Inflammation increases the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease

A bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis has established causal links between inflammatory cytokines and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Specifically, higher levels of C-X-C motif chemokine 1, interleukin-1-alpha, and interleukin-4 were found to increase GERD risk, while tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 12 appeared to reduce it. Additionally, while several metabolites associated with elevated IL-4 levels were identified, their mediating effects on GERD risk were not statistically significant, indicating more research is needed.