H. pylori and its several virulence factors, such as CagA,
interact with gastric epithelial cells to induce chronic inflammation, mucosal
damage and multiple alterations in gene expression and genetic and epigenetic
changes, eventually leading to gastric carcinogenesis. Abbreviations: COX-2,
cyclooxygenase-2; CpG island, areas of cytosine and guanine repeats; LPS,
lipopolysaccharide; RNS, reactive nitrogen species; ROS, reactive oxygen
species; VacA, vacuolating cytoxin A.