Role of mucosal integrity and low-grade inflammation in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and functional dyspepsia.

In approximately half of the patients seen by gastroenterologists in clinical practice, routine examinations fail to find a clear-cut explanation for the symptoms. These patients are referred to as patients with disorders of gastrointestinal function (DGIF). DGIFs are characterized by recurrent or chronic symptoms in the absence of structural or biochemical abnormalities upon routine examination that readily explain the symptoms. Epidemiological studies in Belgium revealed a high prevalence of DGIF: up to 20% have functional dyspepsia (FD) symptoms and 28% have heartburn due to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Research over the last decade has challenged the concept that the structure of the gastrointestinal tract is unaltered in DGIFs and impaired mucosal integrity and low-grade inflammation have been suggested to play an important role. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the presence impaired mucosa integrity and low- grade inflammation in NERD and functional dyspepsia patients. We hypothesize that loss of mucosal integrity is a key event, which is followed by low-grade mucosal inflammation.

Keywords:Low-grade inflammation, Functional dyspepsia, Non-erosive reflux disease, Mucosal integrity

Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other health sciences, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Other translational sciences, Other medical and health sciences