Effects of vancomycin, daptomycin, and tigecycline on coagulase-negative staphylococcus biofilm and bacterial viability within biofilm: an in vitro biofilm model.

Bacteria may hide in a hydrated polysaccharide matrix known as a biofilm. The structure of the bacterial biofilm renders phagocytosis difficult and increases antibiotic resistance. We hypothesized that repeated doses of antibiotics have an effect on bacteria within the biofilm and that it could inhibit or eradicate biofilm formation. Two clinical biofilm-positive coagulase-negative staphylococcus isolates were evaluated. The effects of antibiotics on preformed and nascent biofilm and on bacterial eradication within the biofilm were determined using different doses of vancomycin, daptomycin, and tigecycline for different durations in an in vitro biofilm model. Vancomycin neither penetrated the biofilm nor had any microbicidal effect on bacteria within the biofilm. Daptomycin had a microbicidal effect on bacteria within the biofilm but had no effect on biofilm inhibition and eradication (independent from dose and treatment time). Tigecycline inhibited and eradicated biofilm formation and had a microbicidal effect on bacteria within the biofilm. In conclusion, (i) biofilm formation appeared to be a major barrier to vancomycin activity, (ii) daptomycin had an antimicrobial effect on the bacteria within the biofilm but not on the biofilm burden, and (iii) tigecycline had effects both on bacteria within the biofilm and on biofilm burden. Thus, both tigecycline and daptomycin might be promising candidates for the treatment of biofilm infections.

Fetuin-A is related to syndesmophytes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a case control study.

OBJECTIVES: New bone formation is one of the hallmark characteristics of ankylosing spondylitis, which is thereby associated with syndesmophytes. Fetuin-A is a molecule that is abundantly found in calcified tissues and it shows high affinity for calcium phosphate minerals and related compounds. Considering the role of fetuin-A in the regulation of calcified matrix metabolism, we compared the fetuin-A levels in ankylosing spondylitis patients with syndesmophytes with those in patients without syndesmophytes and in healthy controls. We also studied other biomarkers that are thought to be related to syndesmophytes. METHODS: Ninety-four patients (49 patients without syndesmophytes, 67.3% male, 40.7±8.7 years; 45 patients with syndesmophytes, 71.1% M, 43.9±9.9 years) and 68 healthy controls (44.2±10.6 years and 70.6% male) were included in this study. Syndesmophytes were assessed on the lateral radiographs of the cervical and lumbar spine. The serum levels of fetuin-A, dickkopf-1, sclerostin, IL-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and bone morphogenetic protein-7 were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Patients with syndesmophytes had significantly higher levels of fetuin-A compared with patients without syndesmophytes and controls (1.16±0.13, 1.05±0.09 and 1.08±0.13 mg/ml, respectively). However, fetuin-A was not different between the patients without syndesmophytes and controls. Bone morphogenetic protein-7 was significantly lower; dickkopf-1 was significantly higher in patients with ankylosing spondylitis compared with controls. The sclerostin concentrations were not different between the groups. In regression analysis, fetuin-A was an independent, significant predictor of syndesmophytes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that fetuin-A may a role in the pathogenesis of bony proliferation in ankylosing spondylitis.

Fetuin-A is related to syndesmophytes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a case control study

OBJECTIVES: New bone formation is one of the hallmark characteristics of ankylosing spondylitis, which is thereby associated with syndesmophytes. Fetuin-A is a molecule that is abundantly found in calcified tissues and it shows high affinity for calcium phosphate minerals and related compounds. Considering the role of fetuin-A in the regulation of calcified matrix metabolism, we compared the fetuin-A levels in ankylosing spondylitis patients with syndesmophytes with those in patients without syndesmophytes and in healthy controls. We also studied other biomarkers that are thought to be related to syndesmophytes. METHODS: Ninety-four patients (49 patients without syndesmophytes, 67.3% male, 40.7±8.7 years; 45 patients with syndesmophytes, 71.1% M, 43.9±9.9 years) and 68 healthy controls (44.2±10.6 years and 70.6% male) were included in this study. Syndesmophytes were assessed on the lateral radiographs of the cervical and lumbar spine. The serum levels of fetuin-A, dickkopf-1, sclerostin, IL-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and bone morphogenetic protein-7 were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Patients with syndesmophytes had significantly higher levels of fetuin-A compared with patients without syndesmophytes and controls (1.16±0.13, 1.05±0.09 and 1.08±0.13 mg/ml, respectively). However, fetuin-A was not different between the patients without syndesmophytes and controls. Bone morphogenetic protein-7 was significantly lower; dickkopf-1 was significantly higher in patients with ankylosing spondylitis compared with controls. The sclerostin concentrations were not different between the groups. In regression analysis, fetuin-A was an independent, significant predictor of syndesmophytes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that fetuin-A may a role in the pathogenesis of bony proliferation in ankylosing spondylitis. .

