Researchers study link between Helicobacter pylori and stomach cancer

Helicobacter pylori (short for Helicobacter pylori) colonizes the stomach and is known to be involved in the development of gastric cancer. It is estimated that more than half of the world’s population is infected with Helicobacter pylori, making it one of the most common bacterial infections.

While there is still much to learn about the link between H. pylori and the development of stomach cancer, the Hudson Institute is at the forefront of studying this link and how to prevent the infection.

The research team of Professor Richard Ferrero, head of the Gastrointestinal Infection and Inflammation Research Group at the Hudson Institute, studied the activity of cytokines, small signaling proteins that are essential for regulating a range of functions in the body. It’s important.

“We found that a specific cytokine (IL-18) previously thought to promote inflammation in H. pylori infection appears to play a protective role in reducing tissue damage and maintaining homeostasis,” Ferrero said. The study Published in journal nature communications.

This finding could have major implications for the treatment and prevention of stomach wall diseases such as gastritis, but also for gastric cancer, which is known to be linked to Helicobacter pylori infection.

“In preclinical models, our team found that conversion of IL-18 to its active form is important for reducing tissue damage,” Ferrero said.

“We now need to determine whether it is also important in preventing the serious effects of H. pylori infection in humans.”

Ferrero’s team is also working on developing a vaccine against Helicobacter pylori infection, which would have a huge impact on the incidence of gastric cancer worldwide.

Helicobacter pylori: What you need to know

Helicobacter pylori, which is usually infected in childhood, can remain in the body for years, causing inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) but causing no symptoms. In some cases, it can cause peptic ulcers, affecting the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). However, the most concerning consequence of H. pylori infection is an increased risk of gastric cancer.

Research shows that people infected with Helicobacter pylori are six times more likely to develop stomach cancer than those who are not infected. This is because H. pylori causes chronic inflammation of the stomach, which can lead to changes in the cells lining the stomach and increase the risk of cancer. One of the ways this happens is that H. pylori induces the cytokine IL-1b, which promotes inflammation and inhibits gastric acid production.

Stomach Bacteria and Cancer Facts:

• Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. In some parts of Asia, it is the second most common cancer.
• It is estimated that more than 1 million people are diagnosed with gastric cancer each year, resulting in more than 700,000 deaths annually.
• Although the exact cause of gastric cancer is not fully understood, Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the main factors in the development of this type of cancer.
• Early detection and treatment of stomach cancer can significantly improve survival chances. Unfortunately, stomach cancer is often diagnosed in its later stages, when treatment is more difficult.
• Most cases of Helicobacter pylori infection do not cause serious illness. However, it is important to be aware of any symptoms and risk factors, such as family history, smoking, and a high-salt diet.