Topical Protection of Esophageal Mucosa as a New Treatment of GERD.

Among the various factors implicated in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), visceral hypersensitivity and mucosal resistance have been recently re-evaluated in relation to the increasing phenomenon of proton pump inhibitor failure, particularly in patients with nonerosive reflux disease (NERD). Intensive research has allowed us to understand that noxious substances contained in the refluxate are able to interact with esophageal epithelium and to induce the elicitation of symptoms. The frequent evidence of microscopic esophagitis able to increase the permeability of the mucosa, the proximity of sensory afferent nerve fibers to the esophageal lumen favoring the higher sensitivity to noxious substances and the possible activation of inflammatory pathways interacting with sensory nerve endings are pathophysiological alterations confirming that mucosal resistance is impaired in GERD patients. Accordingly, the reinforcement of protective mechanisms of esophageal mucosa by topical therapies has become a novel treatment target. Alginate, the combination of hyaluronic acid+chondroitin sulphate and Poliprotect have been shown to adhere to esophageal mucosa and to have good protective properties. Several placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown that these compounds, given alone or as add-on therapy for short periods, enable to relieve symptoms and to improve the quality of life in NERD patients. Further studies are needed to confirm the above results and to find new mucosal protectants in order to improve the management of NERD patients.