Inflammatory mediators in gastroesophageal reflux disease: impact on esophageal motility, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common problems in clinical practice today. It is widely believed that functional and structural abnormalities of the gastroesophageal junction as well as an abnormal exposure to gastroduodenal contents are the main contributors to its pathogenesis. Novel findings of the inflammatory process in GERD suggest a far more complex process involving multifaceted inflammatory mechanisms. This review summarizes knowledge about the expression of inflammatory mediators in GERD and their potential cellular sources and provides an integrated concept of disease pathogenesis. In addition we evaluate the contribution of inflammatory mediators to well-known complications of GERD, namely motility abnormalities, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. Novel findings regarding the pathophysiology of esophageal inflammation should enhance our understanding of GERD and its complications and provide new treatment insights.