Evaluation of nitric oxide production and proliferation activity of recombinant Bacterioferritin of Helicobacter pylori on macrophages

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a specific pathogen found in the human stomach. The Bacterioferritin of Helicobacter pylori is a major virulence factor of this pathogen which little is known about its effect on immune system. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of recombinant Bacterioferritin Helicobacter pylori on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the activity and viability of macrophages derived from mice peritoneal. Material and method: The Bacterioferritin protein of Helicobacter pylori was cloned and purified. Mice peritoneal macrophages were purified and cultured. Different concentrations of recombinant protein were used to stimulate macrophages which had received LPS simultaneously. Cell survival and nitric oxide (NO) production were measured subsequently. Results: Our results elucidated that the recombinant protein induced a significant NO production at a dose of 30 mu g/ml (P < 0.01) compared to the control which was accompanied by increasing in the viability of macrophages at dosage of 30 mu g/ml. Conclusion: According to our findings, recombinant protein stimulates peritoneal macrophages to produce NO and does not have cytotoxic effect. Therefore, it is suggested that recombinant Bacterioferritin can be studied further as a vaccine candidate for Immunotherapy purposes. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd.