Involvement of Helicobacter pylori infection in neuro-hormonal control of food intake

Ghrelin and leptin are endogenous peptides that have been implicated in the control of food intake, energy homeostasis and body weight gain. Although the stomach is the major source of circulating ghrelin and partly contributes also to plasma leptin, controversy exists over the influence of gastric Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection on the ghrelin and leptin release. To resolve this controversy, plasma immunoreactive ghrelin and leptin levels were determined in Hp-positive and Hp negative children (N=60) and in adults (N=120) and daily concentrations of these hormones were measured at 2 h intervals before and after meals. Serum levels of ghrelin and leptin as well as gastrin were measured by RIA. Hp status was assessed using 13C-urea breath test (UBT) and serology. Children with negative UBT showed significantly higher basal serum levels of ghrelin and lower concentrations of leptin than those with positive UBT. Adults without Hp infection also showed significantly higher fasting serum levels of ghrelin and lower levels of leptin than those in Hp infected subjects. In adults, especially without Hp infection, plasma levels of ghrelin showed a marked rise before the meal and sudden decrease following the food intake, while plasma leptin did not showed significant meal-related alterations, but in general its level was significantly higher in Hp positive than Hp negative subjects. Serum gastrin concentrations were significantly elevated in both Hp positive children and adults and these levels were significantly lower in Hp negative subjects. We conclude that Hp infection in children and adults causes a marked reduction in plasma levels of ghrelin, while increasing plasma levels of leptin and gastrin. These alterations in plasma levels of gastric originated appetite-controlling hormones in Hp infected children and adults may contribute to the alterations of the appetite and dyspeptic symptoms observed in these subjects