Helicobacter Pylori Eradication Increases Telomere Length in Gastric Mucosa

Abstract

Background/Aims: Our purpose in this study was to analyze telomere length and telomerase activity before and after eradication treatment in gastric mucosa in patients positive for H. pylori. Methodology: There were two groups: a control group (n=17) and a study group (n=21). For H. pylori eradication, the patients were administrated proton pump inhibitor (PPI) + clarithromycin + amoxicillin or PPI + metronidazole + tetracycline + bismuth for 14 days. Telomere length was analyzed with RT-PCR and telomerase activity with PCR-ELISA on biopsy specimens from the antrum. The result p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Prior to eradication, there was no significant difference between telomere lengths of the patient and control groups (2481.2 +/- 1823 and 2958.9 +/- 1345.7 bp, p=0.11, respectively). The telomere length of the study group became longer after eradication (before 2481.2 +/- 1823bp, after 3766.3 +/- 1608.8bp, p=0.01). Telomerase activity was not detected in either the patient or the control group. Conclusions: An increase in telomere length was observed with H. pylori eradication. This finding may indicate the importance of H. pylori eradication to avoid the development of gastric cancer.