Reflux esophagitis is thought to be caused by gastric acid that refluxes into the esophagus, causing injury. Newer data suggest that reflux of gastric juice into the esophagus stimulates HIF-2a, which increases production of inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines are thought to lead to reflux esophagitis. The investigators plan to study the relationship of HIF-2a to inflammatory cytokines in patients with known gastroesophageal reflux disease and reflux esophagitis.
The purpose of this study is to determine the role of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-2a on the production of inflammatory cytokines that lead to reflux esophagitis.