مقالات پذیرفته شده در نهمین کنگره بین المللی زیست پزشکی
A Comprehensive Review of Helicobacter heilmannii-Induced Gastric Carcinogenesis in Companion Animal and the Therapeutic Potential of Silver Nanoparticles(AgNPs)
A Comprehensive Review of Helicobacter heilmannii-Induced Gastric Carcinogenesis in Companion Animal and the Therapeutic Potential of Silver Nanoparticles(AgNPs)
Introduction: Helicobacter heilmannii, a member of the non-Helicobacter pylori (NHPH) group, has increasingly attracted attention in veterinary and comparative medicine due to its association with chronic gastritis, lymphoid follicle formation, mucosal metaplasia, and progression to gastric adenocarcinoma and MALT lymphoma in companion animals such as dogs and cats. Epidemiological studies, particularly those utilizing PCR, report a high prevalence of this bacterium in these animals. The zoonotic potential of H. heilmannii combined with rising antibiotic resistance underscores the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents with mechanisms including reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DNA damage, and modulation of key signaling pathways like NF-κB and STAT3. Preclinical studies reveal that AgNPs inhibit Helicobacter growth and reduce pro-inflammatory gene expression, while also demonstrating anticancer effects via apoptosis induction. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic potential of AgNPs in managing H. heilmannii infections in veterinary medicine and zoonotic disease control.
Methods: This narrative review was conducted through a systematic search of scientific literature databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering publications up to May 2025. The focus was on original research articles, recent reviews, and in vitro and in vivo experimental studies related to H. heilmannii infection in companion animals. Special emphasis was placed on diagnostic methodologies such as histopathology, PCR, and immunohistochemistry, as well as the epidemiology and pathogenesis of H. heilmannii. Additionally, this review analyzed recent research on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as novel antimicrobial agents with potential applications in veterinary medicine. Articles were selected based on relevance, scientific rigor, and recency, and data were synthesized to present an integrated overview of the subject.
Results: The reviewed studies consistently demonstrate a high prevalence of H. heilmannii in dogs and cats, with infection rates reaching up to 71.4% in some cohorts. Histopathological findings commonly include chronic gastritis with lymphoid follicle formation and mucosal changes such as metaplasia. Molecular diagnostics using PCR and immunohistochemistry provide reliable detection of H. heilmannii. The pathogen’s zoonotic nature is evident from documented transmission cases to humans. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter species by generating reactive oxygen species, damaging bacterial DNA, and inhibiting vital molecular pathways. In vitro and animal models indicate that AgNPs also suppress inflammatory responses and induce apoptosis in gastric cells, highlighting their potential as adjunct or alternative therapies for H. heilmannii infections.
Conclusion: Helicobacter heilmannii represents a significant zoonotic gastric pathogen in companion animals, closely linked to chronic gastritis and gastric neoplasms. Conventional antibiotic therapies face challenges due to resistance and incomplete eradication. Silver nanoparticles offer a promising alternative by combining antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer mechanisms, as demonstrated in preclinical studies. Further research is warranted to optimize AgNP formulations and evaluate their safety and efficacy in clinical veterinary settings. Integrating nanotechnology-based interventions could revolutionize the management of H. heilmannii infections, with important implications for animal and human health.