Alcohol Consumption, Serum Gamma-Glutamyltransferase, and Helicobacter Pylori Infection in a Population-Based Study Among 9733 Older Adults

Association of Alcohol Drinking and Helicobacter pylori Infection : A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The association between drinking and Helicobacter pylori infection was not clear in the literature. Owing to mixed and inconclusive results, a meta-analysis was conducted to summarize and clarify this association systematically.

METHODS

Based on a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases, studies investigating the association between drinking and H. pylori infection were retrieved. We evaluated the strength of this relationship using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 24 individual studies were included in this meta-analysis. The risk of H. pylori infection was significantly lower in alcohol drinkers than nondrinkers (OR=0.83). People who drink wine (OR=0.90) or mixed types of alcoholic beverages (OR=0.78) had a lower risk of infection compared with those who drink beer. Among people aged 40 years or older, alcohol drinkers had a lower risk of H. pylori infection than nondrinkers (OR=0.68). Among people less than 40 years of age, alcohol drinking was not associated with H. pylori infection risk. Data showed that women were at a lower risk of H. pylori infection than men (OR=0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that the risk of H. pylori infection among alcohol drinkers is lower than that of nondrinkers. Drinking wine and mixed types of alcohol are better at reducing H. pylori infection than drinking beer. Nonetheless, we discourage reducing H. pylori infection through drinking, which increases the risk of other diseases.

Association of Helicobacter Pylori With Development of Peptic Ulcer Disease Among Cirrhotic Patients: An Evidence From Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

 Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) plays an important role in causing peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in the general population. However, the role of H. pylori in cirrhotic patients for causing PUD is obscure. There are various studies evaluating H. pylori association with PUD in cirrhotic patients, but the results have been controversial. We sought to analyze the association of H. pylori with the development of PUD in cirrhotic patients from the largest United States population-based database.

METHODS

 We analyzed Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) and Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) data from 2017. Adult hospitalizations due to cirrhosis were identified by previously validated ICD-10-CM codes. PUD and H. pylori were identified with the presence of ICD-10-CM codes in primary and secondary diagnosis fields, respectively. We performed weighted analyses using Chi-Square and paired Student's t-test to compare the groups. Multivariable survey logistic regression was performed to find an association of H. pylori with PUD in cirrhotic patients.

RESULTS

 Our study showed that the prevalence of H. pylori infection was 2.2% in cirrhotic patients with PUD. In regression analysis, H. pylori was found to be associated with PUD in cirrhotic patients (OR 15.1; 95% CI: 13.9-16.4; p <0.001) and non-cirrhotic patients (OR 48.8; 95% CI: 47.5-50.1; p <0.001). In the studied population, H. pylori was more commonly seen in the age between 50 and 64 years (49.4% vs 44.1%; p <0.0001), male (63.4% vs 59.9%; p <0.0413), African American (16.3% vs 10.6%; p <0.0001), and Hispanic (26.2% vs 14.9%; p <0.0001). H. pylori is more likely to be associated with complicated PUD hospitalizations (51.2% vs 44.2%; p <0.0067). Alcoholism and smoking were more common in H. pylori group compared to those without (43.6% vs 35.8%; p <0.0001 and 33.7% vs 24.8% p <0.0001, respectively). Factors associated with increased odds of H. pylori infection include African American (OR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5-3.6), Hispanic (OR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.7-4.0), and smoking (OR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.2).

CONCLUSION

 H. pylori are associated with PUD and concurrent cirrhosis, although it is less prevalent than general population. African American, Hispanic, and smoking were independently associated with increased odds of H. pylori infection. Further studies are required to better understand the epidemiology and confirm our findings.

Combinations of antibiotics and vonoprazan for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections-Exploratory study

BACKGROUND

Vonoprazan fumarate is a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker more effective in suppressing acid production than proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and when combined with antibiotics has been used to eradicate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. However, it has not yet been examined in an Australian setting. This study aimed to report on the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan-containing antibiotic combination therapies in the eradication of H. pylori.

