Correlation between mast cell density and histological parameters in Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are a major cause of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer. This organism plays a role in gastric carcinoma and B-cell lymphoma. However, the exact pathogenesis of gastric inflammation is still unclear. Mast cells, the important inflammatory cells for allergic process, may participate in the pathogenesis of gastritis related to H. pylori infection.

Objective: Analyze the relationship between mast cell density, H. pylori intensity, histological alterations, and their severity of biopsy proven gastritis.

Methods: One hundred eleven biopsied specimens were collected from Thai patients who were diagnosed H. pylori-associated gastritis of the antrum at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between 2002 and 2005. All biopsied specimens were examined according to the Updated Sydney System. Mast cell density was evaluated by 0.1% toluidine-stained sections.

Results: The higher mast cell density was correlated with increased neutrophilic infiltration (r = 0.220, p = 0.020), chronic inflammatory cell infiltration (r = 0.381, p <0.001), and lymphoid aggregation (r = 0.271, p = 0.004). No relationship was found between mast cell density and intensity of H. pylori, glandular atrophy, or intestinal metaplasia.

Conclusion: Mast cells might take part in the pathogenesis of H. pylori gastritis.