Association of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection with endothelial dysfunction in metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Background: Metabolic risk factors play a critical role in metabolic syndrome (MetS), and endothelial dysfunction is important in its development. On the other hand, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has an essential role in MetS. The goal of present study was to evaluate the effect of H. pylori infection on endothelial dysfunction in MetS patients.

Methods: Based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, 80 MetS patients (59 females and 21 males, mean age: 48.94 ± 10.00 years) were selected. Plasma samples were assayed for H. pylori IgG using the ELISA method. Endothelial function was also evaluated by measuring plasma concentrations of endothelin-1 (ET- 1), E-selectin, and intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) using ELISA method. Also, NO₂ ⁻ and NO₃ ⁻ concentrations were measured by Griess method.

Results: Fifty patients (62.5%) had H. pylori infection. Plasma concentrations of ET-1, NO₂⁻, and NO₃⁻ were significantly higher in MetS patients with positive H. pylori infection than in MetS patients with negative H. pylori infection (ET-1: 2.92 ± 2.33 vs 1.9 ± 1.4 pg/ml; P = 0.037; NO₂ −−:19.46 ± 7/11 vs 15.46 ± 4.56 μM; P = 0.003; NO₃ ⁻: 20.8 ± 10.53 vs 16.85 ± 6.03 μM, P = 0.036). However, plasma concentrations of ICAM-1 and E-selectin did not show any significant difference in the two groups.

Conclusion: The results showed a relationship between H. pylori infection and endothelial dysfunction. Helicobacter pylori infection can lead to atherosclerosis by causing chronic inflammation and affecting the factors contributing to the MetS.