The Effect of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin on Reflux Esophagitis

Reflux esophagitis (RE) is characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the damaged squamous epithelium. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) has been implicated in promoting T helper type 2 (Th2) inflammation. This study investigates the protective role of TSLP downregulation in RE. A rat model of RE underwent surgical treatment, while cell model was exposed to an acid and bile mixture. Protein expression levels of TSLP, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (JAK2) were assessed using western blot analysis. Interleukin levels (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Esophageal epithelial barrier function was evaluated through transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). TSLP levels in esophageal tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. Elevated protein expression of pro-inflammatory factors TSLP, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 was observed in RE. Tezspire treatment reduced inflammatory levels and pathological lesions in esophageal tissue, reversed cell damage, decreased inflammatory cytokines, and enhanced epithelial barrier function. TSLP modulated RE development through JAK/STAT pathway activation. Downregulation of TSLP demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and mitigated esophageal epithelial injury caused by gastric acid reflux. These findings suggest that TSLP may serve as a novel target for RE treatment.