Open AccessInfluence of reflux and central obesity on intercellular space diameter of esophageal squamous epithelium
Author(s) -
Blevins Christopher H,
Sharma Anamay N,
Johnson Michele L,
Geno Deborah,
Gupta Milli,
Bharucha Adil E,
Katzka David A,
Iyer Prasad G
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
ueg journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.667
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 2050-6414
pISSN - 2050-6406
DOI - 10.1177/2050640615598426
Subject(s) - reflux , medicine , obesity , gastroenterology , ambulatory , gerd , esophageal ph monitoring , disease
Background While central obesity increases gastroesophageal reflux (GER) by mechanically disrupting the anti‐reflux barrier, limited data exist on pathways by which central obesity may potentiate esophageal injury by non‐mechanical means. Obesity has been associated with an impaired epithelial intestinal barrier. Objective We aimed to assess the influence of central obesity and reflux on the squamous esophageal epithelial intercellular space diameter (ICSD). Methods The ICSD was measured using electron microscopy in esophageal biopsies from individuals who underwent ambulatory pH monitoring and endoscopy. Anthropometric measurements were obtained on all participants. Participants were classified into four groups: with and without central obesity and reflux. Results Sixteen individuals were studied with four in each study group. The mean ICSD was almost three‐fold greater ( p < 0.001) in the group with central obesity without reflux, compared to controls without central obesity and reflux. It was also comparable to the ICSD in groups with acid reflux only and those with both reflux and central obesity. Conclusions There is evidence of esophageal squamous ICSD increase in individuals with central obesity who do not have evidence of acid and nonacid reflux on ambulatory pH monitoring. This may reflect a mechanism by which central obesity potentiates reflux‐induced esophageal injury and inflammation.