REG Ialpha protein expression in Barrett's esophagus.

Background And Aim: Accelerated cellular proliferation in Barrett's esophagus has been implicated in Barrett's elongation and malignant transformation. Therefore, growth factors may play important roles in the pathophysiology of Barrett's esophagus. Regenerating gene (REG), an epithelial growth factor, has been reported to link mucosal inflammation and subsequent carcinogenesis in the gastrointestinal tract.

Predictors for squamous re-epithelialization of Barrett's esophagus after endoscopic biopsy.

Background And Aim: Acid suppressive therapy has been reported to regress Barrett's esophagus. However, it is still controversial as to whether all Barrett's esophagus patients respond to this therapy. The factors that might facilitate newly developed squamous re-epithelialization after biopsy excision of Barrett's mucosa were evaluated to identity individuals who may favorably respond to the regression therapy.

Which landmark results in a more consistent diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus, the gastric folds or the palisade vessels?

Background: The endoscopic landmark used to diagnose Barrett's esophagus differs between Japanese and Western endoscopists.

Objective: To compare the degree of diagnostic variation in results achieved by Japanese endoscopists when using the palisade vessels as a landmark of the distal esophagus and when using the gastric folds; interobserver diagnostic concordance was evaluated.

Design: Eighty-four endoscopists classified 30 patients with Barrett's esophagus by viewing projected endoscopic photographs.