Helicobacter pylori infection and micronutrient deficiencies

Cuproptosis Cell Death Molecular Events and Pathways to Liver Disease

Chronic liver disease ranks as the 11th leading cause of death worldwide, while hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality, representing a substantial risk to public health. Over the past few decades, the global landscape of chronic liver diseases, including hepatitis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), liver fibrosis, and HCC, has undergone substantial changes. Copper, a vital trace element for human health, is predominantly regulated by the liver. Both copper deficiency and excess can lead to cellular damage and liver dysfunction. Copper deposition is a genetic process of copper-dependent cell death associated with mitochondrial respiration, which is associated with cardiovascular disease and IBD. However, the roles of copper overload and cuproptosis in liver disease remain largely underexplored. This article examines recent studies on copper metabolism and cuproptosis in chronic liver disease, investigating the potential of targeting copper ions as a therapeutic approach. The objective is to offer insights and guidance for future investigations in this developing field of study.

Helicobacter pylori exposure among the Awajún of the Peruvian Amazon: Prevalence and environmental, social, and biological associations

OBJECTIVES

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-a gastric bacteria affecting almost 50% of the global population and leading to ulcers and cancer in severe cases-is a growing health concern among Indigenous populations who report a high burden of reported poor general health and gastrointestinal distress. We test hypothesized associations between H. pylori exposure patterns and environmental, social, and biological conditions among a sample of 212 Indigenous Awajún adults (112 males, 100 females, ages 18-65 years) living in the northern Peruvian Amazon.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dried blood spots were analyzed for H. pylori-specific IgG using a recently developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Resulting seropositivity rates and antibody concentrations, proxying past exposures to H. pylori were analyzed in relation to relevant environmental (toilet type, floor material, reported water quality), social (household size and education level), and biological (age, sex, BMI, blood pressure, immune and metabolic biomarkers) factors using multivariable regression analyses.

RESULTS

We found near ubiquitous seropositivity for H. pylori exposure in our sample (99.1% seropositive). In the regression analyses, elevations in H. pylori antibody concentrations were significantly higher among males compared to females (β = 0.36, p = 0.01). No associations were found with any other factors.

DISCUSSION

Anthropological research in the study communities suggests that the male bias in elevations of H. pylori antibody concentrations is related to cultural and biological factors. Future research is needed to further unravel these biocultural dynamics and determine whether elevations in H. pylori antibody concentrations have clinical relevance for gastrointestinal health outcomes in this population.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori Infection on Macromineral and Trace Element Status-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To explore the effect of Helicobacter pylori (Hp ) infection on zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iodine status in the pediatric population.

METHODS

A protocol was registered on PROSPERO. A literature search was conducted on Embase, PubMed MEDLINE, and Web of Science, from inception to September 2020, including all studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese languages. Reference lists were manually searched. Primary studies describing at least one micronutrient status in Hp -positive and Hp -negative or control children were included. PRISMA recommendations were applied. Pooled mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using a random-effects model. A total of 1011 citations were screened. Six cross- sectional studies were included. No publications regarding phosphorus and iodine were identified.

RESULTS

Included studies in meta-analyses comprised an overall age range of 4-18 years, with Hp positivity ranging between 29.5% and 72.3%. These meta-analyses demonstrated a lack of evidence of an association between Hp -positive and Hp -negative or control children regarding serum zinc (vs Hp -negative: MD -1.36 µg/dL; vs control: MD 326.22 µg/dL), copper (MD -0.83 µg/dL), and calcium (MD 0.09 mg/dL) status. Considerable heterogeneity was recognized, except for calcium analysis (I 2 = 0%). Meta-analysis for magnesium was not performed. Five studies presented a low risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated a lack of evidence of an effect of Hp infection on serum zinc, copper, and calcium status. Studies concerning magnesium, phosphorus, and iodine status are warranted. Furthermore, larger and well-controlled studies are recommended.

