Skip to main content
Download PDF

Oxidative DNA damage and oxidized low density lipoprotein in Type II diabetes mellitus among patients with Helicobacter pylori infection

Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome volume 8, Article number: 34 (2016) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is reported to be associated with various extragastrointestinal conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. H. pylori infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are associated with oxidative stress, this cross-relation between H. pylori induced infection in T2DM and oxidative damage is still debated. Thus, the question arises whether an increase in the serum level of 8-OHdG and Ox-LDL will occurs in patients with T2DM infected H. pylori; this will be through determination and compare frequency of H. pylori infection in T2DM and non-diabetic patients.

Methods

100 patients presented with history of epigastric discomfort for more than 1 month; 50 patients with T2DM and 50 non-diabetics. Anti-H. pylori IgG using ELISA, fasting and postprandial glucose level, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Serum 8-OHdG and Ox-LDL was measured using ELISA for the 100 patients and 50 control subject.

Results

Rates of H. pylori infection of T2DM and non-diabetic were 66 and 58 %, respectively, (p = 0.001). H. pylori IgG antibody was not correlated with HbA1c either in T2DM (p = 0.06) or non-diabetic (p = 0.25). Serum 8-OHdG level in T2DM with positive H. pylori infection showed a significant difference compared to non-diabetics with positive H. pylori infection (p = 0.001) and higher than that in T2DM with negative H. pylori. A correlation between 8-OHdG concentration and HbA1c in T2DM patients infected with H. pylori was observed (r = 0.39, p = 0.02). Serum Ox-LDL level in T2DM with positive H. pylori infection showed a significant difference compared to diabetics with both negative H. pylori infection and in non-diabetics with positive H. pylori infection (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Increased levels of oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG) and Ox-LDL suggest the mechanistic link between H. pylori infection combined with diabetes and increased generation of ROS and could play as an important image for high risk to atherosclerosis.

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is probably one of the most common chronic bacterial infections worldwide [1]. The stomach is the primary site of H. pylori infection, including chronic active gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric adenocarcinoma and type B low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma [2]. H. Pylori is responsible for both gastric local inflammation and a systemic inflammation leading to extra-gastrointestinal tract conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, idiophatic thrombocytophenic purpurae (ITP), unexplained iron deficiency anemia, diabetes mellitus (DM) and insulin resistance [3]. Different studies reported that prevalence of chronic H. pylori infection associated with both gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal ailments [4–6].

Gastrointestinal inflammation caused by H. pylori can influence the absorption of glucose and lipids, which are also abnormal in diabetes mellitus [6]. Diabetes has been identified as a risk factor for an extragastric manifestation of H. pylori infection [7, 8]. The relationship between H. pylori and DM was first explored in 1989 by Simon et al. [9] who found that the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with DM was significantly higher than in asymptomatic controls (62 vs 21 %). The link between H. pylori infection and diabetes remains controversial, as some studies indicated a higher prevalence of infection in diabetic patients [10, 11], while others reported no difference [12, 13].

Recent evidence implicates the pathological involvement of inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is an important process induced by H. pylori infection [14]. As insulin resistance can be developed in the presence of inflammation [15] or as a result of alterations in counter regulatory hormones that affect insulin [16]. Thus, H. pylori may promote insulin resistance by inducing chronic inflammation and affecting insulin-regulating gastrointestinal hormones as reported by Aydemir et al. [17].

Furthermore, H. pylori infection is strongly linked to the pathogenesis of T2DM, which is associated with a general activation of the innate immune system, and a chronic, cytokine-mediated state of low-grade inflammation [14]. The host immune response to H. pylori infection is complex and involves up regulation of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) [18], interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) [19], which are implicated in insulin resistance and the development of diabetes [20]. Thus, a potential relationship between H. pylori infection and diabetes is highly suspected. For this reason; it is expected in our study that, the implication between H. pylori and diabetes induces inflammation, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative DNA damage in gastric mucosa.

Oxidative stress due to overproduction of ROS through either endogenous or exogenous insults can damage cellular macromolecules, leading to DNA damage, protein modification, lipid peroxidation and associated with the development of several diseases such as cardiovascular, chronic inflammation and cancer [21]. ROS production has been reported to be increased in DM [22] and H. pylori infection [5] which may directly contribute to the generation of oxidative stress via several mechanisms.

H. pylori infection induces infiltration and activation of neutrophils and macrophages [23]. Enhanced ROS levels due to neutrophil infiltration and increased oxidative DNA damage have been reported in H. pylori-infected patients [23]. Moreover, neutrophil accumulation and oxidative stress at sites of H. pylori-mediated gastric inflammation induce enhanced localization of Ox-LDL at such gastric inflammatory lesions and increased plasma levels of Ox-LDL occur in patients with H. pylori-positive chronic gastritis [24].

On the other hand, oxidative stress can be induced in hyperglycemia status via glucose autoxidation and the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) [25]. Other circulating factors that are elevated in diabetics, such as free fatty acids and leptin, also contribute to increased ROS generation [26]. Furthermore, oxidative stress has been increasingly implicated in the deterioration of pancreatic islet function [27].

