THE ROLE OF GUT MICROBIOTA IN GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder characterized by retrograde flow of stomach contents into esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn and chronic cough. Worldwide prevalence of GERD varies, with lifestyle factors contributing to rising incidence. Current research indicates that gut microbiota plays a significant role in GERD pathophysiology, particularly through microbial dysbiosis and its influence on inflammation and mucosal integrity.

Aim: This systematic review aims to consolidate existing-research on relationship between gut microbiota and GERD, assess the impact of probiotics on symptom management, and identify mechanism through which microbial imbalance may affect disease progression.

Material and methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases for studies published from 2014-2024. Inclusion criteria focused on randomized-controlled-trails and cohort studies investigating gut microbiota in GERD. Total eight-studies were included, encompassing 771,198 participants. Data extraction was performed on microbiota composition, symptom assessment and probiotic interventions.

Results: Findings revealed significant difference in gut microbiota composition between GERD patient vs. healthy controls, with GERD patients showing increased levels of Proteobacteria and decreased levels of Bifidobacterium. Probiotic intervention resulted in reduction in dysbiosis prevalence (56.2% in placebo vs. 6.2% in probiotics, P<0.001), indicating potential therapeutic benefits. Moreover, specific taxa associated with GERD risk were identified, showcasing the complex interplay between gut microbial communities and GERD severity.

Conclusion: The review underscores intricate relationship between gut microbiota and GERD, with probiotics showing promise in symptom management. Future research must focus on large-scale studies to elucidate specific mechanism of probiotics, and explore dietary interventions to enhance therapeutic strategies for GERD management.