Comprehensive analysis of Helicobacter pylori infection-associated diseases based on miRNA-mRNA interaction network

Area of Science:

• Genomics and Bioinformatics
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Oncology and Gastroenterology

Background:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a major global health concern, contributing to significant illness and death.
• Understanding H. pylori's pathogenic mechanisms and host interactions is crucial for developing new preventive and therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in H. pylori-infected patients with various gastrointestinal conditions.
• To explore the potential link between H. pylori infection and extragastric diseases through integrated bioinformatics analysis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized miRNA datasets from H. pylori-infected patients diagnosed with gastritis, duodenal ulcer, gastric cancer, or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma.
• Performed differential expression analysis to identify significantly altered miRNAs.
• Conducted functional enrichment and disease connectivity analyses based on miRNA-target gene interactions and hub genes.

Main Results:

• Identified 34 differentially expressed miRNAs in H. pylori-infected patients.
• Functional analysis indicated strong associations between H. pylori infection, cancer pathways, and mRNA synthesis regulation.
• Disease connectivity analysis suggested H. pylori may elevate the risk of extragastric conditions, including cardiovascular, hemic, lymphatic, and nervous system diseases.

Conclusions:

• The study presents an innovative method for predicting pathogen-human disease connectivity using miRNA-mRNA interaction networks.
• Findings highlight the potential of anti-H. pylori therapy as a strategy for preventing a broader spectrum of human diseases.
• This research underscores the systemic impact of H. pylori infection beyond the gastrointestinal tract.