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Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is known to colonize gastric mucosa, induce inflammation, and alter gastric microbiota resulting in a spectrum of gastric diseases. Likewise, changes in gut microbiota have recently been linked with various metabolic and inflammatory diseases. While extensive number of studies were published examining the relationship between H. pylori and gastric microbiota, little is known about the impact of H. pylori on downstream gut microbiota. In this study, we performed 16 S rRNA and ITS2-based microbial profiling analysis of 60 stool samples from adult individuals. Remarkably, the gut microbiota of H. pylori infected individuals was shown to be increased of members belonging to Succinivibrio, Coriobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Rikenellaceae. Moreover, gut microbiota of H. pylori infected individuals was shown to have increased abundance of Candida glabrata and other unclassified Fungi. These results links possible role for H. pylori-associated changes in the gut microbiota in intestinal mucosal barrier disruption and early stage colorectal carcinoma deployment. Altogether, the identified differences in bacterial and fungal composition provides important information that may eventually lead to the development of novel biomarkers and more effective management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The wall of the stomach is easily damaged by different factors leading to serious diseases such as ulcers and cancer. In this study, the effects of a mixture of different types of beneficial bacteria (De Simone Formulation) were investigated in a mouse model of stomach wall damages induced by single or multiple doses of acetylsalicylic acid. Control mice received water. The stomachs of all mice were processed for microscopic examination and labeling of dividing stem cells and stomach cell lineages secreting mucus, acid, pepsin, and hormones. The results reveal beneficial effects for the multiple bacterial strain of De Simone Formulation given before or after the induction of stomach erosions. The regeneration of the stomach wall was associated with an increase in stem cell proliferation and enhanced production of protective factors such as mucus, and restoration of the aggressive factors produced by acid and pepsin secreting cell lineages. Therefore, the protective and therapeutic effects of the multi-strain healthy bacteria against stomach erosions involve modulation of not only dividing stem cells but also the multiple secretory cell lineages of the stomach. Patients with gastric mucosal erosions are predisposed to chronic gastritis, ulcer or even cancer. The repair of mucosal erosions involves several events including proliferation of gastric epithelial stem cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the probiotic mixture of De Simone Formulation on gastric epithelial stem cell lineages in mouse models of gastric mucosal erosions. Gastric erosions were induced by a single oral gavage of 80% ethanol containing 15 mg/mL acetylsalicylic acid (5 mL/kg) following a daily dose of probiotic mixture (5 mg/day/mouse) for 10 days. In another protocol, erosions were induced by a daily gavage of acetylsalicylic acid (400 mg/kg/day/mouse) for 5 days before or after daily administration of probiotic mixture for 5 days. Control mice received water gavage for 10 days. All mice were injected with bromodeoxyuridine two hours before sacrifice to label S-phase cells. The stomachs of all mice were processed for histological examination, lectin binding, and immunohistochemical analysis. The results reveal that mice that received probiotics before or after the induction of erosion showed a decrease in erosion index with an increase in gastric epithelial stem/progenitor cell proliferation and enhanced production of mucus, trefoil factors, and ghrelin by mucous and enteroendocrine cell lineages. These mice also showed restoration of the amount of H+,K+-ATPase and pepsinogen involved in the production of the harsh acidic environment by parietal and chief cell lineages. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the beneficial effects of probiotics against gastric mucosal erosion and highlights the involvement and modulation of proliferative stem cells and their multiple glandular epithelial cell lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been classified as a Class I carcinogen by the International Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC) and has been identified as the most common etiologic agent of infection-associated cancers. Early detection and eradication of H. pylori can definitely lead to long-term healing of all H. pylori-related diseases. In Lebanon, the prevalence of H. pylori is not well documented, especially in healthy subjects. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 healthy Lebanese volunteers, including both children and adults. Interestingly, a significant correlation was found between H. pylori infection and sheesha smoking. These findings highlight the need for the development of preventive approaches and strategic indications for the appropriate management of H. pylori infections in Tripoli, North Lebanon. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection occurs among half of the general population worldwide, with high geographic variability. Even though H. pylori is the leading cause of several gastric diseases, ranging from gastritis and peptic ulcers to gastric malignancies, such as gastric cancer and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, most of the infections remain asymptomatic. Early detection and eradication of H. pylori can definitely prevent severe long-term gastric diseases associated with H. pylori. In Lebanon, the prevalence of H. pylori is not well documented, especially in healthy subjects. The aim of this study is to assess H. pylori infections and the associated risk factors in Tripoli, North Lebanon. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 healthy Lebanese volunteers, including both children and adults. The H. pylori stool antigens were detected using the Premier Platinum HpSA test. The socio-demographic data, lifestyle characteristics, and gastrointestinal characteristics of all participants were analyzed. Out of the 300 tested volunteer subjects, 31% were found to be positive for H. pylori. A multivariate binary logistic regression analysis for factors associated with H. pylori infection revealed a significant association between H. pylori infection and gastrointestinal disturbances, the crowding index, and occupation. A significant statistical correlation was found between sheesha smoking (p = 0.001) and H. pylori infection. These findings highlight the need for the development of preventive approaches and strategic indications for the appropriate treatment of H. pylori infections in Tripoli, North Lebanon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]