Salivary growth factors and cytokines are not deficient in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease or Barrett's esophagus

Growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), are known to protect upper gut mucosa against irritants: and to enhance healing of ulcerative l esions in animal models. A number of salivary growth factors are found in h uman saliva. The aim of this study was to determine if salivary growth fact ors and cytokines are deficient in patients with esophagitis or with Barret t's metaplasia. Fifteen healthy subjects, eight patients with esophagitis, and 13 patients with Barrett's metaplasia were included. Salivary concentra tion of EGF, FGF, IL-1, and IL-6 were measured during esophageal saline and hydrochloric acid perfusion and in the postprandial state. There was no st atistically significant difference in the concentration of EGF or cytokines among the three study groups in each experimental condition or among the t hree experimental conditions in each group. FGF basic could not be detected in saliva. In conclusion, these findings do not support the hypothesis tha t a deficiency in salivary growth factors or cytokines plays a significant role in the development of mild to moderate reflux esophagitis or Barrett's metaplasia.