Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic inflammation, and genomic transformations in gastric MALT lymphoma

Mediators Inflamm. 2013:2013:523170. doi: 10.1155/2013/523170. Epub 2013 Mar 28.

Abstract

Nowadays, it is believed that the main role in the development of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma plays Helicobacter pylori infection. This world-wide distributed bacteria is in charge of most cases of not only upper gastrointestinal tract disorders but also some of extragastric problems. Constant stimulation of the immune system causes a B-lymphocytes proliferation, which is considered to be responsible for the neoplastic transformation. On the other hand, there are 10%-20% of patients who do not respond to Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment. This group has often a chromosome translocation, which suggests that there is another unknown, so far, pathogenetic mechanism of MALT lymphoma. Majority of genetic abnormalities are connected with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, which activates the uncontrolled proliferation of neoplastic cells. Translocations already described in studies are t(11;18)(q21;q21), which is the most common, t(14;18)(q32;q21), t(14;18)(q32;q21), and t(3;14)(p14.1;q32). This non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is an indolent type originated outside lymph nodes. In more than 50% of cases, it occurs in the stomach. Occasionally, it can be found in salivary and thyroid gland, lung, breast, bladder, skin, or any other place in the human body. This paper is a review of the current knowledge on etiology, pathogenesis, treatment, and follow-up of gastric MALT lymphoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Helicobacter Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / etiology*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / immunology
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / metabolism*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / pathology
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Stomach Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / immunology
  • Stomach Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • NF-kappa B