Biomedical subjects

O Herbarth

Publications and source records attributed to O Herbarth.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Modified nucleosides: an accurate tumour marker for clinical diagnosis of cancer, early detection and therapy control.

Modified nucleosides, regarded as indicators for the whole-body turnover of RNAs, are excreted in abnormal amounts in the urine of patients with malignancies. To test their usefulness as tumour markers and to compare them with the conventional tumour markers, fractionated urine samples were analysed using chromatography. The excretion patterns of nucleosides of 68 cancer patients with malignant and benign tumours and 41 healthy controls have been studied. Significant elevations in the total sum and the concentrations of at least three (or four) of indicator nucleosides cytidine, pseudouridine, 2-pyridone-5-carboxamide-N1-ribofuranoside, N2,N2-dimethylguanine, 1-methylguanosine, 2-methylguanosine and 1-methyladenosine indicate a tumour with a sensitivity of 54% (77%) and a specificity of 86% (98%). Using an artificial neural network analysis, a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 85% were achieved in differentiating between tumour and control volunteers. The comparison with carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen 15-3 und tissue polypeptide antigen indicates that urinary nucleosides may be useful tumour markers. This study suggests that the simultaneous determination of modified nucleosides and creatinine in urine samples of patients with cancer leads to an advantage to current methods and is a useful method to detect cancer early and to control the success of therapy.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Cytotoxicity assessment of gliotoxin and penicillic acid in Tetrahymena pyriformis.

Various studies have documented the associations between mold exposure and effects on health. Mycotoxins, which occur in spores and mold fragments, can be involved in processes that have pathological effects, such as adynamia of the immune system, recurrent infections of the respiratory tract, or asthma. Using Tetrahymena pyriformis, a single-cell organism well established as a suitable model for human respiratory epithelium-cell functionalities, we investigated dose-response relationships of the mycotoxins gliotoxin and penicillic acid. Our study focused on the viability (cell count, MTT assay), energy levels (adenosine-5'-triphosphate content), energy-providing processes (MTT reduction per cell), and cell respiration (oxygen consumption). Both mycotoxins acted as cytotoxins in a dose-dependent manner. Gliotoxin had a stronger inhibitory effect (EC50 0.38 microM) than did penicillic acid (EC50 343.19 microM). The energy-providing processes were not inhibited or were only weakly inhibited under the influence of gliotoxin, whereas penicillic acid caused stimulation of the physiological parameters. Summarizing the results, it is clear that the two investigated mycotoxins must have different modes of action. They are not only different in the strength of their toxic effects but also in a variety of physiological aspects. In addition, T. pyriformis showed differences in its ability to overcome the negative effects of particular mycotoxin exposures.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed2006

Atopic eczema in children: another harmful sequel of divorce.

BACKGROUND: Different lifestyle factors seem to be associated with the risk for atopic diseases and some studies suggest that stress increases the risk of allergic sensitization, asthma and atopic eczema. Only few studies have investigated the association of early stressful life events and atopic eczema (AE) in children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Parents of participants of the ongoing LISA birth cohort study were asked to give information on life events, such as severe disease or death of a family member, unemployment, or divorce of the parents. Lifetime prevalence of AE and incidence after the assessment period for life events were compared. RESULTS: Prevalence of AE until the age of 4 years was 21.4%. Reported life events within the first 2 years were: severe disease (17.5%) or death (8.4%) of a family member, divorce/separation (3.4%), and unemployment (2.7%). Divorce/separation was associated with a significantly [odds ratio (OR) 3.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.69-7.66] increased and disease with a significantly (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13-0.68) decreased incidence of AE for the subsequent 2 years of life. No effect was seen for unemployment. CONCLUSIONS: Divorce/separation of the parents and severe disease of a family member influence the risk of developing AE.

Child↗

PubMed2004

Determination of Ochratoxin A in small volumes of human blood serum.

A new simple and rapid method for analysing Ochratoxin A (OTA) in small volumes of human blood serum using capillary zone electrophoresis coupled to laser-induced fluorescence is described. The clean-up procedure solely consists of a double extraction step. To improve the reproducibility of migration times and quantification, two internal standards were used. The limit of detection was 0.55 ng/ml, with a linear range of 1-100 ng/ml of OTA in spiked human blood serum. The method is used to rapidly screen suspected patients.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Inflammatory activity in river-water samples.