Ox-LDL has been observed to be increased in diabetic patients and this may contribute to the increased atherogenesis in diabetes, regardless of normal lipid levels, Ox-LDL levels may be elevated in diabetic patients and this may be the explanation for the altered endothelial function [28]. Endothelium exposed to Ox-LDL develops alterations such as endothelial damage. The Ox-LDL itself activates inflammatory cells and potentiates the liberation of growth factors from monocytes/macrophage [29].

ROS attack guanine bases in DNA easily and form 8-hydroxydeoxy guanosine (8-OHdG), which can bind to thymidine rather than cytosine, based on which, the level of 8-OHdG is generally regarded as a biomarker of mutagenesis consequent to oxidative stress, and as a risk factor for many diseases including H. pylori infection [30] and diabetes [31]. A recent study reported an increase in the 8-OHdG content in mononuclear cells and ROS level in Type I (insulin-dependent) and Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients when compared with control subjects [32]. Another study reported that H. pylori-induced chronic inflammation and oxidative stress create an environment conducive to DNA damage and tissue injury [33].

The previous reported studies were based on studying the role of oxidative stress in H. pylori and diabetes separately. However, to our knowledge, the association between diabetes and oxidative status has not been previously investigated in H. pylori infection. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with T2DM and to evaluate the relationship between the level of oxidative DNA damage 8-OHdG and serum Ox-LDL levels in T2DM patients with H. pylori infection.

Methods

Subjects

This study was conducted in 100 patients with history of dyspepsia or epigastric discomfort for more than 1 month and where known as cases of T2DM for approximately 5 years duration. This study was done in collaboration between biochemistry department, faculty of medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah Al-Mukarama, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Sadat City University, Sadat City, Egypt. Patients with the following conditions were excluded from the study: Patients of type-I diabetes, pregnancy, prior H. pylori eradication therapy, use of antibiotics therapy, history of gastric surgery or cholecystectomy, chronic renal failure requiring dialysis treatment and patients who were diagnosed for malignancy.

The inclusion criteria of the study was investigated for T2DM and H. pylori infection, and divided into two groups- A and B, as well as a 50 healthy control group. Group-A (labeled diabetic group) contains 50 diabetic patients known cases of T2DM with positive or negative H. pylori infection (40 females, 10 males, mean age 51.04 ± 7.4 years); while group-B (labeled non diabetic group) contains 50 non diabetic patients with positive or negative H. pylori infection (19 females, 31 males, mean age 43.3 ± 9.3 years). The known cases of DM in group-A were also investigated for blood sugar levels (not for diagnostic purpose but to assess the blood sugar level that whether it is controlled or uncontrolled). Height and body weight were measured using a digital scale, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as follows: BMI = body weight (kg)/height squared (m2). The study protocol was approved by Ethics Review Board for Human Studies at Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qurra University and conformed to the ethical guidelines of the 1975 Helsinki declaration.

Samples and laboratory methods

Blood samples were obtained following an overnight fasting period according to the diagnostic criteria of DM; only patients with fasting blood glucose above 126 mg/dL or postprandial 2 h after meal above 200 mg/dL. Samples were withdrawn from a cubital vein into blood tubes and immediately serum was separated from the cells by centrifugation at 3000 r/min for 10 min and stored in refrigerator at 4 °C until processed. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) level and postprandial blood sugar (PBS) level were measured using an auto analyzer (COBAS INTEGRA 400 PLUS, Roche, Germany). In addition, hemoglobinA1c (HbA1c) was measured according to DCCT (diabetes control and complications trial), as well as rapid urease test was determined to check the presence of H. pylori.

Quantitative determination of anti-H. Pylori IgG

H. pylori status was defined by the titer of H. pylori antibody using H. pylori IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) (Ratio Diagnostics, Frankfurt, Germany) for the detection and qualitative determination of IgG antibodies to H. pylori in human serum. A value <0.9 is considered negative for the presence of detectable IgG antibody and values greater than 1.1 indicated the presence of detectable IgG antibody against H. pylori.

Determination of serum 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)

8-OHdG was measured using the commercially available Cloud-Clone Crop 8-OHdG Competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay technique kit (Cloud-Clone Crop., USCN Life science Inc.; Houston, TX 77,082, USA), intended to be used for the in vitro quantitative measurement of 8-OHdG in human blood serum. A monoclonal antibody specific to 8-OHdG has been pre-coated onto a micro plate. A competitive inhibition reaction was then launched between biotin labeled 8-OHdG and unlabeled 8-OHdG (standards or samples) with the pre-coated antibody specific to 8-OHdG. After incubation the unbound conjugate is washed off. Avidin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was then added to each micro plate well and incubated for 30 min at 37 °C. The amount of bound HRP conjugate was reverse proportional to the concentration of 8-OHdG in the sample. After addition of the substrate solution and the absorbance was measured with a micro-plate reader at a wavelength of 450 nm, the intensity of color developed was reversed proportional to the concentration of 8-OHdG in the sample. The amount of 8-OHdG in the serum was calculated from the standard curve and results were expressed as pg/ml.

