The Activities of Acid DNase and 5′Nucleotidase in Erosive Reflux Esophagitis and Barrett's Epithelium

Background/Aims: The study examines the relationship between activity of acid DNase and 5'nucleotidase (5'NT) and histological changes in reflux esophagitis. Methodology: Thirty-three patients were examined, 15 of whom with mild esophagitis, 12 with severe esophagitis and 6 with Barrett's epithelium. Patients were classified into 3 groups, according to Ismail-Beigi histological criteria: mild esophagitis group (ME); severe esophagitis group (SE); Barrett's esophagitis group (BE). DNase and S'NT levels were measured biochemically both in healthy and injured tissue samples. Results: Difference of acid DNase and 5'NT activity in healthy tissue versus injured tissue samples was the lowest in ME group: 0,55 +/- 4.47 U/g for acid DNase and 11.56 +/- 37.11 U/g for 5'NT, the difference increased to 4.43 +/- 1.64 U/g for acid DNase and 105.57 +/- 54.11 U/g for 5'NT in the SE group, while 6.07 +/- 2.92 U/g for acid DNase and 109.83 +/- 14.02 U/g for 5'NT as the highest levels were measured in the BE group. Difference in BE group is statistically significantly higher (p <0.05) compared to the ME group, confirmed by ANOVA with Dunnett's post hoc test. Conclusions: The study shows significant decrease of apotosis level that is detectable even before metaplasia was morphologically defined.