Features of diet therapy for H. pylori associated diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

This review of the literature is devoted to the importance of nutritional support in the treatment and prevention of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract associated with Helicobacter pylori. Modern data on the biological properties of H. pylori and the mechanisms of colonization of the microorganism in the gastrointestinal mucosa are presented. Information is provided on the virulence factors and factors that promote adhesion, depolymerization and dissolution of protective mucus, damage and circulatory disorders of the gastrointestinal mucosa, secreted by H. pylori (lipopolysaccharides and proteins of the outer shell of the bacterium, enzymes – mucinase, protease, phospholipase, urease, VacA cytotoxin). The article pays special attention to the issues of diet therapy, the role of various foods and their components in the dietary correction of disorders in gastrointestinal diseases associated with H. pylori. The causes of nutritional disorders in patients with gastrointestinal diseases are described and a detailed description of food products and their biologically active components with anti-Helicobacter activity is given. A special section is devoted to the use and effectiveness of specialized dietary products for therapeutic and preventive nutrition of domestic production (LLC “Leovit nutria”) and the features of use in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract mediated by H. pylori. The authors provide information on the composition of dietary products, their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunotropic and other activities that underlie clinical efficacy. The article provides detailed recommendations on the use of specialized dietary foods for this pathology.

The relationship of 50 bp deletion in the promoter region of SOD1 gene with viscosity and trace elements in chronic gastritis with Helicobacter Pylori: A case study

The aim of research was to evaluate the superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) promoter region Insertion/Deletion (Ins/Del) gene variations in chronic gastritis patients infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), as well as the association between trace elements and viscosity. The study consisted 154 volunteer (18-65 age) with 107 H. pylori (+) and 47 (-). Biochemical parameters, whole blood viscosity (WBV), trace element levels and SOD1 promoter region Ins/Del gene variations were analyzed in blood samples provided from patients. It was determined that zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg) levels decreased whereas WBV, selenium (Se) and Cu/Zn ratio increased in H.pylori (+) chronic gastritis patients. The SOD1 50 bp Ins/Del gene polymorphism genotype and allele frequency distributions in H.pylori (+) and (-) chronic gastritis patients were not statistically significant. It was reported that Zn level decreased in H.pylori (+) patients with a deletion in at least one locus (Ins/Del+Del/Del), Se level increased. It has been found that the presence of H.pylori affects trace element metabolism and biochemical parameters in chronic gastritis patients. The 50 bp Ins/Del polymorphism in the promoter region of the SOD1 gene was shown to have no association with chronic gastritis. Investigation of different variants of the SOD1 gene in patients with gastritis will contribute to the determination of its role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Association of TRPM5 Asn235Ser Polymorphism and Trace Elements/Minerals in Chronic Gastritis Patients: a Case-Control Study

The link between chronic gastritis and chemosensory receptors is considered promising for disease prediction and treatment. The transient receptor potential melastatin member channel 5 (TRPM5) is an ion channel and may be a chemosensor in the gastrointestinal tract. Trace elements and minerals involved in many protein structures can change ion channel activity. Our study aimed to determine trace element and mineral levels according to TRPM5 Asn235Ser missense polymorphism distributions in patients with H. pylori (+) and (-) gastritis and to uncover their possible association with disease pathogenesis. In 109 volunteer patients diagnosed with gastritis [64 H. pylori (+), 45 H. pylori (-)], TRPM5 (Asn235Ser) polymorphism was detected by Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR method (KASP), but no difference was found between the groups. There are differences between the serum trace element (Se, Zn, Cu, Mg, and Cu/Zn) levels of the two groups. High serum Se and Cu/Zn ratios were detected in H. pylori (+) patients. Cu/Zn ratio can be used as a marker of bacterial inflammation. The amount of Se was found to be statistically significant in the serums of H. pylori (+) patients carrying TT and CT genotype, while the amounts of Zn, Cu, and Mg were found as significant of H. pylori (-) patients. The relationship of Se with the H. pylori needs to be investigated further. In addition, H. pylori (+) patients have a significantly higher neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio (NLR) compared to those with H. pylori (-) NLR can be used as an indicator of inflammation.

