Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gabriel V. Pereira, Ahmed M. Abdel-Hamid, Soumajit Dutta, Corina N. D'Alessandro-Gabazza, Daniel Wefers, Jacob A. Farris, Shiv Bajaj, Zdzislaw Wawrzak, Haruyuki Atomi, Roderick I. Mackie, Esteban C. Gabazza, Diwakar Shukla, Nicole M. Koropatkin, Isaac Cann
Summary: This study reveals that human gut bacteria are capable of degrading arabinoxylans, a type of dietary fiber. Some Bacteroidetes bacteria encode esterases for breaking down complex arabinoxylans with ferulic acid side chains, releasing the antioxidant and immunomodulatory compound ferulic acid.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Julia L. Drewes, Jie Chen, Nicholas O. Markham, Reece J. Knippel, Jada C. Domingue, Ada J. Tam, June L. Chan, Lana Kim, Madison McMann, Courtney Stevens, Christine M. Dejea, Sarah Tomkovich, John Michel, James R. White, Fuad Mohammad, Victoria L. Campodonico, Cody N. Heiser, Xinqun Wu, Shaoguang Wu, Hua Ding, Patricia Simner, Karen Carroll, Martha J. Shrubsole, Robert A. Anders, Seth T. Walk, Christian Jobin, Fengyi Wan, Robert J. Coffey, Franck Housseau, Ken S. Lau, Cynthia L. Sears
Summary: This study reveals the role of toxigenic Clostridioides difficile in promoting colorectal cancer, suggesting that chronic colonization with this pathogenic bacteria may drive tumor development through the induction of Wnt signaling, reactive oxygen species, and protumorigenic mucosal immune responses.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Jorge O. Munera, Daniel O. Kechele, Carine Bouffi, Na Qu, Ran Jing, Pritiprasanna Maity, Jacob R. Enriquez, Lu Han, Ian Campbell, Maxime M. Mahe, Heather A. Mccauley, Xinghao Zhang, Nambirajan Sundaram, Jonathan R. Hudson, Adrian Zarsozo-Lacoste, Suman Pradhan, Kentaro Tominaga, J. Guillermo Sanchez, Alison A. Weiss, Praneet Chatuvedi, Jason R. Spence, Mariam Hachimi, Trista North, George Q. Daley, Christopher N. Mayhew, Yueh-Chiang Hu, Takanori Takebe, Michael A. Helmrath, James M. Wells
Summary: This study shows that pluripotent stem cell-derived human colonic organoids can develop a diverse population of immune cells, including functioning macrophages, which is crucial for modeling normal and disease processes.
Article
Biology
Bing Chen, Monica A. Perez
Summary: This study investigates the regulation of Ia afferent input during voluntary contraction in individuals with spinal cord injury. The results show that in SCI patients, the inhibitory D1 and facilitatory FN effects were reduced compared to control group, indicating the impact of SCI on sensory pathways.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kristin Elfers, Stefanie Schaeuffele, Susanne Hoppe, Klaus Michel, Florian Zeller, Ihsan Ekin Demir, Michael Schemann, Gemma Mazzuoli-Weber
Summary: The study found that intestinal mucosal secretion is enhanced during muscle relaxation and contraction. Mechanisms of mechanically induced secretion were studied in rodent species. Using voltage clamp Ussing technique, secretion evoked by serosal or mucosal pressure application was investigated in human and porcine colonic tissue. The study showed that the secretion was predominantly mediated by prostaglandins and a small nerve-dependent response.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laura E. McCoubrey, Alessia Favaron, Atheer Awad, Mine Orlu, Simon Gaisford, Abdul W. Basit
Summary: Colonic drug delivery allows access to specific therapeutic targets, improving drug bioavailability and minimizing off-target effects. However, successful design and development of colon-targeted medicines require careful consideration of the colon's distinct physiological environment. This review discusses the important parameters for effective design and formulation strategies for colon-targeted drugs.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lei Lei, Jun Yang, Jianan Zhang, Guodong Zhang
Summary: Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, with the lipid peroxidation product EKODE playing a crucial role in colonic inflammation and colon tumorigenesis.
