Does Infection Increase the Levels of Exhaled Nitric Oxide?

Abstract

It has been suggested that H. pylori infection upregulates iNOS expresion and synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). In order to extend the scope, exhaled NO in H. pylori -infected patients with chronic gastritis was investigated. Exhaled oral NO level was measured with Niox Mino® analyzer, twice before and six-seven months after successful H. pylori eradication therapy in 26 patients with gastritis and in 16 healthy non-atopic subjects. Exhaled NO was significantly increased in H. pylori -infected patients with chronic gastritis as compared with the healthy subjects. Following eradication the levels were significantly reduced compared to the basal level before the therapy and did not differ significantly from those of the healthy subjects. It seems that H. pylori-associated gastritis is accompanied by an increased level of exhaled NO, resulting probably from the locally increased NO production.