Serum level of some micronutrients in children infected with Helicobacter pylori

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) proved to be highly prevalent all over the world. H. pylori may modify the absorption of many nutrients. Studies have suggested that, beyond iron, H. pylori infection may affect the homeostasis of other micronutrients such as vitamins and trace elements. Our study’s aim was to assess the effect of H. pylori infection on some blood micronutrient level including zinc, selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin B12 in children with chronic or recurrent unexplained dyspeptic symptoms and/or non-variceal hematemesis.

Results

A cross-sectional case-control study was carried out in 32 children (4–18 years) with chronic or recurrent unexplained dyspeptic symptoms and/or non-variceal hematemesis. Patients were divided according to the results histopathology and rapid urease test into two groups, H. pylori-positive patients (18 patients) and H. pylori-negative patients (14 patients). Another control group of 18 children was included. Serum levels of zinc, selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin B12 were measured in all children. Prevalence of H. pylori infection was 56.2%. The mean serum zinc levels were significantly lower in H. pylori-positive cases than in control group (84.2 ± 13.85 versus 94.6 ± 6.52 with P = 0.009) and lower than in H. pylori-negative cases but not statistically significant (84.2 ± 13.85 versus 92.2 ± 8.53 with P = 0.054). The mean serum vitamin C levels were significantly lower in H. pylori-positive cases than in negative cases and control group (220.7 ± 46.16 versus 305.1 ± 28.83 and 313.1 ± 31.43 with P < 0.0001). The mean serum vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in H. pylori-positive cases than in negative cases and control group (167.8 ± 76.98 versus 290.1 ± 69.92 and 326.1 ± 38.67 with P < 0.0001). The mean serum selenium level was slightly higher in H. pylori-positive patients than in H. pylori-negative patients and control group but not statistically significant (118.2 ± 11.13 versus 112.1 ± 8.69 and 113.1 ± 13.76 with P = 0.096, 0.243 respectively).

Conclusion

Helicobacter pylori infection in children has a significant negative effect on the serum levels of zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin B12.

The Possible Role of Helicobacter pylori in Gastric Cancer and Its Management

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a facultative anaerobic bacterium. HP is a normal flora having immuno-modulating properties. This bacterium is an example of a microorganism inducing gastric cancer. Its carcinogenicity depends on bacteria-host related factors. The proper understanding of the biology of HP inducing gastric cancer offers the potential strategy in the managing of HP rather than eradicating it. In this article, we try to summarize the biology of HP-induced gastric cancer and discuss the current pharmacological approach to treat and prevent its carcinogenicity.

Preoperative nutritional deficiencies in severely obese bariatric candidates are not linked to gastric Helicobacter pylori infection

Severely obese subjects have been found to show a high prevalence of distinct nutritional deficiencies even without any bariatric intervention but the underlying reasons remain obscure. We tested the hypothesis that gastric Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with increased nutritional deficiency rates. Taking advantage of our large database, we identified 404 patients who had undergone a gastroscopy--as a standard diagnostic assessment before bariatric surgery--along with a histological examination of gastric mucosal biopsies with concurrent nutritional blood measurements. Eighty-five (21 %) of the obese patients included in the study displayed a gastric H. pylori infection. Sex distribution, age and body mass index did not differ between H. pylori+ and H. pylori- patients (P > 0.29). Referring to nutritional markers, neither serum levels of total protein, albumin, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, ferritin, zinc, copper, vitamin B12, folate and 25-OH vitamin D3 nor respective deficiency rates differed between the H. pylori+ and H. pylori- patients group (all P > 0.13). Overall, 49.5 % of the bariatric candidates displayed at least one nutritional deficiency. Our data confirm previous reports on high prevalences of nutritional deficiencies in severely obese subjects. However, they do not provide evidence for a contributing role of gastric H. pylori infection to these nutritional alterations.