Determination of oxidized low density lipoproteins (Ox-LDL)

Ox-LDL was measured using the commercially available Cloud-Clone Crop Ox-LDL Competitive sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique kit (Cloud-Clone Crop., USCN Life science Inc.; Houston, TX 77082, USA), intended to be used for quantitative measurement of Ox-LDL in human blood serum. The micro titer plate provided in this kit has been pre-coated with an antibody specific to Ox-LDL. Standards and samples were then added to the appropriate micro titer plate wells with a biotin-conjugated antibody specific to Ox-LDL. Avidin conjugated to HRP was then added to each micro plate well and incubated for 30 min at 37 °C. After 3,3′,5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) substrate solution is added, only those wells that contain Ox-LDL, biotin-conjugated antibody and enzyme-conjugated avidin exhibited a change in color. The enzyme-substrate reaction terminated by the addition of sulphuric acid solution and the color change was assessed spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 450 nm. The concentration of Ox-LDL in the samples was then determined by comparing the O.D. of the samples to the standard curve.

Statistical analysis

All statistical analyses were done using a Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS); v.20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD, whereas categorical variables were expressed as numbers (percentages). Statistically significant differences between groups were determined using Student t test and Manne Whitney U-test. Statistical comparisons between more than three groups such as data relating to circadian variation of Ox-LDL and 8-OHdG were performed by 1-way ANOVA. The correlation coefficient was obtained by Pearson correlation test. P values less than 0.05 were considered to be significant.

Results

Baseline characteristics

Among 100 patients in our study, fifty patients in each group, of which 41 (41 %) males and 59 (59 %) females. The overall mean age was 47.17 ± 9.2 years. The mean age of male’s 46.34 ± 9.52 and 48.37 ± 8.91 years old in female patients respectively. The prevalence of H. pylori infection among T2DM and non-diabetics patients was 66 % (33/50, mean age 51.79 ± 6.9 years) and 58 % (29/50, mean age 44.86 ± 10.08 years) respectively. This was statistically significant (p = 0.001) (Table 1).

Table 1 Demographic and biochemical characteristic in diabetic and non- diabetic patients with (+Ve) H. pylori and (−Ve) H. pylori infection
Full size table

Demographic characteristic are shown in Table 1. Body mass index (BMI), the serum glucose level and HbA1c were found to be significantly higher in T2DM patients than in those non-diabetic patients (p = 0.0001). In addition, positive H. pylori in T2DM patients was higher in HbA1c 6.93 ± 0.69 when compared with positive H. pylori in non-diabetic patients 3.97 ± 0.52 (p = 0.001). Moreover, BMI was higher in T2DM patients with H. pylori infection than in those without, although it did not reach statistical significance (28.88 ± 2.68 vs 27.72 ± 2.22 kg/m2, p = > 0.05).

Qualitative analysis of H. pylori IgG antibody in diabetic and non-diabetic patients

IgG antibodies have been the most specific class of antibodies for the detection of H. pylori infection, and therefore, we analyzed IgG antibody for confirmation of H. pylori infection in 100 patients and 50 control. The mean ± SD of H. pylori IgG antibody in T2DM was 63.32 ± 57.66; in non-diabetics was 39.5 ± 33.90. There was a significant difference observed between serum H. pylori IgG antibody in T2DM patients compared to non-diabetics (p = 0.003), shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, positive H. pylori infection in T2DM patients had the highest concentration of H. pylori IgG antibody 94.52 ± 45.9 compared to non-diabetics 66.01 ± 17.36 and control 0.86 ± 0.52, Significant difference was observed (p < 0.001) (Table 1).

Fig. 1
figure 1

Box plot for H. pylori IgG concentration in non-diabetic and diabetic patients. The box represents the interquartile range. The whiskers indicate the highest and lowest values, and the line across the box indicates the median value. Overall significance of differences between non-diabetic and diabetic group was determined by 1-way ANOVA

Full size image

The correlation between the levels of the H. pylori IgG antibody and HbA1c is shown in Fig. 2. H. pylori IgG antibody was not correlated with HbA1c either in T2DM (Pearson correlation coefficient (r) = −0.26, p = 0.06) or in non-diabetic patients (r = 0.16, p = 0.25). Based on the simple linear regression of cases with and without diabetes (n = 50).

Fig. 2
figure 2

Correlation between HbA1c in non-diabetic and diabetic patients measured by ELISA (expressed in %) and concentration of H. pylori IgG (expressed in U). The levels of H. pylori IgG (y axis) were correlated with those of  % HbA1c (x axis). No association was observed in two groups. Based on the simple linear regression of cases with HbA1c (n = 50 for each group)

Full size image

Distribution of serum 8-OHdG as an oxidative DNA damage

8-OHdG was measured as an indicator of oxidative damage of DNA. 8-OHdG content in control subjects ranged between 43.29 and 108.08 pg/ml, mean 84.87 ± 16.17 pg/ml. In T2DM patients, 8-OHdG content of oxidative damage of DNA was greater than controls, 178.35 ± 26.23 pg/ml (range134.55–230.28 pg/ml, p = 0.001). In non-diabetic patients, 8-OHdG content was also significantly higher than in controls 126.78 ± 27.91 pg/ml for oxidative DNA damage (p = 0.001). In addition, there was a significant difference observed between serum 8-OHdG level in T2DM patients compared to non-diabetics (p = 0.001) (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3
figure 3

Box plot for 8-OHdG as an indicator of oxidative damage of DNA in non-diabetic, diabetic patients and control. The box represents the interquartile range. The whiskers indicate the highest and lowest values, and the line across the box indicates the median value. Overall significance of differences between non-diabetic and diabetic group was determined by 1-way ANOVA

Full size image

Serum 8-OHdG levels in T2DM and non-diabetic with positive H. pylori infection

Serum 8-OHdG level in T2DM patients with positive H. pylori infection was 188.13 ± 25.40 pg/ml, a significant difference compared to non-diabetics with positive H. pylori infection 148.07 ± 19.55 pg/ml (p = 0.001) (Table 2). Furthermore, in T2DM group, serum 8-OHdG level was higher with positive H. pylori infection 188.13 ± 25.40 pg/ml than in negative H.pylori infection 159.38 ± 15.40 pg/ml (p = 0.001) shown in Table 2.

