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Adherence, internalization, and persistence of Helicobacter pylori in hepatocytes

Kyoko Ito1, Yoshio Yamaoka, Hiroyoshi Ota

  • 1Department of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Blvd. 3A-320, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|March 6, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Helicobacter pylori adhere to and invade liver cells (hepatocytes), persisting for over two months. This bacterial internalization depends on specific virulence factors and involves beta1-integrin receptors.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Helicobacter pylori are linked to liver presence, but their role in liver diseases is unknown.
  • Investigating the interaction between H. pylori and hepatocytes is crucial for understanding potential liver pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if H. pylori can be internalized by hepatocytes.
  • To assess the persistence of H. pylori within hepatocytes.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms and bacterial factors involved in H. pylori hepatocyte interaction.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro incubation of hepatocytes with H. pylori.
  • Gentamicin invasion assays to quantify internalized bacteria.
  • Transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural confirmation.
  • Inhibition assays using antibodies and pharmacological agents targeting cellular receptors and pathways.

Main Results:

  • H. pylori adhered to and were internalized by hepatocytes, with approximately 2% persisting for over 2 months.
  • Hepatocyte interaction was significantly greater than with gastric cells and dependent on bacterial virulence factors (cag PAI, VacA, OipA, BabA).
  • Internalization involved beta1-integrin receptors, tyrosine kinase phosphorylation, and actin polymerization.

Conclusions:

  • H. pylori can adhere to, invade, and persist within hepatocytes in vitro.
  • Bacterial virulence factors significantly influence hepatocyte interaction.
  • Beta1-integrin, tyrosine kinase, and actin polymerization are key components of H. pylori internalization into hepatocytes.

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