Association between recurrent aphthous stomatitis and Helicobacter pylori infection: a meta-analysis

Common Oral Conditions: A Review

Importance

Dry mouth, oral candidiasis, and recurrent aphthous ulcers are 3 of the most common oral conditions that may be associated with patient discomfort, decreased quality of life, and morbidity.

Observations

In a meta-analysis of 26 population-based cohort and cross-sectional studies, the global prevalence of dry mouth symptoms was 23% (95% CI, 18% to 28%), placing individuals at risk of oral candidiasis, dental caries, dysgeusia, masticatory/speech impairment, and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Dry mouth is associated with using more than 3 oral medications per day (odds ratio [OR], 2.9 [95% CI, 1.4 to 6.2]), head and neck radiation, and Sjögren disease. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing and speaking, thirst, and halitosis. Dry mouth is associated with an 11.5% (95% CI, 3.6% to 27%) higher risk of oral candidiasis, based on a meta-analysis of 6 observational cohorts. Management of dry mouth includes mechanical salivary stimulants, oral moisturizers, and/or systemic sialagogues. Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by overgrowth of the Candida genus with C albicans, which accounts for 76.8% of infections. The prevalence of oral candidiasis is higher in patients who are immunosuppressed, for example, those with HIV (35% [95% CI, 28% to 42%]) and those with salivary gland hypofunction (OR, 3.02 [95% CI, 1.73 to 5.28]). Common risk factors associated with oral candidiasis include use of antibiotics (P = .04) and oral mucosal disorders such as lichen planus. Oral burning and dysgeusia are common symptoms of oral candidiasis. Treatment includes addressing risk factors and use of topical and/or systemic antifungal medications. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is characterized by symptomatic round or oval oral ulcers, which are covered by a gray-white fibrin layer and encircled by an erythematous ring. A meta-analysis of 10 case-controlled studies revealed an increased risk of recurrent aphthous stomatitis associated with polymorphism of IL-1β (+3954C/T) (OR, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.07 to 2.17]) and IL-1β (-511C/T) (OR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.09 to 1.67]). Another meta-analysis of 9 case-control studies reported that patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis had a higher frequency of nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin B12 (OR, 3.75 [95% CI, 2.38 to 5.94]), folic acid (OR, 7.55 [95% CI, 3.91 to 14.60]), and ferritin (OR, 2.62 [95% CI, 1.69 to 4.06]). Recurrent aphthous stomatitis can be associated with systemic diseases. A meta-analysis of 21 case-control studies revealed that celiac disease is associated with a higher incidence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (25% vs 11%; OR, 3.79 [95% CI, 2.67 to 5.39]; P <.001). Topical corticosteroids are first-line agents to manage recurrent aphthous stomatitis; however, systemic medications may be necessary in more severe cases.

Conclusions and Relevance

Dry mouth, oral candidiasis, and recurrent aphthous ulcers are common oral conditions that may be associated with patient discomfort, decreased quality of life, and morbidity. First-line treatment includes over-the-counter sialagogues for dry mouth, topical antifungals for oral candidiasis, and topical corticosteroids for aphthous ulcers. Oral conditions that do not improve with first-line treatment may require treatment with systemic medications.

Armillariella tabescens polysaccharide treated rats with oral ulcers through modulation of oral microbiota and activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

We identified Armillariella tabescens polysaccharide (PAT-W), a compound isolated from a Chinese medicinal mushroom, as a potential novel oral ulcer (OU) drug. In treating OU rats with PAT-W, especially in the high-dose group, oral mucous tissue TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were markedly reduced, and pathological morphology and oxidative stress were effectively improved. Western blot analysis showed that the PAT-W channel ameliorated OU mucous tissue damage, which depends on the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant signaling pathway. Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing results showed that PAT-W regulated the maladjustment of the oral microbiota caused by OU. Therefore, based on the new viewpoint of activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and regulating oral microbiota, PAT-W is expected to become a new natural drug for treating oral ulcers and improving patients' quality of life.

