Comparing Serum Levels of Autophagy-Related Gene 5 in People With and Without Helicobacter Pylori Infection

Background: Laboratory studies have shown that gastric epithelial infection cells with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can increase autophagy. Disruption in this process can cause various diseases, including cancer. Objective: This study aims to compare the serum level of Autophag -Related Gene 5 (ATG5) in individuals with and without H. pylori infection. Methods: This case-control pilot study was conducted in 2018 on 44 individuals aged 35-50 years referred to the endoscopy ward of Razi Hospital in Rasht, Iran. Their age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking, and symptoms were first recorded in a form. Based on Rapid Urease Test and pathology results, they included in two groups of patient (n=22) and healthy (n=22). Serum ATG5 levels were quantitatively assessed by an ELISA kit (EIAab, USA).  Results: Most of participants (56.8%) were male, aged over 40 years (77.3%), a BMI < 25 kg/m2 (52.3%) and not smoking cigarettes (70.5%). The mean serum levels of ATG5 in individuals with and without H. pylori infections were 63.5 ± 15.4 and 57.1±18.9, respectively (P>0.05). The mean ATG5 level was higher in women than in men (P= 0.0047). Conclusion: Serum level of ATG5 is not significantly different between people with and without H. pylori infection. Further study is recommended using a larger sample size and based on a comparing gastrointestinal lesions.