Correlation of 16s rRNA with serum levels of the cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, in subjects with a positive Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen test (HPSA)

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), is a bacterium responsible for upper gastrointestinal tract diseases. The 16s rRNA is a common H. pylori gene which are usually preferred for diagnosis purpose. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and abundance of 16s rRNA in fecal samples and also evaluate correlation between the level of 16s rRNA and activities of the cytokines, TNF-&alpha and IL-1&beta, in serum.

The present study was performed on 84 subjects with digestion problems. Fecal and blood samples were collected and 16s rRNA gene was assayed using PCR. The serum levels of TNF-&alpha and IL-1&beta levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

The results of the study revealed that there was a positive correlation between the 16s rRNA gene, H. pylori stool antigen (HPSA) and TNF-&alpha cytokine. The study also noted that with every unit of increase in either of the quantified parameters of HPSA and IL-1&beta, the presence of 16s rRNA in fecal samples, showed a 2.98 and 1.01 times rise, respectively.

According to the obtained results, it may be concluded that activities of cytokine TNF-a correlated well with the presence of HPSA and 16srRNA gene in the stomach’s lining. Increase in the activities of HPSA and TNF-a cytokine could be associated with the presence of 16s rRNA in feces.