The detection of Helicobacter pylori cag pathogenicity islands (PAIs) and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) in gastric epithelial dysplasia and intramucosal cancer

Background The cag pathogenicity island (PAI), a Helicobacter pylori virulence factor, is associated with the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. Matrix metalloproteinase-7(MMP-7) is upregulated in the epithelial cells of gastric cancer. To date, there is limited information available on the role of cag PAI and MMP-7 in precursor lesions. In this study, we aimed to identify virulent H. pylori strains and the expression of MMP-7 in samples of gastric epithelial dysplasia and intramucosal cancer.