Expression of Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and CDX2 in the columnar epithelium of the lower oesophagus

Endoscopic images of lower oesophagus with metaplastic columnar epithelium by high-resolution white-light endoscopy (WLE) and three pit patterns by narrow band imaging with magnification (small round, long oval, and tubular).

Comparisons of CDX2 expression in the metaplastic columnar epithelium between the patients with hypoacidity (gastric juice pH 6 and >6) and the other (pH <6). Horizontal bar=median; box=25th–75th interquartile range; vertical lines=range of values. p values were calculated using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test. Data are expressed relative to the control gene β-actin.

Comparisons of BMP4 and PTCH 1 expression between the patients with higher concentrations of deoxycholic acid (>0.1μmol/L) in gastric juice and the other patients (<0.1μmol/L). Horizontal bar=median; box=25th–75th interquartile range; vertical lines=range of values. p values were calculated using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test. Data are expressed relative to the control gene β-actin.

Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and CDX2 immunohistochemical staining in the metaplastic columnar epithelium (original magnification ×40). SHH-positive staining was observed in the non-goblet glands but not in the goblet columnar epithelium (a). CDX2 was expressed in the goblet columnar epithelium (b).