Table 2 Distributions of 8-OHdG and Ox-LDL levels in diabetic and non- diabetic patients with (+Ve) H. pylori or (−Ve) H. pylori infection
Full size table

Correlation between OxLDL and HbA1c in T2DM and non-diabetic infected with H. pylori

We observed a correlation between 8-OHdG concentration and HbA1c in T2DM patients infected with H. pylori (r = 0.39, p = 0.02). On the other hand, no correlation was observed between 8-OHdG concentration and HbA1c in non-diabetic patients infected with H. pylori (r = 0.12, p = 0.6); this correlation is shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4
figure 4

Correlation between HbA1c in non-diabetic and diabetic patients with positive H. pylori (expressed in  %) and a DNA damage 8-OHdG (expressed in pg/ml). b Oxidized LDL (expressed in U/dL). The levels of 8-OHdG or Ox-LDL (y axis) were correlated with those of HbA1c (x axis). An association was observed between HbA1c in diabetic patients with positive H. pylori and 8-OHdG (r = 0.39, p = 0.02). No association was observed between HbA1c in non-diabetic and diabetic patients with positive H. pylori and Ox-LDL. Based on the simple linear regression of cases with positive H. pylori in non-diabetic and diabetic patients

Full size image

Distribution of serum Ox-LDL

Normal circulating levels of OxLDL level as determined in normal volunteers subjects ranged between 3.81 and 69.12 U/dL, mean 24.70 ± 12.36 U/dL. Serum Ox-LDL levels in patients with T2DM 106.21 ± 35.1 U/dL were significantly higher than in control subjects (p = 0.001). In non-diabetic patients, serum OxLDL level (57.76 ± 32.1 U/dL) was also significantly higher than in controls for oxidation of LDL (p = 0.001). In addition, there was a significant difference observed between Serum Ox-LDL levels in T2DM patients compared to non-diabetics (p = 0.001) (Fig. 5).

Fig. 5
figure 5

Box plot for oxidized LDL in non-diabetic, diabetic patients and control. The box represents the interquartile e range. The whiskers indicate the highest and lowest values, and the line across the box indicates the median value. Overall significance of differences between non-diabetic and diabetic group was determined by by 1-way ANOVA

Full size image

Serum Ox-LDL levels in T2DM and non-diabetic with positive H. pylori infection

Serum OxLDL level in T2DM with positive H. pylori infection was 116.79 ± 30.29 U/dL, a significant difference compared to diabetics with negative H. pylori infection 85.68 ± 35.69 U/dL or in non-diabetics with positive H. pylori infection 72.31 ± 33.80 U/dL (p = 0.001) (Table 2).

Correlation between OxLDL and HbA1c in T2DM and non-diabetic infected with H. pylori

There was no correlation between OxLDL concentration and HbA1c either in T2DM patients infected with H. pylori (r = 0.07, p = 0.69) or in non-diabetic patients infected with H. pylori (r = 0.02, p = 0.9), this correlation was shown in Fig. 4.

Discussion

The link between H. pylori infection and diabetes remains controversial. Some studies indicated a higher prevalence of infection in diabetic patients [10, 11], and other studies reported no difference [12, 13]. Previous reports, based on serologic antibody detection, have found a high prevalence of H. pylori infection among diabetics as compared to the general population [34–36]. The prevalence of H. pylori infection ranged between 30 and 80 % in previously reported studies [34, 37].

There are several lines of evidence to implicate increased susceptibility to infection in diabetic patients, where the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of diabetes are complex, involving insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, insulin secretion deficiency as a result of pancreas β-cell dysfunction, glucotoxicity, and lipotoxicity [14].

In our study, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of H. pylori between cases and controls (p = 0.001), using serological method for diagnosis of H. pylori infection. The results therefore showed that H. pylori infection is significantly associated with T2DM in our study population. Moreover, there was a significant association between the infection incidence of H. pylori among T2DM patients compared to non-diabetic; 66 % (33/50) and 58 % (29/50) respectively (p = 0.001). No correlation was seen between the level of the H. pylori IgG antibody and HbA1c % in both groups, T2DM and non-diabetic. Accordingly, no association instigated between prolonged high levels of glucose and the presence of H. pylori infection. The relationship between the levels of the H. pylori IgG antibody and HbA1c was not clear due to methodological pitfalls in other studies [3]. These pitfalls were selection of inappropriate or insufficient methods used for detecting of H. pylori infection and due to population differences, among different studies.

