Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia and Vitamin D Deficiency: New Associated Disease and Proposed Pathogenetic Mechanisms

Peptic ulcers are sores on the stomach's inner lining and the upper small intestine, which are the result of disruptions in the mucosal layer that houses parietal cells which produce gastric acid, and chief cells which secrete pepsinogen.
In the antrum region, G cells secrete the gastrin hormone that binds to gastrin-cholecystokinin-B (CCK2) receptors on parietal and enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells in the fundic glands. Simultaneously, the vagus nerve releases acetylcholine, which binds...

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...

The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...

Peptic ulcer disease, commonly called PUD, represents a multifaceted condition characterized by disruptions in the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI)  tract. Central to the protection of the gastrointestinal lining is the mucosal-bicarbonate barrier. This physiological defense mechanism is a formidable shield against the corrosive effects of gastric acid and pepsin secretion in the stomach. Its role is pivotal in maintaining the structural integrity of the stomach's inner lining.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) involves the recurrent backflow of the stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to troublesome symptoms and potential esophageal mucosal damage. Although GERD is often referred to as a disease, it is more accurately described as a syndrome, as it encompasses a range of symptoms and complications rather than a singular pathological entity, impacting a large number of individuals as the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal problem. Roughly...

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is characterized by the development of ulcers in the stomach or duodenal mucosa. Its pathophysiology is complex, involving a balance between damaging and protective elements.
Damaging agents such as Helicobacter pylori, gastric acid, pepsin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can weaken the mucosal defense, allowing hydrogen ions to infiltrate back and harm epithelial cells.