Association between circulating levels of sex steroid hormones and Barrett's esophagus in men: a case-control analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Esophageal adenocarcinoma is believed to result from the progression of gastroesophageal reflux disease to erosive esophagitis and re-epithelialization of the esophagus with a columnar cell population termed Barrett's esophagus (BE). Men develop BE and esophageal adenocarcinoma more frequently than women, yet little is known about the mechanisms of this difference. We assessed whether sex steroid hormones were associated with BE in a male population. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Barrett's Esophagus Early Detection Case Control Study, based at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Blood samples were collected from 174 men with BE and 213 men without BE (controls, based on endoscopic analysis); 13 sex steroid hormones were measured by mass spectrometry and sex hormone binding globulin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We also calculated free estradiol, free testosterone, and free dihydrotestosterone (DHT). We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for age, race, smoking status, alcohol consumption, body mass index, heartburn, regurgitation, and gastroesophageal symptom score (excluding heartburn and regurgitation). RESULTS: Levels of free testosterone and free DHT were associated positively with BE risk; patients in the highest quartile for these hormones were most likely to have BE (free testosterone: OR, 5.36; 95% CI, 2.21-13.03; P = .0002; free DHT: OR, 4.25; 95% CI, 1.87-9.66; P = .001). Level of estrone sulfate was associated inversely with BE risk (P for trend = .02). No other hormone was associated with BE risk. Relationships were not modified by age or BMI. CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis of men, levels of free testosterone and free DHT were significantly associated with BE.

Global changes in gene expression of Barrett's esophagus compared to normal squamous esophagus and gastric cardia tissues.

BACKGROUND: Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a metaplastic precursor lesion of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA), the most rapidly increasing cancer in western societies. While the prevalence of BE is increasing, the vast majority of EA occurs in patients with undiagnosed BE. Thus, we sought to identify genes that are altered in BE compared to the normal mucosa of the esophagus, and which may be potential biomarkers for the development or diagnosis of BE. DESIGN: We performed gene expression analysis using HG-U133A Affymetrix chips on fresh frozen tissue samples of Barrett's metaplasia and matched normal mucosa from squamous esophagus (NE) and gastric cardia (NC) in 40 BE patients. RESULTS: Using a cut off of 2-fold and P<1.12E-06 (0.05 with Bonferroni correction), we identified 1324 differentially-expressed genes comparing BE vs NE and 649 differentially-expressed genes comparing BE vs NC. Except for individual genes such as the SOXs and PROM1 that were dysregulated only in BE vs NE, we found a subset of genes (n = 205) whose expression was significantly altered in both BE vs NE and BE vs NC. These genes were overrepresented in different pathways, including TGF-ß and Notch. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide additional data on the global transcriptome in BE tissues compared to matched NE and NC tissues which should promote further understanding of the functions and regulatory mechanisms of genes involved in BE development, as well as insight into novel genes that may be useful as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of BE in the future.

Key safety issues of bowel preparations for colonoscopy and importance of adequate hydration.

Although screening colonoscopy is effective for early detection of colorectal cancer, screening rates remain low. Multiple factors are thought to be responsible for the low rates of screening colonoscopy, but bowel preparation appears to be a key deterrent. Tolerability issues with bowel preparations may lead to poor patient compliance, inadequate colon cleansing, and reduced detection of colonic polyps. Successful colon cleansing requires careful selection of the appropriate bowel purgative regimen, as well as patient acceptance of and compliance with the chosen regimen. The two major classes of bowel preparations include polyethylene glycol solutions and sodium phosphate preparations. Patient preference for tablet versus liquid formulations and medical history (e.g., renal impairment) should be considered when choosing the appropriate bowel preparation. Regardless of the bowel preparation administered, adequate hydration is important before, during, and after bowel preparation. Appropriate patient education regarding hydration and individualized patient instructions may increase compliance, reduce adverse events, promote successful bowel preparation for colonoscopy, and enhance the probability of a quality exam.

Ménétrier's disease: case study in the quality of life.

Ménétrier's disease is a type of hypertrophic gastropathy, a rare, acquired premalignant disorder of the stomach accompanied by debilitating symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, anorexia, edema, epigastric pain, and weight loss. The disease results in a marked negative effect on the patient's quality of life. This article will present information on Ménétrier's disease, quality of life, and the effect this disease and subsequent treatment had on a patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.