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)

Introduction: 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 sles and also evaluate correlation between the level of 16s rRNA and activities of the cytokines, TNFalpha and IL1beta, in serum. Materials and methods: The present study was performed on 84 subjects with digestion problems. Fecal and blood sles were collected and 16s rRNA gene was assayed using PCR. The serum levels of TNFalpha and IL1beta levels were measured by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The results of the study revealed that there was a positive correlation between the 16s rRNA gene, H. pylori stool antigen (HPSA) and TNFalpha cytokine. The study also noted that with every unit of increase in either of the quantified parameters of HPSA and IL1beta, the presence of 16s rRNA in fecal sles, showed a 2.98 and 1.01 times rise, respectively. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, it may be concluded that activities of cytokine TNFa correlated well with the presence of HPSA and 16srRNA gene in the stomachrsquo s lining. Increase in the activities of HPSA and TNFa cytokine could be associated with the presence of 16s rRNA in feces.