The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis was designed to provide new insights into the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included and evaluated studies on H. pylori infection and RAS from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases published up to January 31, 2023. The characteristics of these studies were collected, and the quality was evaluated by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The random effects model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). To further explore the sources of heterogeneity, meta-regression analysis and subgroup analyses were performed. Funnel plot, Egger's test, and Begg's test were used to assess publication bias.

RESULTS

In total, fifteen case-control studies with 1137 individuals (601 cases and 536 controls) were included. The H. pylori was found to be significantly associated with RAS (OR: 1.83 95% CI: 1.41-2.37, P = 0.001). In the subgroup analyses, studies that used PCR (OR: 2.03 95% CI: 1.31-3.15) or UBT (OR: 1.83 95% CI: 1.13-2.96) yielded a significant positive association, while a non-significant association (OR: 1.12 95% CI: 0.61-2.08) was found from studies that used ELISA method. Sensitivity analyses showed that the results were robust. No significant publication bias was found.

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence does not rule out an association between H. pylori and RAS. The effect of H. pylori on RAS varies in detection methods and sources of sample. Large samples, multiple clinical studies, and improved methods are still needed to determine the exact effect of H. pylori on RAS.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

H. pylori infection may be a risk factor for the pathogenesis of RAS.

Management of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: An Indian Expert Consensus

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is characterized by painful, oral mucosal ulcers with wide range of prevalence ranging from 2 to 78%. Etiology of RAS is idiopathic and multifactorial. There are numerous gaps in assessment and management of RAS and the absence of guidelines or a consensus document makes the treatment further difficult. The aim of this document is to provide an Indian expert consensus for management of RAS. Experts from different specialties such as Otorhinolaryngology, Oral Medicine/Dentistry and Internal Medicine from India were invited for face to face and online meetings. After a deliberate discussion of current literature, evidence and clinical practice during advisory meetings, experts developed a consensus for management of RAS. We identify that the prevalence of RAS may lie between 2 and 5%. In defining RAS, we advocate three or more recurrences of aphthous ulcers per year as criterion for RAS. Investigation should include basic hematological (complete blood count) and nutritional (serum vitamin B12, and iron studies) parameters. Primary aim of treatment is to reduce the pain, accelerate ulcer healing, reduce the recurrences and improve the quality of life. In treating RAS, initial choice of medications is determined by pain intensity, number and size of ulcers and previous number of recurrences. Topical and systemic agents can be used in combination for effective relief. In conclusion, this consensus will help physicians and may harmonize effective diagnosis and treatment of RAS.

Benefits of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on Extragastric Diseases

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication can reduce the risk of gastric diseases such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Since H. pylori was discovered more than 30 years ago, many studies have reported associations between H. pylori infection and extragastric diseases such as immune thrombocytopenia and iron-deficiency anemia. Thus, recent guidelines recommended H. pylori eradication in patients with those diseases. In contrast, although the role of H. pylori eradication in other extragastric diseases remains controversial, there is growing evidence of its benefit on them, especially cardiovascular (ischemic heart disease and stroke), metabolic (dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), neurodegenerative (Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease), autoimmune (Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Raynaud’s syndrome, rosacea, and chronic urticaria), and other (cap polyposis, colorectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, periodontal disease, hyperemesis gravidarum, and osteoporosis) conditions. A recent prospective randomized study reported that H. pylori eradication improved insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. These findings were consistent with the results of a recent meta-analysis. Therefore, well-designed prospective interventional studies are needed to examine the effects of H. pylori eradication on various extragastric diseases.

Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: Treatment and Management

Background

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis consists of the presence of abrasions or ulcerations located on mucosae (oral or genital).

Objectives

The aim of this article is to review the current literature providing the main causes related to recurrent aphthous stomatitis and insights into treatment and management of this clinical condition.

Methods

Articles matching terms that correlated with "recurrent aphthous stomatitis" were searched on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library and selected according to their pertinence.

Results

Several forms of aphthous stomatitis have been described, based on the extent (minor, major), morphology (herpetiform) and associations to other signs (Behçet syndrome or more complex inflammatory syndromes). Topical as well as systemic treatments have been described to obtain a faster remission of the aphthosis or to reduce associated symptoms such as pain.

Conclusions

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis can have a mild-to-severe clinical appearance, being mainly localized on the oral mucosa or at the level of the genital area. Different strategies have been described so far for its management and treatment.

Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis Improved after Eradication Therapy for Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacterpylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes gastric mucosa and is often transmitted through direct contact with saliva, contaminated food or water, and vomit. The majority of the infected individuals remain asymptomatic for a long period. Infection with H. Pylori often presents with dyspepsia, nausea, frequent belching, bloating, abdominal discomfort, burning abdominal pain, and peptic ulcer. A potential association between H. Pylori and recurrent aphthous stomatitis was previously reported; however, the presence of causative relationship between the two remained controversial. We are presenting a case of recurrent aphthous stomatitis of twenty-four-year history resolved after H. pylori treatment.

Helicobacter pylori and other factors in recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the role of Helicobacter pylori and other risk factors in recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS).

METHODS

Patients with functional dyspepsia responded to questionnaires regarding demographic and clinical data, anxiety and depression, and a specific RAS questionnaire. They underwent upper digestive endoscopy and H. pylori evaluation.

RESULTS

476 patients were included and of the 372 evaluated for H. pylori, 65.6% were H. pylori-positive. RAS was reported by 32.6% (155/476). In the bivariate analysis of the 372 patients evaluated for gastric H. pylori status, positive subjects had a lower RAS prevalence (29.9%; 73/244) than H. pylori-negative (41.4%; 53/128) (p = .026). Smoking (p = .005) and older age (p = .034) were also associated with a lower prevalence, while female gender (p = .032) and lower income (p = .046) presented higher RAS prevalence. In the multivariate analysis, H. pylori infection (p = .017), smoking (p = .001), and older age (p = .013) were protective factors, while lower income (p = .030) and anxiety (p = .042) were risk factors. In the multivariate analysis of all patients, female gender, lower income, and more schooling years were risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

An unexpected lower prevalence of RAS was found in H. pylori-positive patients. Smoking, sex, age, income, education, and anxiety were associated with RAS.

The clinical efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The objective of this meta-analysis was to summarize and identify the available evidence from studies to estimate the clinical value of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and provides clinicians with evidence on which to base their clinical decision making.

METHODS

This review will include all studies comparing clinical efficacy of TCM in the treatment of RAS. The search strategy will be performed in 9 databases. We will not establish any limitations to language and publication status, published from inception to the August 2020. Two reviewers will screen, select studies, extract data, and assess quality independently. Outcome is clinical efficacy, pain relief, duration of wound healing, effect on wound healing, rate of recurrence, adverse events, and safety. The methodological quality including the risk of bias of the included studies will be evaluated. We will carry out statistical analysis using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

This study will summarize current evidence to assess the efficacy and safety of TCM in the treatment of RAS.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study will provide helpful evidence for the clinician, and will promote further studies, as well as studying the value of TCM.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

INPLASY202080126 (DOI number: 10.37766/inplasy2020.8.0126).

Comparison of microbiomes in ulcerative and normal mucosa of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)-affected patients

BACKGROUND

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common form of oral ulcerative disease, whose cause is still unknown. Researchers have found the association of many factors with the occurrence of RAS, and proposed oral bacterial infection could be a cause for this disease.

METHODS

To investigate whether the occurrence of RAS is associated with oral bacterial infection, we performed high throughput sequencing analysis of bacterial samples collected from the normal oral mucosa and aphthous ulcers of 24 patients.

RESULTS

Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteriodetes were the most abundant phyla in the microbiomes analysed. The alpha diversities of the oral mucosa and aphthous ulcer microbiomes were similar, suggesting a similar richness and diversity. The NMDS analysis showed the oral mucosa and aphthous ulcer microbiomes are significantly different. This suggestion is further supported by Anosim, MRPP, and Adonis analyses. More detailed comparison of the two groups of microbiomes suggested that the occurrence of RAS is significantly associated with the increase of Escherichia coli and Alloprevotella, as well as the decrease of Streptococcus.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering E. coli is a very common intestinal bacterium, we propose that E. coli colonization could be a cause for RAS, and controlling E. coli colonization could help curing RAS.

Association between H. pylori infection and health Outcomes: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

OBJECTIVE

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have revealed the associations between H. pylori infection and various health outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the strength and breadth of evidence on the associations.

