Updates on pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori-Opisthorchis viverrini co-infections induced cholangiocarcinoma
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Opisthorchiasis, caused by the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) infection, is a major public health issue in the Lower Mekong Basin.Chronic OV infection is associated with several hepatobiliary pathology including advanced periductal fibrosis (APF) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a fatal bile duct cancer.Recent evidence implicates Helicobacter pylori, especially cagA-positive strains, as significant contributors to APF and CCA in co-infected individuals.This review explores the multifaceted interactions between O. viverrini and H. pylori, emphasizing the role of the liver fluke as a reservoir and vector for H. pylori.Evidence reveals that H. pylori colonizes the gastrointestinal tract of O. viverrini via sugar moieties, such as L-fucose, of the receptors, enabling bacterial transmission to the human biliary tree.Once in the bile ducts, H. pylori adheres to cholangiocytes, triggering inflammation mediated by sialic acid-binding adhesins and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α.The bacterium's ability to induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) further enhances the invasive and malignant potential of biliary epithelial cells.This review highlights the emerging understanding of the synergistic pathogenesis of O. viverrini and H. pylori co-infections, providing insights into molecular mechanisms, host-pathogen interactions, and the inflammatory milieu that drive CCA development.These findings underscore the need for integrated therapeutic strategies targeting both pathogens to mitigate the burden of APF and CCA in endemic regions.
Source: ScienceAsia
Authors: Banchob Sripa, Raksawan Deenonpoe
Institution: Khon Kaen University
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409890694