Expression of proinflammatory and Th1 but not Th2 cytokines is enhanced in gastric mucosa of Helicobacter pylori infected children.
BACKGROUND
Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric inflammation is thought to be largely regulated by cytokines.


METHODS
The expression of interferon-gamma, interleukin-12, interleukin-4, interleukin-10, interleukin-8, and interleukin-17 mRNA was examined on gastric mucosal samples from 24 children by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and southern blotting. Biopsy-based tests, serology, and urea 13C breath test were used to assess Helicobacter pylori status. Gastric biopsies were also evaluated for bacterial density, chronic inflammation, and acute inflammatory activity.


RESULTS
Interferon-gamma, interleukin-12, interleukin-8 and interleukin-17 expression was higher in Helicobacter pylori-infected (n=13) than uninfected (n=11) children. Conversely, interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 expression did not differ between Helicobacter pylori-infected and uninfected children. In Helicobacter pylori-infected children, interferon-gamma, interleukin-12, interleukin-8 and interleukin-17 expression correlated with bacterial density, and Interferon-gamma and interleukin-12 expression with chronic inflammation score.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study indicate that, in children, Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammatory response would favour production of proinflammatory cytokines and development of cell-mediated immunity, namely Th1 response.
Luzza
F
F
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Italy. luzza@unicz.it
Parrello
T
T
Sebkova
L
L
Pensabene
L
L
Imeneo
M
M
Mancuso
M
M
La Vecchia
A M
AM
Monteleone
G
G
Strisciuglio
P
P
Pallone
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005756:Gastritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal / Q000276:immunology*; D007223:Infant; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology*
D016207:Cytokines; D018836:Inflammation Mediators