Gastro-esophageal reflux disease and obesity, where is the link?

Abstract

The confluence between the increased prevalence of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and of obesity has generated great interest in the association between these two conditions. Several studies have addressed the potential relationship between GERD and obesity, but the exact mechanism by which obesity causes reflux disease still remains to be clearly defined. A commonly suggested pathogenetic pathway is the increased abdominal pressure which relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, thus exposing the esophageal mucosal to gastric content. Apart from the mechanical pressure, visceral fat is metabolically active and it has been strongly associated with serum levels of adipo-cytokines including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α, which may play a role in GERD or consequent carcinogenesis. This summary is aimed to explore the potential mechanisms responsible for the association between GERD and obesity, and to better understand the possible role of weight loss as a therapeutic approach for GERD.

• Authors: Sara Emerenziani, Maria Paola Rescio, Michele Pier Luca Guarino, Michele Cicala
• Journal: World journal of gastroenterology (World J Gastroenterol) Vol. 19 Issue 39 Pg. 6536-9 (Oct 21 2013) ISSN: 2219-2840 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24151378 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Inflammation Mediators

Topics

• Biomarkers (blood)
• Body Mass Index
• Disease Progression
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (diagnosis, etiology, immunology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Humans
• Inflammation Mediators (blood)
• Obesity (diagnosis, epidemiology, immunology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Prognosis
• Risk Assessment
• Risk Factors
• Weight Loss