DESIGN

Umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

SETTING

No settings.

PARTICIPANTS

No patients involved.

DATA SOURCES

Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library Databases, CNKI, VIP database and Wangfang database from inception to February 1, 2019.

OUTCOMES MEASURES

Diverse diseases (such as cancer and ischaemic heart disease).

RESULTS

Sixty articles reporting 88 unique outcomes met the eligible criteria. 74 unique outcomes had nominal significance (p<0.05). Of the outcomes with significance, 61 had harmful associations and 13 had beneficial associations. Furthermore, 73% (64) of the outcomes exhibited significant heterogeneity . Of the these meta-analyses, 32 had moderate to high heterogeneity (I²=50%-75%) and 24 had high heterogeneity (I²>75%). Moreover, 20% exhibited publication bias (p<0.1). In addition, 97% of the methodological qualities were rated 'critically low'. 36% of the evidence qualities of outcomes were rated 'low', 56% of the evidence qualities were rated 'very low' and 8% of the evidence qualities were rated 'moderate'. H. pylori infection may be associated with an increased risk of five diseases and a decreased risk of irritable bowel syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Although 60 meta-analyses explored 88 unique outcomes, moderate quality evidence only existed for six outcomes with statistical significance. H. pylori infection may be associated with a decreased risk of irritable bowel syndrome and an increased risk of hypertriglyceridemia, chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, gestational diabetes mellitus, gastric cancer and systemic sclerosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CRD42019124680.

Recurrent aphthous ulceration: a review of potential causes and novel treatments

Purpose of article: This review examines studies published between May 2012 and 2017 with a specific interest in potential recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU) etiologies and treatment modalities/efficacy, including topical treatments, systemic regimens, vitamin repletion, and laser therapy, among others.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed MEDLINE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched using various combinations of: 'aphthous', 'ulcer', and 'treatment'. The titles and abstracts from the initial literature search were appraised to identify articles for full review and reference sections from each article were searched manually for relevant publications. Both randomized controlled trials and observational reports were included in this review, as some treatment types have not been formally examined in randomized trials. Relevant studies were reviewed, compared, and summarized.

RESULTS

RAU can result from systemic disease and trauma, but recent studies have shown a variety of potential etiologies, ranging from vitamin deficiencies, oral microbiota derangements, hematological considerations, stress, genetic polymorphisms to oxidant-antioxidant imbalances, among others. Many modalities of therapy are available and have proven efficacious.

CONCLUSIONS

As the exact etiology of RAU is still unknown, therapy is based on symptomatic relief.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis and Helicobacter pylori

Background

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a recurrent painful ulcerative disorder that commonly affects the oral mucosa. Local and systemic factors such as trauma, food sensitivity, nutritional deficiencies, systemic conditions, immunological disorders and genetic polymorphisms are associated with the development of the disease. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative, microaerophile bacteria, that colonizes the gastric mucosa and it was previously suggested to be involved in RAS development. In the present paper we reviewed all previous studies that investigated the association between RAS and H. pylori.

Material and Methods

A search in Pubmed (MEDLINE) databases was made of articles published up until July 2015 using the following keywords: Helicobacter Pylori or H. pylori and RAS or Recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

Results

Fifteen experimental studies that addressed the relationship between infection with H. pylori and the presence of RAS and three reviews, including a systematic review and a meta-analysis were included in this review. The studies reviewed used different methods to assess this relationship, including PCR, nested PCR, culture, ELISA and urea breath test. A large variation in the number of patients included in each study, as well as inclusion criteria and laboratorial methods was observed. H. pylori can be detected in the oral mucosa or ulcerated lesion of some patients with RAS. The quality of the all studies included in this review was assessed using levels of evidence based on the University of Oxford’s Center for Evidence Based Medicine Criteria.

Conclusions

Although the eradication of the infection may affect the clinical course of the oral lesions by undetermined mechanisms, RAS ulcers are not associated with the presence of the bacteria in the oral cavity and there is no evidence that H. pylori infection drives RAS development.

Key words:Campylobacter, elisa, h. pylori, Helicobacter Pylori, RAS, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, PCR.

