Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection induces a chronic inflammatory response, which promotes gastric carcinogenesis. 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) plays a key role as a tumor suppressor in gastrointestinal cancers. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of 15-PGDH in gastric carcinogenesis associated with H. pylori. 15-PGDH expression in gastric biopsies from H. pylori-infected (n = 25) and noninfected (n = 15) subjects was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. 15-PGDH DNA methylation was evaluated by methylation-specific PCR and pyrosequencing. The expression of 15-PGDH, Snail, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, TLR4, and MyD88 in response to H. pylori infection was assessed by immunoblot analysis. Compared with negative specimens, H. pylori-positive specimens had 2-fold lower 15-PGDH mRNA levels and significantly less 15-PGDH protein. In four H. pylori-infected subjects with longitudinal follow-up, the suppression of 15-PGDH expression was reversed by H. pylori eradication therapy. In parallel with suppressing 15-PGDH expression, H. pylori infection activated expression of TLR4 and MyD88 expression, increased levels of phospho-ERK1/2, and increased expression of EGF receptor (EGFR)-Snail. Inhibition of Snail and MyD88 reversed suppression of 15-PGDH expression, and siMyD88 reduced phosphorylated ERK1/2. Similarly, treatment with an ERK1/2 and EGFR inhibitor also restored 15-PGDH expression. H. pylori appeared to promote gastric carcinogenesis by suppressing 15-PGDH. This process is mediated by the TLR4/MyD88 pathway via ERK1/2 or EGFR-Snail transcriptional regulation. 15-PGDH may be a useful marker and a potential therapeutic target in H. pylori-induced gastric carcinogenesis.