Flagellin gene diversity among Helicobacter pylori strains and IL-8 secretion from gastric epithelial cells.
BACKGROUND
To clarify the pathological functions of the virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori, a comparative analysis was carried out on the relationship between motility, flagellar gene polymorphism, vacuolating cytotoxin (VT) production and interleukin-8 (IL-8) induction.


METHODS
Twenty-five strains were examined for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the flagellin gene. Motility was measured using semisolid agar plates. Cytotoxicity was assayed using RK-13 cells. IL-8 secretion was assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods.


RESULTS
H. pylori was classified into four groups according to their flagellar RFLP. No differences were noted in motility or VT production among the four groups, but a significant difference was noted in IL-8 induction. In addition, highly motile strains produced more IL-8.


CONCLUSIONS
This flagellar genetic polymorphism may be associated with IL-8 induction.
Ohta-Tada
U
U
Dept. of Internal Medicine 6, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Bohscidai Isehara, Japan.
Takagi
A
A
Koga
Y
Y
Kamiya
S
S
Miwa
T
T
D000818:Animals; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D003603:Cytotoxins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000737:chemistry; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005408:Flagellin / Q000235:genetics*; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000235:genetics*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000378:metabolism*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D011817:Rabbits; D013272:Stomach Diseases / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D014774:Virulence
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D003603:Cytotoxins; D017931:DNA Primers; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D016209:Interleukin-8; C074689:VacA protein, Helicobacter pylori; D005408:Flagellin