Gastroesophageal reflux disease--should we adopt a new conceptual framework?

Long-term risk factors for developing Barrett's oesophagus in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Several characteristics are known to affect the risk of Barrett's oesophagus (BO) in the general population, with symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) being a critical risk factor. In this study, we examined factors that influence BO development in people living with GORD.

DESIGN

People living with GORD were recruited from an endoscopy unit with lifestyle, medical and prescribing history collected. Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to assess the effects of multiple parameters on the likelihood of developing BO.

RESULTS

1197 participants were recruited. Most were Caucasian (n=1188, 99%), had no formal educational qualifications (n=714; 59.6%) and lived with overweight (mean body mass index >25 kg/m2). Many lived in areas of least socioeconomic resource (n=568; 47.4%). 139 (11.6%) had BO at baseline. In adjusted baseline analysis (n=1197), male sex (adjusted OR, aOR 2.04 (95% CI 1.92 to 4.12), p≤0.001), increasing age (aOR 1.03 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.04), p≤0.0001) and proton pump inhibitor use (aOR 3.03 (95% CI 1.80 to 5.13), p≤0.0001) were associated with higher odds of BO. At follow-up (n=363), 22 (6.1%) participants developed BO; male sex (aOR 3.18 (95% CI 1.28 to 7.86), p=0.012), pack-years cigarettes smoked (aOR 1.04 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.08), p=0.046) and increased alcohol intake (aOR 1.02 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.04), p=0.013), were associated with increased odds of BO.

CONCLUSION

Male sex, pack-years cigarettes smoked, and increasing alcohol intake, were independently associated with increased odds of developing BO over 20-year follow-up. These results align with research linking male sex and smoking with BO and extend this by implicating the potential role of alcohol in developing BO, which may require communication through public health messaging.

The role of histology in the diagnosis of non-erosive reflux disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) accounts for over half of all gastroesophageal reflux cases and is characterized by reflux symptoms with pathologic acid exposure on pH monitoring but no evidence of erosions on upper endoscopy. Ambulatory pH monitoring is limited by availability and patient tolerance. The utility of performing esophageal mucosal biopsies in diagnosing NERD is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the sensitivity of esophageal mucosal biopsies in diagnosing NERD.

METHODS

Data were obtained from Embase and Ovid MEDLINE from inception to April 2021. Studies were included if esophageal mucosal biopsies were taken and analyzed using conventional histopathologic analysis in symptomatic NERD patients. Relevant data was including histologic abnormalities and location of the biopsy. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated against healthy controls or those with functional heartburn.

RESULTS

The search yielded 2871 studies, of which 10 studies met our inclusion criteria and contained raw data. Histological abnormalities included histologic sum scores, papillary elongation, basal cell hyperplasia, and dilated intraepithelial spaces. When assessing for the presence of any abnormality, biopsies taken <3 cm from the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) had a pooled sensitivity of 0.71 (95% CI 0.64-0.77) and specificity of 0.64 (95% 0.54-0.73); however, analysis of individual histologic features such as the presence of eosinophils improved the sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Although esophageal mucosal biopsies had poor sensitivity at diagnosing NERD, biopsies taken within 3 cm of the LES had higher sensitivity when pathologists reported upon eosinophils and dilated intraepithelial spaces.

Real-World Evidence to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Vonoprazan in Gastrointestinal Disorders in the Pakistani Population

BACKGROUND AND AIM

While proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy has proven to be effective in managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a notable portion of patients who experience GERD symptoms may not respond to this treatment. Research suggests that roughly 30% of individuals with a presumed GERD diagnosis may continue to experience symptoms, whether partially or completely, even when receiving PPI therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases with a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), vonoprazan, in terms of its effectiveness and safety in the Pakistani population.

METHODS

This prospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted in Pakistan. This study included 1,642 patients from January 2023 to August 2023, aged 18 years, with gastrointestinal disorders. All demographic data, medical history, GERD severity assessment questionnaire (GerdQ), and laboratory parameters, including stool assessment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), were observed. Patients were orally treated with vonoprazan at doses of 10 mg or 20 mg, once or twice daily. Statistical analysis was done by one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

Out of 1,642 patients, 840 (51.2%) were males and 802 (48.8%) were females, with a mean age of 39.81±14.61 years. The mean GerdQ score at baseline was 20.37±15.87, 7.24±8.15 at the second week of treatment, and 3.70±6.31 at the fourth week of treatment (p<0.001). 90.74% of patients achieved H. pylori eradication. Most patients were acid regurgitation and heartburn-free for >70% of days. Most of the patients, 1,283 (78.13%), exhibited good treatment compliance. Mild adverse events were reported in 37 (2.3%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of vonoprazan significantly reduced the likelihood of GERD by improving symptoms and was also highly effective in the elimination of H. pylori infections. Vonoprazan was generally well tolerated.

The Spectrum of Treatment Modalities for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A Narrative Review

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disease that is encountered and treated by physicians all over the world. It is a chronic and non-progressive condition. Symptoms can range from mild heartburn to chronic, recurrent, and severe symptoms like constant acid regurgitation, laryngitis, bad breath, otitis media, and severe heartburn, which can be debilitating to the patient. Hence, the administration of appropriate therapy according to the patient's severity of symptoms is imperative, more so because over-the-counter drugs like antacids are very common to treat GERD. Often, in some instances, mere changes in lifestyle prove highly effective in reversing GERD symptomatology. Depending on the severity, response to treatment, and presence or absence of complications, treatment with medical or surgical modalities can be decided. It has now been found that although the gold standard in medical therapy for GERD has been proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), there has been increasing research about their side effects and recurrence after treatment. Hence, newer anti-GERD drugs have been under trial, which has been discussed in detail in the review. The use of surgical fundoplications has drastically decreased and is being widely replaced by incisionless laparoscopic fundoplications and newer endoluminal techniques such as the LINX device. This review aims to compile the vast spectrum of treatment modalities for GERD, ranging from more contemporary diagnostic methods, lifestyle modifications, medical therapy, and surgical and endoluminal techniques, with a particular focus on newer directions.

Cost-Utility Analysis of CYP2C19 Genotype Detection for Selection of Acid-Suppressive Therapy with Lansoprazole or Vonoprazan for Patients with Reflux Esophagitis in China

BACKGROUND

The cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 genotype has a profound effect on the efficacy of lansoprazole, with less of an influence on vonoprazan. Both are first-choice drugs for the treatment of reflux esophagitis in China.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of acid-suppressive treatments in Chinese patients with reflux esophagitis over 1 year from the societal perspective.

METHODS

We developed a decision-based Markov model with a 4-week cycle to simulate the economic benefits and quality-adjusted life-years between different treatment strategies for patients with reflux esophagitis: universal lansoprazole, universal vonoprazan, and CYP2C19 genotype-guided strategies. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Data sources were the published literature, clinical trials, documents, and local charges. We used sensitivity analyses to detect the robustness of the findings and explored subgroup analyses and scenario analyses to make further evaluations.

