According to (Fass, 2010) research has proven that 1 in 5 adult men and women have gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD). GERD is a stomach abnormality in which the lower esophageal sphincter responsible for controlling the flow of stomach content is weakened. As a result, acid reverts between the stomach and esophagus. (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Over the years, antacids have been the conventional method of treating the mild to moderate symptoms of GERD while chronic symptoms have to be resolved with surgery. However, one of the prevalent issues arising from antacid usage is the buildup of drug residue in the body which has led to stomach inflammation (Riasat et al, 2016). Antacids are also hampered by barriers in the GI tract reducing their efficiency as a drug delivery system. (Lin et al, 2017). To mitigate the heavy dependence on antacids and improve drug delivery, nanoparticles were introduced as a new therapeutic approach. Nanoparticles are engineered devices that range from a size of 1-100nm (Lin et al, 2017). Nanoparticles can be beneficial in treating GERD because they reduce cell toxicity, increase drug surface delivery and allow for versatility in treatment methods.
Abstract
Firstly, nanoparticles can be beneficial in treating GERD because they reduce cytotoxicity. Cell toxicity focuses on damage to cells caused by the introduction of a toxic substance or material. Compared to their counterparts encapsulated drugs, nanoparticles when implemented into a host show less toxicity.
Not only do nanoparticles lessen cytotoxicity, they improve drug surface delivery due to their size, biocompatibility and use in both active and passive tissue targeting. The specific site of the disease can be targeted as nanoparticles can be used to navigate inside the target tissues of the body(Khan, 2017).
Thirdly, nanoparticles facilitate a non-restricted approach to the treatment of GERD. This is feasible as nanoparticles offer different routes of exposure into the human body.
Conclusion
The gastric abnormality, GERD, affects the daily lives of many adults. Over the years, taking antacids orally has been the main approach to treat this issue. However, it is believed that with the advancement in nanotechnology, nanoparticles can possibly be used to curtail the regularity of using antacids as the only form of treatment for GERD. The qualities possessed by these nanoparticles can help to reduce the side effects caused by frequent doses of antacids orally and improve the effectiveness of the drug. This new form of technology, nanoparticles, is believed to be able to do so by reducing toxicity within human body cells and improving drug delivery in the body by targeting the specific site in need of treatment. Nanoparticles also pose an alternative for taking antacid treatments orally by allowing for other points of entry within the body.
By Z.Garwood
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