The prevalence of H. pylori infection in diabetic patients was different in previous reports. Controversial results of prevalence rates may be related to the epidemiological distribution of infection, nonhomogeneous patient groups or the kind of diagnostic method to detect infection. A seroprevalence study performed in Netherland reported that the frequency of H. pylori infection was higher in diabetic patients in comparison with the control subjects [38]. Another seroprevalence study in United Arab Emirates showed that positive antibody titer for H. pylori infection (IgG > 300) in diabetics was 76.7 % compared to non-diabetics 64.8 % [38].

In contrast, other studies that showed no association between T2DM and H. pylori infection. In a seroprevalence study frequency of H. pylori infection was 33 and 32 %, in patients with diabetes and controls respectively [39]. Demir et al. showed that the prevalence of H. pylori infection was 61.7 and 58.5 %, among T2DM and non-diabetics respectively [40].

Several hypotheses were presented to confirm the higher prevalence of H. pylori infection in diabetic patients such as insulin resistance and abnormal insulin secretion were central to the development of T2DM. One of these hypothesis confirm that; H. pylori infection brings about chronic low grade inflammation with up regulation of several cytokines such as CRP, TNF and interleukin (IL)-1β, which may influence insulin action and pancreatic β cell secretion. The other one; H. pylori-induced gastritis can potentially affect the secretion of gastric hormones, including leptin, ghrelin, gastrin, and somatostatin, which could affect insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. In addition, other mechanisms and mediators may be involved in the possible causative relationship between H. pylori infection and T2DM [14].

Oxidative stress associated with the production of ROS has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes [41] and H. pylori infection [42]. Excess ROS would accelerate oxidative damage to DNA and to other macromolecules, such as proteins and lipids. The present study is one of the few studies which investigated the relationship between Ox-LDL and 8-OHdG, a marker of systemic oxidative stress with H. pylori-positive in T2DM patients.

Our data demonstrated that T2DM patients with positive H. pylori infection had much higher levels of serum Ox-LDL (116.79 ± 30.29 U/dL) compared with their respective controls. We found no previous reported data linking between OxLDL and T2DM combined with H. pylori infection. However, Koichi Ono [43] showed Ox-LDL levels were significantly higher in diabetic patients (n = 30) than in control patients. While, Kayo et al. reported no difference in Ox-LDL levels among patients with H. pylori infection and control subjects [24].

Several studies demonstrated that Ox-LDL is a key factor in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis [44]. Recently, positive associations between chronic H.pylori infection and coronary heart disease has been reported [45]; other studies demonstrated that DM considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis and asymptomatic low grade inflammation occurs prior to unconcealed vascular lesions [28]. According to these hypotheses, atherosclerosis is considered a process involving the interplay of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Our data also indicated that there was a significant difference observed between serum Ox-LDL levels in T2DM patients with positive H. pylori infection compared to non-diabetics with positive H. pylori infection. Our result is supported by the report of Toshima et al. which indicated a significant increase in plasma Ox-LDL in diabetics [46]. In addition, Koichi Ono has shown increased susceptibility of LDL to oxidation in diabetics [43]. Although, there were other reports indicating no increase in Ox-LDL in diabetics [47, 48]. A potential explanation for these discrepant results lies in the hypothesis that patients with DM are more predisposed to infections and severe diseases because of cellular immunity disorders and phagocyte dysfunction caused by hyperglycemia and decreased vascularization. Therefore, patients with DM accompanied with H. pylori infection support the concept that oxidative stress associated with neutrophil accumulation and activation plays a role in the inflammatory process [24]. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a strong pro-oxidant enzyme released from activated neutrophils, has been found to be capable of oxidizing LDL [49]. These hypotheses suggest the possibility that MPO secreted from activated neutrophils in H. pylori-mediated gastritis lesions may induce LDL oxidation.

There was no correlation between serum Ox-LDL levels and HbA1c in T2DM (r = 0.07, p = 0.69) and non-diabetic (r = 0.02, p = 0.9) patients with positive H. pylori. Koichi Ono and Toshima et al. also found no correlation between plasma Ox-LDL and HbA1c levels in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic patient [43, 46]. Moreover, our data showed no correlation between serum Ox-LDL levels and positive H. pylori and negative H. pylori infection in diabetic group.

Significantly raised levels of a specific marker of oxidative damage to DNA; 8-OHdG, were reported in H. pylori infection [21] and diabetics [32, 50]. As DNA damage is efficiently repaired by cellular enzymes, its measurement gives a snapshot view of the level of oxidative stress, in contrast to measurement of oxidation of other biomolecules which are not repaired and/or have a slow turnover, such as lipids or proteins. DNA oxidation may therefore be of considerable value in following the progress of the disease and its metabolic control [51]. A positive association has been demonstrated between H. pylori infection and diabetes with increased oxidative stress. Therefore, our observations showed that diabetic patients combined with H. pylori infection have significantly increased oxidative DNA damage. We found a significant increase in serum 8-OHdG level in T2DM (188.13 ± 25.40 pg/mL) and non-diabetic (148.07 ± 19.55 pg/mL) patients with positive H. pylori compared to their respective controls (84.87 ± 16.17 pg/mL), confirming the report of Dandong et al. [31].