Saccharomyces boulardii expresses neuraminidase activity selective for α2,3-linked sialic acid that decreases Helicobacter pylori adhesion to host cells.

Helicobacter pylori is a major causative agent of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease and is an established risk factor for gastric malignancy. Antibiotic combination therapy can eradicate H. pylori. As these same regimens can evoke adverse effects and resistance, new alternative therapies or adjunctive treatments are needed. A probiotic approach may provide a novel strategy for H. pylori treatment. In the current study, two probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus reuteri, and a probiotic yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii, were evaluated for their ability to influence H. pylori viability, adherence to gastric and duodenal cells, as well as the effect of S. boulardii on cell surface expression of sialic acid. Our results indicate that S. boulardii contains neuraminidase activity selective for α(2-3)-linked sialic acid. This neuraminidase activity removes surface α(2-3)-linked sialic acid, the ligand for the sialic acid-binding H. pylori adhesin, which in turn, inhibits H. pylori adherence to duodenal epithelial cells.

Hypochlorous Acid: an ideal wound care agent with powerful microbicidal, antibiofilm, and wound healing potency.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic wounds and the infections associated with them are responsible for a considerable escalation in morbidity and the cost of health care. Infection and cellular activation and the relation between cells are 2 critical factors in wound healing. Since chronic wounds offer ideal conditions for infection and biofilm production, good wound care strategies are critical for wound healing. Topical antiseptics in chronic wounds remain in widespread use today. These antiseptics are successful in microbial eradication, but their cytotoxcity is a controversial issue in wound healing. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of stabilized hypochlorous acid solution (HOCl) on killing rate, biofilm formation, antimicrobial activity within biofilm against frequently isolated microorganisms and migration rate of wounded fibroblasts and keratinocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Minimal bactericidal concentration of stabilized HOCl solution for all standard microorganisms was 1/64 dilution and for clinical isolates it ranged from 1/32 to 1/64 dilutions. RESULTS: All microorganisms were killed within 0 minutes and accurate killing time was 12 seconds. The effective dose for biofilm impairment for standard microorganisms and clinical isolates ranged from 1/32 to 1/16. Microbicidal effects within the biofilm and antibiofilm concentration was the same for each microorganism. CONCLUSION: The stabilized HOCl solution had dose-dependent favorable effects on fibroblast and keratinocyte migration compared to povidone iodine and media alone. These features lead to a stabilized HOCl solution as an ideal wound care agent.

Increased levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in patients with familial mediterranean Fever.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), its relationship with Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene mutations and oxidative stress in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). METHODS: Fifty one unrelated attack free FMF patients (24 M and 27 F, 32.8±8.7 years) and 30 healthy controls (16 M and 14 F, 32.7±7 years) were included in the study. Serum MIF, total oxidant status (TOS) and total anti-oxidant status (TAS) were studied. RESULTS: Age, sex distribution, anthropometrical indices, smoking status, serum lipids and TAS concentrations were similar between the patients and controls. However; erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), MIF, and TOS were significantly higher in the patients' group compared with healthy subjects. MIF, TOS and TAS levels were not different between patients with or without M694V mutations. CONCLUSION: We found increased concentrations of MIF in patients with FMF. Increased MIF levels were significantly correlated with oxidative stress and in regression analysis MIF concentrations were independent from the inflammatory activity as assessed by ESR and CRP. M694V mutations seem no effect on MIF and oxidative stress.

