BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been considered a definitive carcinogen in gastric cancer. Telomerase is activated in gastric cancer and some premalignant gastric lesions, including intestinal metaplasia (IM). In this study, we evaluated the relationships of both H. pylori infection and telomerase activity with endoscopic and histologic features in IM. The effects of H. pylori eradication on endoscopic, histologic and biochemical changes were evaluated. METHODS: Endoscopic biopsies were obtained from 43 patients with IM for rapid urease, histologic and telomerase tests. The endoscopic and histologic features, H. pylori infection and telomerase were assessed. After H. pylori eradication, 15 patients were re-evaluated and compared after 4 months. RESULTS: Thirty-four (79.1%) patients were infected with H. pylori. The incidence of H. pylori infection was borderline correlated to the severity of IM (p=0.076). Telomerase was elevated in eight (18.6%) patients. Telomerase tends to be high in subtype III and endoscopic grade III of IM. After H. pylori eradication, endoscopic extent (p=0.039) and histologic severity (p=0.074) showed improvements, and telomerase decreased significantly (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that telomerase is associated with the severity and extent of IM and that H. pylori eradication improves the endoscopic and histologic features in IM, and decreases telomerase activity. H. pylori eradication can be considered one of the methods to prevent gastric cancer in patients with H. pylori-infected IM. Further long-term and large-scaled study will be needed.
Female ; Helicobacter Infections/*enzymology ; *Helicobacter pylori ; Human ; Intestinal Mucosa/enzymology/microbiology/*pathology ; Male ; Metaplasia/enzymology/microbiology ; Middle Aged ; Precancerous Conditions/enzymology/microbiology ; Stomach Neoplasms/*enzymology/microbiology ; Telomerase/*metabolism

In order to study the association between lower urinary tract infection and cystitis glandularis (CG), 120 cases of CG were diagnosed by cystoscopic biopsy in the suspicious foci of the bladder. Among them, 72 cases were subjected to bacterial counting culture of urine and microscopic examination of urinary sediment, and 60 cases to fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) assay to detect HPV, CMV and HSV DNA in urine samples. In the 72 cases of CG, the positive rate of bacterial counting culture of urine was 15.3% (11/72), and gray zone rate was 18.1% (13/72). 31.9% (23/72) patients were positive in bacterioscopy of urinary sediment. There was statistically significant difference as compared with the control group (P<0.01). Only 4 of 60 urine samples were positive by FQ-PCR in detection of the three viruses mentioned above with the positive rate being 6.67%. Compared with the control group, there was no significant difference (P>0.05). It was concluded that the genesis of CG was closely correlated with the chronic lower urinary tract infection, especially caused by Esch coli.
Adult ; Cystitis ; etiology ; microbiology ; pathology ; Escherichia coli Infections ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Metaplasia ; Middle Aged ; Urinary Bladder ; microbiology ; pathology ; Urinary Tract Infections ; complications ; microbiology ; pathology

Objective To evaluate the gastric microbiome in patients with chronic superficial gastritis (CSG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) and investigate the influence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) on the gastric microbiome. Methods Gastric mucosa tissue samples were collected from 54 patients with CSG and IM, and the patients were classified into the following four groups based on the state of H. pylori infection and histology: H. pylori-negative CSG (n=24), H. pylori-positive CSG (n=14), H. pylori-negative IM (n=11), and H. pylori-positive IM (n=5). The gastric microbiome was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results H. pylori strongly influenced the bacterial abundance and diversity regardless of CSG and IM. In H. pylori-positive subjects, the bacterial abundance and diversity were significantly lower than in H. pylori-negative subjects. The H. pylori-negative groups had similar bacterial composition and bacterial abundance. The H. pylori-positive groups also had similar bacterial composition but different bacterial relative abundance. The relative abundance of Neisseria, Streptococcus, Rothia, and Veillonella were richer in the I-HP group than in G-HP group, especially Neisseria (t=175.1, P<0.001). Conclusions The gastric microbial abundance and diversity are lower in H. pylori- infected patients regardless of CSG and IM. Compared to H. pylori-positive CSG group and H. pylori-positive IM, the relative abundance of Neisseria, Streptococcus, Rothia, and Veillonella is higher in H. pylori-positive patients with IM than in H. pylori-positive patients with CSG, especially Neisseria.
Gastric Mucosa/microbiology* ; Gastritis, Atrophic/microbiology* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics* ; Helicobacter Infections/microbiology* ; Helicobacter pylori/genetics* ; Humans ; Metaplasia ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics* ; Stomach Neoplasms

