Investigating the Role of sHLA-G in Immunopathogenesis and Predicting Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Abstract

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disease in which the patients may be asymptomatic or complain of heartburn and regurgitation or pulmonary symptoms. Aim of the study: Examine the serum level of soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) in patients with GERD, which can be used as a biomarker for early detection of GERD.

Methods: The study was a case-control prospective study that enrolled 40 patients who consulted the Gastroenterology Unit-Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital and were diagnosed with GERD by their physician. They were compared with 40 control healthy individuals from January 2023 to May 2024. Serum samples were used for quantitative assessment of sHLA-G using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: A higher proportion of females were observed in the GERD group compared with the control group (72.5% vs. 42.6%). This difference was statistically significant (P=0.006). A statistically non-significant difference was observed in sHLA-G levels between patients with GERD and healthy controls (P=0.158). The median sHLA-G level was non-significantly higher in patients with GERD (0.529 ng/mL) compared with the controls (0.523 ng/mL).

Conclusion: The present study provides early evidence for an association between elevated sHLA-G levels and GERD with limited diagnostic value. It revealed a significant negative correlation between sHLA-G levels and sex. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relationship and explore the potential of sHLA-G as a diagnostic or therapeutic target for GERD.