Underlying Mechanisms of Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy

Gastric mucosal lesions are frequently observed in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Similar lesions can be observed in experimental portal hypertension. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the pathophysiology of portal hypertensive gastropathy, with a particular focus on the microcirculatory disturbances that characterize this condition. The stomach of cirrhotic patients exhibits an increased susceptibility to injury induced by several irritants. Similarly, the stomach of portal hypertensive animals is less resistant to injury. One of the most important factors contributing to the increased susceptibility to damage is an impaired hyperemic response when the epithelium is exposed to irritants. This appears to be related to a reduction in mucosal prostaglandin production and to altered microcirculatory responsiveness to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide overproduction in portal hypertension may have direct effects on gastric blood flow regulation. Elevated production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by gastric mucosa in portal hypertensive rats has also been shown to contribute to mucosal injury. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of portal hypertensive gastropathy may lead to development of specific therapeutic interventions for this condition.