In order to study the association between lower urinary tract infection and cystitis glandularis (CG), 120 cases of CG were diagnosed by cystoscopic biopsy in the suspicious foci of the bladder. Among them, 72 cases were subjected to bacterial counting culture of urine and microscopic examination of urinary sediment, and 60 cases to fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) assay to detect HPV, CMV and HSV DNA in urine samples. In the 72 cases of CG, the positive rate of bacterial counting culture of urine was 15.3% (11/72), and gray zone rate was 18.1% (13/72). 31.9% (23/72) patients were positive in bacterioscopy of urinary sediment. There was statistically significant difference as compared with the control group (P<0.01). Only 4 of 60 urine samples were positive by FQ-PCR in detection of the three viruses mentioned above with the positive rate being 6.67%. Compared with the control group, there was no significant difference (P>0.05). It was concluded that the genesis of CG was closely correlated with the chronic lower urinary tract infection, especially caused by Esch coli.
Cystitis/etiology ; Cystitis/microbiology ; Cystitis/*pathology ; *Escherichia coli Infections ; Metaplasia ; Urinary Bladder/microbiology ; Urinary Bladder/*pathology ; Urinary Tract Infections/complications ; Urinary Tract Infections/*microbiology ; Urinary Tract Infections/pathology

The aim of this study was to examine whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) attaches to areas of intestinal metaplasia in Korean patients. Gastric biopsy specimens with intestinal metaplasia from 8 gastric cancers, 24 gastric ulcers, 11 duodenal ulcers, and 57 chronic gastritis were examined. The specimens were stained with periodic acid-Schiff/alcian blue pH 2.5 and high-iron diamine/alcian blue pH 2.5 to identify the subtype of intestinal metaplasia, and then immunohistochemical stain was done with rabbit anti-H. pylori polyclonal antibody. In 17 patients, H. pylori attached to areas of type II intestinal metaplasia. All areas of intestinal metaplasia showing adherence contained sialomucin, and H. pylori was not detected in the areas of intestinal absorptive cells and sulfomucin-containing metaplastic cells.
Adult ; Aged ; Bacterial Adhesion/physiology* ; Female ; Gastric Mucosa/pathology* ; Gastric Mucosa/microbiology* ; Helicobacter pylori/physiology* ; Human ; Intestines/pathology* ; Intestines/microbiology* ; Korea ; Male ; Metaplasia ; Middle Age

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of different Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) clinical strains on the proliferation and apoptosis of gastric epithelial cells, and to observe the effect of H.pylori on gastric mucosa by Mongolian gerbil model infected H.pylori. METHODS: H.pylori isolates harvested from pathologically documented gastric carcinoma (GC, n=10) or chronic gastritis specimens (CG, n=10) were co-cultured with GES-1 cells individually. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to determine the proliferation and apoptosis of GES-1 cells induced by H.pylori isolates. Mongolian gerbils were infected by the most (A strain) and the least (B strain) significantly proliferated H.pylori strains. Results When co-cultured with the cell/bacteria concentration ratio 1:1 and 1:50 for 12 h and the cell/bacteria concentration ratio 1:50 for 24 h, H.pylori clinical strains isolated from patients with gastric cancer promoted the proliferation of GES-1 cells, and there was significant difference in the absorbance compared with the group of gastritis strains(P<0.05). The apoptosis rate of the GC and CG groups increased significantly (P<0.05) compared with the control group when co-cultured with the cell/bacteria concentration ratio 1:50 and 1:200, and there was no significant difference between the GC group and the CG group (P>0.05). The incidences of intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia in the A strain group were significantly higher than those in the B strain group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION H.pylori strains from different disease sources have different effects on the proliferation of GES-1 cells. H.pylori isolated from gastric cancer can promote the proliferation of cells to different degrees and directly induce gastric precancerosis and gastric cancer.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; Chronic Disease ; Gastric Mucosa ; cytology ; microbiology ; pathology ; Gastritis ; microbiology ; pathology ; Gerbillinae ; Helicobacter Infections ; pathology ; Helicobacter pylori ; pathogenicity ; Humans ; Metaplasia ; pathology ; Precancerous Conditions ; microbiology ; pathology ; Stomach Neoplasms ; microbiology ; pathology

