Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Mouse Models Of Helicobacter Infection And Gastric Pathologies
07:43

Mouse Models Of Helicobacter Infection And Gastric Pathologies

Published on: October 18, 2018

Microbes and Alzheimer' disease: lessons from H. pylori and GUT microbiota

F Franceschi1, V Ojetti, M Candelli

  • 1Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, and Institute of Neurology; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy. veronica.ojetti@gmail.com.

European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|January 19, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and gut dysbiosis may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis by promoting chronic inflammation and molecular mimicry. Further research into H. pylori eradication and gut microbiota modulation is warranted for AD prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The role of microbes and chronic inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis is increasingly recognized.
  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and gut microbiota alterations are implicated in chronic inflammation, potentially influencing AD.
  • Existing literature suggests a link between these factors and neurodegenerative processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze recent studies on the role of H. pylori and gut dysbiosis in Alzheimer's disease.
  • To explore potential pathogenic mechanisms linking microbial factors to AD.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of current research in this field.

Main Methods:

  • Review and analysis of recent animal, human, epidemiological, and in-silico studies.
  • Examination of pathogenic explanations for the observed associations.
  • Synthesis of evidence regarding microbial influence on neurodegeneration.

Main Results:

  • Multiple studies indicate a role for H. pylori and/or gut dysbiosis in AD pathogenesis.
  • These effects are primarily mediated through the promotion of systemic chronic inflammation and molecular mimicry.
  • H. pylori infection is specifically associated with poorer cognitive performance in individuals with AD.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial involvement in neurodegeneration is supported by evidence of inflammation, molecular mimicry, and amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation.
  • Findings suggest potential therapeutic strategies involving H. pylori eradication and gut microbiota modulation.
  • Further clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotics, prebiotics, and probiotics in AD prevention.

More Related Videos

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing11:22

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis09:18

A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis

Published on: July 28, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...
Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics01:21

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...
Gastritis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Gastritis II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of gastritis begins with the colonization of the stomach lining by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium spreads mainly via the oral-oral route through saliva or shared utensils, and can also be transmitted in overcrowded or unhygienic environments through contaminated water, despite its brief survival outside the body.ColonizationOnce ingested, H. pylori enters the stomach and begins colonization by navigating through the mucus layer lining the stomach wall. It...
Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology

Peptic ulcer disease develops when protective mechanisms of the gastrointestinal mucosa are overwhelmed by harmful factors, leading to localized erosions in the stomach or proximal duodenum. The main causes are Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).Helicobacter pylori–Induced InjuryBacterial Adaptation and Colonization:H. pylori is a spiral, Gram-negative bacterium adapted to the acidic stomach. and transmitted through oral-oral or...