RESULTS

Compared to lansoprazole, vonoprazan and the CYP2C19 genotype-guided strategy were not preferable for Chinese patients with reflux esophagitis, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 222,387.1316 yuan/quality-adjusted life-year and 349,627.5000 yuan/quality-adjusted life-year, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed the impact factors were the utility scores and the expenditures for the maintenance stage with lansoprazole and vonoprazan. When the willingness-to-pay threshold was 215,484 yuan/quality-adjusted life-year, 46.20% of the reflux esophagitis population was willing to pay for vonoprazan, compared with 8.30% for the CYP2C19 genotype-guided strategies. Vonoprazan and the CYP2C19 genotype-guided strategy were cost effective in the severe reflux esophagitis population, and in the reduction of the price of vonoprazan.

CONCLUSIONS

The health economic evaluations revealed that for Chinese patients with reflux esophagitis, vonoprazan and the CYP2C19 genotype-guided strategy were not cost-effective regimens compared with lansoprazole. However, we found that in certain conditions like a reduction in the price of vonoprazan and in patients with severe reflux esophagitis these could be cost-effective.

The safety and efficacy of peroral endoscopic cardial constriction in gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common digestive disorders, which seriously affects the quality of life and brings a heavy burden to the medical care. Peroral endoscopic cardial constriction (PECC) can narrow the cardia through mucosal ligation to alleviate acid reflux symptoms. This study aims to assess the clinical efficacy of PECC.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case series including patients diagnosed with GERD and undergoing PECC from September 2019 to July 2021. GERD-Q questionnaire and GERD-QOL questionnaire were applied to evaluate the symptom severity and the impact of life because of GERD.

RESULTS

A total of 16 patients were included in our study. The mean GERD-Q score was 10.94 ± 2.11 before PECC, while 5.38 ± 3.90 after PECC. The mean GERD-QOL score was 43.60 ± 16.94 before PECC, while 73.65 ± 22.08 after PECC. 62.5% of patients were satisfied with the symptom control and no serious complications were reported in our study.

CONCLUSIONS

PECC is an efficient and safe minimally invasive endoscopic intervention for GERD. It can significantly improve GERD-related symptoms and quality of life.

Recent Advances in the Endoscopic Management of Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disorder: A Review of Literature

Gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is the most common gastrointestinal tract disorder with high morbidity and heavy economic burden. Despite being treated with high-dose proton-pump inhibitors or H2 receptor blockers, a considerable percentage of patients have GERD that is only partially controlled or refractory. The majority of these patients forego surgical treatment for fear of adverse outcomes, putting them at a financial disadvantage and causing loss of productivity. Untreated GERD is the sole known risk factor for developing Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma if left untreated. With the advancement in therapeutic modalities in recent years, and given the issues such as medication compliance, the risk of adverse events with long-term antisecretory treatment, and fear of undergoing surgical treatment, endoscopic treatments such as Stretta and transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) have become a safe, cost-effective, and resilient option for the treatment of refractory GERD. Patients with refractory GERD ineligible for endoscopic therapies due to a large hiatal hernia can have their hiatal hernia corrected simultaneously with TIF (C-TIF). For the treatment of refractory GERD, endoscopic therapy is a viable and compelling option. Endoscopic therapies for refractory GERD patients are highly recommended due to their reproducible and standardized results as well as the potential to address the fundamental mechanical issue.

Excess Body Weight and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is strongly associated with excess body weight.

Summary

GERD is characterized by typical symptoms with or without mucosal damage because of retrograde flow of gastric content into the esophagus. An ineffective esophagogastric junction (EGJ) combined with anatomical abnormalities is considered to be causative. The incidence of GERD is strongly associated with excess body weight, reflecting the pathophysiological relevance of the abdominothoracic pressure gradient.

Key Message

Weight loss has been demonstrated to be an effective therapy for GERD combined with obesity. In cases in which surgical therapy is indicated, traditional antireflux surgery has led to equivocal results, advocating a proximal Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in these patients to correct both GERD and excess body weight.

Immune system and microbiome in the esophagus: implications for understanding inflammatory diseases

The gastrointestinal tract is the largest compartment of the body's immune system exposed to microorganisms, structural components and metabolites, antigens derived from the diet, and pathogens. Most studies have focused on immune responses in the stomach, the small intestine, and the colon, but the esophagus has remained an understudied anatomic immune segment. Here, we discuss the esophagus' anatomical and physiological distinctions that may account for inflammatory esophageal diseases.

The mechanisms associated with reflux episodes in ambulant subjects with gastro-esophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms associated with gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) episodes were studied using combined High-resolution Impedance Manometry (HRIM) and pH monitoring in ambulant subjects with different patterns of GERD.

METHODS

Sixteen subjects with mild-moderate esophagitis (Los Angeles (LA) grade A&B) (group A) and 11 subjects with severe esophagitis (LA grade C&D) or Barrett's esophagus (BE) were studied before and after a meal, resting, while walking, and during standardized exercise, using a HRIM and a pH probe.

KEY RESULTS

Post-prandial acid GER episodes were more common in group B (median 10 range (3-18) vs A (6.5 (0-18), p = 0.048). Postprandial acid clearance time was much longer in group B (median 0.71( 0.07-2.66 min) vs A (0.17 (0.04-2.44 min), p = 0.02). Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) was the most frequent mechanism associated with GER episodes in both groups. Post-prandial TLESRs with GER were more common in group B (median 17 (9-24) vs A 13.5 (7-34), p = 0.014), particularly during exercise (B 8 (6-9) vs A 6 (5-6.8), p = 0.007). Post-prandially TLESR with acid reflux increased during exercise in both groups (A rest median 2.4 (0-6.4) per hour vs exercise 4.7 (0-17.3), p = 0.005 and B 4 (0.8-9.6) vs 5.3 (2.7-13.3) per hour, p = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

TLESR was the most common mechanism associated with reflux episodes in all subjects. Acid reflux episodes were more common in subjects with severe esophagitis or BE and esophageal acid clearance was much slower. Post-prandial exercise increased TLESR with acid reflux and GERD patients should be encouraged to avoid exercise immediately after a meal.

Treatment of non-erosive reflux disease and dynamics of the esophageal microbiome: a prospective multicenter study

Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) pathogenesis has not been thoroughly evaluated. Here, we assessed the response of patients with NERD to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy; changes in the microbiome and biologic marker expression in the esophageal mucosa were also evaluated. Patients with NERD (n = 55) received esomeprazole (20 mg) for eight weeks. The treatment response was evaluated at baseline, week four, and week eight. Esophageal mucosal markers and oropharyngeal and esophageal microbiomes were analyzed in patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at screening (n = 18). Complete and partial response rates at week eight were 60.0% and 32.7% for heartburn, and 61.8% and 29.1% for regurgitation, respectively. The expressions of several inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, and NF-κB, were decreased at week eight. Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Prevotella, Veillonella, Neisseria, and Granulicatella were prevalent regardless of the time-point (baseline vs. week eight) and organ (oropharynx vs. esophagus). The overall composition of oropharyngeal and esophageal microbiomes showed significant difference (P = 0.004), which disappeared after PPI therapy. In conclusion, half-dose PPI therapy for eight weeks could effectively control NERD symptoms. The expression of several inflammatory cytokines was reduced in the esophagus, and oropharyngeal and esophageal microbiomes in patients with NERD showed significant difference. However, the microbial compositions in the oropharynx and esophagus were not affected by PPI therapy in this study. Impact of PPI on the microbiome in patients with NERD should be more investigated in future studies.

