Epidermal growth factor and its receptor in chronic active gastritis and gastroduodenal ulcer before and after Helicobacter pylori eradication

Background: Helicobacteria pylori infection of gastroduodenal mucosa is str ongly associated with gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. The aims of the p resent study were to compare the gastroduodenal mucosal levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) among H. pylori-negative contr ols and H. pylori infected patients with chronic active gastritis or gastro duodenal ulcer before and after H. pylori eradication. Methods: The protein levels of EGF in mucosal tissues and saliva were deter mined by a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Repeat tr anscription-polymerase chain reaction and the following polymerase chain re action ELISA were employed to examine the mucosal EGFR mRNA expression. Results: Mucosal injury and H. pylori infection increased EGF protein level s and EGFR mRNA expression in the antral mucosa. The concentration of EGF i n saliva was not affected by mucosal damage or H. pylori infection. Success ful H. pylori eradication normalized the EGFR mRNA back to its basal level 6 weeks after treatment. However, after unsuccessful eradication their high levels in the antrum persisted. All patients experienced ulcer healing aft er drug treatment, regardless of H. pylori eradication. Conclusions: Mucosal damage increased the expression of EGF protein and EGF R mRNA in the gastric mucosa. H. pylori could induce the expression of EGFR but not the EGF in the antral mucosa. The expression of EGFR could be a co ntributing factor for ulcer healing in patients with H. pylori infection.