Impact factors that modulate gastric cancer risk in Helicobacter pylori-infected rodent models.

ABSTRACT

Gastric cancer causes a large social and economic burden to humans. Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection is a major risk factor for distal gastric cancer. Detailed elucidation of H pylori pathogenesis is significant for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer. Animal models of H pylori-induced gastric cancer have provided an invaluable resource to help elucidate the mechanisms of H pylori-induced carcinogenesis as well as the interaction between host and the bacterium. Rodent models are commonly used to study H pylori infection because H pylori-induced pathological processes in the stomachs of rodents are similar to those in the stomachs of humans. The risk of gastric cancer in H pylori-infected animal models is greatly dependent on host factors, bacterial determinants, environmental factors, and microbiota. However, the related mechanisms and the effects of the interactions among these impact factors on gastric carcinogenesis remain unclear. In this review, we summarize the impact factors mediating gastric cancer risk when establishing H pylori-infected animal models. Clarifying these factors and their potential interactions will provide insights to construct animal models of gastric cancer and investigate the in-depth mechanisms of H pylori pathogenesis, which might contribute to the management of H pylori-associated gastric diseases.