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Gastric cancer is currently one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide with a high mortality rate. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection significantly contributes to the onset and progression of gastric cancer mainly due to the induction of chronic inflammatory responses. The pathogenicity of H. pylori is associated with a vast number of virulence factors among which cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) plays a crucial role. We conducted a literature review of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus on September 1st, 2021. There were no limits regarding the year and the language of publication. Articles included in this review concerned human and animal studies. The following search string was applied during the search: (gastric cancer) AND (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) AND (Helicobacter pylori) AND (cytotoxin-associated gene A). The final analysis included 135 articles independently reviewed by the authors. H. pylori CagA-positive strains seem to be more virulent compared to the CagA-negative strains. CagA pathogenicity includes the increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, induction of cancer stem cell-like properties, apoptosis prevention, or overactivation of particular oncogenic pathways. H. pylori might induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via numerous pathways, among which CagA-related pathogenicity is considered to be of high significance. Mechanisms associated with CagA action are involved in the maintenance of chronic H. pylori infection, subsequent EMT induction, and further onset and progression of gastric cancer. Because of a huge number of H. pylori strains with different virulence mechanisms, the clinical outcome of patients is also associated with the particular type of strain that infected a patient.

Introduction and purpose: Vegan and vegetarian diets rise in popularity. Their succes can be attributed to growing ecological awarness and trends in culture. Opponents criticise these diets as incompletely nutritional. In this review, we would like to summarise the state of knowledge over effects of vegan and vegetarian diets on skeletal system. Bone Mineral Density is a widely used indicator of likelyhood of fracture and develompent of osteoporosis. Comparing that parameter between vegans and vegetarians and non-vegans can lead to conclusions about bones’ health. A brief description of the state of knowledge: Lower intake of calcium and vitamins (D3, B12) in vegans and vegetarians can lead to lower bone mineral density and higher risk of fracture. Although, with supplementation of those nutrients negative effects are greatly reduced. Higher bone mineral density in non-vegetarian subjects can be result of higher body mass, gender and other factors. Plant-based diets are less acid-forming than their counterpart, resulting in lower bone resorption and reduced loss of calcium. Conclusions: Vegan and vegetarian diet can result in lower boner mineral density. However, if applied correctly, with supplementation of lacking nutrients, or enriching the diet with dairy products it may not lead to any negative effects on bones. Substances contained in plants, more frequently eaten by vegans and vegetarians may have positive effects on bone mineral density.