Helicobacter pylori is associated with modified lipid profile: impact on Lipoprotein(a)

Clin Biochem. 2003 Jul;36(5):359-65. doi: 10.1016/s0009-9120(03)00063-8.

Abstract

Objectives: Helicobacter pylori is a controversial risk factor for atherosclerosis. We investigated whether the bacterium persistent inflammation or the expression of the cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) may affect serum lipids as well as Lipoprotein(a).

Design and methods: Two hundred-eleven healthy volunteers were evaluated for lipids and Lipoprotein(a). Helicobacter pylori was characterized by Urea Breath Test and IgG-anti-CagA. apo(a) Kringle-IV polymorphism was genotyped.

Results: Prevalence of the infection was 72%; 43% of subjects expressed CagA reactivity. Infected subjects showed increased levels of cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol atherogenic index. Association with the Helicobacter pylori CagA(-) strains persisted after the adjustment for covariates. Significant difference between infected and uninfected subjects was found in Lipoprotein(a) levels. This difference did not arise from the Kringle-IV genotype.

Conclusions: The infection per se significantly modified serum lipid and Lipoprotein(a) concentrations. CagA does not seem to be a reliable marker of pathogenicity for the atherogenic complications of H. pylori infection.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens, Bacterial / blood
  • Antigens, Bacterial / immunology
  • Apolipoproteins A / blood
  • Apolipoproteins A / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / blood
  • Bacterial Proteins / immunology
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Cholesterol, HDL / blood
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Genotype
  • Helicobacter Infections / blood*
  • Helicobacter Infections / microbiology
  • Helicobacter pylori* / immunology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / blood
  • Lipids / blood*
  • Lipoproteins / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Triglycerides / blood

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Apolipoproteins A
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Lipids
  • Lipoproteins
  • Triglycerides
  • cagA protein, Helicobacter pylori
  • Cholesterol

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