Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and Russell body formation in Helicobacter pylori gastritis

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Background: Infection by Helicobacter pylori has been linked to monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). MGUS is thought to develop due to chronic antigenic stimulation in people with a specific genetic predisposition. Methods and Results: We describe a patient presenting with dyspepsia associated with H. pylori-related erosive gastritis. Histopathologic findings revealed infiltration with plasma cells containing accumulated condensed intercisternal immunoglobulins, the so-called 'Russell bodies'. In addition, MGUS was present with total immunoglobulins within the normal range but a significantly decreased serum concentration of IgG subtype 3. Molecular analyses demonstrated IgH formation, T-cell receptor γ rearrangement, and alterations within the IgHG3 gene sequence. Following H. pylori eradication, gastritis and dyspepsia gradually resolved but MGUS persisted for at least 22 months. Conclusions: This is the first report to demonstrate that upon infection with H. pylori, an impaired secretory capacity of plasma cells due to specific molecular changes can present as Russell body gastritis. The molecular findings question a pathogenetic link between Russell bodies and H. pylori, but suggest genetic alterations in the immunoglobulin locus as the possible cause for both MGUS and Russell body gastritis.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)506-510
Number of pages5
JournalHelicobacter
Volume11
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2006
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 16961813

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Gammopathy, Gastritis, Helicobacter pylori, Russell bodies