Contamination of the urban aquatic environment with chemical and biological substances could have a long-term impact on human health because these substances threaten the integrity of the urban ecosystem and the availability of high-quality water for recreation and consumption. In light of this, the aim of the present study was to assess the potential immunological effects of water sampled at various sites along the River Saale near the city of Halle (in the state of Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany). For the control, Ficoll-separated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy donors were cultured for 24 h in either filter-sterilized river water or drinking-water samples. Cell vitality was assessed using the MTT bioassay. Cytokines in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. Endotoxin concentrations in the water samples were assessed by the limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) test. River water and drinking water showed comparably weak cytotoxic effects on PBMC. Drinking water did not exert any effect on cytokine secretion. In contrast, all river-water samples triggered secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, as shown for TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6. Free endotoxin was detected in all river-water samples. However, the highest inflammatory activity regarding induction of all three cytokines, as well as the highest endotoxin content as determined by LAL, was found in a water sample taken immediately downstream of a wastewater treatment plant. Inhibition studies using the monoclonal anti-CD14 antibody biG14, which is known to suppress binding of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to CD14 via binding CD14 itself, revealed that free endotoxin was indeed the major inducer of proinflammatory cytokines in the river-water samples. Taken together, the results suggest that the microorganism-derived endotoxin is a widely distributed contaminant in the urban aquatic environment that should be considered in routine monitoring and in assessing ecosystem and human health.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed2004

Levels and predictors of endotoxin in mattress dust samples from East and West German homes.

UNLABELLED: East-West differences in prevalence of asthma and allergies were suggested to be associated with lifestyle factors. To describe endotoxin levels in mattress dust samples from East and West German homes collected approximately 10 years after reunification. To identify factors that may account for an East-West difference. Dust was collected from mattresses of 2157 infants and 2108 mothers living in Leipzig (former East Germany) and Munich (West Germany). Endotoxin was measured using a chromogenic kinetic Limulus amoebocyte lysate test. Data on bedding, dwelling, and housing characteristics, and occupants' behavior were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Endotoxin levels were significantly higher in Leipzig compared with Munich for the infants' mattresses but not for the mothers' mattresses. Apart from this, predictors for the mothers' and the infants' mattresses were very similar. Pet-ownership and contact with animals outside the home were most influential. Endotoxin levels in mattress dust were highest in summer and increased with the number of persons living in the household. The overall percentage of variability in endotoxin levels explained by these factors was low. Endotoxin levels were associated with lifestyle factors discussed within the framework of the hygiene hypothesis. None of these factors explains the difference in infant's mattress dust endotoxin between Leipzig and Munich or could be used as a surrogate for endotoxin. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Endotoxin levels in mattress dust are associated with a number of factors discussed in the framework of the hygiene hypothesis; among other things they are associated with pet-ownership, contact with pets and number of persons living in the home. However, none of these factors and not even a combination of factors explains the variability of endotoxin levels between homes.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

How do the indoor size distributions of airborne submicron and ultrafine particles in the absence of significant indoor sources depend on outdoor distributions?

Although almost all epidemiological studies of smaller airborne particles only consider outdoor concentrations, people in Central Europe actually spend most of their time indoors. Yet indoor pollutants such as organic gases, allergens and dust are known to play a prominent role, often affecting human health more than outdoor ones. The aim of this study was to ascertain how the indoor particle size distributions of submicron and ultrafine particles correlate with the outdoor concentrations in the absence of significant indoor sources. A typical indoor particle size distribution pattern has one or two modes. In the absence of significant indoor activities such as smoking, cooking etc., outdoor particles were found to be a very important source of indoor particles. The study shows that in the absence of significant indoor sources, the number of indoor concentrations of particles in this size range are clearly lower than the outdoor concentrations. This difference is greater, the higher the number of outdoor concentrations. However, the drop in concentration is not uniform, with the decrease in concentration of smaller particles exceeding that of larger ones. By contrast, the findings with larger particle sizes (diameter > 1 microm) exhibit rather linear concentration decreases. The non-uniform drop in the number of concentrations from outdoors to indoors in our measurements considering smaller particles ( >0.01 microm) is accompanied by a shift of the concentration maxima to larger particle diameters.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2003

Seasonal cycle of VOCs in apartments.

