Response to Marabotto et al.

Biopsies have important value in assessing for nonerosive reflux disease.

Altered Esophageal Smooth Muscle Phenotype in Achalasia.

Background/aims: Achalasia is a disorder characterized by impairment in lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and esophageal aperistalsis, caused primarily by loss of inhibitory innervation. However, little is known about associated changes in esophageal smooth muscle. We examined the contractile phenotype and innervation of the circular smooth muscle, as well as inflammatory status, and correlated these with patient-specific parameters.

The role of histology in the diagnosis of non-erosive reflux disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Purpose: Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) accounts for over half of all gastroesophageal reflux cases and is characterized by reflux symptoms with pathologic acid exposure on pH monitoring but no evidence of erosions on upper endoscopy. Ambulatory pH monitoring is limited by availability and patient tolerance. The utility of performing esophageal mucosal biopsies in diagnosing NERD is unclear.

Nintedanib regulates intestinal smooth muscle hyperplasia and phenotype in vitro and in TNBS colitis in vivo.

Chronic inflammation of the human intestine in Crohn's disease (CD) causes bowel wall thickening, which typically progresses to stricturing and a recurrent need for surgery. Current therapies have limited success and CD remains idiopathic and incurable. Recent evidence shows a key role of intestinal smooth muscle cell (ISMC) hyperplasia in stricturing, which is not targeted by current anti-inflammatory therapeutics.