The association of thioredoxin novel virulence factor in highly virulent Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer and the anti-biofilm effects of natural bioactive compounds

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) plays an indispensable role in the gastric cancer. Antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of herbal medicines have been outlined in various studies.

In this review study, the association of H. pylori with gastric cancer and antibacterial effects of herbal medicines was evaluated using previous published data. Key words included Helicobacter pylori, virulence factors, gastric cancer, thioredoxin-1 and herbal medicines. Searching engines included “Google”, “Google Scholar”, “PubMed”, “SCOPUS” and “Web of Science”.

Virulence factors of the H. pylori alongside the host and environmental factors cause various gastric outcomes. Some of natural compounds have the potential of bactericidal effects, particularly those with multi-drug resistance and anti-biofilm effects against H. pylori. Antibiofilm agents have been mainly isolated from natural products, many of which are "secondary" metabolites and can be produced by microorganisms, such as phytochemicals, biosurfactants, antimicrobial peptides and microbial enzymes, etc.

This study revealed that H. pylori virulence factors such as recently identified thioredoxin-1 play substantial role in gastric ulcers and cancer. Herbal medicines contain various bioactive compounds which have potential antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects. Formulation of these compounds can enhance bioavailability and stability within the gastrointestinal tract.