Intestinal metaplasia (IM) has been regarded as a premalignant condition. However, the pathogenesis of IM is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of CDX1 and CDX2 in the formation of IM and the progression to dysplasia and gastric cancer (GC). A total of 270 subjects included 90 with GC, dysplasia and age- and sex-matched controls. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was performed with body specimens for CDX1 and CDX2. The expression of CDX2 was significantly higher in H. pylori positive group than H. pylori negative group (P = 0.045). CDX1 and CDX2 expression increased proportional to the IM grade of the body (P < 0.001). CDX2 expression was significantly higher in incomplete type of IM than in complete type (P = 0.045). The expression of CDX1 in dysplasia group was significantly higher than in the control group (P = 0.001); in addition, CDX1 and CDX2 in cancer group was significantly higher than control group (P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). Aberrant expression of CDX1 and CDX2 correlated with H. pylori infection and grade of IM in the body. Furthermore, the results suggest that CDX1 and CDX2 play a role in the progression to GC and dysplasia.
Aged ; Female ; Helicobacter Infections/complications/microbiology ; Helicobacter pylori/isolation & purification ; Homeodomain Proteins/*genetics/metabolism ; Humans ; Intestinal Diseases/*genetics/microbiology/pathology ; Male ; Metaplasia/pathology ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Precancerous Conditions/metabolism/pathology ; Stomach Neoplasms/etiology/*genetics/microbiology

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate a new monoclonal antibody for Helicobacter pylori urease in gastric tissue. METHODS: A total of 107 volunteers were enrolled. All subjects underwent a 13C-urea breath test and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Gastric aspirates were analyzed for pH and ammonia. Six biopsy specimens in the gastric antrum and body were obtained for a rapid urease test and histology. The new monoclonal antibody-based H. pylori urease test (HPU) was performed to rapidly and qualitatively detect urease in two biopsy specimens. RESULTS: H. pylori infection was diagnosed in 73 subjects. The sensitivity and specificity of the HPU was 89% and 74%, respectively. The subjects were divided into two groups: one with true-positive and true-negative HPU results (n = 90) and the other with false-positive and false-negative HPU results (n = 17). Across all subjects, ammonia levels were 900.5 +/- 646.7 and 604.3 +/- 594.3 mumol/L (p > 0.05), and pH was 3.37 +/- 1.64 and 2.82 +/- 1.51 (p > 0.05). Sensitivity was higher in the presence of atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia. CONCLUSIONS: HPU detected H. pylori in approximately 10 min. Gastric aspirate ammonia and pH levels did not affect the test results. Sensitivity was good in the presence of atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia.
Adult ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/*immunology ; Bacterial Proteins/*analysis/immunology ; Biomarkers/analysis ; Biopsy ; False Negative Reactions ; False Positive Reactions ; Female ; Gastritis, Atrophic/*diagnosis/microbiology ; Helicobacter Infections/*diagnosis/microbiology ; Helicobacter pylori/*enzymology/immunology ; Humans ; *Immunologic Tests ; Male ; Metaplasia ; Middle Aged ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Pyloric Antrum/*microbiology/pathology ; Reproducibility of Results ; Time Factors ; Urease/*analysis/immunology ; Workflow

