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Emerging Insights into the Esophageal Microbiome
Michael May1, Julian A Abrams2
1Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, 630 W 168th Street, P&S 3-401, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology
|January 20, 2018
Summary
The esophageal microbiome, similar to the oral microbiome, may be altered in esophageal diseases. Non-invasive analysis could enable early disease screening and monitoring for targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Esophageal microbiome research is emerging, focusing on health and disease states.
- Microbiome alterations are linked to gastrointestinal inflammatory and neoplastic conditions.
- Esophageal conditions like Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) may involve the microbiome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the esophageal microbiome in disease pathogenesis.
- To explore potential co-factor roles in conditions such as BE, EAC, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
- To investigate microbiome alterations contributing to inflammation and carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of the esophageal microbiome in health and disease.
- Analysis of microbiome composition and alterations.
- Exploration of non-endoscopic assessment methods.
Main Results:
- The native esophageal microbiome resembles the oral microbiome, rich in Firmicutes and Streptococcus.
- Specific microbiome alterations are associated with esophageal diseases.
- Non-endoscopic assessment of the esophageal microbiome may be feasible for screening and monitoring.
Conclusions:
- The esophageal microbiome is a potential factor in esophageal disease pathogenesis.
- Non-invasive microbiome analysis offers possibilities for disease screening and monitoring.
- Understanding microbiome alterations may lead to new therapeutic targets and screening tools.
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