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The Influence of Lactobacillus brevis on Ornithine Decarboxylase Activity and Polyamine Profiles in Helicobacter pylori ‐Infected Gastric Mucosa
Author(s) -
Linsalata Michele,
Russo Francesco,
Berloco Pasquale,
Caruso Maria Lucia,
Matteo Giovanni D.I.,
Cifone Maria Grazia,
Simone Claudio D.E.,
Ierardi Enzo,
Leo Alfredo Di
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
helicobacter
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.206
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1523-5378
pISSN - 1083-4389
DOI - 10.1111/j.1083-4389.2004.00214.x
Subject(s) - lactobacillus brevis , polyamine , spermidine , spermine , helicobacter pylori , ornithine decarboxylase , arginine deiminase , putrescine , ornithine , biology , gastric mucosa , microbiology and biotechnology , arginine , biochemistry , chemistry , medicine , enzyme , stomach , bacteria , amino acid , lactic acid , genetics , lactobacillus plantarum
Background. Functional probiotics may prevent Helicobacter pylori infection, and some evidence suggests that they also possess antitumor properties. Lactobacillus brevis (CD2) is a functional Lactobacillus strain with peculiar biochemical features, essentially related to the activity of arginine deiminase . This enzyme catalyzes the catabolism of arginine and affects the biosynthesis of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine). Polyamines are polycations found in high concentrations in both normal and neoplastic cells. Our aims were: 1, to assess whether oral administration of L. brevis (CD2) affects H. pylori survival in the human gastric mucosa; 2, to evaluate the effects of L. brevis (CD2) on polyamine biosynthesis in gastric biopsies from H. pylori‐ positive patients. Materials and Methods. For 3 weeks before endoscopy, 22 H. pylori‐ positive dyspeptic patients randomly received (ratio 1 : 1) high oral doses of L. brevis (CD2) or placebo. Before and after treatment, H. pylori infection was determined by urea breath test (UBT). In gastric biopsies, ornithine decarboxylase activity and polyamine levels were, respectively, evaluated by a radiometric technique and high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results. L. brevis (CD2) treatment did not eradicate H. pylori . However, a reduction in the UBT delta values occurred, suggesting a decrease in intragastric bacterial load. Significantly, L. brevis (CD2) induced a decrease in gastric ornithine decarboxylase activity and polyamine levels. Conclusions. Our data support the hypothesis that L. brevis (CD2) treatment decreases H. pylori colonization, thus reducing polyamine biosynthesis. Alternatively, the arginine deiminase activity following L. brevis (CD2) administration might cause arginine deficiency, preventing polyamine generation from gastric cells.