Biomarkers and cytokines of bone turnover: extensive evaluation in a cohort of patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of spine and sacroiliac joints; it is characterized by new bone formation, and the disease processes can be accompanied by osteoporosis. In the present study, we investigated changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and in the levels of various bone turnover-related biomarkers and cytokines in a cohort of AS patients, with regard to clinical parameters, disease activity, and treatment regimen. METHODS: 55 AS patients and 33 healthy controls included in the study. Spinal mobility was assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), and radiologic changes were scored by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiologic Index (BASRI). Patients were also evaluated with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Bone mineral density (BMD) assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Various biomarkers and cytokines of bone turnover including osteoprotegerin (OPG), serum band 5 tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP-5), soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (sRANKL), secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (sFRP-1), Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1), and sclerostin were studied. RESULTS: The levels of TRAP-5, NTX, sRANKL, sclerostin, sFRP-1, DKK-1, and IFNγ, were similar between the patients and controls (p > 0.05), while BMD of femoral neck, and OPG levels were significantly lower in AS patients (p < 0.05). In a subgroup analysis, patients with active disease had significantly higher concentrations of OPG compared with the inactive group. Rest of the biomarkers and cytokines of bone turnover were similar between the active and inactive disease groups. Subgroup analysis of patients receiving anti-TNFα agents and conventional therapy revealed that OPG concentrations were significantly lower in the patients receiving biological drugs, while BAP and DKK-1 were significantly higher in the patients treated with conventional agents. CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional study we showed that OPG levels were significantly lower in AS patients compared to healthy subjects. On the other hand, the levels of wingless (Wnt) signal pathway inhibitors seem not altered. Ectopic bone formation in AS may be related to dysfunction of these molecules at the cellular level.

Anti toxic effect of broccoli extract on stannous dichloride toxicity.

PURPOSE: Since Technetium-99m ((99m)Tc) has favorable physical and chemical characteristics, it is widely used radioisotope in Nuclear Medicine. However, stannous dichloride (SnCl(2)) has been widely used as a reducing agent in labeling procedure of pharmaceutical with radionuclide, it has been realized that SnCl(2) have genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on biological systems. In previous studies, it has been shown that some herbal extract can reduce genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of SnCl(2). In the present study, it is aimed to evaluate the effect of the broccoli extract on the survival of E. coli ATCC 25922 strain against to toxic effects of SnCl(2). METHODS: Broccoli was extracted with methanol extraction. HPLC and TLC analysis of broccoli extract were performed. Then antitoxicity and dose response assays were performed on bacterial strain. RESULTS: The broccoli extract had dose dependent protective effect against SnCl(2) toxic effect on E. coli. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of broccoli may alter the stannous dichloride toxicity. Broccoli extract may use as a new protective strategies against the toxic effect of SnCl(2) on patients who were taken (99m)Tc radiopharmaceuticals.

Anti toxic effect of broccoli extract on stannous dichloride toxicity / Efeito antitóxico do extrato de brócolis na toxicidade do dicloreto de estanho

PURPOSE: Since Technetium-99m (99mTc) has favorable physical and chemical characteristics, it is widely used radioisotope in Nuclear Medicine. However, stannous dichloride (SnCl2) has been widely used as a reducing agent in labeling procedure of pharmaceutical with radionuclide, it has been realized that SnCl2 have genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on biological systems. In previous studies, it has been shown that some herbal extract can reduce genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of SnCl2. In the present study, it is aimed to evaluate the effect of the broccoli extract on the survival of E. coli ATCC 25922 strain against to toxic effects of SnCl2. METHODS: Broccoli was extracted with methanol extraction. HPLC and TLC analysis of broccoli extract were performed. Then antitoxicity and dose response assays were performed on bacterial strain. RESULTS: The broccoli extract had dose dependent protective effect against SnCl2 toxic effect on E. coli. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of broccoli may alter the stannous dichloride toxicity. Broccoli extract may use as a new protective strategies against the toxic effect of SnCl2 on patients who were taken 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals.

OBJETIVO: Em face de suas características físico-químicas, o Tecnécio-99m (99mTc) é um radiofármaco amplamente utilizado na Medicina Nuclear. Todavia, o dicloreto de estanho (SnCl2) tem sido largamente aplicado como um agente redutor no procedimento farmacêutico de marcação com radionuclídeos. Constatou-se que o SnCl2 apresenta efeitos genotóxicos e citotóxicos nos sistemas biológicos. Em estudos prévios, foi demonstrado que alguns extratos de ervas podem reduzir tais efeitos. O estudo atual objetivou avaliar os efeitos do extrato de brócolis na sobrevida da cepa E. coli ATCC 25922, exposta ao efeito tóxico do SnCl2. MÉTODOS: O extrato de brócolis foi obtido mediante extração com metanol. Analises com HPLC e TLC foram efetuadas. Avaliou-se a antitoxicidade e realizou-se um ensaio dose-resposta para uma cepa de bactérias. RESULTADOS: O extrato de brócolis mostrou um efeito protetor dose dependente para os efeitos tóxicos do SnCl2 sobre a E. coli. CONCLUSÕES: O consumo de brócolis pode alterar a toxicidade do dicloreto de estanho. O extrato de brócolis pode ser utilizado como uma nova estratégia para proteção de pacientes contra os efeitos tóxicos do SnCl2, nos quais foi administrado o radiofármaco Tecnécio-99m.

