UCLA

Purpose of review

To review recent developments in the field of gastroduodenal mucosal defense.

Recent findings

Research in the field of gastroduodenal mucosal defense has focused on continued elucidation of molecular mechanisms that protect the mucosa and influence healing at the cellular level. Review of literature over the past year reveals focus on familiar processes such as superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide, heme oxygenase-1, neutrophil infiltration, cysteamine, mucin, hydrogen sulfide, ghrelin, adiponectin and the influence of Helicobacter pylori, but also brings into light new processes such as the balance between apoptosis and cellular proliferation, as well as the influence of other organ systems such as the bone marrow and central nervous system on the gastrointestinal tract.

Summary

These new published findings contribute to our overall understanding of gastroduodenal defense and suggest innovative avenues of future research and possible novel therapeutic targets.