Inhibitory effect of IL-4 on the production of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha by gastric mononuclear cells of Helicobacter pylori infected patients.
BACKGROUND
The mechanisms by which Helicobacter pylori damages host tissues are complex and unclear.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on the production of proinflammatory cytokines by the gastric mononuclear cells of H. pylori infected patients was determined.


METHODS
The effect of IL-4 and IFN-gamma on the production of proinflammatory cytokines by the gastric mononuclear cells of H. pylori infected patients was determined.


RESULTS
IL-4 markedly reduced the production of IL-1 beta and tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-alpha) by the gastric mononuclear cells of H. pylori infected patients (P < 0.01). Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay indicated a decrease in IL-4 producing cells (P < 0.05) and an increase in IFN-gamma secreting cells (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The increased level of proinflammatory cytokines may be due to hyposecretion of IL-4 in H. pylori infected patients. T helper type 1 (Th1) immune response with increased IFN-gamma also contributes to the inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
Amjad
M
M
Department of Microbiology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
Kazmi
S U
SU
Qureshi
S M
SM
Reza-ul Karim
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects*
D007375:Interleukin-1; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007371:Interferon-gamma