title: NFkB and Nrf2 in esophageal epithelial barrier function.
abstract: The stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus forms a tight protective barrier. Defects of the barrier function contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is manifested as damage to the esophageal epithelium due to exposure to the gastrointestinal refluxate. In this review, we discuss the involvement of NFkB and Nrf2 in esophageal epithelial barrier function. Understanding these molecular pathways in the esophagus may help us develop therapeutic strategies to improve clinical outcomes in patients with GERD.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Research Program; JLC-BBRI; North Carolina Central University; Durham, NC USA.
authors.forename: Hao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery; The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; Chongqing, China.
authors.forename: Yu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fang
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology; General Hospital of Jinan Military Command; Jinan, China.
authors.forename: Wenbo
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing; Department of Medicine; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill, NC USA.
authors.forename: Roy C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Orlando
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing; Department of Medicine; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill, NC USA.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shaheen
authors.affiliation: Cancer Research Program; JLC-BBRI; North Carolina Central University; Durham, NC USA ; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing; Department of Medicine; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill, NC USA.
authors.forename: Xiaoxin Luke
authors.initials: XL
authors.lastname: Chen
keywords: GERD; NFkB; Nrf2; esophageal barrier; esophageal epithelial barrier; esophageal epithelium; reflux disease; tight junction