Studies from Sichuan University Provide New Data on Acid Reflux Disease (The Controversy of Pepsinogen A/pepsin a In Detecting Extra-gastroesophageal Reflux).

A study conducted by researchers at Sichuan University in China examined the use of pepsinogen A (PGA)/pepsin A as a diagnostic marker for extra-gastroesophageal reflux. The researchers analyzed PGA protein levels in various tissues and body fluids using immunological staining, western blot, and Elisa techniques. They found that commercially available antibodies for PGA/pepsin A had poor sensitivity and specificity, making them unreliable for diagnosing reflux. The study highlights the need for a specific positive cut-off value when using PGA/pepsin A as a diagnostic tool. [Extracted from the article]