Association of Helicobacter pylori infection with systemic inflammation in preeclampsia

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa), Chlamydia pneumonia IgG, IgM and plasma Helicobacter pylori IgA levels between preeclamptic and normal pregnant women and to determine whether seropositivity to Helicobacter pylori is associated with elevated levels of CRP and TNF-a. Methods. Forty patients with preeclampsia and 40 normotensive pregnant women of similar age and body mass index at the third trimester of gestation were selected for the study. Chlamydia pneumonia IgM and IgGs, Helicobacter pylori IgAs and concentrations of CRP and TNF-a were measured. Results. Concentrations of CRP and TNF-a were significantly higher in patients with preeclampsia than in control subjects. In the preeclamptic group, positivity rate for Helicobacter pylori IgA was significantly higher as compared to controls (p ¼ 0.034). CRP and TNF-a levels were higher in Helicobacter pylori seropositive subjects. Conclusion. We demonstrated high levels of serum CRP and TNF-a in preeclamptic women who were seropositive to Helicobacter pylori in comparison with those in seronegative subjects.