Distinct patterns of mucosal apoptosis in H pylori-associated gastric ulcer are associated with altered FasL and perforin cytotoxic pathways

Figure 5 Percentages of the expression of Fas by CD3, CD20, and CD68 positive cells in the antral lamina propria of patients with gastric ulcer (GU) [at the ulcer margin, and at the antrum before and after eradication therapy (ET)], patients with H pylori-associated gastritis, and from non-infected controls, respectively. Horizontal bars represent medians, boxes represent the 25th and 75th percentiles, vertical bars represent ranges. In regard of the expression of Fas with CD3 values were significantly different compared to GU after ET (^a,bP = 0.043), gastritis (^aP = 0.021); and the control group (^aP < 0.001; ^bP = 0.012). For Fas expression with CD20 values were not significantly different among groups. For Fas expression with CD68 values were significantly different compared to GU after ET (^c,dP = 0.043), gastritis (^cP = 0.007; ^dP = 0.034); and the control group (^cP = 0.012; ^dP = 0.027) (n = 6, in each group). Differences were analysed using one-way ANOVA with the Dunnett’s test for multiple comparisons. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for comparisons between GU patients.