Transformation of Helicobacter pylori into Coccoid Forms as a Challenge for Research Determining Activity of Antimicrobial Substances

Morphological variability is one of the phenotypic features related to adaptation of microorganisms to stressful environmental conditions and increased tolerance to antimicrobial substances. Helicobacter pylori, a gastric mucosal pathogen, is characterized by a high heterogeneity and an ability to transform from a spiral to a coccoid form. The presence of the coccoid form is associated with the capacity to avoid immune system detection and to promote therapeutic failures. For this reason, it seems that the investigation for new, alternative methods combating H. pylori should include research of coccoid forms of this pathogen. The current review aimed at collecting information about the activity of antibacterial substances against H. pylori in the context of the morphological variability of this bacterium. The collected data was discussed in terms of the type of substances used, applied research techniques, and interpretation of results. The review was extended by a polemic on the limitations in determining the viability of coccoid H. pylori forms. Finally, recommendations which can help in future research aiming to find new compounds with a potential to eradicate H. pylori have been formulated.

Improvement Effects of Wasabi (Wasabia japonica) Leaves and Allyl Isothiocyanate on Stomach Lesions of Mongolian Gerbils Infected with Helicobacter pylori

The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer associated with stomach lesions has been reported. Improvement of the adverse effects induced by H. pylori is required for human health. It has been reported that wasabi ( Wasabia japonica Matsum) leaves have various effects on bacteria and mammals. In this study, the effect was examined of wasabi leaf extract and allyl isothiocyanate (AIT), which is a main functional component of wasabi, on stomach lesions in Mongolian gerbils infected with H. pylori. After the gerbils infected with H. pylori were orally administrated with wasabi leaf extract and AIT for two weeks, colony forming units (CFU) of H. pylori, the degree of gastric mucosal erosion, and petechial hemorrhage in the stomachs of the gerbils were evaluated. Wasabi leaf extract and AIT exhibited a decreasing tendency of CFU in the stomachs. The degree of gastric mucosal erosion and petechial hemorrhage were significantly decreased by the intake of wasabi leaf extract and AIT. Wasabi leaf extract and AIT did not affect body weight, dietary intake, water intake, and the pH of the stomach. From these results, wasabi leaves and AIT may provide a natural remedy for stomach lesions induced by H. pylori.