Is peptic ulcer disease a risk factor of postherpetic neuralgia in patients with herpes zoster?

Postherpetic neuralgia is the most common complication of herpes zoster which is caused by a reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus. The pathogenesis of postherpetic neuralgia may involve peripheral and central mechanisms. Reported risk factors for postherpetic neuralgia include female gender, old age, diminished cell-mediated immunity and nutritional deficiencies. Based on our clinical observation which revealed that peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is one of the common comorbidities in patients with postherpetic neuralgia, we hypothesize that herpes zoster patients with PUD may be at a greater risk for the development of postherpetic neuralgia due to their impaired cellular immunity and depressed nutritional status. Major causes of PUD include Helicobacter pylori infection and usage of ulcerogenic medications. Patients with H. pylori infection may develop T cell dysfunctions and nutritional deficiencies including vitamin C, iron, cobalamin, carotenes and alpha-tocopherol. Ulcerogenic medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids have been found not only to be ulcerogenic but also immunosuppressive to T cells. In addition, usage of steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause deficiencies of alpha-tocopherol, carotenes, cobalamin, iron, zinc and vitamin C. Vitamin C, carotenes and alpha-tocopherol are anti-inflammatory and the major oxidant scavengers in the aqua phase and biomembranes. Deficiencies of these nutrients may induce dysregulated inflammation and oxidative damage leading to neuropathic pain in patients with herpes zoster. Furthermore, nutrient deficiencies including zinc, iron, cobalamin and vitamin C are associated with dysregulation of Ca(v)3.2 T-channels and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, upregulation of nitric oxide synthase, the increase of nitric oxide formation and dysfunction of central norepinephrine inhibitory pain pathway. Prospective cohort studies are suggested to test the hypothesis. We further propose that a follow-up study that contains two groups of herpes zoster patients, i.e., with or without gastroendoscopy-proven PUD, be conducted to determine their incidence of postherpetic neuralgia. In addition, despite of the high proportion of zoster patients having been treated with antiviral therapies, prevention and treatment of postherpetic neuralgia remain challenging in clinical practice. The potential risk of postherpetic neuralgia in zoster patients with PUD could mean that physicians need to pay more attention to the comorbidity--PUD in patients with herpes zoster and treat PUD earlier in order to prevent the development of postherpetic neuralgia.

Relationship between vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine levels and H. pylori infection in patients with functional dyspepsia: a cross-section study

BACKGROUND

H. pylori infection has been associated with many micronutrient deficiencies. There is a dearth of data from communities with nutritional deficiencies and high prevalence of H. pylori infection. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of H. pylori infection on serum levels of vitamin B(12), folate and homocysteine in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-two patients with FD undergoing gastroscopy were enrolled. The serum was analyzed for B(12), folate and homocysteine levels before gastroscopy. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by histopathological examination of gastric biopsies and urea breath test. An independent sample t-test and the Mann-Whitney test were used to compare mean serum concentrations of biomarkers between H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative groups of patients. A Chi-square test was performed to assess the differences among proportions, while Spearman's rho was used for correlation analysis between levels of B(12) and homocysteine.

RESULTS

The mean age of the group was 40.3 ± 11.5 (19-72) years. Folate deficiency was seen in 43 (34.6%), B(12) deficiency in 30 (23.1%) and hyperhomocysteinemia in 60 (46.2%) patients. H. pylori was present in 80 (61.5%) patients with FD while it was absent in 50 (38.5%). Mean serum levels of B(12), folate and homocysteine in the H. pylori-positive group of patients were not significantly different from the levels in the H. pylori-negative group (357 ± 170 vs. 313 ± 136 pg/mL; p = 0.13), (4.35 ± 1.89 vs. 4.42 ± 1.93 ng/mL; p = 0.84); (15.88 ± 8.97 vs. 16.62 ± 7.82 μmol/L; p = 0.24); respectively.B(12) deficiency (≤200 pg/mL) was 23.8% in the H. pylori-positive patients versus 22.0% in the H. pylori-negative patients. Folate deficiency (≤3.5 ng/mL) was 33.8% in the H. pylori-positive group versus 36% in the H. pylori-negative group. Hyperhomocysteinemia (>15 μmol/L) was present in 46.2% of H. pylori-positive patients compared to 44% in the H. pylori-negative group. Correlation analysis indicated that serum B(12) levels were inversely associated with serum levels of homocysteine in patients with FD (rho = -0.192; p = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated an inverse relationship between serum levels of B(12) and homocysteine in patients with FD. Moreover, no impact of the presence of H. pylori was found on B(12), folate and homocysteine levels in such patients.

