Helicobacter pylori and microcirculation.

Microcirculation is one of the susceptible targets in the pathogenesis of disorders caused by exogenous pathogens, such as the well-known bacterium, Helicobacter pylori (Hp). While extensive studies have been published on the kinetics of Hp infection, only a few have dealt with the microcirculatory aspects of Hp-induced disorders. This review summarizes the recent developments in the elucidation of the pathophysiology of disorders caused by Hp infection, focusing on the microcirculatory aspect. Animal and human studies were systematically reviewed to identify published data on the microcirculatory aspects of Hp infection. This updated summary of the microcirculatory aspects of Hp-induced disorders illustrates potential approaches that might be used to clarify the pathophysiology of the gastric and extragastric sequelae of Hp infection and the therapeutic strategies that could be adopted.