Gene and protein expression of purinergic receptors in the esophageal mucosa of patients with erosive and non-erosive Gastro-esophageal reflux disease
Project Objectives
Research aims to study the pathophysiological and clinical significance of the expression of purinergic receptors in the esophageal mucosa of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (both Erosive (ERD) and non-erosive (NERD)) compared to healthy individuals. Purinergic receptors are expressed at significantly high concentrations in human esophageal epithelial cells in comparison to other receptors. They have been associated with the development of symptoms characterizing GERD, functional disorders with a high prevalence in the population at large and have a significant impact on patients ' quality of life.
Using biopsy samples from endoscopic examinations provided during patients workup, the study will be able to investigate the relationship between the expression and localization of these receptors, the symptoms reported by patients and the histologic level of inflammation, which differentiates the erosive form (with esophagitis, ERD) from the non-erosive form of GERD. Results will permit the identification of new pathophysiological mechanisms and possible targets for innovative therapies.
Start/End Date
2013 - in progress
Principal Investigator
Prof. Michele Cicala
Host Institution
Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome
Other Institutions Involved
Università degli Studi di Teramo, Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Comparative Biomedical Sciences Department - Italy