Micronutrients (Other than iron) and Helicobacter pylori infection: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Many micronutrients depend on a healthy stomach for absorption. Helicobacter pylori chronic gastritis may alter gastric physiology affecting homeostasis of vitamins and minerals.

OBJECTIVES

Systematic review to assess whether H. pylori infection is associated with reduced micronutrient levels (other than iron) in the plasma or gastric juice and whether low micronutrient levels are modified by eradication treatment.

METHOD

Medline was searched for relevant publications from inception to June 2010. Studies describing micronutrient levels in H. pylori-infected and not-infected adults and/or the effect of eradication treatment on micronutrient levels were included.

FINDINGS

Fifty-two publications were selected: 46 investigated the association between H. pylori infection and reduced micronutrient levels and 14 the effect of eradication treatment on micronutrient levels. Sixty-four studies investigated vitamins (23 ascorbic acid, four ß-carotene, 21 cobalamin, 11 folate, and five α-tocopherol) and 10 addressed minerals (one calcium, one copper, one magnesium, one phosphorus, three selenium, and three zinc). Pooled standardized mean differences in micronutrient levels showed positive associations with H. pylori infection for ascorbic acid (gastric juice, -1.087) and cobalamin (-0.744), and a positive effect of eradication treatment, which increased ascorbic acid in the gastric juice (-1.408) and serum cobalamin (-1.910). No significant association between infection and low folate levels was observed. Meta-analyses for other micronutrients were not performed owing to insufficient data.

CONCLUSIONS

Meta-analyses indicate that H. pylori infection is associated with reduced levels of ascorbic acid and cobalamin, supported by the positive effect of eradication treatment. For other micronutrients, further studies are needed.

Iron deficiency anemia: focus on infectious diseases in lesser developed countries

Iron deficiency anemia is thought to affect the health of more than one billion people worldwide, with the greatest burden of disease experienced in lesser developed countries, particularly women of reproductive age and children. This greater disease burden is due to both nutritional and infectious etiologies. Individuals in lesser developed countries have diets that are much lower in iron, less access to multivitamins for young children and pregnant women, and increased rates of fertility which increase demands for iron through the life course. Infectious diseases, particularly parasitic diseases, also lead to both extracorporeal iron loss and anemia of inflammation, which decreases bioavailability of iron to host tissues. This paper will address the unique etiologies and consequences of both iron deficiency anemia and the alterations in iron absorption and distribution seen in the context of anemia of inflammation. Implications for diagnosis and treatment in this unique context will also be discussed.

Nutritional status of schoolchildren in rural Iran

The present study compared the nutritional status of schoolchildren from recently settled, ethnic minority tribespeople with those from a Persian village in southern Iran. Height and weight were measured and blood was collected from school children at three time points over 1·5 years. Supplemental Fe was provided to children with low Hb after the first screening. Twenty-one per cent of the children were wasted, 57 % were stunted and 23 % were anaemic. No statistically significant difference in the prevalence of wasting, stunting and anaemia was found between gender or ethnic groups. Children over the age of 12 years had a higher prevalence of wasting than children aged below 12 years. In a sub-sample of forty-one children the average BMI-for-age decreased. Fe supplementation increased Hb levels to normal in most children, but did not increase Fe level in a few children. Dietary deficiency of micronutrients, especially Zn and Fe, probably accounts for the high prevalence of stunting and anaemia in these children. Infection withHelicobacter pyloriis another possible explanation for the Fe-deficiency anaemia. Further investigation is in progress to determine the cause(s) of the observed deficiencies.

