Role of cyclooxygenase-2 functional gene polymorphisms in Helicobacter pylori induced gastritis and gastric atrophy

In India, the role of host genetic factors is poorly studied for Helicobacter pylori associated diseases. Therefore, we evaluated the association of functionally relevant COX-2 gene polymorphisms (-765 G>C and +8473 T>C) in gastritis and precancerous lesions susceptibility. After upper GI endoscopy, 130 rapid urease test positive patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia, also showed positivity for H. pylori using modified Geimsa staining and anti-CagA IgG serology were included. All patients and 260 asymptomatic controls were genotyped for COX-2 variations using PCR-RFLP. COX-2 -765 (GC+CC) genotypes, -765 C allele, +8473 CC genotype, +8473 (TC+CC) genotypes, +8473 C allele, and variant haplotypes imparted high risk for gastritis (P = 0.036, OR = 1.82; P = 0.007, 1.92; P = 0.025, OR = 2.13; P = 0.017, OR = 1.80; P = 0.017, OR = 1.45; P = 0.010, OR = 2.40; P = 0.023, OR = 1.50 and P = 0.012, OR = 2.20 folds, respectively). In contrast, COX-2 -765 C allele carriers had low risk for lymphocyte (P = 0.020, OR = 0.35), plasma cell infiltrations (P = 0.016, OR = 0.33), and gastric atrophy (GA) development (P = 0.019, OR = 0.35). In conclusion, COX-2 variant allele/genotype/haplotype carriers may be at high risk for gastritis. However, COX-2 -765 C allele carriers may be at low risk for GA development.