Proposed approach to the challenging management of progressive gastroesophageal reflux disease

The progression of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients who are taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been reported by several investigators, leading to concerns that PPI therapy does not address all aspects of the disease. Patients who are at risk of progression need to be identified early in the course of their disease in order to receive preventive treatment. A review of the literature on GERD progression to Barrett’s esophagus and the associated physiological and pathological changes was performed and risk factors for progression were identified. In addition, a potential approach to the prevention of progression is discussed. Current evidence shows that GERD can progress; however, patients at risk of progression may not be identified early enough for it to be prevented. Biopsies of the squamocolumnar junction that show microscopic intestinalization of metaplastic cardiac mucosa in endoscopically normal patients are predictive of future visible Barrett’s esophagus, and an indicator of GERD progression. Such changes can be identified only through biopsy, which is not currently recommended for endoscopically normal patients. GERD treatment should aim to prevent progression. We propose that endoscopically normal patients who partially respond or do not respond to PPI therapy undergo routine biopsies at the squamocolumnar junction to identify histological changes that may predict future progression. This will allow earlier intervention, aimed at preventing Barrett’s esophagus.

Establishment of animal model of gastroesophageal reflux disease by per-oral endoscopic tunneling: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

Although a variety of antireflux procedures and medications are used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), reliable large-animal models of GERD that can be used to objectively compare the efficacy of these treatments are lacking. We developed a method to establish large animal models of GERD by endoscopic sphincterotomy to develop an endoscopic treatment for GERD.

METHODS

In this study six flesh swine carcasses were used. A full thickness incision was made at the esophageal site 5 cm above the dentate line by per-oral endoscopic tunneling. Esophageal radiography was conducted before and after surgery to observe changes at the site of the lower esophagus 5 cm above the dentate line and in the cardia.

RESULTS

There was no significant change in the diameter of the esophageal site 5 cm above the dentate line before and after surgery, while the cardiac orifice significantly relaxed after surgery and enabled the contrast agent to smoothly travel through. The difference in diameter was statistically significant (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our experiments showed that it is a minimally invasive and mature technology of establishing GERD animal models by using the per-oral endoscopic tunneling technique, and might be a new method to establishing GERD large animal models.

Current Trends in the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) characterized by heartburn and/or regurgitation symptoms is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders managed by gastroenterologists and primary care physicians. There has been an increase in GERD prevalence, particularly in North America and East Asia. Over the past three decades proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been the mainstay of medical therapy for GERD. However, recently there has been an increasing awareness amongst physicians and patients regarding the side effects of the PPI class of drugs. In addition, there has been a marked decline in the utilization of surgical fundoplication as well as a rise in the development of nonmedical therapeutic modalities for GERD. This review focuses on different management strategies for GERD, optimal management of refractory GERD with special focus on available endoluminal therapies and the future directions.

Perceptions of patient-centered care among Veterans with gastroesophageal reflux disease on proton pump inhibitor therapy

The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of patient-centered care (PCC) among Veterans with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy using patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. We used three validated surveys to measure PCC concepts in a national sample of Veterans with GERD on PPIs. The Combined Outcome Measure for Risk Communication and Treatment Decision Making Effectiveness (COMRADE) measures patient experiences with risk communication and decision-making. The Patient Activation Measure (PAM) evaluates confidence and knowledge needed for self-management. The Patient Assessment of Care for Chronic Conditions (PACIC) assesses views of chronic care received. We used descriptive statistics to describe patient characteristics and PCC outcomes. Respondents (n=444) were mostly male (95.1%) with a mean age of 67.7 years. The mean COMRADE score measuring patient experiences with risk communication was 55.3 (SD=19.0). The mean PAM score was 56.1 (SD=19.2); 47.8% of respondents were considered disengaged patients lacking confidence and knowledge for self-management. The mean PACIC summary score was 3.03 (SD=1.2), with highest scores in the Delivery System Design/Decision Support (3.38, SD=1.2) subscale, and lowest scores in Follow-up/Coordination (2.58, SD=1.3). Veterans reported that care was well-organized and supportive in enhancing decision-making. Potential gaps may exist in delivering follow-up care, enhancing patient activation, and informing patients about risks of available GERD treatments. This is the first study to evaluate patient perceptions of PCC in a national sample of Veterans with GERD on PPIs. Findings can inform further investigation and development of targeted interventions to enhance patient experiences among individuals with GERD.

Study on the Therapeutic Effects of Drug and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Non-Erosive Reflux Disease Patients With Emotional Disorders

OBJECTIVE

To assess the correlation between the incidence of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and mental and psychological factors, deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of NERD and explore effective treatments.

METHODS

NERD patients with mood disorders who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a drug treatment group, a psychotherapy group, and a psychotherapy combined with drug treatment group. Before and after treatment, the patients were retrospectively analyzed using the gastroesophageal reflux disease Questionnaire, Hamilton Depression Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and SF-36 Quality of Life Scale.

RESULTS

All three treatments were found to relieve patients' symptoms and improve their quality of life to some extent. The psychotherapy combined with drug treatment group showed the best overall curative effect. The Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scale scores were significantly lower in the psychotherapy-alone group and psychotherapy combined with drug treatment group than in the drug treatment alone group at 4, 8, and 12 weeks (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Medication, psychotherapy, and psychotherapy combined with medication can relieve clinical symptoms and improve quality of life to varying degrees in patients with NERD.

Drugs for improving esophageal mucosa defense: where are we now and where are we going?

In the past, the attention of physiologists and doctors has been mainly focused on the key role of acid in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but increasing evidence that 20-40% of reflux patients respond not at all or only partially to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has underlined the concept that factors other than acid are implicated in its development and the elicitation of symptoms. Among these, impaired mucosal integrity, particularly in most patients with non-erosive reflux disease, has recently been reincluded and the reinforcement of defensive mechanisms and/or its protection has been reappointed as a renewed therapeutic target for the management of GERD patients. In this review we will summarize the existing knowledge of the old and novel compounds able to produce this therapeutic effect, including sucralfate, alginate-based drugs, and a new medical device consisting of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate dispersed in a bioadhesive carrier, together with the potential indications for their use. It is to be stressed, however, that, although these compounds may represent a real alternative to PPI therapy in GERD, the combination of mucosal protection with acid suppression may help manage many cases with a partial or unsatisfactory response to PPIs alone.

