H.pylori, short for Helicobacter pylori, is a bacterium that colonizes the stomach and has been associated with the development of stomach cancer.
This bacterium is estimated to infect over half of the world’s population, making it one of the most common bacterial infections.
The Hudson Institute is at the forefront of research to understand the link between H. pylori infection and stomach cancer and explore ways to prevent this infection.
Research led by Professor Richard Ferrero, Head of the Hudson Institute’s Gastrointestinal Infection and Inflammation Research Group, has focused on the activity of cytokines, which are small signaling proteins that play a crucial role in regulating various functions in the body.
“We discovered that a specific cytokine, IL-18, previously believed to promote inflammation in H. pylori infection, appears to have a protective role in reducing tissue damage and maintaining balance,” explained Ferrero. These findings have been published in the journal Nature Communications.
This discovery could have significant implications for the treatment and prevention of stomach lining diseases, such as gastritis, and especially stomach cancer, which is known to be linked to H. pylori infection.
“In a pre-clinical model, our team found that converting IL-18 into its active form is important in reducing tissue damage,” said Ferrero. “We now need to determine whether it is also important in preventing the severe effects of H. pylori infection in humans.”
In addition to these findings, Ferrero’s group is actively working on the development of a vaccine against H. pylori infection, which could have a substantial impact on reducing the global incidence of stomach cancer.
Key Information About H. pylori
H.pylori is typically contracted during childhood and can remain in the body for years, often causing inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) without noticeable symptoms.
In some cases, it can lead to peptic ulcers affecting the stomach or the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). However, the most concerning consequence of H. pylori infection is the increased risk of developing stomach cancer.
Studies have shown that individuals infected with H. pylori are up to six times more likely to develop stomach cancer compared to those without the infection.
This is because H. pylori induces chronic inflammation in the stomach, which can lead to cellular changes in the stomach lining, increasing the risk of cancer. One mechanism for this involves H. pylori’s induction of the cytokine IL-1b, which promotes inflammation and reduces stomach acid production.
Key Facts About Stomach Cancer:
Stomach cancer ranks as the fifth most common cancer worldwide. In some regions of Asia, it is the second most prevalent cancer.
Each year, more than 1 million people are diagnosed with stomach cancer, resulting in over 700,000 deaths.
While the exact cause of stomach cancer remains incompletely understood, H. pylori infection is recognized as one of the major factors contributing to the development of this type of cancer.
Early detection and treatment of stomach cancer can significantly improve survival rates. Unfortunately, diagnosis often occurs later when treatment is more challenging.
Although most cases of H. pylori infection do not lead to severe disease, it is essential to be aware of any symptoms and risk factors, such as a family history of stomach cancer, smoking, and a high-salt diet.
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The research findings can be found in Nature Communications.
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