Article
Robotics
Hansoul Kim, Joonhwan Kim, Jae Min You, Seung Woo Lee, Ki-Uk Kyung, Dong-Soo Kwon
Summary: The goal of this study was to assist colonoscopy operators in straightening the sigmoid colon using peristaltic motions generated with a soft actuator mounted on a commercial colonoscope. The peristaltic motions of the proposed system were combined with expanding and extending behaviors to significantly help with the process of colonoscopy. The colon shortening speed was measured to be about 80 mm/min, contributing to the straightening of the sigmoid colon.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Phil G. Dinning, Lukasz Wiklendt, Marcello Costa, Simon J. H. Brookes, Maureen Amicangelo, Lyneisha Whitter, Samuel Nurko
Summary: The presence of high-amplitude propagating contractions induced by bisacodyl is associated with a significant reduction in small bowel motility, suggesting a reflex pathway that causes inhibition of small bowel motility in response to rectal distension.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jia-Yin Ma, Jia-Jia Wu, Mou-Xiong Zheng, Xu-Yun Hua, Chun-Lei Shan, Jian-Guang Xu
Summary: This study aimed to explore how upper extremity H-reflexes are modulated by body position after stroke. The results showed that there is spinal stretch reflex hyperexcitability in strongly affected upper extremities after stroke, which may be down-modulated in different phases of recovery. There may be a correlation between postural control and upper extremity spinal stretch reflex hyperexcitability.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yuki Kobayashi, Shota Takemi, Takafumi Sakai, Chikashi Shibata, Ichiro Sakata
Summary: This study investigated the mechanisms of colonic motility in the house musk suncus as an animal model, finding diurnal changes in colonic motility and a potential gastrocolic reflex. Factors regulating suncus colonic motility were examined, suggesting the suncus could be a novel model for studying colonic motility similar to humans and dogs.
NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY AND MOTILITY
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Sho Ito, Kento Nakagawa, Tsuyoshi Nakajima, Misaki Iteya, Larry Crawshaw, Kazuyuki Kanosue
Summary: The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics of the upper limb stretch reflex in wrestlers. The experiment involved 10 wrestlers and 11 control subjects, and the results showed that high-level wrestlers have specific characteristics of the long-latency stretch reflex in the triceps brachii that are modulated in a situation-specific manner. There was no significant difference in the reflex of the biceps brachii.
MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS & EXERCISE
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Ryotaro Nakahara, Yuji Amano, Daisuke Murakami, Sayaka Ogawa, Tetsuro Ujihara, Tomoyuki Iwaki, Yasushi Katsuyama, Kenji Hayasaka, Hideaki Harada, Yasumasa Tada, Takafumi Yuki, Youichi Miyaoka, Yoshinori Kushiyama, Hirofumi Fujishiro, Shunji Ishihara
Summary: In Japanese patients, early colon cancer was more frequently found in those with colonic diverticulosis (CD) compared to those without CD. The presence of CD may be an important indicator for detecting colon cancer during colonoscopy examination.
DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Alessandro Tanca, Marcello Abbondio, Giovanni Fiorito, Giovanna Pira, Rosangela Sau, Alessandra Manca, Maria Rosaria Muroni, Alberto Porcu, Antonio Mario Scanu, Paolo Cossu-Rocca, Maria Rosaria De Miglio, Sergio Uzzau
Summary: This pilot study utilizes metaproteomics to examine the relationship between gut microbiota and clinicopathological features of colon cancer. The results suggest that certain microbial taxa and functional features are associated with the stage and grade of colon cancer. This study provides valuable insights into the potential prognostic value of the gut microbiota in colon cancer progression.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Zhobin Moghadamyeghaneh, Henry Talus, Garth Ballantyne, Michael J. Stamos, Alessio Pigazzi
Summary: This study comparing laparoscopic and open approaches for emergent/urgent partial colectomy for colonic obstruction from colonic cancer found that laparoscopic surgery was associated with lower morbidity and shorter hospitalization length, but longer operation duration compared to open surgery.