A review of pharmacotherapy for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

INTRODUCTION

Medical therapy of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is based on the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as first choice treatment. Despite their effectiveness, about 20-30% of patients report an inadequate response and alternative drugs are required. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of current pharmacotherapy for treating GERD by showing the results of PPIs, reflux inhibitors, antidepressants and mucosa protective medications. Expert opinion: Medical therapy of GERD does not definitely cure the disease, because even PPIs are not able to change the key factors responsible for it. However, they remain the mainstay of medical treatment, allowing us to alleviate symptoms, heal esophagitis and prevent complications in the majority of cases. Nevertheless, many patients do not respond, because acid does not play any pathogenetic role. Prokinetics and reflux inhibitors have the potential to control motor abnormalities, but the results of clinical trials are inconsistent. Antidepressant drugs are effective in specific subgroups of NERD patients with visceral hypersensitivity, but larger, controlled clinical studies are necessary. Protective drugs or medical devices have been recently adopted to reinforce mucosal resistance and preliminary trials have confirmed their efficacy either combined with or as add-on medication to PPIs in refractory patients.

A novel murine model of esophageal nonerosive reflux disease: from inflammation to impairment in mucosal integrity

Nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) is a highly prevalent phenotype of the gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this study, we developed a novel murine model of NERD in mice with microscopic inflammation and impairment in the epithelial esophageal barrier. Female Swiss mice were subjected to the following surgical procedure: the transitional region between the forestomach and the glandular portion of the stomach was ligated, and a nontoxic ring was placed around the duodenum near the pylorus. The control group underwent sham surgery. The animals were euthanized at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after surgery. Survival and body weight were monitored daily. Esophageal wet weight, macroscopic lesion, histopathological alterations, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, cytokine levels, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and mucosal permeability were evaluated. The survival rate was 78% at 14 days, with mild loss in body weight. Surgery did not induce erosive esophagitis but instead induced microscopic inflammation and increased esophageal wet weight, IL-6, keratinocyte-derived cytokine (KC) levels, and MPO activity with maximal peak between 3 and 7 days and resolution at 14 days postsurgery. Epithelial esophageal barrier was evaluated in operated mice at 7 and 14 days postsurgery; a decrease in TEER and increase in the esophageal epithelial permeability were observed compared with the sham-operated group. In addition, the inhibition of acid secretion with omeprazole significantly prevented the esophageal inflammation and impairment of barrier function at 7 days postsurgery. Thus we established a novel experimental model of NERD in mice, which can contribute to understanding the pathophysiological events associated with NERD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we standardized an experimental model of nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) in mice. This model involves an acute inflammatory response followed by impaired esophageal mucosal integrity, even in the absence of inflammation. Thus this model can serve for evaluation of pathophysiological aspects of NERD and open new perspectives for therapeutic strategies for patients with this disorder.

The role of dexlansoprazole modified-release in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Dexlansoprazole modified-release (MR) is the R-enantiomer of lansoprazole and is currently the only proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) with a novel dual delayed release (DDR) formulation. Overall, dexlansoprazole MR demonstrates a similar safety and side-effect profile as lansoprazole. Dexlansoprazole MR has been shown to be highly efficacious in healing erosive esophagitis, maintaining healed esophageal mucosa in patients with erosive esophagitis and controlling symptoms of patients with nonerosive reflux disease (NERD). Recent studies have also demonstrated that dexlansoprazole MR is highly effective in improving nocturnal heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) related sleep disturbances and bothersome regurgitation. Dexlansoprazole MR is well tolerated and can be taken without regard to food.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in COPD: links and risks

COPD is a long-term condition associated with considerable disability with a clinical course characterized by episodes of worsening respiratory signs and symptoms associated with exacerbations. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions in the general population and has emerged as a comorbidity of COPD. GERD may be diagnosed by both symptomatic approaches (including both typical and atypical symptoms) and objective measurements. Based on a mix of diagnostic approaches, the prevalence of GERD in COPD ranges from 17% to 78%. Although GERD is usually confined to the lower esophagus in some individuals, it may be associated with pulmonary microaspiration of gastric contents. Possible mechanisms that may contribute to GERD in COPD originate from gastroesophageal dysfunction, including altered pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter (which normally protect against GERD) and changes in esophageal motility. Proposed respiratory contributions to the development of GERD include respiratory medications that may alter esophageal sphincter tone and changes in respiratory mechanics, with increased lung hyperinflation compromising the antireflux barrier. Although the specific cause and effect relationship between GERD and COPD has not been fully elucidated, GERD may influence lung disease severity and has been identified as a significant predictor of acute exacerbations of COPD. Further clinical effects could include a poorer health-related quality of life and an increased cost in health care, although these factors require further clarification. There are both medical and surgical options available for the treatment of GERD in COPD and while extensive studies in this population have not been undertaken, this comorbidity may be amenable to treatment.

Progress in development of animal models of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a clinically common refractory chronic disease of the digestive tract, with elusive pathogenesis and poor clinical curative effect. Scholars have developed various animal models to study this disease, and the animal models are prepared mainly by changing gastrointestinal tract anatomy to induce reflux esophagitis or by exogenously pouring acid to induce esophagitis. The former includes damage to the lower esophageal sphincter, pyloric ligation of the duodenum, anastomosis of the esophagus with the duodenum or lower esophagus jejunum, and mechanical expansion. Various preparation methods can induce different degrees of esophageal lesions, but each has its disadvantages in the actual research. The development of animal models should be based on the experimental purposes and requirements to choose suitable animals and reasonable operation, and take effective measures so as to prevent postoperative complications and lower mortality, improve the utilization rate, and prepare ideal animal models to meet the needs of research.

Investigation of relationships among gastroesophageal reflux disease subtypes using narrow band imaging magnifying endoscopy

AIM

To investigate the relationships among subtypes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) using narrow band imaging (NBI) magnifying endoscopy.

METHODS

A reflux disease questionnaire was used to screen 120 patients representing the three subtypes of GERD (n = 40 for each subtypes): nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), reflux esophagitis (RE) and Barrett's esophagus (BE). NBI magnifying endoscopic procedure was performed on the patients as well as on 40 healthy controls. The demographic and clinical characteristics, and NBI magnifying endoscopic features, were recorded and compared among the groups. Targeted biopsy and histopathological examination were conducted if there were any abnormalities. SPSS 18.0 software was used for all statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, a significantly higher proportion of GERD patients had increased number of intrapapillary capillary loops (IPCLs) (78.3% vs 20%, P < 0.05), presence of microerosions (41.7% vs 0%, P < 0.05), and a non-round pit pattern below the squamocolumnar junction (88.3% vs 30%, P < 0.05). The maximum (228 ± 4.8 vs 144 ± 4.7, P < 0.05), minimum (171 ± 3.8 vs 103 ± 4.4, P < 0.05), and average (199 ± 3.9 vs 119 ± 3.9, P < 0.05) numbers of IPCLs/field were also significantly greater in GERD patients. However, comparison among groups of the three subtypes showed no significant differences or any linear trend, except that microerosions were present in 60% of the RE patients, but in only 35% and 30% of the NERD and BE patients, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with GERD, irrespective of subtype, have similar micro changes in the distal esophagus. The three forms of the disease are probably independent of each other.

Symptom characteristics and psychosomatic profiles in different spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is diagnosed based on symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation but is a heterogeneous condition which can be subclassified according to endoscopy and esophageal reflux monitoring. The aim of this study was to identify differences in demographic characteristics and reflux symptom patterns among patients with various spectrum of GERD.

