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Changes in upper gastrointestinal physiology with age

Lookup NU author(s): Emerita Professor Julia Newton

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Abstract

Diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract such as peptic ulceration and gastric cancer become more common and more severe with advancing age. In the normal stomach and duodenum, there is a balance between mucosal protective mechanisms and endogenous (gastric acid and pepsin) and exogenous aggressive factors. The high incidence of gastrointestinal pathology seen in older age groups is not related to increase in the secretion of endogenous aggressive factors. Recent work suggests that gastrointestinal mucosal protective mechanisms are impaired with age. The roles in the gastrointestinal tract of molecules that have been implicated in mucosal repair, such as trefoil peptides and matrix components, are beginning to be elucidated and their study in older people is essential to ensure appropriate, efficient, cost-effective management of gastric pathology in the elderly. Strategies to improve the management of upper gastrointestinal diseases in older people will reduce mortality and improve quality of life. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Newton JL

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Mechanisms of Ageing and Development

Year: 2004

Volume: 125

Issue: 12

Pages: 867-870

ISSN (print): 0047-6374

ISSN (electronic): 1872-6216

Publisher: Elsevier Ireland

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2004.05.007

DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2004.05.007

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