The relationship between Helicobacter pylori and beta-2 microglobulin in humans

H. pylori is related to various gastrointestinal diseases. β₂ Microglobulin (β 2M) is an intrinsic element of major histocompatibility complex (MHC I). Serum β₂M level may increase in inflammatory states. The aim of current study is to evaluate the relationship between β₂M and H. pylori bearing CagA strains.

H. pylori status was determined by histopathology of samples taken from stomach. CagA status and β₂M level were measured from blood samples of patients. Eradication therapy was administered to the patients with H. pylori infection. β₂ Microglobulin levels were measured before and after treatment.

35 (29.2%) H. pylori(-) patients and 85 (70.8%) H. pylori (+) patients were included in the study. There were 52 (43.3%) patients with CagA negative and 33 (27.5%) patients with CagA positive H. pylori infection. The mean serum β₂M level was 1.83 mg/L in H. pylori (-) group, 1.76 mg/L in H. pylori (+) CagA (-) group, and 1.93 mg/L in H. pylori and CagA (+) group (P > 0.05). Serum β 2M levels (1.82 versus 1.64 mg/L P < 0.05) were decreased after eradication.

H. pylori and CagA status did not affect β₂M level. Relationship between low grade systematic inflammation and H. pylori should be investigated to find out new predictors for diseases associated with inflammation.