Fig. 1

The potential mechanisms that esophageal microbial dysbiosis induced GER symptoms. Esophageal microbial dysbiosis induced esophageal barrier dysfunction via LPS-TLR2-IL-6 pathway, thus triggering GER symptoms. Abbreviation: G-: Gram-negative; LPS: lipopolysaccharide; TLR: toll-like receptor; IL: interleukin; GER: gastroesophageal reflux