Serum lipid profile in Helicobacter pylori infected patients

Abstract

Saad Al-Fawaeir, Mohammad Abu Zaid, Ayman Abu Awad, Baker Alabedallat

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a controversial risk factor for atherosclerosis. An association between H. pylori infection and lipid concentrations has been reported. Aim: the aim of this study was to investigate any possible association between H. pylori infection and serum lipid levels. Design and methods: the study population consisted of 350 subjects. H. pylori infection status was determined by assaying serum anti-H. Pylori immunoglobin G antibody (IgG). Triglyceride, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were measured for each subject; the data were compared among H. pylori infected subjects and healthy group. Results: A total of 77% of the subjects were positive for H. pylori IgG antibodies and 23% were antibody-negative. The serum cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher in patients group when compared with healthy group (189.32±45.15 vs. 179.41±36.37 mg/dL (p <0.05), serum triglyceride and total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol concentrations also were significantly higher in patients group (169.46±68.53 vs. 135.67±94.35 mg/dL (p <0.05) and 3.93±1.23 vs. 3.51±1.62, (p <0.05) respectively). Conclusion: Collective results support the hypothesis that H. pylori infection may modify lipid modulation which will increase the risk of atherosclerosis.