Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Novel sulfate ester agents and the use of those agents for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are described, exemplary agents being of the formula: wherein X is —OCH2— or —CH2O—; Y is a group pendant from X comprising at least one —OSO3R4 moiety, wherein R4 is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation; n is an integer from 1-3; and R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of —H, a halogen with an atomic number from 9 to 53, —SO3R4, —NCS, —NCO, —NH(CO)—OR3, —NH(CS)SR3, —NH(C═NH)OR3, —NHCOCH2Cl, —NHCOCH2Br, —NHCO—CH═CH2, —NHC(O)—CF3, wherein R4 is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation.

Abstract: Novel sulfate ester agents and the use of those agents for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are described, exemplary agents being of the formula: 1

Abstract: The present invention is related to the protection of moist stratified squamous epithelia against damage from exposure to noxious luminal agents. Protection of moist stratified squamous epithelia against these noxious luminal agents is afforded by chemical compounds having one of the following reactive groups in their molecule: X--SO.sub.3.sup.-, where X represents oxygen or carbon, and XO.sub.4.sup.= or X.sub.2 O.sub.7.sup.=, where X represents an element from group VIb or sulfur of group VIa of the periodic table. Compounds that provide protection against injury to moist stratified squamous epithelia that illustrate the protective characteristic of these reactive species are the sulfonates, the sulfate esters and the tetrahedral-shaped divalent oxy-anions of the transition metals in group VIb or of sulfur.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for combatting damage to a body tissue contacted to an alkali. The method comprising administering CO.sub.2 to the subject in an amount sufficient to produce an acidotic state in the tissue, the acidotic state serving to prevent alkali damage to the tissue. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a subject is caused to inhale a mixture of 95%O.sub.2 and 5%CO.sub.2 for brief periods of time, followed by periods of breathing room air. The invention is particularly useful for treating alkaline injury of the esophagus caused by ingestion of alkaline material.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the protection of moist stratified squamous epithelia against damage from exposure to noxious luminal agents. Protection of moist stratified squamous epithelia against these noxious luminal agents is afforded by chemical compounds having one of the following reactive groups in their molecule: X--SO.sub.3.sup.-, where X represents oxygen or carbon, and XO.sub.4.sup.= or X.sub.2 O.sub.7.sup.=, where X represents an element from group VIb or sulfur of group VIa of the periodic table. Compounds that provide protection against injury to moist stratified squamous epithelia that illustrate the protective characteristic of these reactive species are the sulfonates, the sulfate esters and the tetrahedral-shaped divalent oxy-anions of the transition metals in group VIb or of sulfur.