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Virulent strains of Helicobacter pylori and vascular diseases: a meta-analysis

Vincenzo Pasceri1, Giuseppe Patti, Giovanni Cammarota

  • 1Cardiology Department, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome. vpasceri@hotmail.com

American Heart Journal
|June 20, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Virulent Helicobacter pylori strains carrying the CagA gene are linked to vascular diseases like ischemic heart disease and cerebral ischemia. This association, particularly with CagA-positive strains, suggests an independent relationship, though further research on cerebral ischemia is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Hepatology
  • Cardiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA)-positive Helicobacter pylori strains are linked to peptic ulcers and gastric cancer.
  • The association between these virulent H. pylori strains and vascular diseases remains controversial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between CagA-positive H. pylori strains and vascular diseases.
  • To clarify the role of virulent H. pylori in ischemic heart disease and cerebral ischemia.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted on the MEDLINE database.
  • Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model to synthesize data from case-control and prospective cohort studies.

Main Results:

  • Case-control studies showed a significant association between CagA-positive strains and ischemic heart disease (OR 1.87) and cerebral ischemia (OR 2.43).
  • Prospective studies indicated a weaker but significant association between CagA-positive strains and ischemic heart disease (OR 1.26).
  • No significant association was found between CagA-negative strains and these vascular diseases.

Conclusions:

  • A significant association exists between virulent CagA-positive H. pylori strains and vascular diseases.
  • The findings support an independent relationship between virulent H. pylori and vascular conditions.
  • Further prospective studies are recommended to confirm the association with cerebral ischemia.
Abstract

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