Effects of Helicobacter pylori infection on endocrine and exocrine mucosal functions in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori infection affects the concentration of regulatory peptides such as gastrin, somatostatin and cholecystokinin and the concentration and activity of glutathione and glutathione S-transferases in the gastric mucosa.

METHODS

Literature review.

RESULTS

Although some of these peptides have been known since the beginning of this century, their action has changed since the discovery of H. pylori infection in 1983. Chronic infection with H. pylori might lead to an increased risk in developing gastric cancer. Glutathione S-transferases are involved in the cellular detoxification of xenobiotics and other toxic compounds. Since there is a close inverse relationship between the activity of glutathione S-transferase and incidence of malignancies in the gastrointestinal tract, the possible relation between H. pylori infection and activity of glutathione S-transferases in the gastric mucosa is discussed.

CONCLUSION

The effect of H. pylori infection on regulatory peptides and glutathione/glutathione S-transferases might play a role in the development of neoplastic changes of the H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa.