Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells

Published on: July 20, 2014

Protease inhibitors and carcinoma of the esophagus

¹Department of Surgery, Bristol Royal Infirmary, University of Bristol, United Kingdom.

|August 5, 1998

Abstract

Background:

Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus is endemic in parts of South Africa. Previous case-control studies have shown many associations but no clear etiologic pathway has been established.

Methods:

A case-control study of dietary and social factors was performed for 130 patient/control pairs matched for age, gender, and educational level. Staple diet, consumption of wild vegetables, use of tobacco, and traditional beer consumption were compared between the two groups.

Results:

New significant associations were found with the consumption of beans (P = 0.016) and consumption of the full traditional diet of maize, pumpkin, and beans (P = 0.027). Known associations with the consumption of Solanum nigrum (P = 0.018) and with smoking (P = 0.002) were confirmed by multiple regression analysis.

Conclusions:

Solanum nigrum, beans, and pumpkin all contain protease inhibitors. Suppression of protease inhibitors can lead to overexpression of growth factors in the esophagus, resulting in a proliferative and oncogenic drive.

More Related Videos

Subculture and Cryopreservation of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Organoids: Pros and Cons for Single Cell Digestion

Subculture and Cryopreservation of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Organoids: Pros and Cons for Single Cell Digestion

Published on: July 6, 2022

Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids

Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids

Published on: December 23, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...

Targeted Cancer Therapies

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...

Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management

Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management

Medical treatment strategies for peptic ulcers encompass various methods. The primary goal of treatment is to diminish gastric acidity and strengthen mucosal defense mechanisms.
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Twenty-four-hour oesophageal pH studies in rural Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde·2019

Diet affects reflux in a rural African community.

Acta gastro-enterologica Belgica·2018

Normal values of 24-hour ambulatory esophageal impedance-pH monitoring in a rural South African cohort of healthy participants.

Diseases of the esophagus : official journal of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus·2015

Maize meal predisposes to endemic squamous cancer of the oesophagus in Africa: breakdown of esterified linoleic acid to the free form in stored meal leads to increased intragastric PGE2 production and a low-acid reflux.

Medical hypotheses·2006

Gastric luminal epidermal growth factor is affected by diet.

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde·2005

Bimodal distribution of fasting gastric acidity in a rural African population.

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde·2003

See all related articles