Editorial
Copyright ©2010 Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. Aug 15, 2010; 1(3): 91-96
Published online Aug 15, 2010. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v1.i3.91
Metabolic syndrome and gastro-esophageal reflux: A link towards a growing interest in developed countries
Enzo Ierardi, Rosa Rosania, Mariangela Zotti, Simonetta Principe, Giulio Laonigro, Floriana Giorgio, Vincenzo de Francesco, Carmine Panella
Enzo Ierardi, Rosa Rosania, Mariangela Zotti, Simonetta Principe, Giulio Laonigro, Floriana Giorgio, Vincenzo de Francesco, Carmine Panella, Gastroenterology Section, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71100, Italy
Author contributions: Ierardi E and Panella C designed the study, revised the manuscript and approved the final version; Rosania R, Zotti M, Prencipe S and Laonigro G collected the data; De Francesco V, Giorgio F and Ierardi E analyzed the data; and Rosania R, Zotti M, Prencipe S and Giorgio F drafted the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Enzo Ierardi, MD, Profesor, Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti, Viale L. Pinto, Foggia 71100, Italy. enzo.ierardi@fastwebnet.it
Telephone: +39-0881-733848 Fax: +39-0881-733849
Received: May 21, 2010
Revised: July 23, 2010
Accepted: July 30, 2010
Published online: August 15, 2010
Abstract

The aim of this Editorial is to describe the growing possibility of a link between gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and metabolic syndrome on the light of recent epidemiological and pathophysiological evidence. The state of the art of GERD is described, based on recent definitions, pathophysiological evidence, epidemiology in developed countries, clinical subtypes together with a diagnostic approach specifically focussed on the appropriateness of endoscopy. Metabolic syndrome is accurately defined and the pivotal role of insulin resistance is emphasized. The strong relationship between GERD and metabolic syndrome has been pathophysiologically analyzed, taking into account the role of obesity, mechanical factors and metabolic changes. Data collected by our group regarding eating habits and GERD are briefly summarized at the end of a pathophysiological analysis. The literature on the subject strongly supports the possibility that lifestyle and eating habits may be involved in both GERD and metabolic syndrome in developed countries.

Keywords: Gastroesophageal reflux disease; Metabolic syndrome; Obesity; Insulin resistance