Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Reiner Schneider, Patrick Leven, Tim Glowka, Ivan Kuzmanov, Mariola Lysson, Bianca Schneiker, Anna Miesen, Younis Baqi, Claudia Spanier, Iveta Grants, Elvio Mazzotta, Egina Villalobos-Hernandez, Joerg C. Kalff, Christa E. Mueller, Fedias L. Christofi, Sven Wehner
Summary: Research has shown that surgical trauma during intestinal surgery can trigger ATP release, leading to enteric gliosis and inflammation, potentially resulting in impaired motility in postoperative ileus (POI). A novel P2X2-dependent pathway of ATP-induced enteric gliosis, inflammation, and dysmotility has been identified, suggesting that interventions targeting enteric glial P2X2 receptors may represent a novel therapy for treating POI and immune-driven intestinal motility disorders.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tibor Docsa, Adam Sipos, Charles S. Cox, Karen Uray
Summary: Feeding intolerance and ileus are common complications in critically ill, surgical, and trauma patients, leading to longer hospital stays, increased infections, readmission rates, and medical costs. Current medical treatment for ileus is ineffective and has serious side effects. Inflammatory mediators play a critical role in the development of ileus, but their direct effects on gastrointestinal cells are not well understood.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jackson L. K. Yip, Gayathri K. Balasuriya, Sarah J. Spencer, Elisa L. Hill-Yardin
Summary: Intestinal macrophages play a crucial role in the gut immune system and gastrointestinal physiology, but their heterogeneity hinders the understanding of their specific functions; subsets of intestinal macrophages play diverse roles in various gastrointestinal diseases, with a complex interplay between cytokine production and enteric nervous system activation.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Martina Brandlhuber, Petra Benhaqi, Bernhard Brandlhuber, Vanessa Koliogiannis, Michael S. Kasparek, Mario H. Mueller, Martin E. Kreis
Summary: The study suggests that afferent nerve signaling to the central nervous system during early POI development is mainly mediated by the vagus nerve and to a lesser extent via systemic circulation. Vagal modulation may attenuate the intestinal immune response during the early hours of POI, indicating interactions between the central nervous system and the intestine.
NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY AND MOTILITY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Elvio Mazzotta, Iveta Grants, Egina Villalobos-Hernandez, Samhita Chaudhuri, Jonathon L. McClain, Luisa Seguella, Derek M. Kendig, Bryan A. Blakeney, Srinivasa K. Murthy, Reiner Schneider, Patrick Leven, Sven Wehner, Alan Harzman, John R. Grider, Brian D. Gulbransen, Fedias L. Christofi
Summary: The ETB receptor signaling in enteric glia plays a role in the modulation of intestinal motility and inflammation. ET-1 release regulates glial responses through the ETB receptor, and its upregulation in inflammation may contribute to the pathogenesis of postoperative ileus.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
TianRong Ma, XiaoLei Xue, Hui Tian, XinXiu Zhou, JunKe Wang, ZhiWen Zhao, MingFei Wang, JiYuan Song, RenXiang Feng, Leping Li, Changqing Jing, Feng Tian
Summary: Gut microbiota plays a vital role in maintaining normal intestinal peristalsis, and disruptions caused by antibiotics or opioid anesthetics during surgical procedures can impact intestinal motility. However, the precise mechanisms behind this dysbiosis are still not fully understood. This review focuses on the effects of gut microbiota and their metabolites on postoperative intestinal motility, specifically the regulation of the enteric nervous system, 5-hydroxytryptamine neurotransmitter, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Andreea Firut, Dragos Nicolae Margaritescu, Adina Turcu-Stiolica, Marius Bica, Ionela Rotaru, Ana-Maria Patrascu, Razvan Ilie Radu, Daniela Marinescu, Stefan Patrascu, Costin Teodor Streba, Valeriu Surlin
Summary: This study aimed to assess the role of immunocyte-derived ratios (IDRs) as markers for postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function following colorectal cancer surgery. The results showed that certain IDRs may have potential as predictive determinants for postoperative gastrointestinal functional recovery.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Nabil Parkar, Julie E. Dalziel, Nick J. Spencer, Patrick Janssen, Warren C. McNabb, Wayne Young
Summary: Gastrointestinal (GI) motility relies on the enteric nervous system (ENS) and is crucial for digestion. Dysfunction in the ENS can lead to constipation. Animal models have been developed to mimic constipation symptoms through pharmacological manipulations, and studies have shown an association between altered GI motility and gut microbial population. However, little is known about the changes in gut microbiota resulting from slowed GI motility induced by medication, and the current understanding is based on studies using faecal samples which do not accurately represent the intestinal microbiome. This study aimed to investigate how delayed GI transit, caused by opioid receptor agonism in the ENS, affects caecal microbiota composition, and the results showed significant differences in microbial composition between treatment groups, with Bacteroides being relatively abundant in the group with slowed GI transit.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Franze Progatzky, Vassilis Pachnis
Summary: This article reviews recent literature on the roles of enteric glial cells in intestinal immunity and tissue homeostasis.
