title: Is Obesity Associated with Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma?
abstract: Barrett's esophagus is a premalignant condition portending increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Given the significant morbidity and mortality of esophageal adenocarcinoma, identification of risk factors for Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma is crucial. There are a plethora of studies investigating the relationship of obesity with these pathologies. Recent studies reveal that this relationship may specifically be with central adiposity. Increased cell turnover and eventual carcinogenesis is likely precipitated by increased intragastric pressure but also is affected by the complex interplay of increased insulin resistance in patients with increased fat tissue. Further studies are warranted to evaluate if weight loss can decrease progression of Barrett's esophagus.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania Health System, PCAM 7 South, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: Kristle.Lynch@uphs.upenn.edu.
authors.forename: Kristle Lee
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Lynch
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D056128:Obesity, Abdominal / Q000150:complications*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Barrett’s esophagus; Central adiposity; Esophageal adenocarcinoma; Obesity; Waist-to-hip ratio