Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the oipA and dupA genes of Helicobacter pylori isolates from west of Iran; Chaharmahalo Bakhtiyari region and find their relationship with the severity of the gastroduodenal diseases.

Background: Helicobacter pylori is an organism responsible for many gastroduodenal diseases. Studies suggest that genetic diversity in H. pylori virulence factors such as oipA and dupA genes is high among isolates of different geographic regions and may cause more severe diseases.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, gastric biopsy specimens were taken from 150 patients with gastroduodenal diseases. The specimens were processed for DNA extraction. The presence of ureC, dupA and oipA genes was tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Statistical analyses were performed to investigate the relationships between genotypes and gastric disorders. Results: Overall, 123 (82%) H. pylori strains were isolated from 150 specimens. dupA gene was detected in 41 (33.33%) of H.pylori-positive specimens. There was a reverse correlation between this gene and gastric cancer. The oipA gene was found in 88 (71.54%) of samples and statistically there was no association between this gene and gastric disorders. As statistical analyses revealed, presence of the dupA were more common in isolates with the oipA negative. Conclusions: Based on our findings, it seems that the presence of dupA gene can be considered as a marker for the onset of severe diseases. However, extended molecular epidemiology research in other populations is recommended.