To assess the adverse health effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), epidemiological studies combine the health outcome of individuals with their concomitant VOC exposure. While the latter is representative of the studied period, health effects might also be the result of long-term exposure or emerge in consequence of a peak pollution throughout the year. To address these problems, additional information about the spatiotemporal distribution of VOCs is necessary. The present paper aims at elucidating the spatial and temporal variation of VOC concentrations in Leipzig, Germany. The analysis is based on 1499 indoor and 222 outdoor measurements taken in the period between 1994 and 2001. All data were collected in the frame of epidemiological studies (Diez et al., 1999; Fritz et al., 1998; Schulz et al., 1999). The analysis comprised concentrations of 30 VOCs belonging to the groups of alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatics, volatile halogenated hydrocarbons, and terpenes. We found that the VOC load in indoor air is, on average, 10 times higher than outdoors. For the studied period there was a clear downward tendency for all VOCs in apartments in Leipzig, except for terpenes which show an upward trend in the period 1996-99. In indoor air we observe an annual cycle for the total VOC concentration as well as the sum concentrations of the above called groups. Highest concentrations occur during the winter months, approximately three times higher than the summer burden. We summarize this finding in a seasonal model, which is fitted to our measurements. Based on the model we develop a procedure for seasonal adjustment, which enables to roughly estimate the annual peak concentration utilizing one monthly observation.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed2002

The mycotoxins citrinin, gliotoxin, and patulin affect interferon-gamma rather than interleukin-4 production in human blood cells.

Exposure to molds diminishes the numbers of T-helper type 1 (Th1) cells in the peripheral blood of children and is a risk factor for the development of allergic diseases (results of LARS: Leipzig Allergy Risk Children Study, Mueller et al. 2002). We hypothesized that mycotoxins are responsible for this effect and therefore investigated the influence of citrinin, gliotoxin, and patulin on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). CD3/CD28-stimulated PBMC of healthy donors were incubated for 24 h with the mycotoxins in serial dilutions and triplicates. Vitality and proliferation were tested using the MTT assay and T-cell function by the expression of cytokines (ELISA, intracellular cytokine staining, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4). The cytokine secretion was inhibited at concentrations 2-130 times lower compared to vitality (ELISA versus MTT assay). The strongest inhibition of cytokine expression was found for IFN-gamma: 8.3 microg/mL citrinin, 34.2 ng/mL gliotoxin, and 64.8 ng/mL patulin caused a 50% inhibition of the IFN-gamma release (50% inhibitory dose, ID(50)). For IL-4 release the corresponding ID(50) values were 21.6 microg/mL citrinin, 82.8 ng/mL gliotoxin, and 243.2 ng/mL patulin. Furthermore, 3 ng/mL patulin caused a significant increase of IL-4 but a significant suppression of IFN-gamma. On the mRNA level, after 24 h an unaltered or enhanced IL-4 was observed compared to a reduced IFN-gamma expression. Using a method of intracellular cytokine staining, we were able to show that the described effects are caused by a reduction of the number of IFN-gamma-producing T lymphocytes rather than by a reduced functional capacity of the single cell. We suggest that mycotoxins primarily cause stronger inhibition of IFN-gamma-producing Th1 cells, which may lead to T-cell polarization toward the Th2 phenotype and may raise the risk for the development of allergies.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2002

Assessment of mutagenicity and toxicity of different-size fractions of air particulates from La Plata, Argentina, and Leipzig, Germany.

