The role of Serum Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-6 in Helicobacter pylori-infected patients.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative bacteria that colonizes the gastrointestinal mucosa and causes chronic inflammation. AIMS: There are several studies related to cytokines concentrations in H. pylori infection, but there is no study that clarifies the role of IL-4 and IL-6 together in H. pylori infection. SUBJECTS: and methods: A total of (65) individuals, (25) healthy controls and (40) patients with H. pylori infection which are submitted to the hepato-gastrointestinal unit of AL-Imamian Al-Kadhimiyain medical hospital city in Baghdad consulted and diagnosed by traditional ways. In addition, the diagnosis was confirmed by ELISA Helicobacter pylori IgG kit. IL-4 and IL-6 levels were also assessed by using ELISA kits, according to the manufactures procedures. RESULTS: Significant increase of IL-4 and IL-6 concentration in seropositive patients compared with seronegative controls. CONCLUSION: Our findings and previous researches indicate that the immune response of gastric mucosa to H. pylori varies among patients. It depends on the stage of infection, and increases the cytokines secretion in the chronic stage, which is expected because of increased immune cell infiltration at the site of infection.