Cholesterol analog can be used to fight H. pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative pathogen which is a carcinogen of group I. It is found in the gastric mucosa and causes diseases such as gastritis, ulcers, stomach cancer and malignant stomach lymphoma. This infection is treated with various regimens based on combinations of antibiotics such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin in combination with proton pump inhibitors.

Japanese scientists have proposed a treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection: they want to use cholestenone, a modification of cholesterol, to fight the carcinogenic bacterium. Cholestenone is an analogue of cholesterol that is catabolized by intestinal bacteria. It is formed in the large intestine from cholesterol with the participation of enzymes secreted by the microbial flora. Scientists from Shinshu University have established that cholestenone is able to effectively suppress the synthesis of Helicobacter pylori cellular wall, while inhibiting the growth of pathogens. The effect has been confirmed in cell culture and mice in relation to Helicobacter pylori resistant strains. The scientists believe that cholestenone exhibits an antibacterial mechanism of action that is different from that of conventional antibacterial agents and it is safe for health.

Source: MEDICAL XPRESS