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Trefoil Factor Expression in a Human Model of the Early Stages of Barrett’s Esophagus

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Abstract

Background

Trefoil proteins are believed to have an important role in mucosal protection and repair in the gastrointestinal tract. They are well recognized in Barrett’s esophagus and considered a potential biomarker for the condition. Metaplasia occurring in the esophageal remnant after esophagectomy is a human model for the early stages of development of Barrett’s esophagus.

Aims

To assess expression of trefoil proteins in post-esophagectomy columnar epithelium and to use trefoils as a molecular tool to understand regenerative mucosa in the esophagus.

Methods

Patients with columnar metaplasia in the esophageal remnant were recruited from a large esophago-gastric cancer center. Trefoil factor expression was determined using immunohistochemical techniques.

Results

Samples were obtained from 37 patients. TFF1 and TFF2 were expressed by all samples in a similar pattern to that described in studies of sporadic Barrett’s esophagus. TFF3 was less widely expressed and was significantly associated with time elapsed between surgery and endoscopy. Median time from surgery to endoscopy was 8.1 years for patients with TFF3 expression versus 3.4 years for those without (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Widespread expression of trefoils in this environment suggests that these proteins have an important role in development of Barrett’s metaplasia. TFF3 expression may be absent in the early stages of metaplasia and may represent more established columnar epithelium. Biopsy samples from post-esophagectomy patients provide a valuable resource to study the early stages of Barrett’s esophagus.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Professor A. D. Burt, Professor of Pathology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, who reviewed all histology samples and provided assistance with interpretation of immunohistochemistry results.

Conflict of interest

The other authors declare no other interests.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Northern Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK

    Lorna J. Dunn & S. Michael Griffin

  2. Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth, PL6 8BU, UK

    Janusz A. Jankowski

Authors
  1. Lorna J. Dunn
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  2. Janusz A. Jankowski
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  3. S. Michael Griffin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lorna J. Dunn.

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Dunn, L.J., Jankowski, J.A. & Griffin, S.M. Trefoil Factor Expression in a Human Model of the Early Stages of Barrett’s Esophagus. Dig Dis Sci 60, 1187–1194 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-014-3440-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-014-3440-8

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