Infection with Helicobacter pylori affects all major secretory cell populations in the human antrum

Dig Dis Sci. 2005 Jun;50(6):1078-86. doi: 10.1007/s10620-005-2708-4.

Abstract

We have investigated how gastric H. pylori infection affects antrum secretory cell types by studying the expression of secretory proteins in antrum epithelium. Antrum biopsy specimens were prospectively collected from 102 individuals (49 H. pylori-infected). Immunohistochemistry was performed for secretory mucins (MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC6), Trefoil factor family (TFF)-peptides (TFF1, TFF2), endocrine peptides (gastrin, chromogranin A), and proliferating cells (Ki-67). Protein expression was quantified morphometrically. H. pylori infection was significantly correlated to mucosal inflammation and to epithelial atrophy and proliferation. In H. pylori-infected patients the number of proliferating cells increased significantly, and the zone of proliferating cells shifted toward the surface epithelium of the antral glands. Infection was correlated with decreased MUC5AC, TFF1, and TFF2 expression and increased MUC6 and MUC5B expression. Endocrine cells expressing chromagranin A and gastrin shifted toward the surface epithelium of the antral glands in H. pylori-infected patients. H. pylori infection and concomitant inflammation induced increased epithelial proliferation and triggered coordinate deregulation of secretory cell populations in the antrum. In particular, infection led to a coordinated increase in cells expressing MUC6 and MUC5B at the expense of MUC5AC-producing cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Epithelial Cells / microbiology
  • Gastric Mucosa / metabolism
  • Gastric Mucosa / microbiology
  • Gastric Mucosa / physiopathology
  • Helicobacter Infections / physiopathology*
  • Helicobacter pylori*
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Protein Biosynthesis / physiology*
  • Pyloric Antrum / metabolism*
  • Pyloric Antrum / microbiology
  • Pyloric Antrum / physiopathology
  • Trefoil Factor-2

Substances

  • TFF2 protein, human
  • Trefoil Factor-2