How are Helicobacter and longevity related?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining and can cause chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and increased gastric cancer risk. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress from H. pylori may accelerate aging and potentially shorten lifespan. However, studies also suggest protective effects against conditions like asthma or esophageal cancer. The net impact on longevity is complex and varies individually. Genetic factors, such as variants in the GPX1 gene (e.g., rs1050450), influence antioxidant capacity and may modulate how H. pylori affects health. A DNA longevity test like MyBody-X's can analyze such risk variants but does not replace medical diagnosis. Evidence: human-strong for association, but individual effects are moderate.