CURRENT OPINION IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Meryem B. Baghdadi, Arshad Ayyaz, Sabrina Coquenlorge, Bonnie Chu, Sandeep Kumar, Catherine Streutker, Jeffrey L. Wrana, Tae-Hee Kim
Summary: This study investigates the heterogeneity and regulation of enteric glial cells (EGCs) in the intestine during homeostasis and chronic inflammatory bowel disease. A specific subset of glial cells, expressing GFAP, is found to regulate the repair potential of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) through the expression of WNT ligands. The dynamically regulated heterogeneity of EGCs is revealed to be a key part of the intestinal stem cell niche in regeneration and disease.
Article
Microbiology
Fernando A. Vicentini, Catherine M. Keenan, Laurie E. Wallace, Crystal Woods, Jean-Baptiste Cavin, Amanda R. Flockton, Wendy B. Macklin, Jaime Belkind-Gerson, Simon A. Hirota, Keith A. Sharkey
Summary: The study demonstrates the role of the gut microbiota in regulating the structure and function of the GI tract in a sex-independent manner. The microbiota is essential for maintaining ENS integrity by regulating enteric neuronal survival and promoting neurogenesis. Molecular determinants such as LPS and SCFA play a key role in regulating enteric neuronal survival and neurogenesis.
Review
Virology
Yaqian Li, Qiuyu Chen, Liwei Wang, Xin Chen, Bangmao Wang, Weilong Zhong
Summary: Gastrointestinal motility disorders are closely related to viral infections of the enteric nervous system. Viruses can infect the enteric nervous system through various means and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Studies have found that viruses are a cause of some gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Crystal Woods, Amanda R. Flockton, Laurie E. Wallace, Catherine M. Keenan, Wendy B. Macklin, Keith A. Sharkey, Jaime Belkind-Gerson
Summary: Proteolipid protein 1 (Plp1) is highly expressed in enteric glia and plays a regulatory role in gut motility and barrier function, possibly through the Erk1/2 pathway. The absence of myelin in the enteric nervous system suggests another role for Plp1 in the gut.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Heung-Kwon Oh, Tae Sik Sung, Seung-Bum Ryoo, Kyu Joo Park
Summary: In this study, differences in stretch reflexes in the human colon were investigated. It was found that radial stretch induced hyperpolarization in the distal site of sigmoid colonic segments, while depolarization was observed in all other sites. Tension recordings also showed that contractile activation increased at proximal ascending or sigmoid colonic segment sites after radial stretch, while the distal site of ascending and sigmoid colonic segments exhibited both increase and decrease in contraction, respectively. Overall, radial stretch in the human colon evokes excitatory activity at certain sites and inhibitory activity at others.
