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[Reflux esophagitis--Japan and Western countries]
Ken Haruma1, Keisuke Honda, Tomoari Kamata
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
|September 4, 2004
Summary
Reflux esophagitis (RE) is uncommon in Japan, likely because high rates of atrophic gastritis reduce stomach acid. This decreased acid may prevent the reflux characteristic of RE, unlike in Western countries.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Reflux esophagitis (RE) is prevalent in Western nations but rare in Japan.
- Japan has high rates of H. pylori infection and atrophic gastritis.
- Atrophic gastritis is linked to reduced gastric acid secretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological differences in reflux esophagitis (RE) between Western countries and Japan.
- To explore the potential role of H. pylori infection and atrophic gastritis in the low prevalence of RE in Japan.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of epidemiological data on RE, H. pylori, and atrophic gastritis.
- Review of physiological mechanisms linking gastric acid secretion to RE.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of RE is significantly lower in Japan compared to Western countries.
- H. pylori infection and atrophic gastritis are highly prevalent in Japan.
- Reduced gastric acid secretion, a consequence of atrophic gastritis, was observed in the Japanese population.
Conclusions:
- Decreased gastric acid secretion due to high rates of atrophic gastritis may be a key factor in the low incidence of RE in Japan.
- The findings highlight distinct etiological factors for RE in different geographical regions.