Moreover, there is greater oxidative DNA damage in T2DM patients with positive H. pylori than non-diabetics with positive H. pylori infection. Yongsheng Ma et al. [21] showed a significant increase of 8-OHdG in H. pylori positive and negative gastric cancer patients. An association between poor glycaemic control in T2DM patients and oxidative stress has been established [40, 52]. This study indicates a correlation between 8-OHdG concentration and HbA1c in T2DM patients infected with H. pylori (r = 0.39, p = 0.02). Furthermore, our data showed that hyperglycemia implicated with H. pylori infection might lead to increased 8-OHdG level in serum through the overproduction of ROS. This explain why 8-OHdG has been used widely in many studies as endogenous oxidative DNA damage. 8-OHdG can serves as a useful biomarker for the evaluation of oxidative stress in diabetic patients with H. pylori infection.

Conclusion

In summary, the present study suggests that infection H. pylori in T2DM was higher compared to non-diabetic population and appears not to be associated with glycemic control; T2DM seems to be associated with increased oxidative stress in H. pylori infection. This is the first report as known of a direct association between oxidative DNA damage, serum Ox-LDL levels and T2DM patients companied with positive H. pylori infection. Furthermore, 8-OHdG is one of the predominant agents of free-radical-induced oxidative lesions. In our study, we observed that significantly elevated serum Ox-LDL levels in T2DM patients with positive H. pylori infection, suggesting hypothesis that high serum level of Ox-LDL levels in T2DM patients with positive H. pylori infection considered as a risk factor to atherosclerotic vascular disease and further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Abbreviations

H. pylori :

Helicobacter pylori

T2DM:

type 2 diabetes mellitus

DM:

diabetes mellitus

CRP:

C-reactive protein

IL-6:

interleukin 6

TNF-α:

tumor necrosis factor-α

ROS:

reactive oxygen species

Ox-LDL:

oxidized low density lipoprotein

AGE:

advanced glycation end-products

8-OHdG:

8-hydroxydeoxy guanosine

BMI:

body mass index

FBS:

fasting blood sugar

PBS:

postprandial blood sugar

HbA1c:

hemoglobinA1c

DCCT:

diabetes control and complications trial

ELISA:

enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays

HRP:

horseradish peroxidase

TMB:

3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine

MPO:

myeloperoxidase

References

  1. 1.

    Yang Bi-Ling, Yeh Chun, Kwong Wei-Gang, Lee Shou-Dong. A novel one-step Helicobacter pylori saliva antigen test. J Chin Med Assoc. 2015;78:96–100.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. 2.

    Wang F, Fu Y, Lv Z. Association of Helicobacter pylori infection with diabetic complications: a meta-analysis. Endocr Res. 2014;39:7–12.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. 3.

    Dogan Zeynal, Sarikaya Murat, Ergul Bilal, Filik Levent. The effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on insulin resistance and HbA1c level in people with normal glucose levels: a prospective study. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2015;159(2):242–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. 4.

    Wong F, Rayner-Hartley E, Byrne MF. Extraintestinal manifestations of Helicobacter pylori: a concise review. World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20:11950–61.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  5. 5.

    Masoud S, Yousef R, Zahra S, Fariba K, Mohammad R. The effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on oxidative stress status in erosive reflux disease. Med J DY Patil Univ. 2013;6:55–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. 6.

    Tsang KW, Lam SK. Extragastroduodenal conditions associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Hong Kong Med J. 1999;5:169–74.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. 7.

    Malamug LR, Karnchanasorn R, Samoa R, Chiu KC. The role of Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in insulin sensitivity, beta cell function and abnormal glucose tolerance. Scientifica. 2014;2014:870165 (10 pages).

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. 8.

    Guo X, Zhao BH, Zhang MX. Risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection among adults in Northern China. Hepatogastroenterology. 2011;58:306–10.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. 9.

    Simon L, Tornóczky J, Tóth M, Jámbor M, Sudár Z. The significance of Campylobacter pylori infection in gastroenterologic and diabetic practice. Orv Hetil. 1989;130:1325–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. 10.

    Devrajani BR, Shah SZ, Soomro AA, Devrajani T. Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a risk factor for Helicobacter pylori infection: A hospital based case-control study. Int J Diabetes Dev Ctries. 2010;30:22–6.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  11. 11.

    Bener A, Micallef R, Afifi M, Derbala M, Al-Mulla HM, Usmani MA. Association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and Helicobacter pylori infection. Turk J Gastroenterol. 2007;18:225–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. 12.

    Stanciu OG, Trifan A, Sfarti C, Cojocariu C, Stanciu C. Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with diabetes mellitus. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi. 2003;107:59–65.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. 13.

    Anastasios R, Goritsas C, Papamihail C, Trigidou R, Garzonis P, Ferti A. Helicobacter pylori infection in diabetic patients: prevalence and endoscopic findings. Eur J Intern Med. 2002;13:376.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. 14.

    He C, Yang Z, Lu NH. Helicobacter pylori infection and diabetes: is it a myth or fact? World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20:4607–17.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. 15.

    Shinohara K, Shoji T, Emoto M, Tahara H, Koyama H, Ishimura E, Miki T, Tabata T, Nishizawa Y. Insulin resistance as an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2002;13:1894–900.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. 16.

    Moss SF, Legon S, Bishop AE, Polak JM, Calam J. Effect of Helicobacter pylori on gastric somatostatin in duodenal ulcer disease. Lancet. 1992;340:930–2.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. 17.

