Alpha-defensin expression in the gastric tissue of children with Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastritis: an immunohistochemical study.
In this study, we evaluated the expression of alpha-defensin and its correlation with histological criteria in children with and without Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis. Forty-five children were included. Immunohistochemical staining was performed and the relationship between alpha-defensin immunoscoring and H. pylori status and histological criteria was evaluated. Expression of alpha-defensin was significantly higher in the H. pylori-positive group (P < 0.001) and it was significantly associated with higher grades of chronic inflammation and neutrophil density (P < 0.001 for both). Our data show that alpha-defensin expression is increased in H. pylori infection in childhood and is associated with inflammatory tissue damage.
Soylu
Ozlem Bekem
OB
Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey. obekem@yahoo.com
Ozturk
Yesim
Y
Ozer
Erdener
E
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005756:Gastritis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D023084:alpha-Defensins / Q000378:metabolism*
D023084:alpha-Defensins