Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: An example of Malignant Transformation consecutive to Inflammatory Response due to Hydrochloric Acid Exposure. Revision

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Español Español
Español
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9696-3917
Español Español
Español
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0879-3637

Abstract

Introduction: A brief review aimed at presenting current knowledge on the mechanisms of progression from metaplasia to anaplasia at the molecular level and their possible implications for the prevention, classification, and treatment of this condition, from a Translational Medicine perspective. It focuses on the genetic and epigenetic alterations and the inflammatory phenotype underlying the onset and development of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) resulting from exposure to gastric juice.


Objectives: To review the molecular and chromosomal aspects involved in the multistep malignant transformation process that links the changes characteristic of BE with dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).


Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. Twenty English-language articles were analyzed, prioritizing publications from the last ten years, although classic foundational works were also included. The search encompassed both reviews and original articles.


Conclusion: In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the backflow of hydrogen ions and gastric components induces chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, promoting epigenetic modifications, chromosomal aberrations, mutations in tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, as well as apoptosis inhibition and local immunosuppression, which drive progression toward adenocarcinoma. BE represents a paradigmatic model of carcinogenesis induced by a known acidic stressor, allowing the integration of molecular and histological changes into a progressive continuum and providing key evidence on the relationship between chronic inflammation and cancer.

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Published: 2025-12-26
Updated: 2025-12-26
Versions:
2025-12-26 (2)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51987/Rev.Hosp.Ital.B.Aires.v45i4.419
Keywords:
gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, inflammation, progression, epigenetics, mutation, esophageal adenocarcinoma

Article Details

Issue

Vol. 45 No. 4 (2025): Revista del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires

Section

Brief Review
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Author Biographies

Español Español, Español

I am a researcher in Toxicological Genetics, focusing on the effects of complex mixtures on primary DNA damage and also on the relationship between obesity and carcinogenicity.
I have taught postgraduate courses at the universities where I am a faculty member, as well as at the University of Buenos Aires and at the University of Valparaíso for their Master's programs.
I led a Multidisciplinary Group for the study of Human Papillomavirus in Havana, Cuba.
I have redirected my research interests toward the convergence of Toxicogenetics and Artificial Intelligence techniques, forming a multidisciplinary team that has already obtained its first results and published a paper.
I recently published a chapter on the "Heterogeneity of Adipose Stem Cells" in the Springer Nature series Stem Cell Heterogeneity (Switzerland, May 2019), edited by Alexander Birbrair.
To date, I have published 7 book chapters, 45 peer-reviewed articles, and 18 communications presented at conferences.
As a university professor, I have supervised Bachelor's theses in Biology, Biochemistry, Nursing, and Nutrition. I have also supervised specialization theses in Biochemistry and Master's theses in Pharmacology and Occupational Health. I have coordinated undergraduate research projects as well.

Español Español, Español

University-trained Surgical Instrumentalist, University-trained Nurse, currently completing a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. Diplomate in Adult Critical Care, Specialist in Stroke Management. Floor Nurse, Researcher.

How to Cite

1.
Español E, Español E. Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: An example of Malignant Transformation consecutive to Inflammatory Response due to Hydrochloric Acid Exposure. Revision. Rev Hosp Ital B.Aires [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 26 [cited 2026 Jul. 31];45(4):e0000419. Available from: https://ojs.hospitalitaliano.org.ar/index.php/revistahi/article/view/419

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