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World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. Dec 6, 2011; 2(6): 50-51
Published online Dec 6, 2011. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v2.i6.50
Published online Dec 6, 2011. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v2.i6.50
Does a melatonin supplement alter the course of gastro-esophageal reflux disease?
Mariusz H Madalinski, NHS Lothian – University Hospitals Division, Edinburgh EH1 4SA, United Kingdom
Mariusz H Madalinski, Department of Gastroenterology, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Madalinski MH solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Mariusz Madalinski, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom. m.h.madalinski@pro.onet.pl
Telephone: +44-131-5373054 Fax: +44-131-5371328
Received: April 22, 2011
Revised: September 24, 2011
Accepted: September 30, 2011
Published online: December 6, 2011
Revised: September 24, 2011
Accepted: September 30, 2011
Published online: December 6, 2011
Abstract
Symptomatic gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common disease. The consequence of GERD is not only erosive esophagitis, but also esophageal stricture, Barrett’s esophagus and extra-esophageal damage (including the lungs, throat, sinuses, middle ear and teeth). GERD and Barrett’s esophagus are also identified as major risk factors for esophageal carcinoma. Therapy with melatonin prevents esophageal injury from acid-pepsin and acid-pepsin-bile exposure in animals, then further studies are required in humans to establish whether a melatonin supplement is able to protect the patients with GERD from erosions, Barrett’s and neoplasia.