The Potential Role of The Esophageal Pre-Epithelial Barrier Components in The Maintenance of Integrity of The Esophageal Mucosa in Patients With Endoscopically Negative Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Abstract

Our data indicate that patients with E (-) GERD have an esophageal secretory potential, in terms of glycoconjugate and protein, higher than that in asymptomatic controls. This phenomenon in patients with E (-) GERD may, by enhancing the quantity of the esophageal pre-epithelial barrier, help to prevent the development of erosive esophagitis. A significantly lower esophageal secretory response in patients with E (-) GERD in terms of nonbicarbonate buffers and TGFalpha may facilitate the development of GERD symptoms and histological changes of GERD, respectively.