Relationship between gastritis severity, Helicobacter pylori intensity and mast cell density in the antrum and corpus.

Background/aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mast cell density, Helicobacter pylori intensity and histopathological severity of gastritis in the corpus and antrum mucosa.

Methods: The study included 59 Helicobacter pylori-positive and 20 Helicobacter pylori-negative patients. All cases underwent endoscopy, and biopsies were obtained for the evaluation of Helicobacter pylori and histopathological examination. All biopsies were evaluated according to the Sydney system and mast cell density in both the corpus and antrum mucosa was analyzed by modified Giemsa stain. Spearman's correlation test was used to determine the relationship between mast cell density and other histopathological parameters. The comparision of mast cell density between H. pylori positive and negative groups was analysed by Mann Whitney U test.

Results: Both in the antrum and the corpus, mast cell density was significantly higher in the Helicobacter pylori-positive group than in the Helicobacter pylori-negative group (p<0.001). The higher mast cell distribution was correlated with increased inflammation, activity and Helicobacter pylori in the antrum and corpus (p<0.001). No relationship was found between mast cell distribution and intestinal metaplasia or atrophy.

Conclusions: In the light of the results of our study, mast cells may play a role in the development of Helicobacter pylori gastritis.