JOURNAL OF NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY AND MOTILITY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Etienne Buscail, Celine Deraison
Summary: Postoperative ileus is a common complication after abdominal surgery, which can have serious consequences. Advances in peri-operative management have been made, but the rate of prolonged postoperative ileus remains high. The pathophysiology of postoperative ileus involves an early neurological phase, a later inflammatory phase, and a pharmacological phase. This review article describes these phases and discusses current pharmacological treatments and potential research areas for targeting.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Silvano Gallus, Alessandra Lugo, Elisa Borroni, Teo Vignoli, Lisa Lungaro, Giacomo Caio, Roberto De Giorgio, Giorgio Zoli, Fabio Caputo
Summary: This systematic review summarizes literature on major symptoms of protracted alcohol withdrawal in patients with alcohol use disorder. The pharmacological approach to manage protracted alcohol withdrawal ensures a more rapid reduction of symptoms (craving in particular), achieving in three weeks similar results obtained only after almost 6 months without treatment.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Carolina Pellegrini, Matteo Fornai, Vanessa D'Antongiovanni, Luca Antonioli, Nunzia Bernardini, Pascal Derkinderen
Summary: The intestinal barrier, consisting of a mucus layer, an epithelial barrier, and a gut vascular barrier, plays a crucial role in health and disease by facilitating nutrient absorption and preventing pathogen entry. Growing evidence suggests that the intestinal barrier is compromised not only in digestive disorders, but also in central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as Parkinson's disease, autism spectrum disorder, depression, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. This article provides an overview of the structure and functions of the intestinal barrier, reviews existing preclinical and clinical studies supporting intestinal barrier dysfunction in neurological, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders, and discusses the potential impact of evaluating enteric barriers on clinical practice.
LANCET GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Irene Soffritti, Maria D'Accolti, Carla Gallenga, Roberto De Giorgio, Matteo Guarino, Martina Maritati, Francesca Bini, Eleonora Mazziga, Carlo Contini, Elisabetta Caselli
Summary: Secretory IgA (sIgA) was detected in the eye of COVID-19 patients, potentially playing a crucial role in early defense against SARS-CoV-2. This study analyzed tear samples from 77 COVID-19 patients to characterize sIgA mucosal immunity in the eye, including 63 vaccinated and 14 non-vaccinated subjects. The data showed significant differences in ocular sIgA response between vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups, suggesting the potential use of tear-based sIgA tests as a biomarker for assessing mucosal immunity development against SARS-CoV-2.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Lisa Lungaro, Anna Costanzini, Francesca Manza, Marianna Barbalinardo, Denis Gentili, Matteo Guarino, Fabio Caputo, Giorgio Zoli, Roberto De Giorgio, Giacomo Caio
Summary: Inflammatory bowel diseases show gender bias, with female-specific differences influencing disease presentation and activity. Female genetic predisposition related to the X chromosome and hormonal fluctuations can affect gastrointestinal symptoms, pain perception, and pregnancy outcomes. Female patients with inflammatory bowel disease experience poorer quality of life, higher psychological distress, and reduced sexual activity compared to males. This narrative review aims to summarize the current knowledge of female-related features in clinical manifestations, development, therapy, and implications for sexual and psychological well-being. The goal is to provide gastroenterologists with guidance on female-specific differences to improve patient diagnosis, management, and treatment.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lisa Lungaro, Francesca Manza, Anna Costanzini, Marianna Barbalinardo, Denis Gentili, Fabio Caputo, Matteo Guarino, Giorgio Zoli, Umberto Volta, Roberto De Giorgio, Giacomo Caio
Summary: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder caused by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals. Besides gastrointestinal symptoms, CD can also lead to low bone mineral density and osteoporosis. The bone lesions in CD are influenced by various factors, and not only mineral and vitamin D malabsorption. This review aims to provide an updated overview on CD-induced osteoporosis and highlight new aspects such as the impact of the intestinal microbiome and sex-related differences on bone health, in order to improve its management.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Giovanni Di Nardo, Letizia Zenzeri, Matteo Guarino, Alessio Molfino, Pasquale Parisi, Giovanni Barbara, Vincenzo Stanghellini, Roberto De Giorgio
Summary: Chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction (CIPO) is a rare and severe form of gastrointestinal dysmotility, and the current treatment options are limited. There is a need for further research on new drugs and nutritional support strategies for these patients.
