The Effect of Probiotic and Zinc Supplementation in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Introduction:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder affecting the esophagus and gastro-duodenum, presenting symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn. GERD's incidence, symptoms, and prognosis are heavily influenced by diet and lifestyle factors. Current management of GERD involves lifestyle modifications (e.g., weight loss, dietary changes) and pharmacologic agents like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine-2-receptor blockers (H2 B), antacids, and medications that affect gastrointestinal motility (Kröner et al., 2021).

Background on Probiotics and Zinc:

Probiotics are non-pathogenic microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, offer several health benefits, including improvement in conditions associated with inflammation and gut health. Probiotics, often of the Lactobacillusand Bifidobacterium species, interact with gut microbiota, enhance barrier function, and modulate immune responses (Cheng & Ouwehand, 2020; Kröner et al., 2021). Probiotics have been linked to reduced levels of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, and are recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (Sharifi-Rad et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2017).

Zinc, specifically Zinc L-carnosine, exhibits antioxidant, cytokine modulation, and membrane-stabilizing properties, acting as a mucosal cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory agent (Efthymakis & Neri, 2022). Previous studies suggest that the combination of probiotics and zinc may be beneficial for gut health, but there is limited data on their effects on GERD symptoms, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Study Aim:

To evaluate the effect of probiotics and zinc on GERD symptoms and to explore their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Patients and Methods:

Study Design:

This is a prospective controlled randomized comparative study conducted at El-Demerdash Hospital, Ain Shams University Hospitals.

Ethical Considerations:

The study has received ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, and the Scientific Research Ethics Committee at the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. It adheres to the Declaration of Helsinki and is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Participants:

Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 18-74 years with esophagitis confirmed by gastroscopy and GERD symptoms.

Exclusion Criteria: Allergy to study medications, pregnancy, severe renal or liver insufficiency, history of myocardial infarction, stroke, malignant tumors, and certain gastrointestinal conditions or surgeries.

Sample Size Calculation:

The study is designed to detect a large effect size (f = 0.4) for zinc and probiotic effects using G*Power software. A total of 120 patients will be recruited (30 per group) to account for a 15% dropout rate.

Study Groups:

Group I (Control): PPI (Omeprazole 40 mg daily). Group II: PPI + probiotic. Group III: PPI + zinc. Group IV: PPI + probiotic and zinc.

Methodology:

Participants will undergo baseline assessments, including medical history, gastroscopy, and measurement of gastrointestinal hormones, inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-12, CRP), and oxidative stress markers (MDA). The same assessments will be repeated at the study's end after 4 weeks. Follow-up assessments will occur biweekly, and patients will be contacted between visits to monitor side effects.

Outcomes:

Primary Outcome: Change in Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores and gastrin hormone levels before and after treatment.

Secondary Outcomes:

Anti-inflammatory effect (IL-6, IL-12, CRP levels). Antioxidant effect (MDA levels).

Statistical Analysis:

Data will be analyzed using SPSS. Statistical significance is set at p ≤ 0.05. Continuous variables will be expressed as mean ± SD or median (interquartile range), depending on distribution, and analyzed using appropriate tests (e.g., T-test or Mann-Whitney U test).

This study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of probiotics and zinc in managing GERD symptoms and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, filling a current gap in the literature.