Childhood Helicobacter pylori infection and growth impairment in developing countries: a vicious cycle?

We hypothesize that infection with the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori in children in developing countries is the initiator of a vicious cycle of events that result ultimately in malnutrition and growth impairment. Acute infection with H. pylori is accompanied by hypochlorhydria, which facilitates the acquisition of other enteropathogens because of removal of the gastric acid barrier, which then results in diarrheal disease and iron-deficiency anemia. This is likely to occur most frequently in developing regions where the prevalence of H. pylori infection is disproportionately high and multiple enteric coinfections are common. The consequent synergistic impact of diarrheal disease and micronutrient deficiency on growth and cognitive function in children has significant public health implications for socioeconomic development in these countries.

Serum ferritin, vitamin B(12), folate, and zinc levels in children infected with Helicobacter pylori

We sought to explore the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and serum ferritin, vitamin B(12), folate, and zinc status among children. Fifty patients aged 5-18 years who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy because of dyspeptic symptoms, were studied, prospectively. Patients were grouped as H. pylori positive (group 1, n=32) or H. pylori negative (group 2, n=18) by histopathologic examination and rapid urease test. Fasting serum ferritin, vitamin B(12), folate, and zinc levels of patients were measured. Both groups were indifferent according to age, gender, height standard deviation score (H(SDS)), and weight standard deviation score (W(SDS)). Serum ferritin levels were 33+/-26 and 50+/-46 ng/mL (P=.098), vitamin B(12) levels were 303+/-135 and 393+/-166 pg/mL (P=.042), folate levels were 9.64+/-3.2 and 9.61+/-2.8 ng/mL (P=.979), and zinc levels were 95+/-48 and 87+/-31 mug/dL (P=.538), in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Ferritin levels of 14 (43.8%) patients in group 1 and 6 (33.3%) patients in group 2 were below the normal range (P=.470). Serum vitamin B(12) levels of 9 children (28%) in group 1 and 2 children (11%) in group 2 were below the normal range (P=.287). The findings of the present study suggest that H. pylori infection has a negative effect on serum ferritin and vitamin B(12) levels in children. This negative effect on vitamin B(12) levels is rather marked in contrast to that on ferritin levels. H. pylori infection has no significant effect on serum folate or zinc levels among children.

Helicobacter infection in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue

AIM: To investigate whether Helicobacter species (Helicobacter spp.) could be detected in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue.

METHODS: Liver samples from 28 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosed by histopa-thology were studied. Twenty-two patients with other liver diseases (5 with liver trauma, 7 with cavernous liver hemangioma, 6 with liver cyst and 4 with hepatolithiasis), 25 patients with gastric cancer, 15 with colonic cancer and 15 with myoma of uterus served as controls. Two pieces of biopsy were obtained from each patient. One was cultured for Helicobacter spp. and extraction of DNA, the other was prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in situ hybridization. The samples were cultured on Columbia agar plates with microaerobic techniques. Helicobacter spp. in biopsy from the studied subjects was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with Helicobacter spp. 16S rRNA primers. Amplified products were identified by Southern hybridization and sequenced further. Besides, other genes (vacA, cagA) specific for Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) were also detected by PCR. Helicobacter spp. in biopsies was observed by SEM. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to identify the cultured positive Helicobacter spp. The presence of Helicobacter spp. was detected by in situ hybridization to confirm the type of Helicobacter.

