Reflux and pH: 'alkaline' components are not neutralized by gastric pH variations

The ability of the 'alkaline' components of reflux to cause harm in vivo is still open to debate, although these components have been shown in vitro to be capable of damaging the mucosa. The precipitation of bile acids and lysolecithin that occurs at low pH values is the main reason for questioning in vivo mucosal damage. This study was undertaken to determine the composition of gastric aspirates at different original pH values and the degree of solubility of the alkaline components when pH modifications are artificially induced. The samples for chemical analysis were collected from indwelling nasogastric tubes after surgical procedures that did not involve the upper gastrointestinal tract. Bile acid and lysolecithin concentrations were assessed by means of dedicated methods. Thirty-five samples were available for bile acid evaluation and 27 for lysolecithin evaluation. Bile acid and lysolecithin assessments were repeated after pH adjustment at 2, 3.5, 5.5 and 7. For easier assessment of the results, three ranges of the original pH were selected (pH < 2, 2 < or = pH < 5, pH > or = 5). For each pH range, results were pooled together and compared with those in the other pH ranges. Bile acid concentrations were 113+/-48, 339+/-90 and 900+/-303 (mean +/- s.e.m. micromol/L), respectively, in the three groups selected on account of the different original pH values. Differences were significant (p < 0.001). Both taurine- and glycine-conjugated bile acids were represented even at pH < 2. No major differences were observed in bile acid concentration with the artificially induced pH variations. Lysolecithin concentrations were 5.99+/-3.27, 30.80+/-8.43 and 108.37+/-22.17 (mean +/- SEM microg/ml), respectively, in the three groups selected on account of the different original pH ranges. Differences were significant (p < 0.001). No significant differences in lysolecithin concentration were detected with the artificially induced pH variations. In conclusion, both bile acids and lysolecithin are naturally represented in the gastric environment even at very low pH values, although their concentrations decrease on lowering of the naturally occurring pH. Given the concentration variability of bile acids and lysolecithin, further studies are needed to assess the minimal concentration capable of mucosal damage in vivo.