Pepsin Inhibitors Prevent Inflammation and Loss of Laryngeal Barrier Function in Mice with Gastroesophageal Reflux

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the role of pepsin inhibitors in the inflammatory response and their effects on laryngeal mucosal integrity during gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) under in vivo conditions. Methods A surgical model of GERD was used, in which mice were treated with pepstatin (0.3 mg/kg) or darunavir (8.6 mg/kg) for 3 days. On the third day after the experimental protocol, the laryngeal samples were collected to assess the severity of inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) and mucosal integrity (transepithelial electrical resistance and paracellular epithelial permeability to fluorescein). Results The surgical GERD model was reproduced. It showed features of inflammation and loss of barrier function in the laryngeal mucosa. Pepstatin and darunavir administration suppressed laryngeal inflammation and preserved laryngeal mucosal integrity. Conclusion Pepsin inhibition by the administration of pepstatin and darunavir improved inflammation and protected the laryngeal mucosa in a mouse experimental model of GERD. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 134:3080–3085, 2024 Pepstatin and darunavir may effectively reduce gastric reflux in the larynx of experimental gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) mice by decreasing inflammation and preserving the barrier function of the laryngeal mucosa.