METHODS

A single-center, exploratory, clinical review of patients 18 years or over, positive for H. pylori on Urea Breath Test (UBT), and/or histopathology who underwent a 10-day treatment of combination antibiotics plus vonoprazan between January 2017 and September 2019 was conducted. Eleven different combinations of antibiotics that included 2-5 different antibiotics predominantly amoxicillin, rifabutin, levofloxacin, furazolidone, nitazoxanide, and tetracycline were included. The eradication success was based on negative UBT results and/or histopathology results after the treatment. Descriptive statistics were summarized.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-three patients (Female n = 74, 48%) with a positive for H. pylori were treated with vonoprazan-containing antibiotic combination therapy during the study period. Of the 153 patients, 48 (31%) had previously failed a PPI-based H. pylori treatment. Follow-up was available for 66/153 (43%) patients. In those who completed follow-up, overall eradication was achieved in 97% (64/66) of patients. In the subgroup of patients treated for the first time, eradication was achieved in 100% (44/44). In those who had failed prior, non-vonoprazan-containing treatment, eradication was achieved in 91% (20/22) of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Vonoprazan-containing antibiotic therapy is an effective H. pylori eradication treatment. It is capable of achieving 100% efficacy in patients treated for the first time and even 91% efficacy in patients with previous eradication failure. Subsequent studies utilizing a factorial design will be needed to optimize each regimen as most regimens contained more than two antibiotics.

Identification of antibiotic resistance patterns in Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from gastric biopsies using real-time PCR and genotypic analysis

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is associated with dyspepsia, mucus-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, gastritis, and peptic ulcer disease. Treatment in Malta consists of triple therapy, which consists of a proton pump inhibitor and 2 of the antibiotics amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole and fluoroquinolones. We aimed to determine the resistance rates for clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones in patients with H. pylori, and its incidence, in patients undergoing an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

METHODS

Patients undergoing an EGD were recruited. A rapid urease test (RUT) was performed, and 4 gastric biopsies were also taken (2 from antrum, 2 from corpus) and analyzed using RT-PCR. Positive samples were tested for antibiotic resistance using amplification and reverse hybridization techniques.

RESULTS

Two hundred patients (mean age 53.6 [range 20-92] years; 53.1% female) were recruited; the majority were (78%) non-smokers. H. pylori was identified in 21.0% of the patients. Fluoroquinolone resistance was detected in 21.4% of the patients. Clarithromycin resistance was observed in 26.2%, with dual resistance identified in 4.8% of the patients. A high concordance was present with patients testing negative for H. pylori with both RUT and RT-PCR (94.3%). Only 57.6% of patients tested positive with both tests. However, 92.9% of RT-PCR positive patients had a positive genotype HelicoDR test.

CONCLUSIONS

This data demonstrates a high rate of H. pylori resistance to both clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones. These should be avoided when treating H. pylori by utilizing different treatment regimes. Furthermore, we derived important data on the role of RT-PCR, which may be implemented in routine clinical practice.

Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection and antibiotic resistance in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and sociodemographic risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection and antibiotic resistance in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 344 patients with dyspeptic symptoms who completed an extended questionnaire were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis of H. pylori infection was made by rapid urease test, histopathological investigation, and culture. Susceptibility of H. pylori strains was assessed by agar dilution (amoxicillin, tetracycline, metronidazole, levofloxacin) and E-test (clarithromycin) methods.

RESULTS

The H. pylori positivity rate was 40.4% (139/344). Logistic regression analysis indicated that age and the presence of duodenal ulcer were independent risk factors associated with H. pylori positivity (odds ratio (OR): 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99, p=0.013; OR: 5.42, 95% CI: 1.96-14.98, p=0.001, respectively). Of 104 H. pylori-positive cultures, 43 strains (41%) were susceptible to all antibiotics, whereas 61 (59%) were resistant to at least one antibiotic. H. pylori resistance rates were 34% for levofloxacin, 31.1% for metronidazole, 28.2% for clarithromycin, 2.9% for amoxicillin, and 1% for tetracycline. Logistic regression analysis indicated that previous use of clarithromycin was the only independent risk factor for H. pylori resistance (OR: 6.25, 95% CI: 1.59-24.52, p=0.009).

CONCLUSION

An understanding of the risk factors for H. pylori positivity and antibiotic resistance in an extended anamnesis may affect treatment choice and facilitate H. pylori eradication. In regions where antibiotic resistance rates are elevated, performing antibiotic susceptibility tests may lead to effective eradication treatment.

