THE CORRELATION AMONG IL-37, IL-6, AND IL-10 GENE EXPRESSION IN PATIENTS INFECTED WITH HELICOBACTER PYLORI

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterial pathogen in humans, causing a range of gastrointestinal diseases, including chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers. Gene expression of various cytokines, such as IL-37, IL-6, and IL-10, is associated with the immune response to infection. Aim This research aims to study the relationship between gene expression of cytokines (IL-37, IL-6, and IL-10) in Helicobacter pylori infected patients. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 120 Iraqi patients infected with Helicobacter pylori and 60 healthy patients as a control group. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to determine gene expression levels of target cytokines. Results: The results showed that age and family history play a role in H. pylori infection, with the prevalence increasing with age and being more common in females. H. pylori infection was associated with increased expression of IL-6, decreased expression of IL-37, and increased expression of IL-10. A positive correlation was found between the expression of IL-6 and IL-10 genes, and a negative correlation between the expression of IL-37 and IL-6 genes in H. pylori patients. The results indicate that gene expression of the cytokines IL-37, IL-6 and IL-10 plays an important role in the immune response to H. pylori infection in Iraqi patients. Conclusion: These results suggest that H. pylori influences the body's immune response and plays a role in the development of inflammation and associated diseases. This gene expression of cytokines could serve as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection.