Helicobacter pylori and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a review of this  intriguing relationship.
A possible association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been the subject of study and debate in recent years. This review discusses the pathophysiological and immunological mechanisms implicated in this relationship. Although gastric secretion in the majority of H. pylori-infected individuals is unaltered, this review considers how the bacteria may interfere with gastric acid production and what role it may play in GERD. We also identify the epidemiological evidence that confirms that GERD develops after the infection has been eradicated. Lastly, we clarify how the host's immune response and bacterial virulence factors interfere with this relationship, explaining the highly conflicting results in the literature.
Department of Clinical Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba-PR-CEP, Brazil. dra.raquel@cva.med.br
R Canzi Almada de
RC
Souza
José Hermênio Cavalcante
JH
Lima
D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005744:Gastric Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D005756:Gastritis / Q000503:physiopathology; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate
D016207:Cytokines