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Identification of Autoantigens in Pediatric Gastric Juices
Hee-Shang Youn1, Jin-Su Jun1, Jung Sook Yeom1
1Department of Pediatrics, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Gyeongsang Institute of Health Science, Jinju, Korea.
Insights
Gastric autoantigens, including gastric lipase and pepsin, were identified in children's stomach juices. This finding suggests these enzymes may play a role in autoimmune responses within the pediatric stomach.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Autoimmune conditions can affect the gastrointestinal tract.
- Identifying specific autoantigens is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and identity of autoantigens in the gastric juices of children.
- To correlate autoantigen presence with age and gastric pathology.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gastric juice and serum samples from 53 children (<15 years) using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), immunoblot analysis, and mass spectrometry.
- Histopathological examination and urease testing were performed.
- Comparison of proteomic findings with clinical and pathological data.
Main Results:
- Three distinct gastric juice patterns were observed via 2-DE, with one pattern absent in children under 5.
- Immunoblots revealed significant autoantigenic spots identified as gastric lipase and pepsin A and C.
- No significant differences in urease positivity or gastritis grades were found across age groups, though some histopathological findings varied.
Conclusions:
- Gastric lipase and pepsin A/C were identified as autoantigens in pediatric gastric juice.
- These enzymes, normally secreted under acidic conditions, may be involved in autoimmune processes in the stomach.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the role and pathophysiology of these gastric autoantigens.
Purpose:
This study aimed to investigate the presence of autoantigens in the gastric juices of children.
Methods:
Gastric juice and serum samples were obtained from 53 children <15 years of age who underwent gastric endoscopy. Among these, 8, 22, and 23 participants were in the age groups 0-5, 6-10, and 11-15 years, respectively. These samples were analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), immunoblot analysis, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of-flight mass spectrometry. Furthermore, we reviewed the histopathological findings and urease test results and compared them with the results of 2-DE and immunoblot analysis.
Results:
There were no statistically significant differences in urease test positivity, grades of chronic gastritis, active gastritis, or Helicobacter pylori infiltration of the antrum and body among the three age groups. Three distinct patterns of gastric juice were observed on 2-DE. Pattern I was the most common, and pattern III was not observed below the age of 5 years. Histopathological findings were significantly different among active gastritis (p=0.037) and H. pylori infiltration (p=0.060) in the gastric body. The immunoblots showed large spots at an approximate pH of 3-4 and molecular weights of 31-45 kDa. These distinct, large positive spots were identified as gastric lipase and pepsin A and C.
Conclusion:
Three enzymes, which are normally secreted under acidic conditions were identified as autoantigens. Further investigation of the pathophysiology and function of autoantigens in the stomach is required.
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