cagA and vacA status and influence of Helicobacter pylori infection on serum oxidative DNA damage in Iranian patients with peptic ulcer disease

Background: Infection with Helicobacter pylori strains may result in different pathological manifestations and increased oxidative stress leading to a strong inflammatory response in gastric mucosa. Aims: The prevalence of cagA and vacA genes, proteins and the association of serum levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deox-yguanosine (8-OHdG) with oxidative DNA damage were determined. Methods: The presence of cagA gene and vacA alleles and IgG antibodies against CagA and VacA proteins were determined. Oxidative DNA damage status was determined using serum levels of 8-OHdG. Results: Helicobacter pylori-positive, cagA-positive, and vacA alleles (s1 and m2) were predominant in all clinical outcomes. There was no significant association between prevalence of CagA and VacA status and clinical outcomes. The serum levels of 8-OHdG was at a higher level in H. pylori-positive patients. Conclusions: These virulence factors are not associated with the development of PUD in Iranian patients. H. pylori infection may be associated with increased serum 8-OHdG.