The effect of regular colchicine treatment on biomarkers related with vascular injury in newly diagnosed patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

We aimed to evaluate some of the vascular biomarkers in newly diagnosed, colchicine naive familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients. Our primary aim was to investigate the effect of regular colchicine treatment on these variables. Twenty-four (12 males [M] and 12 females [F], 33.3 ± 13.4 years) newly diagnosed FMF patients were included in the study. These patients were started on colchicine treatment following the initial assessment and were studied again no earlier than 2 months. Five patients were lost to follow-up, and assessment of the on-treatment patients was performed on the remaining 19 patients (8 M and 11 F, 33.6 ± 11.8 years). There were 19 healthy subjects (11 M and 8 F, 32.2 ± 7.2 years) who served as a control group. Cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs; soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1] and soluble CD146 [sCD146]), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), fetuin-A and hs-CRP were studied. Examinations were performed on attack-free periods. The levels of hs-CRP, fetuin-A, sICAM-1, and PAI-1 were significantly higher in newly diagnosed patients compared to those of controls (P < 0.05). All studied parameters were significantly downregulated after regular colchicine therapy (P < 0.05). Comparison of on-treatment data with controls showed that the levels of the vascular biomarkers, except sCD146, were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). On-treatment sCD146 was found significantly lower than the controls (P < 0.05). In regression analysis, none of the independent variables in the model significantly predicted the vascular biomarkers (P > 0.05). Administration of therapeutic doses of colchicine markedly reduces vascular injury parameters and normalizes the values in FMF.

Evaluation of various endothelial biomarkers in ankylosing spondylitis.

Atherosclerosis has been shown to be increased in chronic inflammatory diseases including ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Impaired endothelial function, the first step in atherosclerosis, may be reflected by changes in various endothelial biomarkers of hemostasis and the release of several cellular adhesion molecules or cytokines. In this study, we investigated changes in the levels of various possible markers with regard to disease activity and treatment regimen with/without anti-TNF-α drugs. Fifty-six AS patients (44 males) and 27 controls (19 males) with no known cardiovascular risk factors were included in the study. Spinal mobility was assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, and patients were evaluated with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index. Cytokines and various endothelial biomarkers were measured in serum samples using commercially available ELISA kits. Age, sex, BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, MAP, lipids are all similar between patients and controls. von Willebrand factor (vWF), soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), and urotensin (UT-II) were found to be significantly higher in the sera of the patients compared to the controls. Treatment with anti-TNF-α compared to conventional therapy and disease activity in AS patients seemed to have no effect on the blood levels of UT-II, sTM, CD146, vWF, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, tissue plasminogen activator, or the thrombin-antithrombin complex. The increased UT-II, sTM, and vWF in AS patient sera regardless of treatment and disease activity suggest an increased tendency for atherosclerosis.

Evaluation of the T helper 17 axis in ankylosing spondylitis.

To evaluate the T helper 17 (Th17) axis and its relation to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha blockage and disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The study included 127 AS patients (100M/27F) and 38 (27M/11F) controls. Spinal mobility was assessed by the bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index (BASMI). Patients were also evaluated with the bath ankylosing spondylitis functional (BASFI) and bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index. Cytokines including IL-6, IL-12, TGF-ß, IL-17A, and IL-23 were measured in serum sample using commercially available ELISA kits. Cytokines including IL-6, IL-12, TGF-ß, IL-17, and IL-23 were significantly higher in the AS patients than the controls (P < 0.05). The Th-17-related cytokines were not different between patients treated with anti-TNF and conventional therapies (P > 0.05). Cytokines were also similar between patients with active and inactive disease (P > 0.05). On correlation analysis, IL-17 was correlated with IL-23 and IL-12 (P < 0.05) and IL-23 showed correlations with IL-12 and BASMI (P < 0.05). We found serum levels of Th-17-related cytokines to be significantly increased in the sera of AS patients. Disease activity and treatment type did not affect the level of these cytokines.

Down-regulation of adiponectin in patients with familial Mediterranean fever during attack-free period.