METHODS

Patients having weekly heartburn or acid regurgitation were classified into four pathophysiological subgroups according to endoscopy and pH monitoring: reflux esophagitis (RE), endoscopy-negative reflux disease with pathological reflux (PR+), hypersensitive esophagus (HE), and normal acid exposure with negative symptom association (pH-).

RESULTS

A total of 195 patients were enrolled. The numbers of patients in the subgroups were: RE, 39.0%; PR+, 20.0%; HE, 10.3%; and pH-, 30.8%. Grossly, reflux symptom patterns and relieving/exacerbating factors did not differ between subgroups. Prevalence of extraesophageal syndrome was higher in patients with PR+ than in other groups. Overlapping functional dyspepsia was common in all groups. The SCL-90-R depression score was higher in PR+ patients than in RE patients (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Demographic characteristics and reflux symptom patterns cannot differentiate pH- group from GERD subtypes. Esophageal pH monitoring could be considered for the initial evaluation of GERD in the tertiary referral setting.

Current advances in the diagnosis and treatment of nonerosive reflux disease

Nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) is a distinct pattern of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is defined as a subcategory of GERD characterized by troublesome reflux-related symptoms in the absence of esophageal mucosal erosions/breaks at conventional endoscopy. In clinical practice, patients with reflux symptoms and negative endoscopic findings are markedly heterogeneous. The potential explanations for the symptom generation in NERD include microscopic inflammation, visceral hypersensitivity (stress and sleep), and sustained esophageal contractions. The use of 24-hour esophageal impedance and pH monitoring gives further insight into reflux characteristics and symptom association relevant to NERD. The treatment choice of NERD still relies on acid-suppression therapy. Initially, patients can be treated by a proton pump inhibitor (PPI; standard dose, once daily) for 2-4 weeks. If initial treatment fails to elicit adequate symptom control, increasing the PPI dose (standard dose PPI twice daily) is recommended. In patients with poor response to appropriate PPI treatment, 24-hour esophageal impedance and pH monitoring is indicated to differentiate acid-reflux-related NERD, weakly acid-reflux-related NERD (hypersensitive esophagus), nonacid-reflux-related NERD, and functional heartburn. The response is less effective in NERD as compared with erosive esophagitis.

Efficacy of endoluminal gastroplication in Japanese patients with proton pump inhibitor-resistant, non-erosive esophagitis

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of endoluminal gastroplication (ELGP) in patients with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-resistant, non-erosive reflux disease (NERD).

METHODS: The subjects were NERD patients, diagnosed by upper endoscopy before PPI use, who had symptoms such as heartburn or reflux sensations two or more times a week even after 8 wk of full-dose PPI treatment. Prior to ELGP, while continuing full-dose PPI medication, patients’ symptoms and quality of life (QOL) were assessed using the questionnaire for the diagnosis of reflux disease, the frequency scale for symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (FSSG), gastrointestinal symptoms rating scale, a 36-item short-form. In addition, 24-h esophageal pH monitoring or 24-h intraesophageal pH/impedance (MII-pH) monitoring was performed. The Bard EndoCinch^TM was used for ELGP, and 2 or 3 plications were made. After ELGP, all acid reducers were temporarily discontinued, and medication was resumed depending on the development and severity of symptoms. Three mo after ELGP, symptoms, QOL, pH or MII-pH monitoring, number of plications, and PPI medication were evaluated. Further, symptoms, number of plications, and PPI medication were evaluated 12 mo after ELGP to investigate long-term effects.

RESULTS: The mean FSSG score decreased significantly from before ELGP to 3 and 12 mo after ELGP (19.1 ± 10.5 to 10.3 ± 7.4 and 9.3 ± 9.9, P < 0.05, respectively). The total number of plications decreased gradually at 3 and 12 mo after ELGP (2.4 ± 0.8 to 1.2 ± 0.8 and 0.8 ± 1.0, P < 0.05, respectively). The FSSG scores in cases with no remaining plications and in cases with one or more remaining plications were 4.4 and 2.7, respectively, after 3 mo, and 2.0 and 2.8, respectively, after 12 mo, showing no correlation to plication loss. On pH monitoring, there was no difference in the percent time pH < 4 from before ELGP to 3 mo after. Impedance monitoring revealed no changes in the number of reflux episodes or the symptom index for reflux events from before ELGP to 3 mo after, but the symptom sensitivity index decreased significantly 3 mo after ELGP (16.1 ± 12.9 to 3.9 ± 8.3, P < 0.01). At 3 mo after ELGP, 6 patients (31.6%) had reduced their PPI medication by 50% or more, and 11 patients (57.9%) were able to discontinue PPI medication altogether. After 12 mo, 3 patients (16.7%) were able to reduce the amount of PPI medication by 50% or more, and 12 patients (66.7%) were able to discontinue PPI medication altogether. A high percentage of cases with remaining plications had discontinued PPIs medication after 3 mo, but there was no difference after 12 mo. No serious complications were observed in this study.

CONCLUSION: ELGP was safe, resulted in significant improvement in subjective symptoms, and allowed less medication to be used over the long term in patients with PPI-refractory NERD.

Platelet-activating factor and distinct chemokines are elevated in mucosal biopsies of erosive compared with non-erosive reflux disease patients and controls

BACKGROUND

A distinction between symptomatic non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and erosive esophagitis (EE) patients is supported by the presence of inflammatory response in the mucosa of EE patients, leading to a damage of mucosal integrity. To explore the underlying mechanism of this difference, we assessed inflammatory mediators in mucosal biopsies from EE and NERD patients and compared them with controls.

METHODS

Nineteen NERD patients, 15 EE patients, and 16 healthy subjects underwent endoscopy after a 3-week washout from PPI or H(2) antagonists. Biopsies obtained from the distal esophagus were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for selected chemokines and lyso-PAF acetyltransferase (LysoPAF-AT), the enzyme responsible for production of platelet-activating factor (PAF).

KEY RESULTS

Expression of LysoPAF-AT and multiple chemokines was significantly increased in mucosal biopsies derived from EE patients, when compared with NERD patients and healthy controls. Upregulated chemokines included interleukin 8, eotaxin-1, -2, and -3, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). LysoPAF-AT and the chemokine profile in NERD patients were comparable with healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Levels of selected cytokines and Lyso-PAF AT were significantly higher in the esophageal mucosa of EE patients compared with NERD and control patients. This difference may explain the distinct inflammatory response occurring in EE patients' mucosa. In contrast, as no significant differences existed between the levels of all mediators in NERD and control subjects, an inflammatory response does not appear to play a major role in the pathogenesis of the abnormalities found in NERD patients.

Efficacy of I-scan endoscopy in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease with minimal change

Background/Aims

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of i-scans for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease, especially where only minimal change is involved.

Methods

The esophageal mucosa was inspected using an i-scan following conventional white light endoscopy. The examination with iscan was performed under tone enhancement (TE) esophagus (e) mode. Patients with subtle distal esophageal mucosal changes without definite mucosal breaks, such as blurring of Z-line (B), mucosal coarseness (C), hyperemic or purplish discoloration (D), erythema (E), ectopic gastric mucosal islet (I) and mixed type were classified as minimal change.

