Metabolic characteristics of gastric contents under conditions of neuromuscular dysfunction of the esophagogastric junction

Neuromuscular dysregulation at the esophagogastric junction, characteristic of achalasia cardia, leads to alterations in the metabolic composition of gastric contents, particularly in acidity, pepsin concentration, bile acids, and protective mucosal factors. Investigating these changes is essential for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying motor-secretory dysfunction and the development of esophageal and gastric disorders. The relevance of such research is underscored by the limited available data on the biochemical composition of gastric juice in the context of esophageal dysfunction, especially achalasia cardia, thereby highlighting the need for further investigations in this area. Aim. The work was purposed to determine the biochemical characteristics of gastric contents in neuromuscular dysfunction of the esophagogastric junction. Materials and Methods. In total of 69 patients with achalasia of the cardia and 26 control subjects were examined. The following parameters were assessed: pH, pepsin, cholic acid, NOx, calcium, glycoproteins, fucose, glycosaminoglycans, and sialic acid. Results. Patients demonstrated increased gastric content volume (2.9 times ), cholic acid (1.8 times), and sialic acid (2.4 times), as well as elevated NOx (68.2%) and calcium (31.6%) levels. Glycoproteins (85.7%), fucose (73.0%), and glycosaminoglycans (35.5%) were significantly decreased. Conclusions. Neuromuscular dysfunction is associated with alterations in the composition of gastric juice, weakening of protective factors, and accumulation of aggressive metabolites, indicating local homeostatic disruption.