    Aydemir S, Bayraktaroglu T, Sert M, Sokmen C, Atmaca H, Mungan G, Gun BD, Borazan A, Ustundag Y. The effect of Helicobacter pylori on insulin resistance. Dig Dis Sci. 2005;50:2090–3.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. 18.

    Jackson L, Britton J, Lewis SA, McKeever TM, Atherton J, Fullerton D, Fogarty AW. A population-based epidemiologic study of Helicobacter pylori infection and its association with systemic inflammation. Helicobacter. 2009;14:108–13.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. 19.

    Hamed SA, Amine NF, Galal GM, Helal SR, Tag El-Din LM, Shawky OA, Ahmed EA, Abdel Rahman MS. Vascular risks and complications in diabetes mellitus: the role of Helicobacter pylori infection. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2008;17:86–94.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. 20.

    Kathryn EW, Gökhan SH. Inflammation, stress, and diabetes. J Clin Invest. 2005;115:1111–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. 21.

    Ma Y, Zhang L, Rong S, Qu H, Zhang Y, Chang D, Pan H, Wang W. Relation between gastric cancer and protein oxidation, dna damage, and lipid peroxidation. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2013;2013:543760 (6 pages).

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  22. 22.

    Marin MT, Dasari PS, Tryggestad JB, Aston CE, Teague AM, Short KR. Oxidized HDL and LDL in adolescents with type 2 diabetes compared to normal weight and obese peers. J Diabetes Complications. 2015;29:679–85.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. 23.

    Aslan M, Horoz M, Nazligul Y, Bolukbas C, Bolukbas FF, Selek S, Celik H, Erel O. Insulin resistance in H pylori infection and its association with oxidative stress. World J Gastroenterol. 2006;14:6865–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. 24.

    Kayo S, Ohsawa M, Ehara S, Naruko T, Ikura Y, Hai E, Yoshimi N, Shirai N, Tsukamoto Y, Itabe H, Higuchi K, Arakawa T, Ueda M. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels circulating in plasma and deposited in the tissues: comparison between Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis and acute myocardial infarction. Am Heart J. 2004;148:818–25.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. 25.

    Nowotny K, Jung T, Höhn A, Weber D, Grune T. Advanced glycation end products and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Biomolecules. 2015;5:194–222.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  26. 26.

    Tangvarasittichai S. Oxidative stress, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. World J Diabetes. 2015;6:456–80.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  27. 27.

    Pi J, Bai Y, Zhang Q, Wong V, Floering LM, Daniel K, Reece JM, Deeney JT, Andersen ME, Corkey BE, Collins S. Reactive oxygen species as a signal in glucose stimulated insulin secretion. Diabetes. 2007;56:1783–93.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. 28.

    Aqeela H, Hamid JQ, Shahid H, Waqas S. Assessment of oxidized low density lipoprotein, as atherosclerosis risk marker in type 1 diabetic children with short history of diabetes mellitus. Pak J Physiol. 2010;6:32–5.

    Google Scholar 

  29. 29.

    Nagy L, Tontonoz P, Alvarez JG, Chen H, Evans RM. Oxidized LDL regulates macrophage gene expression through ligand activation of PPAR-γ. Cell. 1998;93:229–40.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. 30.

    Ock CY, Kim EH, Choi DJ, Lee HJ, Hahm KB, Chung MH. 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine: not mere biomarker for oxidative stress, but remedy for oxidative stress-implicated gastrointestinal diseases. World J Gastroenterol. 2012;28:302–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. 31.

    Dandona P, Thusu K, Cook S, Snyder B, Makowski J, Armstrong D, Nicoter T. Oxidative damage to DNA in diabetes mellitus. Lancet. 1996;347:444–5.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. 32.

    Poulsen HE, Nadal LL, Broedbaek K, Nielsen PE, Weimann A. Detection and interpretation of 8-oxodG and 8-oxoGua in urine, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Biochimica Biophysica Acta. 2014;1840:801–8.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  33. 33.

    Hardbower DM, Peek RM Jr, Wilson KT. At the Bench: helicobacter pylori, dysregulated host responses, DNA damage, and gastric cancer. J Leukoc Biol. 2014;96:201–12.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  34. 34.

    Gasbarrini A, Ojetti V, Pitocco D, De Luca A, Franceschi F, Candelli M. Sanz Torre E, Pola P, Ghirlanda G, Gasbarrini G: helicobacter pylori infection in patients affected by insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 1998;10:469–72.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. 35.

    Oldenburg B, Diepersloot RJ, Hoekstra JB. High seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in diabetes mellitus patients. Dig Dis Sci. 1996;41:458–61.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. 36.

    Gulcelik NE, Kaya E, Demirbas B, Culha C, Koc G, Ozkaya M, Cakal E, Serter R, Aral Y. Helicobacter pylori prevalence in diabetic patients and its relationship with dyspepsia and autonomic neuropathy. J Endocrinol Invest. 2005;28:214–7.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. 37.

    Shrestha R, Koirala K, Raj KC, Batajoo KH. Helicobacter pylori Infection among Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms: prevalence and Relation to Endoscopy Diagnosis and Histopathology. J Family Med Prim Care. 2014;3:154–8.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  38. 38.

