Pathogenesis of chronic esophageal disorders

Researchers involved
Prof. M.P. Peppelenbosch (Maikel), MD PhD, Group leader [CV]	A. van de Winkel (Anouk), MSc, PhD student

Reflux- induced chronic inflammation is thought to be initiating factor of the development of Barrett's esophagus, a precursor of adenocarcinoma of the gastro-esophageal junction. Concerning the pathogenesis of chronic esophageal disorders, the investigations aim at:

- the determination of prognostic parameters in Barrett's epithelium, that can predict if malignancy will develop
- the understanding of inflammation-inducing factors in reflux-esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus
- the role of genetic polymorphisms in the etiology of Barrett's esophagus

Key Publications

• Bax DA, Siersema PD, Van Vliet AH, Kuipers EJ, and Kusters JG
  Molecular alterations during development of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
  J. Surg. Oncol. 92, 89-98 (2005)
• Moons LMG, Kusters JG, Bultman E, Kuipers EJ, van Dekken H, Tra WMW, Kleinjan A, Kwekkeboom J, van Vliet AHM, Siersema PD
  Barrett’s oesophagus is characterised by a predominant humoral inflammatory response
  J. Pathol. 207, 269-276 (2005)
• Bax DA, Haringsma J, Einerhand AWC, van Dekken H, Blok P, Siersema PD, Kuipers EJ, Kusters JG
  MUC4 is increased in high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia in Barrett's oesophagus and is associated with a pro-apoptotic bax/bcl-2 ratio
  J. Clin. Pathol. 57, 1267-1272 (2004)
• Moons LMG, Bax DA, Kuipers EJ, van Dekken H, Haringsma J, van Vliet AHM, Siersema PD, Kusters JG
  The homeodomain protein CDX2 is an early marker of Barrett’s oesophagus
  J. Clin. Pathol. 57, 1063-1068 (2004)

Back to top

Back to index