The polymorphism interleukin 8 −251 A/T influences the susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori related gastric diseases in the Japanese population

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with variable clinical outcomes, including gastroduodenal diseases, and genetic factors may be relevant in this process. Aims: We investigated the effects of an interleukin 8 (IL-8) gene polymorphism on the risk of gastroduodenal diseases, the degree of H pylori induced gastritis, and IL-8 gene transcription. Subjects: The study was performed in 244 healthy control subjects and 690 H pylori positive patients with non-cardia gastric cancer, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, or gastritis. Methods: We identified the IL-8 −251 A/T polymorphism by direct sequence analysis, and measured the gastritis score and serum pepsinogen (PG). The transcriptional promoter activity of the IL-8 gene was assessed by luciferase assay. Results: IL-8 −251A was associated with a higher risk of gastric cancer and gastric ulcer. Patients carrying IL-8 −251A showed an increased risk of gastric cancer (odds ratios (OR) 2.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–2.92)) and gastric ulcer (OR 2.07 (95% CI 1.37–3.12)). Compared with patients younger than 49 years, atrophy and metaplasia scores in the antrum were significantly higher and the PG I/II ratio significantly lower in −251A carriers than in T/T carriers. In the in vitro assay, IL-8 −251A showed enhanced promoter activity in response to IL-1β or tumour necrosis factor α. Conclusions: The IL-8 −251A allele may be associated with progression of gastric atrophy in patients with H pylori infection, and may increase the risk of gastric cancer and gastric ulcer in Japanese people

Comparison of health examination survey methods in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, England, Scotland, and the United States

Comparability of population surveys across countries is key to appraising trends in population health. Achieving this requires deep understanding of the methods used in these surveys to examine the extent to which the measurements are comparable. In this study, we obtained detailed protocols of 8 nationally representative surveys from 2007-2013 from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, the United Kingdom (England and Scotland), and the United States-countries that that differ in economic and inequity indicators. Data were collected on sampling frame, sample selection procedures, recruitment, data collection methods, content of interview and examination modules, and measurement protocols. We also assessed their adherence to the World Health Organization's "STEPwise Approach to Surveillance" framework for population health surveys. The surveys, which included half a million participants, were highly comparable on sampling methodology, survey questions, and anthropometric measurements. Heterogeneity was found for physical activity questionnaires and biological samples collection. The common age range included by the surveys was adults aged 18-64 years. The methods used in these surveys were similar enough to enable comparative analyses of the data across the 7 countries. This comparability is crucial in assessing and comparing national and subgroup population health, and to assisting the transfer of research and policy knowledge across countries.Santander Research Catalyst Grant from UCL NHS Digital to work on the Health Survey for England National Institute on Aging consortium of UK government departments National Council on Science and Technology of Mexico (CONACYT) 217523 Research Office at the Universidad de los Andes Colciencias Chilean Ministry of Health University College London - Santande