Addressing H. pylori Health Disparities by Evaluating the Role of the GI Microbiome on Inflammation and Helicobacter pylori Colonization in Patients on the Navajo Nation

Co-leaders: Dr. Juanita Merchant (UACC); Dr. Erik Settles (NAU); Dr. Emily Cope (NAU); Dr. Fernando Monroy (NAU)

Our project aims to better understand the role of Helicobacter pylori infection in the development of stomach (gastric) cancer among the Navajo Nation. Incidence rates of stomach cancer are approximately three times as high among the Navajo compared to the general population of Arizona, with stomach cancer presenting as the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Several recent studies have demonstrated that the stomach harbors a complex microbiome, despite the harsh environment. However, the interactions between the gastric microbiome and H. pylori that might result in increased carcinogenesis are poorly understood. We hope to better understand the prevalence of infection and the role played by the host microbiome in gastric diseases among those infected. This information can be further developed into possible therapeutics (probiotics, further treatment) or monitoring to help prevent H. pylori-associated disease. The proposed project dovetails with the long-term goal of the Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention (NACP) to eliminate cancer disparities in Native Americans of the southwest, with our particular emphasis on stomach cancer among the Navajo. We believe this is of particular importance as this is an area of work explicitly addressed by NACP.