IL-8 is an important mediator of the inflammatory response and increases mucosal injury in H. pylori infected patients because IL-8 is a major activator and chemokine for neutrophils which contribute to mucosal damage by secreting NO and H2O2[28] and significantly augments T helper 1 (Th1) immune response by inducing proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-?, interferon-?, and IL-1? secretion.