Overlap of symptoms of dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux in the community.

Background/aims: Dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease are common chronic diseases. In the clinical setting, some patients express both problems together; however, little is known about the real prevalence of the presence of the two symptoms. Turkey is particularly interesting because of differences observed from developed countries.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in a low-income region in Turkey.

Objectives: Detailed population-based data regarding the prevalence and symptom profile of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in underdeveloped and developing Caucasian countries are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical spectrum of GERD in a low-income region in Turkey.

Methods: We used a previously validated reflux questionnaire, which was translated into Turkish and culturally adapted.

Chloride transport in rabbit esophageal epithelial cells.

We investigated Cl(-) transport pathways in the apical and basolateral membranes of rabbit esophageal epithelial cells (EEC) using conventional and ion-selective microelectrodes. Intact sections of esophageal epithelium were mounted serosal or luminal side up in a modified Ussing chamber, where transepithelial potential difference and transepithelial resistance could be determined. Microelectrodes were used to measure intracellular Cl(-) activity (a), basolateral or apical membrane potentials (V(mBL) or V(mC)), and the voltage divider ratio.