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03:23
Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
Association between increased duodenal eosinophil count and functional dyspepsia.
Imteaz Mahbub1, Bimal Chandra Shil2, Sadeed Araf Reza2
1National Gastroliver Institute and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Plos One
|June 16, 2026
Summary
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is linked to higher duodenal eosinophil counts, suggesting immune activation plays a role. This finding supports duodenal eosinophilia as a potential factor in FD pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder with complex causes.
- Emerging research indicates duodenal eosinophilia may be implicated in FD through low-grade immune activation.
- This study investigates the correlation between elevated duodenal eosinophil levels and FD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between increased duodenal eosinophil counts and functional dyspepsia.
- To explore the role of immune activation in the pathogenesis of FD.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 46 adult FD patients (Rome-III criteria) and 40 controls.
- Duodenal biopsies were collected during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
- Eosinophil counts were determined in tissue sections using light microscopy (x 400 magnification).
Main Results:
- Patients with FD exhibited significantly higher mean duodenal eosinophil counts (23.98 ± 7.98/HPF) compared to controls (15.63 ± 5.94/HPF) (p < 0.001).
- Duodenal eosinophilia (≥21 eosinophils/HPF) was observed in 69.6% of FD patients versus 17.5% of controls.
- An elevated duodenal eosinophil count was strongly associated with FD (OR 9.74; 95% CI 3.50-27.08).
Conclusions:
- Functional dyspepsia patients show significantly increased duodenal eosinophil infiltration.
- These findings support the involvement of low-grade immune activation in FD pathogenesis.
- Larger, multicenter studies are needed to elucidate the clinical significance of duodenal eosinophilia in FD.
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