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Helicobacter pylori gastritis in children is associated with a regulatory T-cell response

Paul R Harris1, Shelton W Wright, Carolina Serrano

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río, Santiago, Chile.

Gastroenterology
|February 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Children infected with Helicobacter pylori show less gastric inflammation and more T regulatory (Treg) cells. These Treg cells may protect children from H pylori-induced stomach issues.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Helicobacter pylori infection commonly causes gastritis but infrequently leads to ulcers in children.
  • T regulatory (Treg) cells are known to suppress T-cell-mediated inflammation, a key factor in H pylori-induced gastritis in adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare gastric histopathology and Treg cell responses in H pylori-infected children and adults.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective evaluation of gastric tissue from 36 children and 79 adults in Santiago, Chile.
  • Assessed H pylori presence, Sydney classification histopathology, and Treg responses via immunoassay, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR.

Main Results:

  • H pylori infection rates were similar (50% in children, 65% in adults).
  • Children exhibited significantly reduced gastritis (P < .05) compared to adults.
  • H pylori-infected children had increased gastric Treg cells and elevated Treg cytokines (TGF-β1, IL-10) (P < .03, P < .05).

Conclusions:

  • Gastric pathology is diminished in H pylori-infected children relative to adults.
  • Increased local Treg cell responses in children appear to down-regulate H pylori-induced inflammation and ulceration.
Abstract

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