Helicobacter pylori infection in gastric xanthomas: immunohistochemical analysis of 145 lesions

S Hori1, Y Tsutsumi

  • 1Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Tokai University Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan.

Insights

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection was found on the surface of gastric foveolar cells in nearly half of gastric xanthoma samples. HP antigens were also detected within xanthoma cells, suggesting a link between HP and gastric xanthoma development.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pathology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Gastric xanthoma is a benign lesion of the stomach.
  • The role of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in gastric xanthoma pathogenesis is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and localization of HP antigens in gastric xanthoma biopsy samples.
  • To determine if HP infection is associated with the development of gastric xanthoma.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 145 paraffin-embedded gastric xanthoma biopsy samples.
  • Indirect immunoperoxidase staining using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to detect HP antigens.
  • Immuno-electron microscopy to visualize bacteria within cells.

Main Results:

  • HP infection was identified on the foveolar cell surface in 48% of samples.
  • HP antigens were found in the cytoplasm of xanthoma cells in 55% of infected lesions.
  • Immuno-electron microscopy confirmed HP presence on epithelial surfaces and within xanthoma cell phagosomes.

Conclusions:

  • These findings suggest that HP infection may play a role in the pathogenesis of gastric xanthoma.
  • Lamina propria invasion by surface-infected HP could provoke xanthoma formation.

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