Effects of inflammatory cytokines on eradication and recurrence of Helicobacter pylori infection in children

OBJECTIVES: To study the correlation of eradication and recurrence with IL-1 β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in children with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection. METHODS: Children confirmed with Hp infection (n = 153) in our hospital from January to June 2019 and successfully followed up for one year were selected as the study subjects, and 73 healthy children of the same period were selected as the control group. The levels of IL-1 β, IL-6 and TNF-α in children confirmed with Hp infection and healthy children were detected, respectively. RESULTS: Results of triple therapy: 113 cases (73.9%) reexamined with negative 13C-urea breath test were included in Group-A; and 40 cases (26.1%) reexamined with positive 13C-urea breath test were included in Group-B. Follow up results: 23 cases (20.4%) positive in 13C-urea breath test in one year follow-up were included in Group-C; and 90 cases (79.6%) negative in 13C-urea breath test in one year follow-up were included in Group-D. Group-B showed significantly higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α when compared with the Group-A and the control group, respectively (P < 0.05). Obviously higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were observed in Group-C and Group-D in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in IL-1 β level between Group-C and Group-D (P > 0.05). IL-6 and TNF-α levels in Group-C were remarkably higher than those in Group-D (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α may affect the eradication effect of triple therapy in Children with Hp infection, and increased levels of IL-6 and TNF-α may affect the recurrence rate of Hp infection in children.