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Helicobacter pylori produces histamine and spermidine
R D Velásquez1, G Brunner, M Varrentrapp
1Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Hannover Medical School, Germany.
Abstract:
The mechanism by which Helicobacter pylori associates with the development of upper gastrointestinal diseases is still not well understood. Toxic metabolites of H. pylori are discussed as possible factors. We were interested to investigate, whether biogenic amines might be involved. Ten monocultures of H. pylori from the antrum of patients with H. pylori associated diseases were analyzed for the content of the biogenic amine histamine. The bacteria were isolated on Columbia blood agar with Skirrow's supplement in a microaerophilic environment. After three passages onto fresh agar plates the bacteria were harvested in their sonicated suspensions analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). From the HPLC analysis, histamine was found in six cultures. Analysis with GC-MS, however, revealed the presence of histamine in all the cultures (0.1-1.63 nmol histamine/10(8) bacteria). Additionally to histamine, all cultures were found to contain spermidine in concentrations of 0.010-7.912 nmol/10(8) bacteria. It is discussed that histamine produced by H. pylori may be involved in the pathogenesis of H. pylori associated gastrointestinal diseases.
Insights
Helicobacter pylori produces histamine, a biogenic amine, which may contribute to upper gastrointestinal diseases. This study detected histamine in all analyzed H. pylori cultures, suggesting a role in pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The role of Helicobacter pylori in upper gastrointestinal diseases is not fully understood.
- Toxic metabolites are suspected contributors to H. pylori pathogenesis.
- Biogenic amines are investigated as potential factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and quantity of histamine in H. pylori monocultures.
- To explore the potential involvement of biogenic amines in H. pylori-associated diseases.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and culture of H. pylori from patient antrum samples.
- Analysis of bacterial content using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
- Confirmation and quantification of biogenic amines via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Main Results:
- Histamine was detected in all ten H. pylori cultures by GC-MS (0.1-1.63 nmol/10(8) bacteria).
- HPLC initially detected histamine in six cultures.
- Spermidine was also identified in all cultures (0.010-7.912 nmol/10(8) bacteria).
Conclusions:
- Helicobacter pylori synthesizes histamine.
- Histamine production by H. pylori may play a role in the pathogenesis of associated gastrointestinal diseases.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms involved.