Selected Markers of Inflammation in the Saliva of Children Infected with Helicobacter pylori
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Published on: September 12, 2016
Mateusz Zakrzewski1, Agnieszka Gornowicz2, Magdalena Zakrzewska3
1Department of Urology and Oncological Urology, Voivodeship Hospital in Lomza, 18-404 Lomza, Poland.
Insights
Children infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) show elevated levels of IL-8, neutrophil defensin-1 (ND-1), and TLR-2 in saliva. These findings offer new insights into H. pylori-associated inflammation and diagnostics in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is prevalent globally, affecting up to 50% of the population.
- Diagnosing H. pylori in children presents unique challenges, necessitating further research into pediatric infection markers.
- Salivary inflammatory markers are being explored as potential indicators of H. pylori infection and associated oral inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze concentrations of specific inflammatory and other markers in the saliva of children with and without H. pylori infection.
- To investigate potential correlations between these salivary markers and H. pylori infection status in children.
- To enhance understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of oral inflammation in pediatric H. pylori infections.
Main Methods:
- Study included a group of children infected with H. pylori (Hp(+)) and a control group (Hp(-)).
- Saliva samples were collected and analyzed for concentrations of interleukin-8 (IL-8), neutrophil defensin-1 (ND-1), Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2), and other markers.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique was employed for quantitative analysis of the selected markers.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased concentrations of IL-8, ND-1, and TLR-2 were confirmed in children infected with H. pylori compared to the control group.
- Positive and significant correlations were observed between ND-1 and MMP-2, sICAM-1, and calprotectin in infected children.
- Significant correlations were also found between MMP-9 and MMP-2 concentrations in the H. pylori-infected pediatric group.
Conclusions:
- Elevated salivary IL-8, ND-1, and TLR-2 levels are associated with H. pylori infection in children.
- Specific correlations between salivary markers (ND-1, MMP-9, MMP-2, sICAM-1, calprotectin) provide insights into inflammatory pathways.
- These findings support the potential for salivary marker analysis in monitoring H. pylori disease processes and improving pediatric diagnostics.
Abstract:
Helicobacter pylori has been of interest to scientists and clinicians for many years, often causing diagnostic difficulties, especially in the youngest age group, in children. The presence of this bacterium in the population depends on the geographic region. However, it is assumed that even half of the world's population may be infected with H. pylori. Children infected with H. pylori-the study group (Hp(+)) and control group (Hp(-)), were chosen for further examination. The aim of the study was to analyze the concentrations of selected inflammatory markers in saliva (TNF-α, IL-8) and other markers (neutrophil defensin-1, sICAM-1, calprotectin, metalloproteinase-9, metalloproteinase-2, lactotransferrin, TLR-2) using ELISA technique. We confirmed the increased concentrations of IL-8, ND-1, and TLR-2 in the group of children infected with Helicobacter pylori. Moreover, there was also a positive, significant correlation between the concentration of ND-1 and MMP-2, sICAM-1, and calprotectin as well as MMP-9 and MMP-2 in the group of infected children. The study created new possibilities of insight into the pathogenetic mechanisms of developing inflammation in the mouth. This type of comprehensive research is also used to monitor the current disease process and create new opportunities for better in-depth diagnostics of children infected with H. pylori.
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