To evaluate the circulating levels of adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) and ghrelin in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and also to assess the relationships between these molecules and disease-related parameters. Forty-eight FMF patients in attack-free period (31 men, [M], 17 women, [F], mean age 35.8 ± 8.6 years, and a mean body mass index [BMI] of 24.7 ± 3.1) and 40 age-, sex-, and BMI-matched healthy controls (24 M, 16 F, mean age 35.5 ± 8.5 years, and a mean BMI of 24.5 ± 2.8) were included in the study. Patients and controls with a history of any other chronic diseases and obese or underweight subjects were excluded. High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), leptin, adiponectin, and total ghrelin concentrations were studied. Age, sex, BMI, waist circumference, and smoking status were similar between FMF patients and controls (P > 0.05). Adipose tissue-derived molecules including leptin, and adiponectin were lower than healthy controls but only adiponectin levels reached the statistically significance (16.7 ± 8.9 ng/ml vs. 27.7 ± 15.9 ng/ml, P < 0.001) and leptin concentrations just missed significance (25.2 ± 16.2 ng/ml vs. 34.9 ± 27.2 ng/ml, P = 0.051). Ghrelin concentrations were not different between the groups. Adiponectin levels were significantly and negatively correlated with hs-CRP (P < 0.05, r = -0.24). The results of this study suggest that low-grade chronic inflammation during attack-free period in FMF patients may suppress adiponectin production or low levels of adiponectin might contribute to subclinical inflammation in these patients.

Plasma disposition, concentration in the hair, and anthelmintic efficacy of eprinomectin after topical administration in donkeys.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate plasma disposition, concentration in the hair, and anthelmintic efficacy of eprinomectin after topical administration in donkeys. ANIMALS: 12 donkeys naturally infected with strongyle nematodes. PROCEDURES: The pour-on formulation of eprinomectin approved for use in cattle was administered topically to donkeys at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg. Heparinized blood samples and hair samples were collected at various times between 1 hour and 40 days after administration. Samples were analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Fecal strongyle egg counts were performed by use of a modified McMaster technique before and at weekly intervals for 8 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Plasma concentration and systemic availability of eprinomectin were relatively higher in donkeys, compared with values reported for other animal species. Concerning the anthelmintic efficacy against strongyle nematodes, eprinomectin was completely effective (100%) on days 7 and 14 and highly effective (> 99%) until the end of the study at 56 days after treatment. No abnormal clinical signs or adverse reactions were observed for any donkeys after treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Eprinomectin had excellent safety. The relatively high plasma concentration after topical administration could result in use of eprinomectin for the control and treatment of parasitic diseases in donkeys.

Fetuin-A and interleukin-18 levels in ankylosing spondylitis.

AIM: Interleukin-18 (IL-18) and fetuin-A have been implicated in atherosclerosis. Preliminary evidence suggests that ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible abnormalities in IL-18 and fetuin-A levels in AS. METHODS: Subjects without established cardiovascular (CV) risk factors were studied. Fasting glucose, serum lipids, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, IL-18 and fetuin-A were assessed. Patients were also evaluated with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index. RESULTS: Fourty-five patients with AS (37.4 +/- 9.7 years; 35M/10F) and 29 controls (35.5 +/- 11.1 years; 21M/8F) were studied. Fetuin-A levels were significantly higher in AS patients compared to controls (1023.5 +/- 171.6 vs. 856.9 +/- 207.9 microg/mL, P < 0.001). IL-18 levels were also higher in the AS group but the difference was not significant (184 +/- 186 vs. 140 +/- 115, P = 0.1). Significant but weak correlations were found between fetuin-A, IL-18, hsCRP, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels (P < 0.05; r = 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, and 0.3 respectively). Comparison of subjects with respect to the treatment type, disease activity and history of peripheral arthritis yielded no difference regarding fetuin-A and IL-18 between groups. CONCLUSION: Fetuin-A and IL-18 levels seem to be increased in AS patients regardless of disease activity and treatment type.

The influence of Helicobacter pylori eradication on leptin, soluble CD40 ligand, oxidative stress and body composition in patients with peptic ulcer disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication on blood levels of soluble CD40 ligand, leptin, oxidative stress and body composition in patients with dyspepsia infected with H. pylori. METHODS: The infection of H. pylori was based on the presence of both (14)C urea breath test (UBT) and histology. Patients were given triple eradication therapy for 14 days and at 3 months after the treatment, (14)C UBT was reinstituted. Fasting glucose, leptin, body composition, soluble CD40 ligand, total oxidant status (TOS) were studied before and at 3 months after the treatment. RESULTS: In 33 subjects, H. pylori infection was successfully eradicated. sCD40L, and TOS levels were significantly decreased after H. pylori eradication. The percentage of body fat and body fat mass significantly decreased whereas the fat free mass (FFM) increased after eradication. However, eradication of the organism yielded no differences in leptin levels. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that H. pylori eradication reduces the sCD40L and oxidative stress, fat mass with a significant increase in fat free mass. Thus, eradication of H. pylori infection not only improves ulcer healing, but may also reduce the presumed atherosclerosis risk.