Potential role for the common cystic fibrosis DeltaF508 mutation in Crohn's disease.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an epithelial barrier disease that is thought to result from a dysregulated interaction with bacteria in the intestine of genetically predisposed individuals. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which is mutated in the autosomal recessive disease cystic fibrosis, modulates gut permeability, mucus production, and epithelial interactions with bacteria. The cystic fibrosis DeltaF508 mutation is commonly found in the general population and has been shown to result in a reduced number of CFTR molecules at the surface of epithelial cells.

A pilot study on duodenal acid exposure and its relationship to symptoms in functional dyspepsia with prominent nausea.

Background: Duodenal hypersensitivity to acid and decreased duodenal clearance of exogenous acid have been reported in functional dyspepsia (FD). However, the relevance of these abnormalities to spontaneous duodenal acid exposure and dyspeptic symptoms in FD is unknown.

Aims: To determine spontaneous duodenal acid exposure and its relationship with symptoms, duodenal sensitivity to acid, and the effects of a 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist on duodenal responses to acid in FD.