OBJECTIVES

The role of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in the progression of atherosclerosis is controversial. We investigated the relation between HP IgG antibody titres and severity and intensity of coronary atherosclerosis and also clinical presentation of coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

The patient group consisted of 353 patients with angiographically proven CAD, which contains 3 different subgroups: 163 patients with myocardial infarction (MI), 106 patients with unstable angina (USAP) and 84 patients with stable angina (SAP). Control group included 163 subjects with angiographically proven normal coronary arteries. Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody titres were measured by an enzyme immunoassay method in all patients. Gensini and Extent scores were used to evaluate the angiographic severity and extent of atherosclerosis. C-reactive protein levels were measured by Behring nephelometry system kits.

RESULTS

Seropositivity rates for HP were similar between groups (82.7% in the patient group and 86.6% in the control group (P > 0.05)). Also HP-IgG levels were similar among the MI, USAP and SAP groups. No significant correlation was observed between CRP levels and HP-LgG level titres. There was no significant correlation between HP-IgG level (r = 0.086, P = 0.2) and Gensini score but a significant poor correlation was observed between HP-IgG level and Extent score (r = + 0.156, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Helicobacter pylori IgG titres do not play an important role in the presentation of CAD and do not increase systemic inflammatory response. However, Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody titres may be correlated with the extent of CAD.