Esophagitis and Its Connection with GERD and EoE

Recent study findings suggest that elevated fibroblast growth factor 9 production in response to esophagitis is evident in both GERD and eosinophilic esophagitis.

Esophagitis is characterized by inflammation of the epithelium, basal cell hyperplasia, and elongation of the vascular papillae. Although the presence of eosinophils in the epithelium is a recognized hallmark of esophagitis associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, researchers are also interested in the more extensive eosinophilic infiltration that is characteristic of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). In this disorder, degranulating eosinophils release inflammatory mediators — the most abundant of which is major basic protein (MBP). MBP activates the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) on the esophageal epithelium, which in turn induces production of fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9). FGF9 is thought to be implicated in epithelial homeost…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors

Esophagitis and Its Connection with GERD and EoE

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Reviewing Author