Expression of Melatonin Synthesizing Enzymes inHelicobacter pyloriInfected Gastric Mucosa

Abstract

Helicobacter pyloricolonization of gastric mucosa causes pain of unknown etiology in about 15–20% of infected subjects. The aim of the present work was to determine the level of expression of enzymes involved in the synthesis of melatonin in gastric mucosa of asymptomatic and symptomaticH. pyloriinfected patients. To diagnoseH. pyloriinfection, histological analysis and the urea breath test (UBT C13) were performed. The levels of mRNA expression of arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AA-NAT) and acetylserotonin methyltransferase (ASMT) were estimated in gastric mucosa with RT-PCR. The level of AA-NAT expression and AMST was decreased inH. pyloriinfected patients and was increased afterH. pylorieradication. We conclude that decreased expression of melatonin synthesizing enzymes, AA-NAT and ASMT, in patients with symptomaticH. pyloriinfection returns to normal level afterH. pylorieradication.