Diminished luminal release of esophageal epidermal growth factor in patients with reflux esophagitis.

Abstract

1) Decreased esophageal EGF in patients with RE may facilitate the development or delay the healing of mucosal injury. 2) Depletion of EGF from the mucus layer covering the epithelium under the impact of refluxed luminal acid/pepsin may be considered as one of the potential underlying mechanisms leading to damage of the esophageal mucosa during gastroesophageal reflux episodes.