Airborne particulates, especially fine particles and bound chemical compounds, are a potential mediator of adverse health effects. In this study an analysis was done of the concentration and size distribution of air particulate matter, the content of bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and the biological effects of organic extracts from different fractions of dust that had been influenced by urban and industrial emissions from the regions of La Plata, Argentina, and Leipzig, Germany, along with samples from control areas. Air particulate matter was sampled in summer and winter in each region using a high-volume sampler with a six-stage cascade impactor, classifying dust in six size fractions from 10-microm particles to those less than 0.49 microm in size. Organic extracts of dust were tested for mutagenicity (Ames test, Salmonella typhimurium TA98 strain, S9+) and cytotoxicity (Tetrahymena pyriformis test system, growth rate, cell respiration). The content of PAHs was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array and fluorescence detection. Mutagenic and cytotoxic effects were found to be associated with very fine (<0.49 microm) and fine (<1.5 microm) particle-bound compounds, corresponding to a higher content of PAHs. The mutagenic potency (revertants/m(3)) associated with particles less than 0.49 microm from urban areas of La Plata was about 1 order of magnitude higher than in particles in the range of 3.0 to 0.49 microm. Fine fractions from sites with an industrial burden were also found to exhibit high mutagenic potency. A similar tendency was observed in cytotoxicity tests with T. pyriformis. This cell system proved to be very sensitive to toxicants in tested dust fractions. The observed biological effects were found to be correlated significantly with concentrations of total PAH, carcinogenic PAHs, and benzo[a]pyrene.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2002

The influence of maternal exposure to volatile organic compounds on the cytokine secretion profile of neonatal T cells.

Indoor VOC (volatile organic compound) exposure has been shown to be correlated with airway symptoms and allergic manifestations in children. An investigation was conducted within an ongoing birth cohort study (LISA: Lifestyle-Immune System-Allergy) of the association between maternal exposure to VOCs and immune status at birth, in particular the cytokine secretion profile of cord-blood T cells. In a randomly selected group of 85 neonates, cytokine-producing cord-blood T cells were analyzed using intracellular cytokine detection. VOC exposure was measured in children's dwellings by passive sampling, while parents were asked to complete questionnaires about possible sources of VOC exposure. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by logistic regression based on categorized quartiles. A positive association was found between elevated percentages of interleukin-4-producing (IL-4) type 2 T cells and exposure to naphthalene (OR = 2.9) and methylcyclopentane (OR = 3.3). Exposure to tetrachloroethylene was associated with reduced percentages of interferon-gamma-producing (IFN-gamma) type 1 T cells (OR = 2.9). In addition, smoking during pregnancy was correlated with a higher indoor air concentration of naphthalene (OR = 3.8), new carpets in infants' bedrooms with elevated methylcyclopentane concentrations (OR = 4.1), and home renovation with a higher trichloroethylene burden (OR = 4.9). Our data suggest that maternal exposure to VOC may have an influence on the immune status of the newborn child.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

T cell reactivity in neonates from an East and a West German city--results of the LISA study.

BACKGROUND: Within an ongoing birth cohort study (LISA) the cytokine production of cord blood T cells was compared between neonates from Leipzig (East Germany) and Munich (West Germany). The aim of this study was to analyse regional differences and influencing factors of the immune status. METHODS: Cytokine production was measured in a randomly selected subgroup of 158 children from the LISA (Life style - Immune system - Allergy) cohort by intracellular cytokine staining. Information on family "atopy" history (FAH) and home characteristics was obtained from questionnaires. RESULTS: Reduced numbers of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) producing T cells were found in association with biparental FAH and housing renovation during pregnancy. In addition, cytokine production was influenced by season. In Munich, the frequency of biparental FAH and of renovation measures during pregnancy was significantly higher as compared to Leipzig. Neonates from Munich showed significantly decreased amounts of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha and elevated levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) producing T cells. Differences in cytokine production between Munich and Leipzig were influenced by season (IL-4) and housing renovation (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha). CONCLUSIONS: Since differences in the T cell cytokine production of neonates in Munich and Leipzig are independent from FAH our findings may provide evidence for the impact of environmental factors upon the fetal immune system.

Cohort Studies↗

PubMed2002

Towards an inhalative 13C breath test method.

