[Helicobacter pylori and insulin resistance]

Extragastric or extraintestinal manifestations of Helicobacter pylori infection attract a lot of attention, and recently this microorganism has also been linked with insulin resistance (IR). The metabolic syndrome consists of several known factors which include IR, abnormal fat metabolism, hypertension, abdominal obesity, proinflammatory and prothrombotic state. H. pylori infection and metabolic syndrome both show increase in prevalence with age, and since IR is a key factor in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, research of a possible correlation between H. pylori infection and IR has intensified in the last decade. A few studies demonstrated a direct link between H. pylori infection and IR, and research studies on the influence of eradication therapy on IR and other metabolic parameters were also conducted. It is necessary to carry out additional prospective studies controlling all the confounding factors that could influence the end result so that the association between H. pylori infection and IR development could be elucidated. So far it is premature to advocate intervention measures in high-risk communities, but if this particular association is confirmed, it could drastically change our understanding of pathophysiology and treatment of IR, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.