Effects of mannitol and dimethylthiourea on Helicobacter pylori-induced IL-8 production in gastric epithelial cells

The present study aims at investigating the effects of mannitol and dimethylthiourea, known hydroxyl radical scavengers, on lipid peroxidation as an indicative of oxidative damage, NF-κ B activation and IL-8 production by Helicobacter pylori in gastric epithelial cells. A human gastric epithelial cell line, AGS, treated with or without mannitol and dimethylthiourea, was incubated in the absence or the presence of H. pylori. As a result, H. pylori significantly stimulated the productions of lipid peroxide and IL-8. Treatment with H. pylori resulted in the activation of two species of NF-κ B dimers (a p50/p65 heterodimer and a p50 homodimer). Mannitol and dimethylthiourea significantly inhibited lipid peroxide production, NF-κ B complex formation and IL-8 production by H. pylori. In conclusion, mannitol and dimethylthiourea may attenuate H. pylori-induced gastric inflammation by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and NF-κ B activation and thereby decreasing IL-8 production.