Isotope tracing reveals bacterial catabolism of host-derived glutathione during Helicobacter pylori infection

Infiltration to infection: key virulence players of Helicobacter pylori pathogenicity

PURPOSE

This study aims to comprehensively review the multifaceted factors underlying the successful colonization and infection process of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a prominent Gram-negative pathogen in humans. The focus is on elucidating the functions, mechanisms, genetic regulation, and potential cross-interactions of these elements.

METHODS

Employing a literature review approach, this study examines the intricate interactions between H. pylori and its host. It delves into virulence factors like VacA, CagA, DupA, Urease, along with phase variable genes, such as babA, babC, hopZ, etc., giving insights about the bacterial perspective of the infection The association of these factors with the infection has also been added in the form of statistical data via Funnel and Forest plots, citing the potential of the virulence and also adding an aspect of geographical biasness to the virulence factors. The biochemical characteristics and clinical relevance of these factors and their effects on host cells are individually examined, both comprehensively and statistically.

RESULTS

H. pylori is a Gram-negative, spiral bacterium that successfully colonises the stomach of more than half of the world's population, causing peptic ulcers, gastric cancer, MALT lymphoma, and other gastro-duodenal disorders. The clinical outcomes of H. pylori infection are influenced by a complex interplay between virulence factors and phase variable genes produced by the infecting strain and the host genetic background. A meta-analysis of the prevalence of all the major virulence factors has also been appended.

CONCLUSION

This study illuminates the diverse elements contributing to H. pylori's colonization and infection. The interplay between virulence factors, phase variable genes, and host genetics determines the outcome of the infection. Despite biochemical insights into many factors, their comprehensive regulation remains an understudied area. By offering a panoramic view of these factors and their functions, this study enhances understanding of the bacterium's perspective, i.e. H. pylori's journey from infiltration to successful establishment within the host's stomach.

Cross-talk between Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer: a scientometric analysis

Background

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is considered a leading risk factor for gastric cancer (GC). The aim of this article is to conduct bibliometric and visual analysis to assess scientific output, identify highly cited papers, summarize current knowledge, and explore recent hotspots and trends in HP/GC research.

Methods

A bibliographic search was conducted on October 24, 2023, to retrieve relevant studies on HP/GC research between 2003 and 2022. The search terms were attached to HP and GC. The main data were from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Data visualization was performed using Biblioshiny, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel.

Results

In HP/GC research, 1970 papers were retrieved. The total number of papers (Np) in HP/GC was growing from 2003 to 2022. China and Japan were in the leading position and made the most contributions to HP/GC. Vanderbilt University and the US Department of Veterans Affairs had the highest Np. The most productive authors were Peek Jr Richard M. and Piazuelo M Blanca. Helicobacter received the most Np, while Gastroenterology had the most total citations (TC). High-cited publications and keyword clustering were used to identify the current status and trends in HP/GC research, while historical citation analysis provided insight into the evolution of HP/GC research. The hot topics included the effect of HP on gastric tumorigenesis and progression, the pathogenesis of HP-induced GC (HP factors), and the mechanisms by which HP affects GC (host factors). Research in the coming years could focus on topics such as autophagy, gut microbiota, immunotherapy, exosomes, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT).

Conclusion

This study evaluated the global scientific output in HP/GC research and its quantitative characteristics, identified the essential works, and collected information on the current status, main focuses and emerging trends in HP/GC research to provide academics with guidance for future paths.

Interactions between Helicobacter pylori infection and host metabolic homeostasis: A comprehensive review

The microbiota actively and extensively participates in the regulation of human metabolism, playing a crucial role in the development of metabolic diseases. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), when colonizing gastric epithelial cells, not only induces local tissue inflammation or malignant transformation but also leads to systemic and partial changes in host metabolism. These shifts can be mediated through direct contact, toxic components, or indirect immune responses. Consequently, they influence various molecular metabolic events that impact nutritional status and iron absorption in the host. Unraveling the intricate and diverse molecular interaction links between H. pylori and human metabolism modulation is essential for understanding pathogenesis mechanisms and developing targeted treatments for related diseases. However, significant challenges persist in comprehensively understanding the complex association networks among H. pylori itself, the infected host's status, the host microbiome, and the immune response. Previous metabolomics research has indicated that H. pylori infection and eradication may selectively shape the metabolite and microbial profiles of gastric lesions. Yet, it remains largely unknown how these diverse metabolic pathways, including isovaleric acid, cholesterol, fatty acids, and phospholipids, specifically modulate gastric carcinogenesis or affect the host's serum metabolism, consequently leading to the development of metabolic-associated diseases. The direct contribution of H. pylori to metabolisms still lacks conclusive evidence. In this review, we summarize recent advances in clinical evidence highlighting associations between chronic H. pylori infection and metabolic diseases, as well as its potential molecular regulatory patterns.