Differential expression of inflammatory cytokines in helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis

Abstract Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is well known for its ability to cause gastric inflammation, gastritis and gastric cancer. H. pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces the expression of various inflammatory cytokines, different from those produced by LPS of other gram-negative bacteria. The differential expression of various cytokines in gastritis determines the extent of infection and progression to gastric cancer. This study investigated Il-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-a gene and protein to gain insights into the differences in H. pylori-infected gastritis from non-infected gastritis. The genes were quantified using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The proteins were quantified using immunohistochemical staining and ELISA methods. Gastric samples were obtained from patients with gastritis and were divided into three groups; 1) normal, 2) gastritis only, and 3) gastritis with H. pylori infection. A statistically significant difference was observed in the expression of cytokines in gastritis samples infected with H. pylori. Among patients suffering from gastritis with H. pylori infection, the IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 levels were lower, whereas IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-a were higher.