Eosinophil Function in Eosinophil-associated Gastrointestinal Disorders

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2006 Feb;6(1):65-71. doi: 10.1007/s11882-006-0013-8.

Abstract

Eosinophil-associated gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) are characterized by a rich eosinophilic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract in the absence of known causes for eosinophilia or other gastrointestinal disorders. These disorders include eosinophilic esophagitis, eosinophilic gastritis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, eosinophilic enteritis, and eosinophilic colitis, and are being recognized with increasing frequency. Clinical studies suggest that eosinophils have a pathogenic role in EGID; however, the function of eosinophils in these disorders remains an enigma. In this review, we briefly describe the clinical features of EGID of the esophagus, small bowel, and colon. We summarize recent experimental analysis examining the underlying contribution of eosinophils to disease pathogenesis and discuss possible therapeutic approaches for the treatment of these diverse diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Eosinophilia / complications
  • Eosinophilia / drug therapy
  • Eosinophilia / immunology*
  • Esophageal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Esophageal Diseases / etiology
  • Esophageal Diseases / immunology*
  • Gastroenteritis / etiology
  • Gastroenteritis / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / drug therapy
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / etiology
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / immunology*
  • Intestine, Small / immunology
  • Mice
  • Models, Animal