Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 14, 2026

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells
08:54

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells

Published on: July 20, 2014

14.6K

Significance of paneth cell metaplasia in Barrett esophagus: a morphologic and clinicopathologic study

Wei Chen1, Wendy L Frankel1, Kevin M Cronley2

  • 1From the Departments of Pathology and.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|April 16, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Paneth cell metaplasia (PCM) in Barrett esophagus (BE) is common, associated with less regression, but not increased progression to dysplasia or adenocarcinoma. This finding is important for understanding BE progression.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Barrett esophagus (BE) is a metaplastic change in the esophageal lining.
  • Paneth cells are occasionally found in the metaplastic intestinal epithelium of BE.
  • The prevalence and clinical significance of Paneth cell metaplasia (PCM) in BE are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Paneth cell metaplasia (PCM) in Barrett esophagus (BE).
  • To investigate the association between PCM and clinical outcomes in BE, including disease regression and progression to dysplasia or adenocarcinoma.

Main Methods:

  • Esophageal biopsy specimens (n=757) with intestinal metaplasia (IM) were analyzed for PCM.
  • Clinical outcome analysis was conducted on 299 cases with complete data using multinomial logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • Paneth cell metaplasia (PCM) was identified in 31% of IM cases.
  • PCM prevalence was higher in long-segment BE compared to short-segment BE.
  • Paneth cells decreased with increasing dysplasia.
  • Patients without PCM (NPCM) showed a threefold higher likelihood of regression compared to patients with PCM.
  • No significant difference in progression to dysplasia or adenocarcinoma was observed between the PCM and NPCM groups.

Conclusions:

  • Paneth cell metaplasia (PCM) in Barrett esophagus (BE) is associated with reduced disease regression.
  • The presence of PCM does not correlate with an increased risk of progression to dysplasia or adenocarcinoma in BE.
Keywords:
Barrett esophagusDysplasiaEsophageal adenocarcinomaGERDPaneth cell

More Related Videos

Diagnosis of Neoplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus using Vital-dye Enhanced Fluorescence Imaging06:55

Diagnosis of Neoplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus using Vital-dye Enhanced Fluorescence Imaging

Published on: May 11, 2014

12.5K
Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice05:19

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice

Published on: August 25, 2015

10.9K

Related Concept Videos

Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction01:21

Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction

Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition where the esophageal mucosa is significantly damaged by stomach acid or other digestive fluids, often due to long-term exposure associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, a weakened or abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to flow persistently into the esophagus.
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...
1.4K
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
1.6K
Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells01:23

Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells

The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the...
3.7K
Gastritis-II: Pathophysiology01:17

Gastritis-II: Pathophysiology

Gastritis is marked by disruption of the mucosal barrier that usually protects the stomach tissue from digestive juices and manifests in acute and chronic forms.
In acute gastritis, the gastric mucosa becomes swollen and red and undergoes superficial erosion. Superficial ulceration may lead to bleeding.
In chronic gastritis, persistent or repeated insults lead to chronic inflammatory changes and, eventually, thinning or atrophy of the gastric tissue.
Gastritis can stem from various causes, each...
1.8K
Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach01:25

Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach

The gastric glands contain parietal cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. The cells secrete HCl because it is highly corrosive and essential for breaking down food. To achieve this, they secrete hydrogen and chloride ions into the lumen of the gastric glands, which combine to form HCl.
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
2.9K
Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is characterized by mucosal excavation in the esophagus, stomach, pylorus, or duodenum. It can manifest as acute or chronic based on the extent and duration of mucosal involvement.
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
1.1K