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Helicobacter pylori and Early Vascular Aging: Endothelial Dysfunction, Arterial Stiffness, and Conditional
Federica Fogacci1,2, Giulia Fiorini2,3, Cristina Scollo3
1Department of Medical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum 25240, Turkey.
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Helicobacter pylori infection may contribute to early vascular aging, particularly endothelial dysfunction, in specific patient groups. Eradication may offer short-term benefits, but its role as a universal cardiovascular risk factor is uncertain.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Microbiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection's role in extra-gastric vascular injury is debated.
- Its cardiovascular relevance is context-dependent and not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize evidence linking H. pylori infection to endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness.
- To evaluate H. pylori's potential as a cardiovascular risk factor.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of clinical, translational, and experimental studies.
- Analysis of H. pylori's association with early vascular aging phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Strongest evidence links H. pylori to endothelial dysfunction, especially with CagA-positive infection.
- Associations with arterial stiffness are less consistent, appearing in specific subgroups.
- Serology and late vascular endpoint studies often show null or discordant findings.
Conclusions:
- H. pylori is not a universal cardiovascular risk factor but may worsen vascular injury in susceptible individuals.
- Further prospective studies are needed to confirm sustained vascular benefits of H. pylori eradication.
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