BACKGROUND: The Barrett's to adenocarcinoma sequence is characterized by molecular changes including activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and related cytokines. In this observational nonrandomized study this molecular environment was compared in matched asymptomatic cohorts who had undergone either fundoplication or therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). METHODS: Asymptomatic patients with long-segment Barrett's esophagus had endoscopic biopsy specimens taken from 2 cm below the squamocolumnar junction for measurement of activated NF-kappaB and a panel of cytokines and growth factors. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were recruited (surgical: n = 18, medical: n = 19). The mean patient age was 51 years, and the mean follow-up period was 5.6 years. There were no differences in the length of Barrett's segment and endoscopic and histopathologic features in both groups. Mean activated NF-kappaB p50 and p65 subunits, interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, and interleukin-8 levels, were significantly (P < .05) lower in the surgically treated group. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides proxy support to the thesis that antireflux surgery may provide an environment that is less inflammatory and tumorigenic than that observed in medically treated patients. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
BACKGROUND: The Barrett's to adenocarcinoma sequence is characterized by molecular changes including activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and related cytokines. In this observational nonrandomized study this molecular environment was compared in matched asymptomatic cohorts who had undergone either fundoplication or therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). METHODS: Asymptomatic patients with long-segment Barrett's esophagus had endoscopic biopsy specimens taken from 2 cm below the squamocolumnar junction for measurement of activated NF-kappaB and a panel of cytokines and growth factors. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were recruited (surgical: n = 18, medical: n = 19). The mean patient age was 51 years, and the mean follow-up period was 5.6 years. There were no differences in the length of Barrett's segment and endoscopic and histopathologic features in both groups. Mean activated NF-kappaB p50 and p65 subunits, interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, and interleukin-8 levels, were significantly (P < .05) lower in the surgically treated group. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides proxy support to the thesis that antireflux surgery may provide an environment that is less inflammatory and tumorigenic than that observed in medically treated patients. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Authors: Joerg Zehetner; Steven R DeMeester; Shahin Ayazi; Jesse L Costales; Florian Augustin; Arzu Oezcelik; John C Lipham; Helen J Sohn; Jeffrey A Hagen; Tom R DeMeester Journal: J Gastrointest Surg Date: 2010-09-08 Impact factor: 3.452