Effect of H pylori eradication on COX-2 expression in two entities of gastric mucosal pathological changes

[Objective] To study the effect of H pylori eradication on COX-2 expression of gastric mucosal epithelia in chronic superfacial gastritis and chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia. [Methods] Rapid urease test and basic magnenta dyeing assay were used to assess the status of H pylori infection in the stomach. Expression of COX-2 was detected immunohistolochemically. [Results] In 17 cases of H pylori related superficial gastritis COX-2 expressed in 11 cases, among which after H pylori eradication COX-2 expression disappeared in 6 cases, decreased in 2 cases, unchanged in 2 cases, and increased in 1 case. Scores of chronic inflammation in gastric mucosa decreased to some extent in 12 cases. 9 out of 10 cases of chronic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia were positive in COX-2 expression.1-2 years after H pylori eradication COX-2 expression disappeared in 2 cases, decreased in 5 cases, unchanged in 1 case, and increased in 1 case. However, there was no significant change in mucosal histopathological status. [Conclusion] Eradication of H pylori could eliminate COX-2 expression in epithelia of chronic superficial gastitis,which is correlated with amelioration of chronic inflammation. Otherwise, Eradication of H. pylori can decrease COX-2 expression in epithelia of chronic atrophic gastitis with metaplasia, but can not improve the status of gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia