The assessment of carotid intima-media thickness, lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers in Helicobacter pylori-positive subjects.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Helicobacter pylori infection has been suggested to be associated with atherosclerosis. The issue is still controversial. It is well known that abnormal lipid profile and oxidative stress are related to atherosclerosis and the measurement of carotid intima-media thickness. The aim of this study was to investigate carotid intima-media thickness and oxidative stress along with lipid parameters in Helicobacter pylori-positive and -negative subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty Helicobacter pylori-positive subjects and 31 Helicobacter pylori-negative subjects were enrolled. Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed by noninvasive tests. Serum total oxidant status and total antioxidant capacity levels were measured. Oxidative stress index was calculated based on total oxidant status/total antioxidant capacity ratio. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were recorded, and laboratory analysis included measurement of serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. carotid intima media thickness was assessed by high-resolution ultrasound. RESULTS We found that the mean and maximum values of right and overall carotid intima-media thickness in Helicobacter pylori-positive subjects were significantly thicker than in Helicobacter pylori-negatives (p < 0.05). Serum triglycerides levels of Helicobacter pylori-positive subjects were significantly higher than in Helicobacter pylori-negatives (p < 0.05). Total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress index values were significantly higher in Helicobacter pylori-positive subjects compared with negatives (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between oxidative stress markers and carotid intima-media thickness values. CONCLUSIONS Carotid intima-media thickness, total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress index, and triglycerides values are increased in Helicobacter pylori-positive subjects compared to Helicobacter pylori-negatives. These data indicated that Helicobacter pylori infection may have a role in atherosclerotic processes.