Results

A total of 156 patients were included. Using i-scan endoscopy, the number of minimal change was found to further increase from 94 (conventional endoscopy; 19B, 9C, 29D, 13E, 5I, 19 mixed type) to 109 (i-scan; 15B, 8C, 29D, 16E, 5I, 36 mixed type). And 14 patients who had single type by conventional endoscopy were converted to mixed type after i-scan. Therefore, 29 of 156 patients were upgraded after i-scan, they were account for 19% (p<0.0001; 95% confidence interval, 0.13 to 0.25).

Conclusions

The use of i-scan endoscopy significantly improves the identification of minimal change and helps to identify more precisely the type of minimal change.

Non-erosive and uncomplicated erosive reflux diseases: Difference in physiopathological and symptom pattern

AIM: To investigate differences in the physiopathological findings (manometry and pH monitoring) and symptoms between cases of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and erosive reflux disease (ERD) found positive at 24 h pH monitoring.

METHODS: For a total of 670 patients who underwent 24 h pH monitoring, esophageal manometry and upper endoscopy were retrospectively evaluated, assessing the reflux symptoms, manometric characteristics of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and esophageal body and the presence or absence of esophagitis and hiatal hernia. Typical and atypical symptoms were also evaluated. For inclusion in the study, patients had to have NERD or ERD and be found positive on pH monitoring (NERD+). Patients with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) complicated by stenosis, ulcers or Barrett's esophagus were ruled out.

RESULTS: 214 patients were involved in the study, i.e. 107 cases of NERD+ and 107 of ERD. There were no significant gender- or age-related differences between the two groups. The ERD group had more cases of hiatal hernia (P = 0.02) and more acid reflux, both in terms of number of reflux episodes (P = 0.01) and as a percentage of the total time with a pH < 4 (P = 0.00), when upright (P = 0.007) and supine (P = 0.00). The NERD+ cases had more reflux episodes while upright (P = 0.02) and the ERD cases while supine (P = 0.01). The LES pressure was higher in cases of NERD+ (P = 0.03) while the amplitude and duration of their esophageal peristaltic waves tended to be better than in the ERD group (P >0.05). The NERD+ patients presented more often with atypical symptoms (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION: The NERD+ patients’ fewer reflux episodes and the fact that they occurred mainly while in the upright position (unlike the cases of ERD) may be two factors that do not favor the onset of esophagitis. The frequently atypical symptoms seen in patients with NERD+ need to be accurately evaluated for therapeutic purposes because patients with GERD and atypical symptoms generally respond only partially to medical and surgical treatments.

Characteristics of non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease refractory to proton pump inhibitor therapy

AIM

To investigate whether potent acid inhibition is effective in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) refractory to standard rabeprazole (RPZ) treatment.

METHODS

We treated 10 Japanese patients with NERD resistant to standard dosages of RPZ: 10 mg or 20 mg od, 20 mg bid, or 10 mg qid for 14 d. All patients completed a frequency scale for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD (FSSG); and underwent 24 h pH monitoring on day 14.

RESULTS

With increased dosages and frequency of administration of RPZ, median intragastric pH significantly increased, and FSSG scores significantly decreased. With RPZ 10 mg qid, potent acid inhibition was attained throughout 24 h. However, five subjects were refractory to RPZ 10 mg qid, although the median intragastric pH in these subjects (6.6, range: 6.2-7.1) was similar to that in the remaining five responsive subjects (6.5, range: 5.3-7.3). With baseline RPZ 10 mg od, FSSG scores in responsive patients improved by > 30%, whereas there was no significant decrease in the resistant group.

CONCLUSION

NERD patients whose FSSG score fails to decrease by > 30% after treatment with RPZ 10 mg od for 14 d are refractory to higher dosage.

Dexlansoprazole modified release: in erosive oesophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease

Dexlansoprazole modified release (dexlansoprazole MR) is an orally administered delayed-release formulation of the R-enantiomer of the proton pump inhibitor lansoprazole that is effective in improving the healing of all grades of erosive oesophagitis, maintaining the healing of erosive oesophagitis and in the treatment of symptomatic non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). In two large, identical, 8-week, randomized, double-blind, multicentre phase III trials, dexlansoprazole MR 60 mg once daily achieved complete healing in >or=92% of patients with all grades of erosive oesophagitis (primary endpoint) and was noninferior to lansoprazole 30 mg once daily using life-table analysis. Moreover, in a randomized, double-blind, multicentre phase III trial in patients with healed erosive oesophagitis, dexlansoprazole MR 30 mg once daily was significantly more effective than placebo in maintaining healing following 6 months' treatment (primary endpoint). In addition, the proportion of 24-hour heartburn-free days (primary endpoint) was significantly greater in recipients of dexlansoprazole MR 30 mg once daily than in recipients of placebo following 4 weeks' treatment in a large, randomized, double-blind, multicentre phase III trial in patients with NERD. Dexlansoprazole MR 30 or 60 mg once daily was generally well tolerated in a pooled analysis of clinical trials of up to 12 months' duration.

Nonerosive Reflux Disease (NERD) - An Update

Recognizing nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) as a distinct presentation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was one of the most important developments in the field of GERD in the last decade. Whilst the definition of NERD has not changed significantly over the years, the disorder accounts for the majority of the GERD patients and those who failed proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. Recent developments in NERD focused primarily on understanding the pathophysiology and natural history. The introduction of esophageal impedance + pH has led to the assessment of other forms of gastroesophageal reflux in causing NERD. Therapeutic modalities still focus on acid suppression, but there is growing recognition that other therapeutic strategies should be considered in NERD.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: medical or surgical treatment?

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common condition with increasing prevalence worldwide. The disease encompasses a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms and disorders from simple heartburn without esophagitis to erosive esophagitis with severe complications, such as esophageal strictures and intestinal metaplasia. Diagnosis is based mainly on ambulatory esophageal pH testing and endoscopy. There has been a long-standing debate about the best treatment approach for this troublesome disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Medical treatment with PPIs has an excellent efficacy in reversing the symptoms of GERD, but they should be taken for life, and long-term side effects do exist. However, patients who desire a permanent cure and have severe complications or cannot tolerate long-term treatment with PPIs are candidates for surgical treatment. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery achieves a significant symptom control, increased patient satisfaction, and complete withdrawal of antireflux medications, in the majority of patients.

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment should be reserved mainly for young patients seeking permanent results. However, the choice of the treatment schedule should be individualized for every patient. It is up to the patient, the physician and the surgeon to decide the best treatment option for individual cases.

Barrett's esophagus in Japanese patients: its prevalence, form, and elongation

BACKGROUND

Barrett's esophagus is a well-known acquired condition resulting from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, it is still unknown whether Barrett's esophagus develops gradually over time in patients with GERD. To address this issue, we investigated the change in the prevalence and length of short-segment Barrett's esophagus (SSBE) over time.