RESULTS: The positive rate of Helicobacter cultured in HCC and gastric cancer tissue was 10.7% (3/28) and 24%(6/25), respectively. Helicobacter microorganisms were identified further by typical appearance on Gram staining, positive urease test and characteristic colony morphology on TEM. The bacterium was observed in adjacent hepatocytes of the two HCC samples by SEM. The number of cocci was greater than that of bacilli. The bacterium was also found in four gastric cancer samples. PCR showed that the positive rate of HCC and gastric cancer samples was 60.7% and 72% respectively, while the controls were negative (P < 0.01). The PCR-amplified products were identified by Southern hybridization and sequenced. The homology to 16S rRNA of H pylori was 97.80%. The samples were verified by in situ hybridization for Helicobacter spp. 16S rRNA-mRNA and proved to be H pylori positive. There was no statistical significance between HCC and gastric cancer (P > 0.05), but the positive rate of HCC and controls had statistical significance (P < 0.01). Only 3 HCC samples and 2 gastric cancer samples of the cagA genes were detected. None of the samples reacted with primers for vacA in the two groups. As for the genotype of H pylori, type II had preference over type I.

CONCLUSION: Helicobacter infection exists in liver tissues of HCC patients. Helicobacter spp. infection is related with HCC, which needs further research.

Consumo de nutrientes em adultos e idosos em estudo de base populacional: Projeto Bambuí

Inquérito alimentar populacional em amostra aleatória de 550 indivíduos > ou = 18 anos, realizado em Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brasil, utilizando o Questionário Semiquantitativo de Freqüência Alimentar e recordatório 24 horas calibrados pela técnica de regressão linear. A análise constou de comparação de médias, teste de qui-quadrado e razão de adequação do nutriente (RAN-adequada: 90,0-110,0%). Foi baixo o percentual da população que apresentou RAN de acordo com o recomendado para consumo de carboidratos (2,4%), proteínas (17,6%), vitaminas (0,0-5,1%) e minerais (0-21,1%). Diferenças de acordo com sexo e idade foram encontradas: 90,2% e 91,8% de mulheres apresentaram baixo consumo de ferro e vitamina B6, respectivamente. Ao contrário, 87,7% dos homens relataram consumo excessivo de ferro, 80,3% de fósforo e 11,9% de colesterol. Quanto à idade, 64,3% de idosos (> 60 anos) relataram baixa ingestão protéica e 39,3% apresentavam inadequação das frações lipídicas; sendo que 35,7% informaram consumo excessivo de ácidos graxos saturados. Dos adultos (18-59 anos), 67,8% relataram excessivo consumo protéico e 53,4% ingestão insuficiente de ferro. Alto e inadequado consumo de lipídios e baixa ingestão de fibras, vitaminas e minerais, constituem problema importante de saúde pública por possivelmente contribuir para o aumento das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis.

Review article: is there a link between micronutrient malnutrition and Helicobacter pylori infection?

Helicobacter pylori causes a chronic gastric infection, which is usually life-long. Many epidemiological studies have shown that this is probably one of the most common bacterial infections throughout the world involving 30% of the population living in developed countries and up to 80-90% of the population in developing regions. Concomitantly, developing regions also have high prevalence of micronutrient malnutrition. In the last few years, some studies have suggested that H. pylori infection may affect the homeostasis of different micronutrients including iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C and beta-carotene. In this article, we discuss the current scientific information of the effect that H. pylori infection may produce on micronutrient malnutrition.

Helicobacter pylori and extragastric diseases--other Helicobacters

Reports on Helicobacter pylori and extragastric diseases have almost doubled this year compared with last year, bearing witness to the persistent scientific interest in this branch of Helicobacter-related pathology. Data belong increasingly to the area of vascular medicine, as well as hematology, dermatology, pediatrics and other fields. Unfortunately, these studies show overall controversial results, due to the impact of several confounding factors, and to the difficulty of recruiting homogeneous patient populations. Furthermore, many studies continue to be conducted on Helicobacter species other than H. pylori, focusing on animal models of gastroenterological illnesses which may retain strong similarities with human diseases. In this paper, taxonomy, detection and characterisation of Helicobacter spp. will be reviewed, together with the most important data issued this year on other Helicobacters and animal models.