The concentrations of cytokines in homogenates of gastric mucosa were determined with ELISA and human antibodies (Endogen, USA) in 51 children complaining of abdominal pains. Morphological and histopathological assessment of gastric mucosa was performed in accordance with Sydney System in all the patients. The concentration of TNF-α, IL-2, IL-8 in gastric mucosa homogenates was statistically significantly higher than in control group. There were no statistically significant differences as to the concentration of IL-4 in mucosa. The concentration of IFN-γ in the studied group was statistically lower than in control subjects. High level of TFN-α, IL-2 and IL-8 in gastric mucosa homogenates infected with H. pylori in relation to children from control group might suggest that these cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection.

Keywords: gastrointestinal mucosa, Cytokines, Helicobacter pylori