Increased COX-2, but not COX-1, mRNA expression in Helicobacter Pylori gastritis

This study was designed to evaluate COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA expression in the gastric mucosa of H. pylori-infected and noninfected subjects. We confirmed and extended our previous observation that H. pylori up-regulated COX-2 mRNA expression and activity in gastric mucosal cells in vitro. Based on our studies, we postulate that activation of COX-2-related events during H. pylori infection may play a role in the multistep process leading to gastric cancer. Novel NSAIDs have recently been designed that selectively inhibit COX-2 at the site of inflammation without affecting COX-1–dependent generation of gastroprotective PGs. Therefore, one may envision the chemopreventive use of selective COX-2 inhibitors in those H. pylori-infected subjects who are resistant to conventional eradication regimens and potentially at risk for developing gastric cancer.