The Interrelation Between Esophagitis and Hydrogen Sulfide: A Literature Review

Abstract

Esophagitis is characterized by irritation and inflammation of the esophagus, caused by several factors, such as gastroesophageal reflux, radiation, infections, medications and eosinophilic esophagitis. Its symptoms include chest pain, odynophagia, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, throat clearing, heartburn, dry cough and manifestations related to gastroesophageal reflux. And its pathophysiology involves lesions in the esophageal mucosa due to the abnormal and frequent increase in gastric acid. With regard to hydrogen sulfide (H2S), it is a toxic gaseous compound with an odor similar to rotten eggs, it performs essential physiological functions, stabilizing mucus, preventing injuries and strengthening gastrointestinal defense mechanisms by stimulating the secretion of bicarbonate in the duodenum. . The purpose of this article is to analyze the relationship between hydrogen sulfide and esophagitis. Therefore, this integrative review covered original articles in Portuguese and English, published from 2003 to 2022, in the VHL, SciELO and PUBMED databases. Using descriptors such as “esophagitis,” “gastrointestinal,” and “hydrogen sulfide,” the research followed strict inclusion criteria to provide a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between esophagitis, gastrointestinal health, and hydrogen sulfide. As for the results and discussions, they highlight the relationship between H2S and esophagitis, exploring its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory function by protecting cells from oxidative stress by increasing glutathione (GSH) and contributing to quenching reactive oxygen species and promoting the resolution of inflammation. mainly how it interferes with the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-8 and TNFα, in addition to maintaining or increasing the production of IL-10. Through the results obtained, it can be concluded that esophagitis has an intimate relationship with the modulation of hydrogen sulfide levels in the human body, particularly in the context of the H2S/CSE/HIF-2α axis and that they should be better studied in order to promote the development of H2S-based drugs to treat inflammatory processes, including esophagitis, which have the potential to significantly improve the well-being and quality of life of the population.