Lack of Association between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Various Markers of Systemic Inflammation in Asymptomatic Adults.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been known to cause various extra-gastric diseases, which may be mediated by an increase in systemic inflammation. Thus, we examined the association between H. pylori infection and various markers of systemic inflammation in a large sample of asymptomatic adults.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were obtained from 17,028 adults who completed routine health check-ups. H. pylori infection status was determined using a serum immunoglobulin G test, and systemic inflammation was assessed using the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR).

RESULTS

Multiple linear regression model-adjusted for potential confounders-revealed that H. pylori infection was not associated with CRP levels (coefficient: -0.012, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.037, 0.012, p=0.319), NLR (coefficient: 0.055, 95% CI: -0.027, 0.138, p=0.192), or PLR (coefficient: 1.798, 95% CI: -1.979, 5.574, p=0.351). In a multivariable logistic regression model, H. pylori infection was not associated with the risk of CRP levels being elevated to ≥0.1 mg/dL (odds ratio: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.81, 1.08) or ≥0.3 mg/dL (odds ratio: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.84, 1.19). In the multivariable model, CRP levels elevated to ≥0.1 mg/dL were significantly associated with body mass index, current smoking status, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Regular exercise and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were factors that minimized the elevation of CRP levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic infection with H. pylori was not associated with various inflammatory markers. Further investigation is needed to clarify the interaction between H. pylori infection, systemic inflammation, and extra-gastric disease.