METHODS

From January 2005 to March 2007, we enrolled 5338 patients who received upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Prevalence and length of endoscopically identified SSBE were evaluated within groups divided on the basis of 10-year age intervals. The factors possibly influencing SSBE length such as symptoms, antacid use, and endoscopic findings were also evaluated. Additionally, the length change in 236 patients with histologically confirmed Barrett's esophagus was evaluated over a 2-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the 5338 enrolled patients, 1997 had SSBE. The prevalence of endoscopically identified SSBE was significantly higher and its length was significantly longer in elderly patients. Multiple regression analysis showed that age, presence of reflux esophagitis, reflux symptoms, and hiatal hernia were positively correlated with SSBE length. Analysis of the 2-year follow-up study of histologically confirmed SSBE revealed significant extension of Barrett's length in 28.0% of 236 patients. Presence of reflux symptoms and hiatal hernia were identified as positive predictors and proton pump inhibitor administration as a negative predictor of SSBE elongation.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive predictors for the extension of SSBE were presence of hiatal hernia and reflux symptoms, but not age.

Cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms and risk of reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased in recent years, and Barrett's esophagus is a recognized risk factor. Gastroesophageal reflux of acid and/or bile is linked to these conditions and to reflux esophagitis. Inflammatory disorders can lead to carcinogenesis through activation of "prosurvival genes," including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Increased expression of these enzymes has been found in esophageal adenocarcinoma, Barrett's esophagus, and reflux esophagitis. Polymorphic variants in COX-2 and iNOS genes may be modifiers of risk of these conditions. In a population-based case-control study, we examined associations of the COX-2 8473 T>C and iNOS Ser(608) Leu (C>T) polymorphisms with risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, Barrett's esophagus, and reflux esophagitis. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples collected from cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 210), Barrett's esophagus (n = 212), and reflux esophagitis (n = 230) and normal population controls frequency matched for age and sex (n = 248). Polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained from logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounding factors. The presence of at least one COX-2 8473 C allele was associated with a significantly increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (adjusted odds ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-2.40). There was no significant association between this polymorphism and risk of Barrett's esophagus or reflux esophagitis or between the iNOS Ser 608 Leu polymorphism and risk of these esophageal conditions. Our study suggests that the COX-2 8473 C allele is a potential genetic marker for susceptibility to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Reactive oxygen species and chemokines: Are they elevated in the esophageal mucosa of children with gastroesophageal reflux disease?

AIM: To determine the role of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in childhood reflux esophagitis.

METHODS: A total of 59 subjects who had complaints suggesting GERD underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Endoscopic and histopathologic diagnosis of reflux esophagitis was established by Savary-Miller and Vandenplas grading systems, respectively. Esophageal biopsy specimens were taken from the esophagus 20% proximal above the esophagogastric junction for conventional histopathological examination and the measurements of ROS and cytokine levels. ROS were measured by chemiluminescence, whereas IL-8 and MCP-1 levels were determined with quantitative immunometric ELISA on esophageal tissue. Esophageal tissue ROS, IL-8 and MCP-1 levels were compared among groups with and without endoscopic/histo-pathologic esophagitis.

RESULTS: Of 59 patients 28 (47.5%) had normal esophagus whereas 31 (52.5%) had endoscopic esophagitis. In histopathological evaluation, almost 73% of the cases had mild and 6.8% had moderate degree of esophagitis. When ROS and chemokine levels were compared among groups with and without endoscopic esophagitis, statistical difference could not be found between patients with and without esophagitis. Although the levels of ROS, IL-8 and MCP-1 were found to be higher in the group with histopathological reflux esophagitis, this difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the grade of esophagitis is usually mild or moderate during childhood and factors apart from ROS, IL-8 and MCP-1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of reflux esophagitis in children.

Esophageal dilated intercellular spaces (DIS) and nonerosive reflux disease

Esophageal mucosal dilated intercellular spaces (DIS) are frequently observed in patients with nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) and patients with esophagitis. The specificity of DIS is questionable, as it is present in up to 30% of asymptomatic healthy subjects and in patients with other esophageal disorders. DIS occurs in parallel with a drop in potential difference, diminished transepithelial resistance, and increased esophageal mucosal permeability. These alterations arise with exposure to acid and pepsin during gastroesophageal reflux, but the exact pathway of damage to the intercellular junctions remains unclear and seems to be multifactorial. Other noxious contents of the refluxate, such as bile acids, are harmful and DIS can also be induced by acute psychological stress. DIS can be assessed quantitatively with electron microscopy (EM), but it is also recognizable with light microscopy (LM). DIS can disappear after treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPI); however, this is not the case in all NERD patients. A recent study showed that patients with NERD who are refractory to PPI might still have DIS; and animal experiments showed that persistence of DIS might be due to esophageal mucosal exposure to bile acids and/or psychological stress. In conclusion, DIS is a frequent but nonspecific histological feature of NERD. It can be caused by acid reflux, but bile acids in the refluxate and/or psychological stress can modulate the development or persistence of DIS. Although a causal relationship between DIS and heartburn has been proposed, it still needs to be proven and the underlying mechanisms investigated before considering DIS as a target for treatment of NERD.

Epidemiological investigation in outpatients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux from the Department of Medicine in Zhejiang Province, east China

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To elucidate the epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in outpatients from the Department of Medicine in 10 hospitals in Zhejiang Province, east China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey in the cluster random sample was conducted from November 2004 to June 2005 using a validated Chinese version of the reflux disease questionnaire and other items recording the demographic characteristics for GERD symptoms. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 13.0 programs.

RESULTS

A total of 15,283 outpatients from the Department of Medicine were investigated. The prevalence of GERD symptoms was 7.28% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.87%, and 7.69%) with the prevalence rate increasing with age (P < 0.001), which was higher in men (7.79%, 95% CI: 7.20%, 8.38%) than in women (6.73%, 95% CI: 6.18%, 7.28%; chi2 = 5.81, P < 0.05). The prevalence rate of the gastrointestinal symptoms in GERD symptoms, including epigastric discomfort, nausea, retrosternal pain, belching, globus sensation, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, vomiting, wheezing cough, weight loss, and dysphagia were all higher than the non-GERD patients (P < 0.0001). In the GERD patients, the prevalence of diseases, such as pharyngolaryngitis, snoring, bronchitis, liver disease, and gallbladder disease were all higher than the non-GERD patients (P < 0.01). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that old age, night-shift work, heavy work burdens, single or divorced people, increase intake of greasy or sweet foods, excessive eating, and constipation were independent risk factors associated with GERD symptoms.

CONCLUSION

GERD has a high prevalence in China and its main associated factors include respiratory, laryngopharyngeal and dental disorders, sex, anthropometrical variables, and social-psychological characteristics.

Defective triggering of secondary peristalsis in patients with non-erosive reflux disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The pathophysiology of non-erosive reflux disease is poorly understood. Triggering of secondary peristalsis is impaired in patients with erosive esophagitis but data in patients with non-erosive reflux disease are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in esophageal motility between patients with non-erosive reflux disease and healthy subjects.

