The relationship between Helicobacter pylori and beta-2 microglobulin in humans.

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED H. pylori is related to various gastrointestinal diseases. ß2 Microglobulin (ß 2M) is an intrinsic element of major histocompatibility complex (MHC I). Serum ß2M level may increase in inflammatory states. The aim of current study is to evaluate the relationship between ß2M and H. pylori bearing CagA strains. METHODS: H. pylori status was determined by histopathology of samples taken from stomach. CagA status and ß2M level were measured from blood samples of patients. Eradication therapy was administered to the patients with H. pylori infection. ß2 Microglobulin levels were measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: 35 (29.2%) H. pylori(-) patients and 85 (70.8%) H. pylori (+) patients were included in the study. There were 52 (43.3%) patients with CagA negative and 33 (27.5%) patients with CagA positive H. pylori infection. The mean serum ß2M level was 1.83 mg/L in H. pylori (-) group, 1.76 mg/L in H. pylori (+) CagA (-) group, and 1.93 mg/L in H. pylori and CagA (+) group (P > 0.05). Serum ß 2M levels (1.82 versus 1.64 mg/L P < 0.05) were decreased after eradication. CONCLUSION: H. pylori and CagA status did not affect ß2M level. Relationship between low grade systematic inflammation and H. pylori should be investigated to find out new predictors for diseases associated with inflammation.