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Long-term Helicobater pylori infection results in atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia, and increases the risk of gastric cancer. However, it is still controversial that eradication of H. pylori improves atrophy or metaplasia. Therefore, we investigated histological changes after the H. pylori eradication in patients with atrophy or metaplasia. METHODS: One hundred seven patients who received successful eradication of H. pylori infection in Hanyang University, Guri Hospital from March 2001 to April 2006, were enrolled. Antral biopsy was taken before the eradication to confirm the H. pylori infection and grade of atrophy or metaplasia by updated Sydney System. After a certain period of time, antral biopsy was repeatedly taken to confirm the eradication and investigate histological changes of atrophy or metaplasia. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 55.3+/-11.3, and average follow-up period was 28.7+/-13.9 months. Endoscopic diagnosis included gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, non-ulcer antral gastritis. Atrophy was observed in 41 of 91 and their average score was 0.73+/-0.92. After the eradication of H. pylori, atrophy was improved (0.38+/-0.70, p=0.025). However, metaplasia which was observed in 49 of 107, did not significantly improve during the follow-up period. Newly developed atrophy (7 of 38) or metaplasia (18 of 49) was observed in patients who without atrophy or metaplasia initially. Their average scores were slightly lower than those of cases with pre-existing atrophy or metaplasia without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: After the eradication of H. pylori infection, atrophic gastritis may be improved, but change of intestinal metaplasia is milder and may take longer duration for improvement.
Adult ; Aged ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Anti-Ulcer Agents/therapeutic use ; Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastritis, Atrophic/etiology/microbiology/*pathology ; Helicobacter Infections/*complications/drug therapy ; *Helicobacter pylori/drug effects/isolation & purification ; Humans ; Intestines/*pathology ; Male ; Metaplasia/microbiology ; Middle Aged ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo establish an animal model of gastric cancer by long-term infection of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) and to elucidate the pathogenesis by proteomics analysis.

METHODSFifty male Mongolian gerbils (4-5 week-old and weighted 60-100 g) were infected with H.pylori and the gastric tissues were obtained after the infection at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Histological changes were evaluated by H-E staining of the gastric tissue sections. Detection of H.pylori was performed by in-vitro culture of fresh gastric tissue samples, PCR amplification of H.pylori 16s rRNA and localization by silver staining. In addition, proteins extracted from gastric tissue samples were subjected to two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) at various infection time points. Protein spots with increased quantity over the course of H.pylori infection were selected and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Finally, differentially expressed proteins between human gastric cancer tissue samples and lymph nodes were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTSColonization of H.pylori was observed in gastric tissue of gerbils as early as 3 months after H.pylori infection, and persisted till 24 months. Pathological examination of infected animals showed various histological changes including acute gastritis, atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and gastric carcinoma. Seventy-eight differentially expressed proteins were identified by proteomics analysis, among which 36 proteins were up-regulated and 42 were down-regulated. Analyzed by LC-MS/MS, ten proteins were identified, including lactate dehydrogenase, ATP synthase, fatty acid-binding protein, COX5B, peroxiredoxin-4, peroxide reductase, transgelin, succinyl-CoA ligase, keratin and protein disulfide-isomerase A2, among which transgelin, ATP synthase and lactate dehydrogenase were highly expressed in human gastric carcinoma and lymph nodes.

CONCLUSIONSH.pylori infection induces the expression of transgelin, ATP synthase and lactate dehydrogenase, implying possible roles in the pathogenesis of gastric diseases including cancer.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Gastritis ; microbiology ; pathology ; Gerbillinae ; Helicobacter Infections ; complications ; metabolism ; Helicobacter pylori ; genetics ; Humans ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Male ; Metaplasia ; Microfilament Proteins ; metabolism ; Muscle Proteins ; metabolism ; Proteomics ; Proton-Translocating ATPases ; metabolism ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; analysis ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry