Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2010 Aug 15;1(3):91-6.
doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v1.i3.91.

Metabolic syndrome and gastro-esophageal reflux: A link towards a growing interest in developed countries

Enzo Ierardi  1 , Rosa Rosania, Mariangela Zotti, Simonetta Principe, Giulio Laonigro, Floriana Giorgio, Vincenzo de Francesco, Carmine Panella
Affiliations

Metabolic syndrome and gastro-esophageal reflux: A link towards a growing interest in developed countries

Enzo Ierardi et al. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. .

Abstract

The aim of this Editorial is to describe the growing possibility of a link between gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and metabolic syndrome on the light of recent epidemiological and pathophysiological evidence. The state of the art of GERD is described, based on recent definitions, pathophysiological evidence, epidemiology in developed countries, clinical subtypes together with a diagnostic approach specifically focussed on the appropriateness of endoscopy. Metabolic syndrome is accurately defined and the pivotal role of insulin resistance is emphasized. The strong relationship between GERD and metabolic syndrome has been pathophysiologically analyzed, taking into account the role of obesity, mechanical factors and metabolic changes. Data collected by our group regarding eating habits and GERD are briefly summarized at the end of a pathophysiological analysis. The literature on the subject strongly supports the possibility that lifestyle and eating habits may be involved in both GERD and metabolic syndrome in developed countries.

Keywords: Gastroesophageal reflux disease; Insulin resistance; Metabolic syndrome; Obesity.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
American Gastroenterology Association guidelines for gastro-esophageal reflux disease diagnostic approach with a particular regard to esophagastroduodenoscopy appropriateness[20].
Figure 2
Figure 2
Role of insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome (from Eckel et al[25], Lancet 2005).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Nelson JL 3rd, Castell DO. Reflux esophagitis: an update. South Med J. 1985;78:452–457. - PubMed
    1. Moayyedi P, Talley NJ. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Lancet. 2006;367:2086–2100. - PubMed
    1. Nebel OT, Fornes MF, Castell DO. Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux: incidence and precipitating factors. Am J Dig Dis. 1976;21:953–956. - PubMed
    1. Vakil N, van Zanten SV, Kahrilas P, Dent J, Jones R. The Montreal definition and classification of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a global evidence-based consensus. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006;101:1900–1920; quiz 1943. - PubMed
    1. Demeester TR, Johnson LF, Joseph GJ, Toscano MS, Hall AW, Skinner DB. Patterns of gastroesophageal reflux in health and disease. Ann Surg. 1976;184:459–470. - PMC - PubMed