Alteration of Serum Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux

Abstract

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. One of the factors that are known to play a role in reducing inflammation is acetylcholine (Ach), which decreases cholinesterase to increase Ach. The present study investigated cholinesterase activity in the serum of patients with GERD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 30 patients with GERD were referred to Imam Reza Hospital, and 30 healthy individuals were included in the study. Serum was collected in the morning and the fasting state. Cholinesterase activity was measured photometrically and analyzed by unpaired student t-test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The mean serum cholinesterase activity was significantly lower in the GERD group (5,445 ± 411 IU/L) than in healthy individuals (6,728 ± 305 IU/L). The cut-off for the detection of patients suffering from GERD by the serum activity of cholinesterase was 5,637 IU/L. Conclusions: It seems that the cholinesterase activity reduces in the serum of patients with GERD.