News Release

Understanding how the stomach responds to injury could help target therapy against gastric damage

Peer-Reviewed Publication

American Gastroenterological Association

Bethesda, MD (March 5, 2015) -- A better understanding of the stomach's immune response to Helicobater pylori (H. pylori) infection could lead to new therapies targeting damage in the stomach, report researchers in the March issue of Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the basic science journal of the American Gastroenterological Association.

When H. pylori infection is present, the alarmin Interleukin (IL)-33 is a critical messenger that triggers changes necessary for coping with the injuries caused by the infection. Specifically, it actives an inflammatory immune response that begins the process of cell loss that can lead to the onset of metaplasia.

"These (IL-33) immune cell drivers of proliferation and expansion of metaplasia may be a critical target for intervention and further research," said lead study author Jon N. Buzzelli, PhD, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital.

Researchers found that IL-3 is elevated during acute response to infection. It declines in chronic infection. This may account for alterations observed in patients with chronic infection.

This investigation used a number of mouse models to define patterns of immune regulation of gastric pathology.

"Since other studies have noted that IL-33 may be elevated in association with metastatic gastric cancer, further investigations will be necessary to determine the changing influences of IL-33 at different stages of cancer development," notes James R. Goldenring, MD, PhD, AGAF, associate editor, Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

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This study was supported by the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program and National Health and Medical Research Council Australia (APP1006688).

1 Buzzelli, Jon N., et al., IL33 Is a Stomach Alarmin That Initiates a Skewed Th2 Response to Injury and Infection, Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2015: 1(2): 203-221.e3, http://www.cmghjournal.org/article/S2352-345X(14)00013-7/abstract

About the AGA Institute

The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to include more than 16,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization. http://www.gastro.org.

About Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology

CMGH is the newest peer-reviewed journal published by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). The mission of CMGH is to publish impactful digestive biology research that ranges from mechanisms of normal function to pathobiology and covers a broad spectrum of themes in gastroenterology, hepatology and pancreatology. The journal reports the latest advances in cell biology, immunology, physiology, microbiology, genetics and neurobiology of gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic health and disease. For more information, visit http://www.cmghjournal.org.

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