Customary 13CO2 breath tests--and also 15N urine tests--always start with an oral administration of a test substrate. The test person swallows a stable isotope labelled diagnostic agent. This technique has been used to study several pathophysiological changes in gastrointestinal organs. However, to study pathophysiological changes of the bronchial and lung epithelium, the inhalative administration of a stable isotope labelled agent appeared more suitable to us. [1-13C]Hexadecanol and [1-13C]glucose were chosen. Inhaled [1-13C]hexadecanol did not yield 13CO2 in the exhaled air, but [1-13C]glucose did. To study the practicability of the [1-13C]glucose method and the reproducibility of the results, 18 inhalation tests were performed with healthy subjects. In 6 self-tests, the optimum inhalative dose of [13C]glucose was determined to be 205 mg. Using the APS aerosol provocation system with the nebulizer 'Medic Aid' (Erich Jaeger Würzburg), a 25% aqueous solution was inhaled. Then, breath samples were collected at 15 min. intervals and analysed for 13CO2. 75-120 min after the end of inhalation a well-reproducible maximum delta13C value of 6%o over baseline (DOB) was detected for 12 healthy probands. Speculating that the pulmonary resorption of the [13C]glucose is the rate-limiting step of elimination, decompensations in the epithelium ought to be reflected in changed [1-13C]glucose resorption rates and changed 13CO2 output. Therefore, we speculate that the inhalation of suitable 13C-labelled substrates will pave the way for a new group of 13CO2 breath tests aiding investigations of specific pathophysiological changes in the pulmonary tract, such as inflammations of certain sections and decompensations of cell functions.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2001

Assessment of toxicity and mutagenicity in air particulate matter from an urban industrial area in the coast of the Rio de la Plata.

Chemical characterization and effects assessment of semivolatile organic compounds in organic extracts from air particulate matter from the region of the greater La Plata area was undertaken. Effects covered the study of mutagenicity with the Ames test (Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and TA98 strains with metabolic activation by S9) and cytotoxicity using the Tetrahymena pyriformis test system (growth rate, cell volume, and cell respiration). Chemical analysis of organic extracts was done using gas chromatography. Results demonstrate the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the matrix, high mutagenicity, and cytotoxicity. A higher mutagenic activity detected with TA98 and TA100 strains is associated with an increment of total PAH and total five or six ring PAH content, respectively. Linked with it, a PAH dependent toxicity on Tetrahymena pyriformis has been observed. This cell system proved to be very sensitive. From the results obtained with the cell respiration assay with T. pyriformis it appears that uncoupling agents are present in the samples. The results of this study indicate that air particulate matter from the Rio de La Plata area contains significant genotoxic and cytotoxic activity probably due to the presence of PAHs.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2001

Effect of sulfur dioxide and particulate pollutants on bronchitis in children--a risk analysis.

The general morbidity is being influenced to a great extent by diseases of the respiratory tract. Since their incidence and prevalence have been increasing, the identification of causal factors, especially of environmental origin, is of importance, not just in view of implementing preventive control strategies. Primary irritative gaseous [like sulfur dioxide (SO2)] as well as particulate pollutants (like TSP) can be regarded as causal constituents. Using the opportunity of changing levels of ambient air pollution in East Germany since 1989, the impact of SO2 and TSP on bronchitis was investigated over the last 10 years as part of several intervention studies in a locally defined homogenous population, children. The data suggest a significant association between SO2 and the prevalence of bronchitis in children but not for TSP. Considering the findings of other studies with respect to air pollution and the epidemiology of adverse health effects (especially respiratory disease), these results would amend the hypothesis put forward in a review of the literature as TSP < ultrafine particles (SO4(2-)) = SO2. Although these data show a significant association with only SO2, this does not imply that ultrafine particles, such as SO4(2-), do not contribute to the association with the observed adverse health effects. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that TSP seems less likely to be a predictor in the association with respiratory diseases, particularly not in the presence of high SO2.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Enhanced in vivo IgE production and T cell polarization toward the type 2 phenotype in association with indoor exposure to VOC: results of the LARS study.

