AUTHOR=Doulberis Michael , Papaefthymiou Apostolis , Polyzos Stergios A. , Boziki Marina , Kazakos Evangelos , Tzitiridou-Chatzopoulou Maria , Vardaka Elisabeth , Hammrich Carola , Kulaksiz Hasan , Riva Daniele , Kiosses Christos , Linas Ioannis , Touloumtzi Maria , Stogianni Aggeliki , Kountouras Jannis 

TITLE=Impact of Helicobacter pylori and metabolic syndrome-related mast cell activation on cardiovascular diseases

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Gastroenterology

VOLUME=3

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/gastroenterology/articles/10.3389/fgstr.2024.1331330

DOI=10.3389/fgstr.2024.1331330

ISSN=2813-1169

ABSTRACT=<p><italic>Helicobacter pylori</italic>, a widely renowned bacterium, has recently gained attention owing to its potential impact on extragastric health. The emergence of research linking <italic>H. pylori</italic> infection with metabolic syndrome (MetS)-related cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has raised intriguing questions about the pathogenic linkage and its translational implications for clinicians. MetS encompasses a collection of metabolic abnormalities that considerably elevate the risk of CVDs and cerebrovascular diseases. Emerging evidence supports a potential pathogenetic role of <italic>H. pylori</italic> for MetS-related disorders through mechanisms implicating chronic smoldering inflammation, insulin resistance (IR), and modulation of immune responses. One intriguing aspect of this possible connection is the role of mast cells (MCs), a subset of immune cells representing innate immune system effector cells. They play a fundamental role in innate immune responses and the modulation of adaptive immunity. Activated MCs are commonly found in patients with MetS-related CVD. Recent studies have also suggested that <italic>H. pylori</italic> infection may activate MCs, triggering the release of pro-inflammatory mediators that contribute to IR and atherosclerosis. Understanding these intricate interactions at the cellular level provides new insights into the development of therapeutic strategies targeting both <italic>H. pylori</italic> infection and MetS-related MCs activation. This review investigates the current state of research regarding the potential impact of <italic>H. pylori</italic> infection and MetS-related MCs activation on the pathophysiology of CVD, thereby opening up new avenues for related research and paving the way for innovative approaches to prevention and treatment in clinical practice</p>