Immunity markers in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: effect of eradication.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Helicobacter pylori is a microorganism able to stimulate a robust inflammatory and systemic immune response.

AIM:

The aim of our study was to evaluate autoimmune markers in dyspeptic patients positive for H. pylori infection compared to a control group of non-H. pylori-infected subjects. The kinetics of cryoglobulins and autoantibodies was evaluated after treatment of the infection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Dyspeptic patients with active H. pylori infection and age- and sex-matched healthy H. pylori-negative controls were studied. Markers of immunity were compared, in H. pylori-infected patients before, 6 months and 1 year after the end of therapy. Results were also compared between those with and without successful eradication therapy.

RESULTS:

Eighty-six individual were entered (43 H. pylori-infected). H. pylori-infected patients had higher levels of IgG and/or IgA and/or IgM (22/43 versus 2/43). Circulating immune complexes and cryoglobulins were detected in patients more often than controls (p < .05 for both). Autoantibodies were observed in 13 patients (30% versus 5% in controls) and antithyroid antibodies in 12 (p < .04 versus controls). Lower levels of C3 and/or C4 complement fractions were observed in infected patients with respect to controls (7/43 versus 1/43; p = .014). After 1 year of follow-up, the markers of autoimmunity dramatically improved in patients eradicated for H. pylori infection compared to those in whom therapy failed. No patient developed a clinical autoimmune disorder.

CONCLUSIONS:

Additional studies are necessary to ascertain the clinical significance of the modifications of autoimmune markers in patients with H. pylori infection.

• Authors: Maria Pina Dore, Laura Fastame, Andreina Tocco, Riccardo Negrini, Giuseppe Delitala, Giuseppe Realdi
• Journal: Helicobacter (Helicobacter) Vol. 10 Issue 5 Pg. 391-7 (Oct 2005) ISSN: 1083-4389 [Print] England
• PMID: 16181349 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Antigen-Antibody Complex
• Autoantibodies
• Biomarkers
• Cryoglobulins
• Immunoglobulins

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antigen-Antibody Complex (blood)
• Autoantibodies (blood)
• Autoimmunity
• Biomarkers
• Case-Control Studies
• Cryoglobulins (metabolism)
• Dyspepsia (immunology, microbiology)
• Female
• Helicobacter Infections (drug therapy, immunology, microbiology)
• Helicobacter pylori (drug effects)
• Humans
• Immunoglobulins (blood)
• Male
• Middle Aged