Features of diagnostics of sialadenosis of parotid salivary glands in patients with gastrointestinal tract pathology associated with Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND: The effect of Helicobacter pylori (HP) on the course of sialadenosis (sialosis) of parotid salivary glands in patients with HP-associated gastrointestinal pathologies remains a relevant issue. AIM: To improve the effectiveness of diagnosis in patients with parotid salivary gland sialadenosis and acid-dependent diseases associated with HP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 40 patients aged 47.03±6.33 years with sialadenosis of parotid salivary glands and HP-associated gastrointestinal diseases diagnosed by immunochromatographic antigenic test using fecal samples and enzyme immunoassay of blood serum for anti-H. pylori IgG before eradication treatment. All patients underwent a comprehensive examination including basic tests (collection of complaints, anamnesis data, external examination and palpation of the regional lymph nodes and salivary glands, oral cavity examination), sialometry, express test (Helicobacter test), polymerase chain reaction diagnostics of parotid salivary gland secretion for HP, and measurement of proinflammatory cytokine levels (interleukin-1β and interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in pg/mL). Patients with sialadenosis of the parotid salivary glands depending on HP detection in parotid secretions were divided into groups I (n=7, aged 45.14±8.51 years, negative) and II (n=33, aged 47.42±5.85 years, positive). The control group included 20 practically healthy people aged 45.40±6.54 years. RESULTS: In group I (HP not detected in the parotid secretion), a reactive–dystrophic process of parotid salivary glands was found, which resulted from an increase in the concentration of proinflammatory interleukins. In group II (HP detected in the parotid saliva), severe sialosis of the parotid salivary glands was observed, which was caused by local inflammation and changes in cytokine status. CONCLUSION: The comprehensive plan of the examination of people with parotid salivary gland sialadenosis and HP-associated gastrointestinal tract diseases should also include Helicobacter test, and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in parotid secretions must be measured.