H. pylori slyD, a novel virulence factor, is associated with Wnt pathway protein expression during gastric disease progression.

We have previously reported that the virulence factor HpslyD is related to the occurrence of gastric diseases. However, its mechanism of pathogenesis is still unclear. It is commonly believed that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is indispensable for the development of gastric cancer, but it is unclear whether HpslyD and Wnt/β-catenin interact during the development of gastric diseases. Therefore, we measured the expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin, TCF4, and CDX2 proteins by IHC in gastric mucosa specimens from patients with different gastric diseases and compared the differences in protein expression to H. pylori-infection status. The results indicated that the expression of these proteins was associated with HpslyD infection. HpslyD subtype infection, rather than common H. pylori infection, may have a greater effect on the expression of Wnt proteins in atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer. Additionally, HpslyD strain infection promoted the expression of Wnt pathway-related proteins with the progression of gastric disease. This study provides insight into the pathogenesis of H. pylori-related gastric diseases and "type-based treatment" for H. pylori infection.