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World J Gastroenterol. Jan 21, 2014; 20(3): 613-629
Published online Jan 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i3.613
Helicobacter pylori and autoimmune disease: Cause or bystander
Daniel S Smyk, Andreas L Koutsoumpas, Maria G Mytilinaiou, Eirini I Rigopoulou, Lazaros I Sakkas, Dimitrios P Bogdanos
Daniel S Smyk, Andreas L Koutsoumpas, Maria G Mytilinaiou, Dimitrios P Bogdanos, Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology, King’s College Hospital, School of Medicine, King’s College London, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
Andreas L Koutsoumpas, Eirini I Rigopoulou, Dimitrios P Bogdanos, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41110 Larissa, Greece
Lazaros I Sakkas, Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41110 Larissa, Greece
Dimitrios P Bogdanos, Cellular Immunotherapy and Molecular Immunodiagnostics, Biomedical Section, CEntre for REsearch and TEchnology Hellas (CE.R.T.H.)/Institute for REsearch and Technology-THessaly (I.RE.TE.TH), 60361 Thessaloniki, Greece
Author contributions: Smyk DS and Bogdanos DP conducted the literature review, wrote the first and subsequent drafts, and edited the manuscript; Koutsoumpas AL, Mytilinaiou MG, Rigopoulou EI and Sakkas LI significantly contributed to the writing and editing of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Dimitrios P Bogdanos, MD, PhD, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo Campus, Biopolis, 41110 Larissa, Greece. dimitrios.bogdanos@kcl.ac.uk
Telephone: +30-241-3502766 Fax: +30-241-3502813
Received: September 30, 2013
Revised: November 25, 2013
Accepted: December 5, 2013
Published online: January 21, 2014
Processing time: 142 Days and 7.2 Hours
Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the main cause of chronic gastritis and a major risk factor for gastric cancer. This pathogen has also been considered a potential trigger of gastric autoimmunity, and in particular of autoimmune gastritis. However, a considerable number of reports have attempted to link H. pylori infection with the development of extra-gastrointestinal autoimmune disorders, affecting organs not immediately relevant to the stomach. This review discusses the current evidence in support or against the role of H. pylori as a potential trigger of autoimmune rheumatic and skin diseases, as well as organ specific autoimmune diseases. We discuss epidemiological, serological, immunological and experimental evidence associating this pathogen with autoimmune diseases. Although over one hundred autoimmune diseases have been investigated in relation to H. pylori, we discuss a select number of papers with a larger literature base, and include Sjögrens syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitides, autoimmune skin conditions, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune thyroid disease, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica and autoimmune liver diseases. Specific mention is given to those studies reporting an association of anti-H. pylori antibodies with the presence of autoimmune disease-specific clinical parameters, as well as those failing to find such associations. We also provide helpful hints for future research.

Keywords: Autoimmunity; Helicobacter pylori; Infection; Gastritis; Mimicry; Rheumatology

Core tip: Multiple infectious agents have been implicated in the development of autoimmune disease. Helicobacter pylori is one pathogen which has been linked with multiple autoimmune diseases. This review will critically discuss a select few studies which have a larger evidence base, both in terms of positive and negative findings.