Liver Tumors in Mice Require Early Exposure to Helicobacter hepaticus
Author Information
Author(s): Diwan Bhalchandra A., Sipowicz Marek, Logsdon Daniel, Gorelick Peter, Anver Miriam R., Kasprzak Kazimierz S., Anderson Lucy M.
Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute–Frederick, National Institutes of Health
Hypothesis
Perinatal exposure to Helicobacter hepaticus is required for liver tumorigenesis.
Conclusion
A high incidence of liver tumors in mice infected with Helicobacter hepaticus requires perinatal exposure.
Supporting Evidence
- 41% of male offspring from infected mothers developed hepatitis.
- 33% of these offspring had liver tumors, including 18% with hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Intragastric treatment resulted in fewer liver tumors compared to intraperitoneal treatment.
Takeaway
Mice need to be exposed to a specific bacteria before birth to develop liver tumors later in life.
Methodology
A/J female mice were infected with Helicobacter hepaticus before pregnancy, and their offspring were observed for liver tumors.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the selection of mouse strains and the method of infection.
Limitations
The study primarily involved male mice, and the results may not be generalizable to females.
Participant Demographics
A/J, BALB/c, and C57BL/6 male mice were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.048
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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