title: Decreased TFF2 expression in the gastric antrum in patients infected with CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The trefoils factor family is a relatively new family of peptides. Their abundant expression in the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract in the normal physiological state and in various ulcerative conditions suggests an important role in mucosal defense and repair. Infection with Helicobacter pylori interferes with normal mucosal activity.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate whether H. pylori infection alters the expression of trefoils TFF1 and TFF2 in the gastric mucosa of patients with H. pylori-associated chronic active gastritis, positive or negative for the CagA strain.
  
  
  METHODS
  During investigation for dyspepsia, gastric biopsies and blood samples were obtained from patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Rapid urease testing, histology for determination of H. pylori-associated CAG and Western analysis for TFF1 and TFF2 expression with antisera were performed. CagA state was determined using a commercial kit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TFF2 expression was significantly reduced in both groups of patients with H. pylori-associated CAG compared to healthy patients without H. pylori infection, particularly in CagA-positive patients. TFF1 expression showed a tendency of reduction (not significant) in this group only.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that H. pylori-associated CAG has a deleterious effect on the expression of TFF2 in the gastric antrum. This reduced expression may contribute to the damage induced to the gastric mucosa by H. pylori.
authors.affiliation: Eliachar Research Laboratory, Western Galilee Hospital, Nahariya, Israel. Regina.Michelis@naharia.health.gov.il
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Michelis
authors.forename: Shifra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sela
authors.forename: Wisam
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sbeit
authors.forename: Hector I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Reshef