The role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer and peptic ulcers

Background and objectives. Gastric cancer (GC) is a frequent malignant disease, which is caused partly by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, and also has a genetic and environmental basis. To assess specific inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive markers involved in the pathological processes damaging the gastric mucosa following colonization by H. pylori, and to clarify how these changes trigger immune responses that contribute to the development of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease. Materials and methods. This case-control study was conducted at Al-Haboubi Teaching Hospital, Thi-Qar, Iraq, from 1/10/2024 to 20/1/2025. It aimed to analyze biomarkers in 100 patient samples and 50 controls. The study measured CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MDA, TAC, SOD, GPx, Hb, WBC, PLT, RBC, Pepsinogen, and Gastrin using Sandwich ELISA (Bio-Techne, USA), COBAS E411 analyzer (Roche, Germany), and Sysmex 5 Diff analyzer (Sysmex, Japan). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied based on medical conditions. Results. H. pylori related systemic manifestations include raised serum inflammatory markers, oxidative stress and hematological changes. Patients also had higher rates of smoking, BMI and gastric function alteration. People who have a chronic H. pylori infection have a higher risk of developing ulcers and gastric cancer. Conclusions. The study findings outline the multifactorial effects of H. pylori infection on the body, including inflammation, oxidative stress, gastrointestinal complications, among others. It also illustrates the need for specific treatments, as well as ways to prevent this disease.