In this study, when a moderate amount of HCl was applied to normal esophageal cells to simulate the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF-α, was observed, consistent with previous findings (16). The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is gastroesophageal reflux disease.