Objective: To observe the effects of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) on growth and cell cycle progression of AGS gastric epithelial cells.
Methods: AGS cells and H. pylori were co-cultured for 1 - 4 days. Vital cell numbers were counted by heamatocounter. Apoptosis was detected by fluorescence stain of cell nucleus and DNA agarose electrophoresis. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry technique.
Results: During co-culture of AGS cells and H. pylori, cell growth inhibition was observed. H. pylori induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest from G1 to S phase accompanied by high expression of cyclinD1.
Conclusion: Exposure of gastric epithelial cells to H. pylori causes block of G1 to S progression of cell cycle and alters expression of cyclinD1. The cell cycle arrest and the associated induction of apoptosis are responsible for the growth inhibition of gastric epithelial cells caused by H. pylori.