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Flagellin gene diversity among Helicobacter pylori strains and IL-8 secretion from gastric epithelial cells
U Ohta-Tada1, A Takagi, Y Koga
1Dept. of Internal Medicine 6, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Bohscidai Isehara, Japan.
Background:
To clarify the pathological functions of the virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori, a comparative analysis was carried out on the relationship between motility, flagellar gene polymorphism, vacuolating cytotoxin (VT) production and interleukin-8 (IL-8) induction.
Methods:
Twenty-five strains were examined for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the flagellin gene. Motility was measured using semisolid agar plates. Cytotoxicity was assayed using RK-13 cells. IL-8 secretion was assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods.
Results:
H. pylori was classified into four groups according to their flagellar RFLP. No differences were noted in motility or VT production among the four groups, but a significant difference was noted in IL-8 induction. In addition, highly motile strains produced more IL-8.
Conclusion:
This flagellar genetic polymorphism may be associated with IL-8 induction.