The synergy of resveratrol and alcohol against Helicobacter pylori and underlying anti-Helicobacter pylori mechanism of resveratrol

AIMS

To determine individual antibacterial and synergistic antibacterial effects of resveratrol and alcohol against Helicobacter pylori 26695 in vitro, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action of resveratrol against H. pylori.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and time-killing curve of resveratrol and alcohol were determined. Transcriptome analysis by RNA sequencing was used to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action of resveratrol against H. pylori. Our results showed that the MICs of resveratrol and alcohol against H. pylori 26695 are about 64 μg ml^-1 and 4% (v/v) respectively. The synergy was found: resveratrol at concentration of 64 μg ml^-1 in combination with alcohol at concentration of 4% (v/v) showed >10 000-fold decrease in the mount of viable bacteria compared with resveratrol and alcohol used alone. Transcriptome analysis showed 152 genes were downregulated and 111 genes were upregulated in the presence of resveratrol. Genes involved in protein translation (17·1%), outer membrane proteins (OMPs) (9·9%) and transports (11·2%) comprise 38·2% of the downregulated genes. In comparison, genes involved in redox (13·5%), pathogenesis and motility (9·9%) and iron homeostasis (4·5%) comprise 27·9% of the upregulated genes.

CONCLUSIONS

The synergy of resveratrol and alcohol against H. pylori was found in this study. The underlying mechanism of action of resveratrol against H. pylori may be mainly attributed to its inhibitory effect on translation, OMPs, transports, ATP synthase and possible oxidative damage.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THIS STUDY

Our study provides a global insight into the anti-H. pylori mechanism of resveratrol. Both resveratrol and alcohol can contribute to inhibition of ribosomes, changes in OMPs and oxidative damage, which may be the explanations of synergistic effect against H. pylori elicited by resveratrol and alcohol.

Associations of alcohol use disorders with esophageal and gastric cancers: a population-based study in Sweden

Alcohol consumption is associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, but little is known about whether alcohol consumption is associated with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastric cancer, which we attempt to clarify in this study. Individuals with alcohol use disorders were identified from the nation-wide Swedish Hospital Discharge Register and Outpatient Register, the Crime Register, and the Prescription Drug Register, and they were linked to the Swedish Cancer Registry to calculate standardized incidence ratios of esophageal and gastric cancers using those without alcohol use disorders (AUDs) as a reference. A total of 14 518 and 73 504 patients were diagnosed with esophageal and gastric cancers, separately, during the study period. The risk of esophageal cancer was significantly increased, with a standardized incidence ratio of 2.24 (95% confidence interval 2.08-2.41) among individuals with AUDs. Both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus were increased (2.89 for squamous cell carcinoma and 1.20 for adenocarcinoma). The incidence of gastric cancer was significantly decreased and the decrease was even more prominant for corpus cancer compared with cardia cancer (0.57 vs. 0.82). In this retrospective cohort study, we found that AUDs were associated with an increased risk of both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, whereas individuals with AUDs had a lower risk of gastric cancer, especially for corpus cancer, which may be related to the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be explored in future studies.

First-line Helicobacter pylori eradication among patients with chronic liver diseases in Taiwan

Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs) and liver cirrhosis is seldom reported. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of 7-day standard triple therapy in patients with CLD including cirrhosis and to investigate the clinical factors influencing the success of eradication. A total of 592 H. pylori-infected patients, who received 7-day standard first-line triple therapy between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014, were recruited. Patients were divided into two groups: CLD group (N=136) and non-CLD group (N=456). The eradication rates attained by the CLD and non-CLD groups were 86.0% and 84.2%, respectively, in the per-protocol analysis (p=0.606). The eradication rates of liver cirrhosis and noncirrhosis CLD were 88.5% and 84.3%, respectively (p=0.783). The adverse events were similar between the two groups (8.8% vs. 9.2%, p=0.891). Compliance between the two groups was good (99.3% vs. 99.6%, p=0.670). The univariate analysis showed male sex to be the significant clinical factor in the non-CLD group (p=0.001) and alcohol consumption to be the significant clinical factor influencing H. pylori eradication rate in patients with CLD (p=0.022). Alcohol consumption was the only significant factor influencing H. pylori eradication in multivariate analysis (odds ratio=3.786, p=0.031). The results of this study suggest that H. pylori eradication rates in patients with CLD may be comparable with non-CLD patients. Alcohol consumption was the significant factor influencing H. pylori eradication in patients with CLD.

