Relevance of HSP70 expression to Helicobacter pylori infection in chronic gastritis mucosa lesions

Objective To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori(Hp) infection and the expression of heat shock protein 70(HSP70) in gastric mucosal lesions in order to determine the clinical severity and the trend of chronic gastritis,and provide the basis for the treatment.Methods Gastric biopsy specimens were collected from 71 cases of chronic gastritis during endoscopy.Pathological examination of the specimens confirmed that of these cases,38 were superficial gastritis and 33 were atrophic gastritis.The cases were further divided into Hp positive(Hp+) group and Hp negative(Hp-) group according to the results of Giemsa staining and 14C urea breath.HSP70 expression in mucosal tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemical technique.The positive rates of HSP 70 expression were then compared between Hp+ group and Hp-group.Results The positive rate of HSP70 expression in Hp+ group(61.5% for superficial gastritis and 76.0% for atrophic gastritis) was significantly higher than that in Hp-group(25.0% for superficial gastritis and 37.5% for atrophic gastritis)(P0.05).Conclusion HSP70 expression can be found in all types of chronic gastritis mucosa lesions.The expression is significantly enhanced in Hp infected cases.Determination of HSP70 may indicate the severity of Hp infection,the trend of the disease and prognosis