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ABSTRACT: Introduction
We assessed if obesity perturbs the esophageal epithelial barrier function independent of promotion of gastroesophageal reflux (GER).Methods
Thirty-eight participants were divided into 4 groups: Obesity-/GER-, Obesity+/GER-, Obesity-/GER+, and Obesity+/GER+. Esophageal intercellular space and desmosome density (structural integrity) and fluorescein leak (functional integrity) were measured.Results
The Obesity+/GER- group demonstrated increased intercellular space, reduced desmosome density, and increased fluorescein leak compared with control subjects. These changes were similar but not additive to findings seen in Obesity-/GER + and Obesity+/GER+ patients.Discussion
Central obesity impairs structural and functional integrity of the esophageal barrier independent of GER, likely predisposing to esophageal injury.
SUBMITTER: Gibbens YY
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8243777 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Gibbens Ying Y YY Lansing Ramona R Johnson Michele L ML Blevins Christopher H CH Katzka David A DA Iyer Prasad G PG
The American journal of gastroenterology 20210701 7
<h4>Introduction</h4>We assessed if obesity perturbs the esophageal epithelial barrier function independent of promotion of gastroesophageal reflux (GER).<h4>Methods</h4>Thirty-eight participants were divided into 4 groups: Obesity-/GER-, Obesity+/GER-, Obesity-/GER+, and Obesity+/GER+. Esophageal intercellular space and desmosome density (structural integrity) and fluorescein leak (functional integrity) were measured.<h4>Results</h4>The Obesity+/GER- group demonstrated increased intercellular s ...[more]