Alcohol intake and Helicobacter pylori infection: a dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies

Background Alcohol intake has been suggested to have an impact on the development of many chronic diseases. How alcohol intake may modulate risk of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, however, remains a subject open for investigation. A dose-response meta-analysis was performed of epidemiological studies to better quantify this relationship. Materials and methods Twelve observational articles were identified. The summary odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for alcohol drinkers vs non-drinkers. The summary OR estimates were obtained using the random-effects model and dose-response meta-analysis. Sub-group and sensitivity analysis were also conducted. Results The summary OR was 0.78 (95% CI = 0.69-0.89). The dose-response analysis demonstrated that for drinkers of 10, 15, 30, 60 and 96 g/day alcohol intake, the estimated ORs were 0.80 (95% CI = 0.76-0.85), 0.79 (95% CI = 0.75-0.84), 0.83 (95% CI = 0.78-0.87), 0.85 (95% CI = 0.78-0.93) and 0.87 (95% CI = 0.70-1.06), respectively, compared to non-drinkers. The inverse relationship between alcohol intake and H. pylori infection was consistent, regardless of sex, age, geographic areas, detection methods or beverage types.

CONCLUSION

Evidence from these observational studies suggests that moderate alcohol intake is associated with a reduction in H. pylori infection of ∼ 22% and may facilitate elimination of H. pylori.

Association of smoking, alcohol and NSAIDs use with expression of cag A and cag T genes of Helicobacter pylori in salivary samples of asymptomatic subjects

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of smoking, alcohol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use with presence and virulence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in a representative sample of a random adult population of asymptomatic subjects.

METHODS

Non virulent 16S rRNA and virulent cag A and T genes from salivary samples of 854 asymptomatic subjects were determined using polymerase chain reaction. The presence and absence of virulent and non virulent infection was statistically compared with consumption of smoking, alcohol and NSAIDs.

RESULTS

The prevalence of infection in male and female subjects was found to be 69.25% and 66.90%, respectively. The prevalence of infection in the population of asymptomatic subjects with respect to consumption of alcohol was as follows: current (31.22%), former (52.20%) and never (43.58%). The prevalence of infection in the population of asymptomatic subjects with respect to smoking of cigarettes was as follows: current (88.80%), former (57.14%) and never (33.33%). The prevalence of infection in the subject population consuming NSAIDs and not consuming NSAIDs frequently was found to be 82.75% and 21.16%, respectively. Virulence in male and female subjects was found to be 60.00% and 50.00%, respectively. The presence of virulent infection in the population of asymptomatic subjects with respect to consumption of alcohol was as follows: current (28.57%), former (40.15%) and never (50.00%). The prevalence of virulent infection in the population of asymptomatic subjects with respect to smoking of cigarettes was as follows: current (79.32%), former (75.00%) and never (50.00%). The prevalence of virulent infection in the subject population consuming NSAIDs and not consuming NSAIDs frequently was found to be 88.23% and 66.66%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that smoking and NSAIDs consumption are aggravating factors for virulence of H. pylori and alcohol can inhibit H. pylori infection in asymptomatic subjects.

Prophylactic use of aspirin: systematic review of harms and approaches to mitigation in the general population

A careful assessment of benefits and harms is required to assess suitability of aspirin as a prophylactic public health measure. However, comprehensive population-level data on harms are lacking. We collected and synthesized age and sex-specific data on harms relevant to aspirin use in average-risk individuals aged 50 years or older. We conducted systematic literature searches to identify baseline rates of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, peptic ulcer, major extra-cranial bleeding, and case-fatality rates due to GI bleeding or peptic ulcer in general population. The magnitude of aspirin-associated increase, the prevalence and attributable risk of Helicobacter pylori infection on these events in aspirin users was also assessed. Baseline rates of major extracranial bleeding events and GI complications increase with age; an almost threefold to fourfold increase is observed from age 50-54 to 70-74 years. Low or standard-dose aspirin use increases GI bleeding events by 60% leading to an annual excess of 0.45 and 0.79 GI bleeding events per 1,000 women and men aged 50-54 years respectively. 5-10% of major GI complications are fatal; a clear age dependence--higher fatality in older individuals, is seen. Eradication of H. pylori infection before aspirin use could reduce the incidence of upper GI complications by 25-30%. GI complications are increased by about 60% due to aspirin use but are fatal only in a very small proportion of individuals younger than 70 years of age. Major bleeding events that are comparable in severity to cancer or CVD, are infrequent. Screening and eradication of H. pylori infection could substantially lower aspirin-related GI harms.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Waste Pickers: A Case Control Seroprevalence Study

Background

The epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in waste pickers had not been previously studied. This study aims to determine the association of H. pylori seropositivity and waste picking activity; and to determine socio-demographic, clinical, work, and behavioral characteristics associated with H. pylori seropositivity in waste pickers.

Methods

Through a case-control study design, we examined 90 waste pickers and 90 age- and gender-matched control subjects for the presence of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Seroprevalence association with socio-demographic, clinical, work and behavioral characteristics of the waste pickers were also investigated.

