Association of low serum adiponectin levels with erosive esophagitis in men: an analysis of 2405 subjects undergoing physical check-ups

Background Obesity is a risk factor for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is generally considered that intra-abdominal pressure in obese subjects is involved in the pathogenesis of GERD through acid exposure to the esophagus. Recently, visceral fat has been recognized as an endocrine organ that secretes various adipocytokines including adiponectin. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relation between adiponectin and erosive esophagitis.