Interleukin 17 and Interferon-Gamma, Key Cytokines for Inflammation and Diagnosis in Helicobacter pylori and Gastric Malignancies

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection is characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate that might be an important antecedent of gastric cancer. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-17 are key cytokines produced by gastric T cells in Helicobacter pylori-infected patients with gastric malignancies. We studied the levels of serum IL-17A in subjects positive to Helicobacter pylori infection and diagnosed with gastric intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia, as well as in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection and non-atrophic gastritis, along with control subjects. Results showed that Helicobacter pylori can cause inflammation in the stomach, specifically in cases of gastric intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia in infected patients, leading to a significant rise in IL-17A serum levels. Accordingly, we propose to consider measuring serum IL-17A for managing Helicobacter pylori-infected patients, and potentially for predicting the risk of developing gastric cancer.