Oncogenes' Expression in Greek Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in Association with Helicobacter pylori Status

Aims: An association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and glaucoma has been previously suggested. The aim of this study was to investigate the apoptotic and cell proliferation processes as potential common pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this association. Methods: Fifty-one glaucoma patients (33 female, mean age: 71.4±9.2 years) were initially enrolled. Biopsy specimens obtained on upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy were evaluated for H. pylori presence, for expression of genes involved in apoptosis and cell proliferation (Ki-67, p53, Bcl-2), and for indices of cellular immune surveillance (T-lymphocytes (TLs) and B-lymphocytes (BLs)). Results: Of the 43 patients eligible for upper GI endoscopy, 90.7% were tested positive for H. pylori infection. Ki-67 was positively expressed in 81.25% patients with H. pylori infection and in 1 patient without H. pylori infection. p53 was positively expressed in 31.25% patients with H. pylori infection but not in the patients without H. pylori infection. Bcl-2 was positively expressed in 68.75% patients with H. pylori infection and in 1 patient without H. pylori infection. Ki-67, p53 and Bcl-2 were over-expressed in 19%, 25% and 37.5%, respectively, of the patients with H. pylori infection, but none of them was over-expressed in the patient without H. pylori infection. TL marker was positively expressed in all patients with H. pylori infection and in the one patient without H. pylori infection. BL marker was positively expressed only in one patient with this infection. Conclusion: H. pylori-induced oncogenes Ki-67, p53 and Bcl-2, and TLs involved in apoptotic and cell proliferation pathways might contribute to glaucomatous neuropathy, with an additional oncogenic potential. Immunogastroenterology 2012; 1:40-46