Helicobacter pylori toxin inhibits growth and proliferation of cultured gastric cells-Kato III.

The presence of Hp is strongly associated with chronic type B gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. The pathogenic mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection are still unclear. Hp produces toxins which are capable of exerting cytotoxic effects. Whether these changes result in decreased cell proliferation has not been previously demonstrated. Our results show that a 2 hour incubation of gastric Kato III cells with Hp cytotoxin produces a 60% decrease in cell proliferation. In conjunction with a decreased cell proliferation, cell growth is also decreased on days 5 and 7. The ability of Hp to retard cell proliferation may play a role in the pathogenesis of Hp-associated diseases by inhibiting the normal mechanisms of gastric mucosal protection and repair.