for those of you interested in H.pylori--a finding and more speculation
 

H. pylori Infection Linked to Iron Deficiency


NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Jan 12 - Helicobacter pylori infection, which affects about a third of adults in the US, is associated with an increased risk of iron deficiency and related anemia, according to a report in the American Journal of Epidemiology for January 15.

Moreover, this relationship holds true even in the absence of peptic ulcer disease, which can cause iron-deficiency anemia through hemorrhage.

"For the first time in a national sample of the US population, we found an apparent link between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency" and iron-deficiency anemia, lead author Dr. Victor M. Cardenas, from the University of Texas at Houston, told Reuters Health.

The new findings are based on an analysis of data from the current National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2000). Data on 7462 subjects who were at least 3 years of age were included in the analysis.

H. pylori infection was tied to decreased serum ferritin levels, but was not associated with levels of free erythrocyte protoporphyrin, transferrin saturation, or hemoglobin, the report indicates.

The presence of H. pylori infection raised the risk of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia by 1.4- and 2.6-fold, respectively. H. pylori infection was also tied to other types of anemia, but to a much lesser extent.

How might H. pylori infection promote iron deficiency short of causing a bleeding ulcer? "The rapid turnover of H. pylori, which seems to sequester iron, is one possible mechanism," Dr. Cardenas said.

He added that his group is now seeking funding for a randomized trial looking at whether H. pylori eradication can improve iron deficiency in children.

Am J Epidemiol 2006;163:127-134.



Related Links

Resource Centers

This is interesting ...
 

... as I was anemic as a child of about 5. I was well fed, but picky about my food. Very active and skinny for my age. Doctor prescribed "iron tonic" and more protein for me and I got over this condition. I don't suppose they had even heard of h.pylori in the early 50's.

Still do not know what this may have to do with my breast cancer being HER-2 positive.

More on C-myc and EGFR and H. Pylori
 

Expression of C-myc gene protein and epidermal growth factor receptor in gastric mucosa pre- and post-Helicobacter pylori clearance

Jin-Hua Gao, Hou-Jie Liang, Wei-Wen Liu, Dian-Chun Fang and Zhen-Hua Wang

Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China


Abstract

AIM To investigate the effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on the expression of C-myc gene protein and epidermal growth
factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric mucosa.

METHODS The expression of C-myc gene protein and EGFR was quantitatively studied by flow cytometry and indirect immunofluorescence methods, proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was analysed by immunochemistry method.

RESULTS The percentage of positive cells and mean fluorescence intensity of C-myc protein and EGFR were significantly increased in Hp infected mucosa and significantly decreased after Hp clearance with triple therapy. This change was similar to that in proliferative activity indicated by PCNA labeling index.

CONCLUSION The over expression of C-myc gene protein and EGFR may be the molecular basis for hyperproliferation of gastric mucosal epithelium induced by Hp infection.

Subject headingsHelicobacter pylori; gastric mucosa; C-myc gene protein; receptor, epidermal growth factor

Gao JH, Liang HJ, Liu WW, Fang DC, Wang ZH. Expression of Cmyc gene protein and epidermal growth factor receptor in gastric mucosa pre and postHelicobacter pylori clearance.Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi,1999;7(12):1018-1019

After our "chat" about HER2 origins...
 

I asked my "herceptin" buddy if she had her gall bladder out and she said that she AND another herceptin lady had theirs out, though AFTER being dx (not sure about when the other lady did), but who's to say the infection wasn't there prior to their dx. Also, ANOTHER lady we met the other day who is also getting herceptin is starting to show "gall bladder symptoms". HMMMM?!?!?!?!?

Rhonda

Rhonda


I am showing gall bladder symptoms right now.

Becky

What would you say
 

Gall Bladder symptoms are??
Where would the pain or discomfort be?
Do you mean more like an infection??

Kind of feels like I did sit ups but the slight soreness is only on the right side in the middle of the last rib. At first, I wasn't sure whether or not it was the rib. Luckily, it started happening at the time of my scans were due and the CTs and bone scan came out fine so I didn't need to freak out. Gall bladder inflammation (maybe just "because" or from radiation scatter) is probably the cause. I am going to a gastro guy on the 31st (for this and to schedule my first colonoscopy).


Becky

OOH - Colonoscopy is no fun. I had one and that is enough for me!

Let us know what the gatsro specialist says.

So sorry about this Becky...
 

I had my FIRST symptoms PRIOR to finding out I was pregnant w/ my son. I remember having SEVERE pain in the middle of the night and going to ER. They did an ultra sound (mind you I was 2 months pregnant w/ my son and DIDN'T know it for another 2 mo as I was told I couldn't have children) and they said I had an ulcer (never told me I was pregnant) and put me on meds. 6 months after having my son is when I got my gall bladder out. Good luck on the colonoscopy and if you do have to have them removed, you will be fine. My coworker just had hers out on Tues AND several of my other coworkers have had theirs out w/in the last 2 yrs (pray that they never get cancer AND that is HER2 mediated). Take care, good luck AND God bless.

Rhonda