Barrett’s Oesophagus in an Achalasia Patient: Immunological Analysis and Comparison with a Group of Achalasia Patients

Abstract EN

The aim of the study was to characterize the presence of diverse CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets and regulatory cells in peripheral blood and lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) from a young patient with BE/achalasia without treatment versus achalasia group.

In order to characterize the circulating cells in this patient, a cytometric analysis was performed.

LES tissue was evaluated by double-immunostaining procedure.

Five healthy blood donors, 5 type achalasia patients, and 5 oesophagus tissue samples (gastrooesophageal junction) from transplant donors were included as control groups.

A conspicuous systemic inflammation was determined in BE/achalasia patient and achalasia versus healthy volunteer group.

Nonetheless, a predominance of Th22, Th2, IFN-α-producing T cells, Tregs, Bregs, and pDCregs was observed in BE/achalasia patient versus achalasia group.

A low percentage of Th1 subset in BE/achalasia versus achalasia group was determined.

A noticeable increase in tissue of Th22, Th17, Th2, Tregs, Bregs, and pDCregs was observed in BE/achalasia versus achalasia group.

Th1 subset was lower in the BE/achalasia patient versus achalasia group.

This study suggests that inflammation is a possible factor in the pathogenesis of BE/achalasia.

Further research needs to be performed to understand the specific cause of the correlation between BE and achalasia.