Results

Antibodies to H. pylori were found in 60 (66.7%) of the 90 waste pickers and in 51 (56.7%) of the 90 controls (P = 0.16). Stratification by age showed that waste pickers aged 14 -30 years old had significantly higher frequency of H. pylori infection than controls of the same age group (56.5% versus 35.6%, respectively; P = 0.04). The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was not influenced by gender, age, educational level, socioeconomic status, residence, or housing conditions of waste pickers. The presence of underlying diseases and the frequency of gastritis were similar among H. pylori positive and H. pylori negative waste pickers. Logistic regression analysis showed that the duration (years) in the waste picking activity was positively associated with H. pylori exposure (OR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.22 - 6.25; P = 0.01). In contrast, consumption of alcohol was negatively associated with H. pylori exposure (OR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.09 - 0.78; P = 0.01). Other work or behavioral characteristics of waste pickers including washing hands before eating, eating from the garbage, animal contacts, consumption of unpasteurized milk, unwashed raw vegetables, fruits, or untreated water, and contact with soil were not associated with H. pylori exposure.

Conclusions

This is the first report on the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection among waste pickers and the factors contributing to such exposure. Results warrant for further research on the potential role of contact with garbage for H. pylori infection.

Prognostic value of haemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose for incident diabetes and implications for screening

The aim of this analysis is to compare screening strategies with haemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or combined measures in the identification of individuals at high risk for diabetes. Applying American Diabetes Association thresholds for FPG and HbA(1c) screening, 6,803 subjects free of diabetes were classified as non-diabetic, pre-diabetic and possibly diabetic by FPG (<100, 100-125 and >125 mg/dl) and HbA(1c) (<5.7, 5.7-6.4 and >6.4%). Hazard ratios, sensitivity and specificity were estimated for individuals with pre-diabetes with respect to incident diabetes in the following 5 years. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were estimated for levels of FPG ≤ 125 mg/dl and HbA(1c) ≤ 6.4% in diabetes prediction. Although FPG and HbA(1c) screenings poorly agreed in classifying individuals as pre-diabetic, hazard ratios [95% confidence interval] for incident diabetes were similarly increased in univariate models in the two pre-diabetic groups: FPG 100-125 mg/dl, 4.72 [3.69; 6.05]; HbA(1c) 5.7-6.4%, 3.97 [3.05; 5.23]. HbA(1c) and FPG had comparable AUCs (FPG, 0.732; HbA(1c), 0.725) and consequently similar 5-year sensitivities and specificities for their pre-diabetes definitions (when the lower cut-off for HbA(1c)-defined pre-diabetes was increased to a level between 5.8 and 5.9%). Combining HbA(1c) and FPG increased the AUC to 0.778, and a further increase to 0.817 was seen with additional inclusion of conventional risk factors. FPG and HbA(1c) have comparable (yet insufficient) abilities in identifying individuals at high risk for diabetes. Effectiveness of a diabetes screening program could be improved by a risk score including FPG and HbA(1c).

[Helicobacter pylori -- 2010]

Helicobacter pylori, discovered 27 years ago, has remained the most prevalent infectious agent in the world. In the author's hypothesis, the increase of peptic ulcer prevalence in the 19-20th century could be attributable to the extended worldwide use of gastric tubes for secretory testing which led to the iatrogenic transmission of pathogenic strains. Helicobacter pylori outer membrane proteins (OMP), and duodenal ulcer promoting (dupA) proteins were identified as novel virulence factors, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which could be future targets of therapy. There is no ideal first-line eradication of the infection and according to expert's opinion, the efficiency of these regimens has fallen gradually in recent years to unacceptably low levels; however, in the author's opinion this is a multifactorial phenomenon which can not be generalized. As alternative drugs, the efficiency of levofloxacin, furazolidone and rifabutin has been proven by meta-analyses. Sequential and bismuth-free quadruple therapies, although highly efficient, are not yet used on a large scale. The recurrence of the infection is 2.27%/year in developed and of 13.0%/year in developing countries. Spontaneous eradication occurred in 8-20% of the children and 5-11% of adults. The prevalence of clarithromycin resistance is increasing worldwide. In Hungary, it has reached 10.9% in county cities, according to a national survey. In a district of Budapest called Ferencváros, the prevalence between 2005 and 2009 was 16-22%, with no increasing trend. The development of enzymatic inhibitors (urease, carbonic anhydrase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase), modified antibiotics and efflux pump inhibitors seem promising ways because these compounds do not lead to resistance; however, none have yet been used in humans.