Alteration of E-cadherin expression in gastric mucosa: role of intestinal metaplasia and Helicobacter pylori infection.
BACKGROUND
Although E-cadherins have been involved in gastric carcinogenesis, their role in precancerous lesions, such as intestinal metaplasia, is still unclear. This study aimed to assess the role of both intestinal metaplasia and H. pylori infection on E-cadherin expression in gastric mucosa.


METHODS
Twenty-one consecutive patients with intestinal metaplasia were enrolled to assess E-cadherin expression in metaplastic areas. Twenty further patients without intestinal metaplasia, with and without H. pylori, were enrolled to evaluate the role of the infection on E-cadherin expression. All patients underwent upper endoscopy and gastric biopsies were taken for histological and immunohistochemical assessment.


RESULTS
A substantial reduction of E-cadherin expression in metaplastic areas was observed in 14 (67%) of the 21 patients, similarly in H. pylori-infected and uninfected patients (64% vs 71%, p=0.3). In the group without intestinal metaplasia, no reduction in E-cadherin expression was detected either in infected patients or in those without H. pylori infection.


CONCLUSIONS
The data showed that intestinal metaplasia is associated with E-cadherin down-regulation, whereas H. pylori infection does not seem to play a direct role in this process.
Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Nuovo Regina Margherita Hospital, Rome, Italy. gastroroma@virgilio.it
Angelo
A
Zullo
Adriana
A
Romiti
Francesco
F
Borrini
Cesare
C
Hassan
Francesca
F
Stella
Ida
I
Sarcina
Maria Enrica
ME
Martini
Silverio
S
Tomao
Sergio
S
Morini
Pietro
P
Mingazzini
D015820:Cadherins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015536:Down-Regulation; D005260:Female; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008679:Metaplasia; D008875:Middle Aged; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D015820:Cadherins