The influence of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the gastric mucosal content of epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha, and their common receptor.
BACKGROUND
The relationship between the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and that of their receptor (EGF-R) in the Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric mucosa has not been completely elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine the interplay between H. pylori colonization and gastric mucosal growth factor content.


METHODS
By means of a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay EGF, TGF-alpha, and EGF-R levels and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) content, which is considered a marker of chronic inflammation, were evaluated in the antral mucosa of 24 H. pylori-positive patients before and 8 weeks after eradication therapy.


RESULTS
After therapy H. pylori was eradicated in 19 patients. The eradication was accompanied by a significant decrease in IL-1beta content and an increase in EGF and TGF-alpha levels. On the other hand, in the five patients in whom the bacterium was not eradicated EGF, TGF-alpha, and EGF-R levels were quite similar to those assayed before therapy, whereas IL-1beta content was still high.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that H. pylori exerts an inhibitory effect on the mucosal expression of EGF and TGF-alpha, which are likely involved in the gastric mucosa repair process.
Russo
F
F
Laboratory of Biochemistry, IRCCS Saverio de Bellis, Castellana G. (Bari), Italy.
Messa
C
C
Amati
L
L
Caradonna
L
L
Leoci
C
C
Di Matteo
G
G
Jirillo
E
E
Di Leo
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000378:metabolism*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D007375:Interleukin-1; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D066246:ErbB Receptors