The association between indoor exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC), prevalence of allergic sensitization and cytokine secretion profile of peripheral T cells was studied in 3 year old children of the LARS study (Leipzig Allergy Risk Children Study) to investigate the role of VOC exposure as a risk factor for the development of atopic disease. Indoor VOC exposure was measured over a period of 4 weeks in infants' bedrooms using a passive sampling system. Specific IgE antibodies to food, indoor and outdoor allergens were measured by the Pharmacia CAP system and correlated to VOC exposure (n = 120). In addition, cytokine producing peripheral T cells (interleukin(IL)-4, interferon(IFN)-gamma) were measured in a subgroup of 28 children by means of intracellular cytokine staining. For the first time we were able to show that exposure to alkanes (C6, C9, C10) and aromatic compounds (toluene, o-xylene, m + p-xylene, 2-, 3- and 4-ethyl-toluene, chlorobenzene) may contribute to the risk of allergic sensitization to the food allergens milk and egg white (Odds ratios between 5.7 and 11.2). Moreover, significantly reduced numbers of CD3+/CD8+ peripheral T cells were found in children exposed to alkanes (C9-C13), naphthalene and chlorobenzene. Exposure to benzene, ethylbenzene and chlorobenzene was associated with higher percentages of IL-4 producing CD3+ T cells. Both an increase in IL-4 producing type 2 T cells and a reduction of IFN-gamma producing type 1 T cells may contribute to a type 2 skewed memory in response to allergens. Therefore, we suggest exposure to VOCs in association with allergic sensitization to be mediated by a T cell polarization toward the type 2 phenotype.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed2001

Pulmonary function and urban air pollution in preschool children.

Epidemiologic evidence indicates that respiratory disease in infancy and childhood has respiratory health consequences in later life. Pulmonary function is considered a good index of early effects. This study assessed the relationship of pulmonary function in preschool children in Leipzig, Germany, and exposure to high levels of air pollution during early childhood. Spirometric measures were taken of 235 preschoolers (126 boys, 109 girls, mean age 5.1 +/- 1.3 years) attending 16 randomly selected daycare centres, using the 'Bosch Spiro 501' spirometer. The results showed decrements in the average FVC (85.5% predicted [pred]) and FEV1 (90.2% pred) differing with spatial variations in the ambient air pollution burden of the children's residential area. Exposure to a pollution profile of heavy traffic and/or domestic heating showed markedly lower FVC (78.9% and 85.5% pred, respectively) and FEV1 (82.4% and 88.5% pred). Miller's Diagnostic Quadrant Model of Disease Classification, categorizing pulmonary function data for preliminary diagnostic purposes, assessed the lung function values (FVC% pred/relative FEV1 [FEV1/FVC]%) of a significant number of children as 'restrictions' (n = 52; 22.1%). Summarizing: variations in spirometric indices were observed across exposure groups with a significant number of children showing signs of a restrictive ventilatory function. These cross-sectional data, however, do not permit to conclude with any degree of certainty that this is indicative of an early sign of a functional deficit.

Air Pollution↗

PubMed2001

Five- to 7-year-old children with Helicobacter pylori infection are smaller than Helicobacter-negative children: a cross-sectional population-based study of 3,315 children.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether Helicobacter pylori-positive children are smaller and weigh less than H pylori-negative children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional population-based study. PARTICIPANTS: In 3,315 5-to 7-year-old preschool and school children, the putative influence of H pylori infection on growth was investigated. Standing height and weight were analyzed in relation to H pylori infection. The diagnosis of H pylori infection was established by 13C-urea-breath test. RESULTS: The prevalence of H pylori infection in boys was 7.2% (95% confidence interval, 5.9-8.9; n = 1,550) and in girls was 6.1% (95% confidence interval, 4.9-7.3; n = 1,552) H pylori-positive children were smaller than noninfected children (117.6 +/- 5.5 cm vs. 118.9 +/- 5.7 cm; P < 0.01). Although H pylori-positive boys were 2.06 cm smaller than H pylori-negative boys (117.4 +/- 5.6 cm vs. 119.5 +/- 5.7 cm; P < 0.001), the difference in girls was not significant (117.9 +/- 5.3 cm vs. 118.4 +/- 5.7 cm). When standing height was adjusted for age, the found differences were more pronounced. Differences between the infected and noninfected children with regard to body weight were not significant (22.4 +/- 4.0 kg vs. 22.1 +/- 4.0 kg), nor was there a significant difference with regard to body-mass index. However, boys with H pylori infection had a lower weight than noninfected boys (21.6 +/- 3.3 kg vs. 22.6 +/- 4.0 kg; P < 0.01), but in girls, these differences were not observed (22.2 +/- 4.0 vs. 22.8 +/- 4.6 kg, respectively). When weight was adjusted for age, H pylori -positive children also had a lower weight than H pylori -negative children because of the lower weight of boys. CONCLUSIONS: H pylori infection is associated with growth delay, growth retardation, or both in affected children.

Body Height↗