Helicobacter Pylori and Autoimmune Diseases: Involving Multiple Systems

Abstract

The modern Gastroenterology have witnessed an essential stride since Helicobacter pylori was first found in the stomach and then its pathogenic effect was discovered. According to the researches conducted during the nearly 40 years, it has been found that this bacterium is associated with a natural history of many upper gastrointestinal diseases. Epidemiological data show an increased incidence of autoimmune disorders with or after infection with specific microorganisms. The researches have revealed that H. pylori is a potential trigger of gastric autoimmunity, and it may be associated with other autoimmune diseases, both innate and acquired. This paper reviews the current support or opposition about H. pylori as the role of potential triggers of autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune liver diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as Sjogren’s syndrome, chronic urticaria and psoriasis, and tried to explain the possible mechanisms.

Helicobacter pylori Infection and Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia

“…Human immuno-complexity, which involves the interactions among infectious agents, environmental and hormonal factors, inflammation, and the host immune response, is well known to trigger autoimmunity by different pathways. Previous reports have shown that various autoimmune disorders are most likely associated with H. pylori , including cITP [ 8 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. The mechanistic pathways by which H. pylori promotes cITP development are postulated to include molecular mimicry, increased plasmacytoid dendritic cell count, and the host immune response to virulence factors such as vacuolating-associated cytotoxin gene A (VacA) and cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA).…”

“…The occurrence of this type of H. pylori -induced platelet aggregation in the gastric microvasculature and/or blood vessel may lead to the development of systemic disorders such as cardiovascular diseases. Previous reports have demonstrated a correlation between H. pylori infection and coronary artery diseases including atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, and thrombosis [ 8 , 22 , 38 ]. Platelet aggregation prompts the formation of atherosclerotic lesions, which is accompanied by multiple events such as plaque formation, inflammatory cytokine release, damaged endothelial cells, fibrous cap formation, and thrombosis [ 9 , 38 , 39 ].…”

Prospects for personalized Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. Pro et contra

“…Среди возможных механизмов взаимодействия H. pylori и ВЗК рассматривается влияние микроорганизма на интестинальную микробиоту и ее нарушение в процессе проведения эрадикационной терапии. Кроме того, H. pylori активирует энтеральную иммунную систему [26]. Защитное действие инфекции H. pylori при ВЗК может быть связано с подавлением регуляции провоспалительного иммунного ответа [27].…”

Detection and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori: Problems and Advances

“…It is also recommended to detect and eradicate H. pylori in patients with these diseases [ 14 ]. Additionally, H. pylori infection may be involved in neurological diseases [ 15 ], cardiovascular diseases [ 16 ], hepatobiliary diseases [ 17 , 18 ], and autoimmune diseases [ 19 ]. More research is required to explore the possible associations and mechanisms, which may further contribute to the treatment and prevention of these diseases by H. pylori eradication.…”