Relationship of Helicobacter pylori Infection with Various Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Dyspeptic Patients: A Cross-sectional Study from Western Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), despite its high prevalence in the Indian population, has been subjected to limited studies concerning its potential role as a risk factor for Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and Insulin Resistance (IR). Proposed mechanisms include inflammatory mediators, atherogenic lipid profiles, and vasoconstriction. Aim: To determine the association between H. pylori infection and MetS components, focusing on Highly sensitive C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) levels, to enhance understanding and management of these conditions. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India spanning from September 2017 to August 2019. This study involved 100 dyspeptic patients aged 18 years or older undergoing upper Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Data collection included fasting/postprandial blood parameters, serum lipids, hs-CRP, and H. pylori detection via both rapid urease test and Histopathological Examination (HPE). Physical assessments covered height, weight, Waist Circumference (WC), and blood pressure. MetS was evaluated using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Statistical analysis employed unpaired t-tests, Chi-square tests, and Fisher-Exact tests using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Results: The study of 100 dyspeptic patients, predominantly females, revealed a significant association between H. pylori infection and MetS (p-value<0.001). H. pylori infection was associated with elevated fasting glucose (90.24%) and triglycerides (90.24%) (p-value<0.001). Additionally, individuals with H. pylori infection exhibited higher inflammatory markers (p-value 0.0029). Conclusion: The above findings underscore the potential role of H. pylori as a risk factor for MetS and highlight the need for further research to elucidate mechanisms and implications for preventive strategies and clinical management, offering avenues for improved patient care and outcomes, particularly in addressing cardiovascular health.

Keywords

• cardiovascular complications
• inflammatory mediators
• insulin resistance