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Causes of GERD may be different to commonly held belief
20 Nov 2009
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may not develop as a result of acidic juices burning in the oesophagus, contrary to widely-held belief.
This is according to researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center, US, who discovered that GERD spurs the oesophageal cells to release cytokine chemicals, which attract inflammatory cells to the oesophagus.
These cells cause damage to the oesophagus characteristic of GERD, with the condition manifesting itself through symptoms such as chest pain and heartburn.
Lead author of the study Dr Rhonda Souza explained that GERD is currently treated through medications which prevent the stomach from making acid.
"But if GERD is really an immune-mediated injury, maybe we should create medications that would prevent these cytokines from attracting inflammatory cells to the oesophagus and starting the injury in the first place," she said.
The finding was made during a study on rats, with approximately 40 per cent of Americans suffering from GERD at some point in their lives.
Other GERD symptoms include regurgitation and nausea.
Visit the Reflux Disease Quick Guide
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