EXPERT REVIEW OF GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Carlo Contini, John Charles Rotondo, Benedetta Perna, Matteo Guarino, Roberto De Giorgio
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Maritati, Marco Manfrini, Maria Rosa Iaquinta, Alessandro Trentini, Silva Seraceni, Matteo Guarino, Anna Costanzini, Roberto De Giorgio, Gustavo Alberto Zanoli, Alessandro Borghi, Elisa Mazzoni, Giuseppe De Rito, Carlo Contini
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) producing the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) on the outcome of Prosthetic Joint Infection (PJI). The study found that SA strains positive for PVL genes resulted in a 100% failure rate in the treatment of acute PJI, while chronic PJI had a 100% eradication rate. Therefore, toxin research and targeted antibiotic therapy should be considered in the treatment of PJI caused by SA.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vanessa D'Antongiovanni, Luca Antonioli, Laura Benvenuti, Carolina Pellegrini, Clelia Di Salvo, Marco Calvigioni, Adelaide Panattoni, Larisa Ryskalin, Gianfranco Natale, Sebastiano Banni, Gianfranca Carta, Emilia Ghelardi, Matteo Fornai
Summary: Treatment with Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 prevents diclofenac-induced enteropathy through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, likely by improving butyrate uptake by the enteric mucosa.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Luca Antonioli, Matteo Fornai, Carolina Pellegrini, Pal Pacher, Gyorgy Hasko
Summary: Increasing evidence supports the involvement of the adenosine system in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. This review article presents a comprehensive overview of the role of adenosine and its membrane receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 receptors) in cardiovascular diseases, along with the current clinical and pre-clinical evidence. The article also highlights the potential use of pharmacological ligands targeting the adenosine pathway as therapeutic tools for managing cardiovascular diseases.
CURRENT OPINION IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vanessa D'Antongiovanni, Carolina Pellegrini, Matteo Fornai, Zoltan H. Nemeth, Gyorgy Hasko, Luca Antonioli
Summary: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic inflammatory conditions, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Pharmacological management of IBD patients is still unsatisfactory, prompting the search for novel molecular targets. Recent research suggests that P2 purinergic receptors, particularly the P2X4 receptor subtype, may be potential targets for IBD treatment. This review critically evaluates the role of the P2X4R subtype in the pathophysiology of IBDs and highlights its potential as a therapeutic target for innovative treatment strategies.
JOURNAL OF DRUG TARGETING
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Elisa Boschetti, Giacomo Caio, Carlo Cervellati, Anna Costanzini, Valentina Rosta, Fabio Caputo, Roberto De Giorgio, Giovanni Zuliani
Summary: This study found that serum zonulin levels change in older patients affected by different types of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Serum zonulin increased in patients with late-onset AD, mixed dementia, and aMCI but not in VAD. In addition, serum zonulin levels were higher in aMCI converting to AD compared with stable aMCI, and inversely correlated with cognitive function.
AGING CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Matteo Guarino, Benedetta Perna, Alice Eleonora Cesaro, Martina Maritati, Michele Domenico Spampinato, Carlo Contini, Roberto De Giorgio
Summary: This review aims to update physicians on the main pillars of treatment for sepsis/septic shock, which include empirical antimicrobial treatment, fluid replacement, and the use of vasoactive agents. Other treatments such as mechanical ventilation, anticoagulation, and glycemic control are also recommended but their efficacy is debated.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Surgery
David A. Wattchow, Simon J. Brookes, Nick J. Spencer, Paul T. Heitmann, Roberto De Giorgio, Marcello Costa, Phil. G. Dinning
Summary: Motor function of the colon is crucial for health, and our understanding of its mechanisms is based on various experimental techniques. This article synthesizes key findings from these approaches to help surgeons better manage colonic conditions.
ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Matteo Guarino, Benedetta Perna, Martina Maritati, Francesca Remelli, Caterina Trevisan, Michele Domenico Spampinato, Anna Costanzini, Stefano Volpato, Carlo Contini, Roberto De Giorgio
Summary: This study aims to establish the correlation between PSP and COVID-19 severity. Analysis of a study population of 1373 COVID-19 patients showed that presepsin is a promising biomarker that can express COVID-19 severity.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)