[Aphthous ulcers and oral ulcerations]

Aphthous ulcers are painful ulcerations located on the mucous membrane, generally in the mouth, less often in the genital area. Three clinical forms of aphthous ulcers have been described: minor aphthous ulcers, herpetiform aphthous ulcers and major aphthous ulcers. Many other conditions presenting with oral bullous or vesiculous lesions orulcerations and erosions can be mistaken for aphthous ulcers. Currently, treatment of aphthous ulcers is palliative and symptomatic. Topical treatments (topical anesthetics, topical steroids and sucralfate) are the first line therapy. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is defined by the recurrence of oral aphthous ulcers at least 4 times per year. RAS is often idiopathic but can be associated with gastro-intestinal diseases (i.e. celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases), nutritional deficiencies (iron, folates...), immune disorders (HIV infection, neutropenia) and rare syndromes. Behçet's disease is a chronic, inflammatory, disease whose main clinical feature is recurrent bipolar aphthosis. Colchicine associated with topical treatments constitutes a suitable treatment of most RAS. Thalidomide is the most effective treatment of RAS but its use is limited by frequent adverse effects. Oral ulcers can be related to a wide range of conditions that constitute the differential diagnoses of aphthous ulcers. Oral ulcers are classified into three main groups: acute ulcers with abrupt onset and short duration, recurrent ulcers (mainly due to postherpetic erythema multiforme) and chronic ulcers (with slow onset and insidious progression). Acute oral ulcers are due to trauma, bacterial infections (including acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis), deep fungal infection, gastro-intestinal (namely inflammatory bowel disease) or systemic diseases. Chronic oral ulcers may be drug-induced, or due to benign or malignant tumors. Every oral solitary chronic ulcer should be biopsied to rule out squamous cell carcinoma. A solitary palatal ulcer can be related with necrotizing sialometaplasia.

Association Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Risk of Periodontal Diseases in Han Chinese: A Case-Control Study

Background

This study was performed to test the association between Helicobacter pylori (HP) and periodontal disease (PD).

Material/Methods

This was a case-control study in a comprehensive hospital, including all patients with newly diagnosed PD between 2012 and 2014 as cases and all patients without PD as controls, thorough periodontal examinations. Those who tested positive for HP were examined by means of polymerase chain reaction. Single and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the data using SPSS 19.0 software.

Results

This case-control study included 212 Han Chinese non-smoking adults. The results indicated that HP-positive status significantly increased the risk of PD (2.63 times higher (odds ratio [OR]=2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.48–4.67). After adjustment for age, sex, level of education, physical exercise, body mass index, and history of alcohol and diabetes mellitus, this association remained significantly (OR=2.82, 95% CI=1.55–5.13).

Conclusions

PD might be associated with HP infection in adults and HP infection may be a significant and independent risk factor for PD.

The relationship between recurrent aphthous stomatitis, and periodontal disease and Helicobacter Pylori infection

OBJECTIVE

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral mucosal disease with unknown etiology. This cross-sectional study aimed to test the hypothesis that Helicobacter pylori and periodontal disease might play an etiological role in RAS.

METHODS

Dental plaque samples obtained from 38 patients with RAS and 43 healthy individuals via periodontal examinations were examined for H. pylori colonization. H. pylori was identified using the rapid urease test (RUT). The periodontal status of the patients and controls was based on the following periodontal parameters: periodontal pocket depth (PPD), the plaque index (PI), the gingival index (GI), and clinical attachment loss (CAL).

RESULTS

RUT results were positive in 34 (89.5 %) of the 38 patients and 24 (55.8 %) of the 43 controls (P = 0.002). There were not any significant differences in mean PPD, PI, GI, or CAL between the patient and control groups (P > 0.05). Mean PPD, PI, GI, and CAL were higher in the RUT-positive RAS patients than in the RUT-negative patients (P > 0.05, for all).

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings show that H. pylori might have played an etiological role in RAS and might have caused periodontal disease, but RAS was not associated with any of the periodontal parameters examined in this study.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The present study indicates that H. pylori plays a role in the development of RAS, but periodontal diseases have no effect on it. Eradicating H. pylori might be useful to prevent RAS.