p53 and anti-p53 antibodies as possible markers of a switch towards a neoplastic phenotype in patients infected by Helicobacter pylori.

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pylori is a definite carcinogen whose mechanism of action is still unknown. The aim of this work was (1) to determine the presence of p53 protein and related antibodies in patients affected by various gastric pathologies and chronically infected with H. pylori, and (2) to try to discover a test to be used as a marker of a possible switch towards a neoplastic phenotype.