    Talebi-Taher M, Mashayekhi M, Hashemi MH, Bahrani V. Helicobacter pylori in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with dyspepsia. Acta Medica Iranica. 2012;50:315–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. 39.

    Xia HH, Talley NJ, Kam EP, Young LJ, Hammer J, Horowitz M. Helicobacter pylori infection is not associated with diabetes mellitus, nor with upper gastrointestinal symptoms in diabetes mellitus. Am J Gastroenterol. 2001;96:1039–46.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. 40.

    Demir M, Gokturk HS, Ozturk NA, Kulaksizoglu M, Serin E, Yilmaz U. Helicobacter pylori prevalence in diabetes mellitus patients with dyspeptic symptoms and its relationship to glycemic control and late complications. Dig Dis Sci. 2008;53:2646–9.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. 41.

    Ferdinando G, Michael B. Ann Marie S, Guest E: Oxidative Stress and Diabetic Complications. Circ Res. 2010;107:1058–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. 42.

    Johannes GK, Arnoud HM, Ernst JK. Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori Infection. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006;19:449–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. 43.

    Koichi O. Effect of glycemic control on plasma oxidized low density lipoprotein levels in diabetics. Sci J Clin Med. 2014;3:91–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. 44.

    Maiolino G, Rossitto G, Caielli P, Bisogni V, Rossi GP, Calò LA. The role of oxidized low-density lipoproteins in atherosclerosis: the myths and the facts. Mediators Inflamm. 2013;2013:714653 (13 pages).

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  45. 45.

    Vafaeimanesh J, Hejazi SF, Damanpak V, Vahedian M, Sattari M, Seyyedmajidi M. Association of Helicobacter pylori infection with coronary artery disease: is Helicobacter pylori a risk factor? Sci World J. 2014;2014:516354 (6 pages).

    Google Scholar 

  46. 46.

    Toshima S, Hasegawa A, Kurabayashi M, Itabe H, Takano T, Sugano J, Shimamura K, Kimura J, Michishita I, Suzuki T, Nagai R. Circulating oxidized low density lipoprotein levels a biochemical risk marker for coronary heart disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2000;20:2243–7.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. 47.

    Ehara S, Ueda M, Naruko T, Haze K, Itoh A, Otsuka M, Komatsu R, Matsuo T, Itabe H, Takano T, Tsukamoto Y, Yoshiyama M, Takeuchi K, Yoshikawa J, Becker AE. Elevated levels of oxidized low density lipoprotein show a positive relationship with the severity of acute coronary syndromes. Circulation. 2001;103:1955–60.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. 48.

    Kugiyama K, Sugiyama S, Soejima H, Kawano H, Sakamoto T, Takazoe K, Ogawa H, Doi H, Yasue H. Increase in plasma levels of oxidized low-density lipoproteins in patients with coronary spastic angina. Atherosclerosis. 2001;154:463–7.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. 49.

    Carr AC, McCall MR, Frei B. Oxidation of LDL by Myeloperoxidase and reactive nitrogen species reaction pathways and antioxidant protection”. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2000;20:1716–23.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. 50.

    Rehman A, Nourooz-Zadeh J, Möller W, Tritschler H, Pereira P, Halliwell B. Increased oxidative damage to all DNA bases in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. FEBS Lett. 1999;448:120–2.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. 51.

    Collins AR, Raslová K, Somorovská M, Petrovská H, Ondrusová A, Vohnout B, Fábry R, Dusinská M. DNA damage in diabetes: correlation with a clinical marker. Free Radic Biol Med. 1998;25:373–7.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. 52.

    Wright E Jr, Scism-Bacon JL, Glass LC. Oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes: the role of fasting and postprandial glycaemia. Int J Clin Pract. 2006;60:308–14.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors’ contributions

WAN design of the study, clinical selection, diagnosis and classification of the cases, interpreted biochemical laboratory investigations, preparing tables and figures, editing, styling, writing and revising of the main manuscript text. MHM design of the study, clinical selection, diagnosis and classification of the cases, revising of the main manuscript text, revising of the main manuscript text. MMN design of the study, statistical analysis, interpretation of biochemical results, preparing tables and figures. SSA design of the study, styling, diagnosis and classification of the cases, revising of the main manuscript text. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Acknowledgements

This research project was supported and funded by the Institute of Scientific Research and Revival of Islamic Culture (Grant No. 43409027), Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Wesam Ahmed Nasif, Mohammed Hasan Mukhtar & Mohammed Mahmoud Nour Eldein

  2. Molecular Biology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, Sadat City University, Sadat City, Egypt

    Wesam Ahmed Nasif

  3. Oncology Diagnostic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

    Mohammed Mahmoud Nour Eldein

  4. Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Sami Sadagah Ashgar

Authors
  1. Wesam Ahmed Nasif
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mohammed Hasan Mukhtar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mohammed Mahmoud Nour Eldein
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Sami Sadagah Ashgar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wesam Ahmed Nasif.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Nasif, W.A., Mukhtar, M.H., Nour Eldein, M.M. et al. Oxidative DNA damage and oxidized low density lipoprotein in Type II diabetes mellitus among patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. Diabetol Metab Syndr 8, 34 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-016-0149-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-016-0149-1

Keywords

  • Helicobacter pylori
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine
  • Oxidized low density lipoprotein

Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome

ISSN: 1758-5996

Contact us