[Role of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitor in the morphogenesis of chronic Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis in children].

The authors examined gastric biopsy specimens in 40 children aged 7 to 15 years: 30 children with the clinical diagnosis of chronic Helicobacter pylori (HP)-associated chronic gastritis (CG) and 10 children with functional dyspepsia (FD). In HP-associated CG, the gastric mucosa (GM) showed higher levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their tissue inhibitor in the antral and fundal stomach than those in FD. There was an increased exposure of the markers MMP-9 and MMP-2, which was most evident in the fundal GM and correlated with the activity of inflammation. The significant elevation of TIMP-1 suggests that compensatory reactions are tense and may cause GM remodeling with enhanced collagen generation. The increased synthesis and activation of MMP-9 and MMP-2 can stimulate the realization of ulcerogenic properties of these metalloproteinases. The findings revealed the points of application of target drugs to some links of the pathogenesis of HP-associated CG in children.