METHODS

Twenty patients with non-erosive reflux disease, with reflux symptoms occurring more than twice per week, and 20 healthy subjects of comparable age and sex underwent esophageal manometry. Primary peristalsis was tested with 10 swallows of a 5-mL water bolus. Secondary peristalsis was triggered by esophageal distention using a 20-mL air bolus, which was injected rapidly into the mid-esophagus. After 20 s, each stimulus was followed by a dry swallow to clear any residual air and then each stimulus was repeated five times.

RESULTS

Basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure, pressure wave amplitude in the upper, middle and lower esophagus, wave velocity and the rates of successful primary peristalsis were similar in non-erosive reflux disease patients and controls. The rate of triggering of secondary peristalsis in patients with non-erosive reflux disease (median 20%, interquartile range 0-40%) was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) than that in healthy subjects (90%, 70-100%). When secondary peristalsis occurred in patients with non-erosive reflux disease, however, there were no differences in the amplitude and velocity of secondary peristalsis between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Triggering of secondary peristalsis is defective in non-erosive reflux disease. This could lead to prolongation of the contact time between refluxed gastric acid and esophageal mucosa thereby leading to symptoms.

Proton-pump inhibitor therapy in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: putative mechanisms of failure

Proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) failure in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) patients has become the main reason for referral of these patients to gastroenterology specialists. It is estimated that 30% of GORD patients requiring a PPI once daily will experience treatment failure. Patients with non-erosive reflux disease are the most common GORD-related group in which once-daily PPI therapy fails. Various mechanisms have been suggested to underlie PPI failure in GORD patients. The most pertinent include weakly acidic reflux, duodenogastro-oesophageal reflux, visceral hyperalgesia, delayed gastric emptying, psychological co-morbidity and concomitant functional bowel disorders, as well as others. Because of the importance of PPI failure as a target for future drug development, further understanding of the most relevant underlying mechanisms is needed.

Non-erosive reflux disease and atypical gastro-oesophageal reflux disease manifestations: treatment results

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a widespread complex disorder that may be responsible for a variety of different symptoms and clinical features. Despite the presence of symptoms, the majority of patients do not have endoscopic lesions of oesophagitis. Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) is a chronic, relapsing condition that can adversely affect the quality of life despite the absence of mucosal breaks at endoscopy. In many patients GERD is associated with extra-oesophageal or atypical manifestations, including cough, asthma, laryngitis or non-cardiac chest pain. Acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) remains the mainstay of GERD therapy. However, patients with NERD and extra-oesophageal manifestations are often poorly responsive to PPI therapy. Accurate diagnosis followed by adequate PPI dosage and compliance with therapy are essential for the successful control of NERD and extra-oesophageal manifestations. The better detection and characterization of acid and non-acid reflux episodes using developing technologies, such as combined pH-impedance monitoring, is extending our understanding of the pathophysiology of NERD and the extra-oesophageal manifestations of GERD, and will lead to the improved management of these often poorly responsive conditions. This article reviews the treatment results and outlines approaches to the evaluation, diagnosis and therapy of NERD and atypical GERD manifestations.

Current understanding of the mechanisms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) covers a broad range of signs and symptoms arising from the orad movement of gastric contents into the oesophagus, oropharynx, larynx or airway. Most commonly, contact with and damage to the oesophageal epithelium by acidic refluxate causes micro or macroscopic defects leading to the symptom of heartburn. However, GERD can also give rise to extra-oesophageal manifestations such as pharyngitis, laryngitis, asthma and other disorders, identifiable as acid-mediated events by a favorable response to acid suppression. Only one-third of individuals with heartburn have endoscopic evidence of erosive oesophagitis; the remainder have endoscopy-negative or non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). Improved investigative technologies are increasing our understanding of the pathophysiology of NERD. For example, although a number of microscopic abnormalities have been identified, oesophageal damage in NERD has been shown to be characterized by the presence of 'dilated intercellular spaces' within oesophageal stratified squamous epithelium. Dilated intercellular spaces that reflect damage to the intercellular junctions enable levels of acidity that would be considered innocuous when present in the oesophageal lumen to initiate pathological responses within oesophageal nociceptors when present within the intercellular spaces. This effectively gives rise to the symptom of heartburn. Excessive acidity within the intercellular spaces in NERD also presages its evolution to erosive disease, the latter through inflammation-mediated disruption of the antireflux and luminal clearance mechanisms. Support for this scenario is evident by the ability of effective acid control with proton pump inhibitors both to control symptoms, and lead to resolution of dilated intercellular spaces in patients with both erosive and non-erosive disease. This article examines these concepts and how they shape our current understanding of GERD.

Three clinical variants of gastroesophageal reflux disease form two distinct gene expression signatures

It has been proposed recently that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients may be categorized into three distinct groups exhibiting non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), erosive reflux disease (ERD), and Barrett's esophagus (BE). Measurement of relative gene expression levels was undertaken to identify distinct molecular subclasses in different variants of gastroesophageal disease. The measurements were made with Affymetrix U133A 2.0 GeneChips and RNA isolated from mucosal samples of normal squamous esophageal epithelium from 24, 28, and 26 patients with NERD, ERD and BE, respectively. Statistical testing of microarray data showed that gene expression profiles are discriminative for BE and NERD, but not for combinations of BE and ERD or NERD and ERD. In addition, women developing NERD exhibited transcriptional patterns that differed from those of men with BE. In clustering analyses, we did not observe correlations between sex and assignment of gene expression profile of ERD patients to either the NERD or the BE group. Although the biological significance of the identified genes remains uncertain, we hypothesize that GERD is a monophyletic disease that develops with the onset of gastroesophageal reflux and represents two main molecular classes, which may result in different progressions to inflammatory process within esophageal epithelium modulated by sexual dimorphism. While normal epithelium samples from NERD and BE patients are molecularly homogeneous, esophageal mucosa from ERD patients is molecularly similar to either NERD or BE. These findings may be useful for defining molecular markers which could predict potential progression to Barrett's metaplasia among patients with reflux disease.

Systematic review: does gastro-oesophageal reflux disease progress?

BACKGROUND

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease affects approximately 20% of western populations. Barrett's oesophagus, associated with severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, is premalignant and regular endoscopic surveillance is generally performed. In contrast, mild gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is thought not to progress and is not generally subjected to endoscopic follow-up. Aim To investigate whether gastro-oesophageal reflux disease progresses endoscopically.

METHODS

Systematic review of the literature.

RESULTS

Well-designed prospective studies are few, diagnostic criteria were not always standardized, management strategies varied and various sources of bias could not be excluded. Whilst most patients do not progress to more severe forms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, and some cases actually regress, progression is seen in a small proportion of patients. Annual progression rates for non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease developing erosive oesophagitis ranged from 0% to 30%. About 1-22% of patients with mild erosive oesophagitis developed more severe inflammation annually, while 1-13% of patients with erosive oesophagitis developed Barrett's oesophagus each year.

CONCLUSION

Although most patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease do not progress, and some actually regress, progression does occur in a minority. Better data are required to determine whether patients with mild gastro-oesophageal reflux disease would benefit from increased surveillance with the aim of detecting more advanced disease.