Oesophageal mucosal barrier: A key factor in the pathophysiology of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and a potential target for treatment

摘要

The stratified squamous epithelium of the oesophageal mucosa usually forms a tight protective barrier against noxious components of gastro-oesophageal reflux (such as acid and bile acids), a necessary function since the distal oesophageal mucosa is exposed to physiological reflux events, even in health. If there is a disruption to the effectiveness of this epithelial barrier (a so-called impairment of the mucosal integrity), its protective function is likely to be compromised, resulting in reflux-induced symptoms.