E-CADHERIN AS A BIOMARKER OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

摘要

The present invention provides methods of diagnosing and identifying subjects as having GERD comprising detecting E-cadherin fragments in a biological sample from the subject. The invention further provides methods for identifying subjects as having heartburn that is responsive to proton pump inhibitor therapy and subjects having an increased likelihood of a rapid relapse of GERD after reducing the dosage of PPIs or terminating PPI therapy. In addition, the present invention provides methods for monitoring the healing of erosive and nonerosive esophagitis of GERD without the need for esophagogastroduodenoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsy, respectively.