De Lauretis, Angelo and Chetta, Alfredo (2014) The role of gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) in systemic sclerosis and lung fibrosis. Shortness of Breath, 3 (2). pp. 80-83. ISSN 2281-6550
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune condition characterized by tissue fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. A significant subgroup of SSc patients develops progressive interstitial lung disease(ILD) leading to pulmonary fibrosis similar to IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). Gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) has been suggested as a driving factor in the pathogenesis of both SSc-ILD and IPF. The esophagus is affected in 50-82% of patients with SSc. Gastric reflux may be liquid, gaseous, or particulate; acid or nonacid; distal (localized to the distal oesophagus) or proximal (reaching the proximal oesophagus and pharynx). Reflux to the proximal oesophagus, which is intuitively linked to microaspiration into the lungs, appears to be quite common in patients with ILD-SSc and IPF. Importantly, a significant proportion of GER reflux is asymptomatic. Concentration of pepsin and bile acids in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) have been investigated as biomarkers of microaspiration in various respiratory diseases. The confirmation of a causative link of microaspiration in the genesis and progression of lung fibrosis would have a major impact in the management of ILD-SSc patients. It is likely that proteases such as pepsin, and not the acidity, are the primary target for future therapies. Potent inhibitors specific for proteases, e.g. pepstatin, are available and have been tested in phase-III clinical trials.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | gastro-esophageal reflux, respiratory aspiration, microaspiration, pepsin, lung fibrosis, systemic sclerosis |
| Subjects: | 600 Tecnologia - Scienze applicate > 610 Medicina e salute (Classificare qui la tecnologia dei servizi medici) |
| Depositing User: | Marina Spanti |
| Date Deposited: | 21 Jan 2016 17:50 |
| Last Modified: | 21 Jan 2016 17:50 |
| URI: | http://eprints.bice.rm.cnr.it/id/eprint/10511 |
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