Introduction:

Barrett's esophagus occurs when esophageal stratified squamous esophageal epithelium is replaced by columnar-type epithelium and the presence of intestinal metaplasia is confirmed by biopsy. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is its main risk factor. It is considered the only identifiable premalignant condition for esophageal adenocarcinoma. The progenitors of metaplastic cells are not well known and may be from mature squamous epithelial cells or from immature progenitor cells. Their development is influenced by environmental factors acting on an intrinsic genetic predisposition. Several investigations have been carried out by the international scientific community on the basis of animal and human models.

Objective:

to summarize what has been presented in the literature to serve as a reference tool.

Methods:

a bibliographic search was carried out through PubMed and Google Scholar, in English and Spanish. Basically, scientific journals of recent years contained in the Medline database, others of similar quality but not included in Medline and some theses were consulted.

Conclusions:

the understanding of the physiopathogenesis, which takes into account the cells that originate intestinal metaplasia and the early identification of the stages of progression to adenocarcinoma, has gained significant attraction in research through human and animal models during the last years. Knowledge of the immune response and the luminal environment on a genetic basis will allow resources to be placed on high-risk patients and avoid unnecessary procedures in lower-risk patients.

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