Active trypsin and reflux oesophagitis: an experimental study in rats

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oesophageal Pathophysiology

Background:

• Reflux esophagitis pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.
• The roles of specific digestive enzymes and fluids in its development require further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the involvement of active trypsin, bile acids, and pepsin in reflux esophagitis.
• To establish correlations between specific refluxate components and oesophageal damage in a rat model.

Main Methods:

• Induction of various reflux conditions (gastric, bile, pancreatic) in rats via surgical procedures.
• Control groups included laparotomy, oesophageal transection, and Roux-en-Y reconstruction.
• Macroscopic and histological assessment of oesophagitis, with measurement of trypsin and bile acid levels.

Main Results:

• Oesophagitis was confirmed in rats with gastric, bile, and pancreatic reflux, as well as pancreatic reflux alone.
• Significantly elevated trypsin levels were observed in groups with confirmed oesophagitis (P < 0.01).
• Bile acid levels showed no significant differences between groups.

Conclusions:

• A direct correlation exists between active trypsin presence in the oesophagus and the occurrence of reflux esophagitis.
• Components of duodenal juice, particularly active trypsin, may play a significant role in the development of reflux esophagitis in humans.