Expression of tryptophan hydroxylase in gastric mucosa in symptomatic and asymptomatic Helicobacter pylori infection.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Helicobacter pylori infection induces clinical symptoms in 15-20% of subjects, and the reason for this variation is still not clear. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the expression of tryptophan hydroxylase (TpH-1) in gastric mucosa of patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic H. pylori infection in relation to the intensity of bacterial colonization and severity of dyspeptic symptoms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Ninety subjects (aged 35-49 years) were enrolled in the study and separated into 3 groups of 30 subjects each. Group I - healthy volunteers without H. pylori infection, group II - subjects with asymptomatic H. pylori infection, group III - H. pylori-infected patients with dyspeptic symptoms, mainly fasting and nocturnal epigastric pain. To diagnose H. pylori infection the urea breath test (UBT-13C) and histological analysis were performed. The level of mRNA expression of tryptophan hydroxylase (TpH-1) was estimated in gastric mucosa with RT-PCR.

RESULTS:

The expression of this enzyme in antral mucosa was 2.69 ±0.97 in group I, 2.28 ±0.69 in group II (p > 0.05) and 4.40 ±1.64 in group III (p < 0.001). The levels of expression of TpH-1 in gastric body mucosa were 2.16 ±0.70, 1.57 ±0.52 (p > 0.05) and 3.40 ±1.51 (p < 0.001), respectively. In group III a positive correlation was found between intensity of H. pylori colonization and TpH-1 expression as well as between TpH-1 expression and severity of dyspeptic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS:

Increased expression of TpH-1 in gastric mucosa plays a role in pathogenesis of chronic dyspepsia.

• Authors: Cezary Chojnacki, Tomasz Popławski, Aleksandra Błońska, Janusz Błasiak, Marek Romanowski, Jan Chojnacki
• Journal: Archives of medical science : AMS (Arch Med Sci) Vol. 15 Issue 2 Pg. 416-423 (Mar 2019) ISSN: 1734-1922 [Print] Poland
• PMID: 30899295 (Publication Type: Journal Article)