Helicobacter pylori Infection and Stem Cells: Two Main Factors at the Origin of Gastric Cancer

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori was the main cause of gastric cancer (GC) in all over the world that results in intestinal- and diffuse-type carcinoma. Infection by this bacterium remains chronic for a long time. In vitro studies have highlighted the role of stem cells in GC. H. pylori infection results in tissue injury and the adult/tissue stem cells subsequently start to replace the dead cells. The genetic alteration within those cells may be the cause of development of GC, suggesting cancerous cells in the stomach are derived from tissue stem cells. Studies have proved that the bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) take part in repair of the injured gastric tissue. When there was injury, the BM-MSCs migrate from bone marrow and participate in the repair of injured tissue that results in the progression of GC. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) harbor markers, targeting these markers via nano-drug systems can be used for GC therapy.