GERD is a chronic disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the distal esophagus to acid gastric contents. The mucus buffer layer that covers the epithelium and the epithelium barrier structure are known to be the main protective barriers of the esophageal epithelium against gastric fluids.
GERD microenvironment conditions have been reproduced through a new experimental model based on a 3D reconstructed human esophageal epithelium model (HO2E, produced by Episkin, F) exposed to HCl 0.1N.
The main barrier modifications described in vivo, including deregulation and mis-localization of proteins of apical junction complexes and impairment of mucin expression, have been reproduced.
The new model can be applied to R&D projects to support formulations screening and to assess formulations efficacy and mechanism of action.