Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) remains the most frequently encountered etiological factor of pediatric gastritis and can persist until adulthood, being responsible for chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, as well as for digestive and extra-digestive complications. This study aimed to assess the differential expression of mRNA-204 and mRNA-155 in relation to gastritis, and assess their relation with the presence of H. pylori in children. Methods; This cross-sectional study included 80 children with gastritis divided into two subgroups; H. pylori positive group (61.2%) and H..pylori negative group (38.8%) children). And 80 healthy children as a control group. All included children were subjected to full history taking, complete clinical examination and laboratory assessment if mRNA 155 and mRNA 204. Endoscopic examination and histopathological assessment of stomach biopsy were done to all patients. Results: Children with H pylori positive had statistically lower mRNA 204 and statistically higher mRNA 155 compared to children with H pylori negative and controls. mRNA-204 decreased significantly with increasing the grade of gastritis, and with grades of H pylori infection. mRNA-155 increased significantly with increasing the grade of gastritis, and with grade of H pylori infection. In multivariate regression model, H pylori in stool, mRNA 204 and mRNA 155 were independent predictors of H pylori infection in children. Conclusion: mRNA-204 and mRNA-155 can be used as predictors of risk of H pylori infection in children. Further larger studies are needed towards establishing the new preventive measures. |
