treatment.

RESULTS: By intention to treat analysis, Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) was eradicated in 73% and 76% of patients, respectively treated for 1 or 2 wk (P>0.05). By per protocol analysis, the eradication rates were 80% and 83%, respectively, in patients treated for 1 or 2 wk (P>0.05). Nine patients (8.2%) reported minor side effects.

CONCLUSION: One-week therapy with ranitidine bismuth citrate and clarithromycin is safe, well tolerated and effective for treatment of H pylori infection, and appears to be comparable to the 2-wk regimen in terms of efficacy.

Effects of killing Helicobacter pylori quadruple therapy on peptic ulcer: A randomized double-blind clinical trial

AIM: To study the therapeutic efficacy of a Chinese and Western integrated regimen, killing Helicobacter pylori quadruple therapy on H pylori-associated peptic ulcers (PU).

METHODS: With prospective and double-blind controlled method, seventy-five active PU patients with H pylori infection were randomized to receive one of the following three regimens: (1) new triple therapy (group A: lansoprazole 30 mg qd, plus clarithromycin 250 mg bid, plus amoxycillin 500 mg tid, each for 10 d); (2) killing Hp quadruple therapy(group B: the three above drugs plus killing H pylori capsule 6 capsules bid for 4 wk) and (3) placebo(group C: gastropine 3 tablets bid for 4 wk). H pylori eradication and ulcer healing quality were evaluated under an endoscope 4 wk after treatment. The patients were followed up for 5 years.

RESULTS: Both the healing rate of PU and H pylori eradication rate in group B were significantly higher than those in group C (100% and 96.4% vs 20% and 0%, respectively, P<0.005), but there was no significant difference compared to those in group A (88% and 92%, P>0.05). The healing quality of ulcer in group B was superior to that in groups C and A (P<0.05). The recurrence rate of PU in group B (4%) was lower than that in group A (10%) and group C (100%, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION: Killing Helicobacter pylori quadruple therapy can not only promote the eradication of H pylori and healing quality of ulcer but also reduce recurrence rate of ulcer.

Characteristics of upper digestive tract diseases in Bohai Bay fishermen

AIM: To study the characteristics of upper digestive tract diseases (UDTDs) in fishermen who live in Bohai Bay.

METHODS: An investigation was carried out in 1488 fishermen with symptoms of UDTDs (aside from liver, biliary and pancreatic diseases) during the time period between December 1991 and February 1995. This investigation included medical history evaluations, physical, gastroscopic and pathological examinations, tests for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, and analysis of the nitrate content in their drinking water.

RESULTS: Among the 1488 subjects investigated, 1467 suffered from one or more of the 14 UDTD diseases, most of which were chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG, 1103 cases), peptic ulcers (268 cases), and cancer of the upper digestive tract (25 cases).

CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of UDTDs tends to be high among fishermen due to their particular living habits, the high nitrate content of their drinking water, etc. In addition, the clinical manifestations of UDTDs in fishermen are significantly different from those of the inland residents.

Clinical significance of PCR in Helicobacter pylori DNA detection in human gastric disorders

AIM: To investigate the clinical significance of the PCR assay in the diagnosis of gastric Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection.

METHODS: Hp infection in gastric antral biopsied specimens was identified by using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the specific Hp urease gene fragments (PCR-Hp-DNA) in 154 patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Hp urease gene oligonucleotide primers specific for Hp (16s rRNA) were used. Urease test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for anti Hp-IgG serum were also used as controls.

RESULTS: PCR-Hp-DNA was detected in 140 (91%) of the 154 patients, where patients 114 and 125 were found infected with Hp by urease test and ELISA Hp IgG, respectively. There was a marked difference in the Hp-positive rate between the PCR-Hp-DNA and the urease test or ELISA-Hp-IgG (P < 0.05). The Hp infection rate increased with age, although a minority of infected people developed signs and symptoms of gastric disorders. Hp infection is closely related to adenocarcinoma in both the gastric antrum as well as the down body of the stomach.

CONCLUSION: PCR is a sensitive and specific method for the detection of Hp in human gastric tissues. Detection of Hp DNA in vivo using this approach might improve the clinical diagnosis and epidemiological research related to H. pylori infection.