SURGICAL ENDOSCOPY AND OTHER INTERVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nick J. Spencer, Damien J. Keating
Summary: This article discusses the recent findings regarding the functional role of endogenous 5-HT in enterochromaffin cells and enteric neurons in gut motility and other major homeostatic pathways. The advancements in recording techniques and access to genetically modified animals have led to significant changes in our understanding of the role of gut-derived 5-HT. Experimental data suggests that the major patterns of GI motility and transit still occur even without endogenous 5-HT, and 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are more potent in inhibiting GI motility in segments lacking endogenous 5-HT.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Timothy J. Hibberd, Wai Ping Yew, Kelsi N. Dodds, Zili Xie, Lee Travis, Simon J. Brookes, Marcello Costa, Hongzhen Hu, Nick J. Spencer
Summary: This study comprehensively quantified CGRP+ myenteric neurons in mouse colon, which aligns with the expected range of an intrinsic primary afferent neuron (IPAN) marker.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Paul T. Heitmann, Lauren Keightley, Lukasz Wiklendt, David A. Wattchow, Simon S. J. Brookes, Nicholas J. Spencer, Marcello Costa, Phil G. Dinning
Summary: This study aimed to describe the effects of loperamide on neuromuscular function in the human colon. The findings suggest that loperamide primarily alters colonic function by acting on inhibitory motor neurons or alternative non-opioid receptor pathways.
NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY AND MOTILITY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Kelsi N. Dodds, Melinda A. Kyloh, Lee Travis, Mack Cox, Tim J. Hibberd, Nick J. Spencer
Summary: This study investigated the distribution of thoracolumbar and lumbosacral spinal afferent neurons in the mouse uterine horn. The results showed that lumbosacral spinal afferent nerves provide relatively modest sensory innervation across the mouse uterine horn, with no regional specificity, compared to thoracolumbar spinal afferents.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Melinda A. Kyloh, Timothy J. Hibberd, Joel Castro, Andrea M. Harrington, Lee Travis, Kelsi N. Dodds, Lukasz Wiklendt, Stuart M. Brierley, Vladimir P. Zagorodnyuk, Nick J. Spencer
Summary: This study developed a surgical method to selectively remove specific dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in mice, providing insights into the contribution of thoracolumbar and lumbosacral DRG to pain signaling and behavior. The technique allowed researchers to investigate sensory pathway functions in conscious, free-moving animals without genetic modification.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Zili Xie, Jing Feng, Timothy J. Hibberd, Bao Nan Chen, Yonghui Zhao, Kaikai Zang, Xueming Hu, Xingliang Yang, Lvyi Chen, Simon J. Brookes, Nick J. Spencer, Hongzhen Hu
Summary: By ablating the sensory channels TRPV1 and Piezo2 from colon-innervating neurons, the visceromotor responses (VMR) induced by colorectal distention (CRD) are significantly reduced in mice. Selective ablation of Piezo2 channels in TRPV1 lineage neurons reduces mechanically evoked visceral afferent action potential firing and CRD-induced VMR under physiological conditions, as well as in mouse models of zymosan-induced IBS and partial colon obstruction (PCO). These findings demonstrate the important role of the mechanosensitive Piezo2 channels in TRPV1-lineage neurons in visceral mechanosensitivity and nociception under physiological conditions, as well as in visceral hypersensitivity under pathological conditions.
Article
Physiology
David J. J. Smolilo, Timothy J. J. Hibberd, Marcello Costa, Phil G. G. Dinning, Lauren J. J. Keightley, Dayan De Fontgalland, David A. Wattchow, Nick J. J. Spencer
Summary: The speed of pellet propulsion in the isolated guinea pig distal colon in vitro is higher than in vivo measurements, suggesting inhibitory mechanisms from outside the gut. The study aimed to investigate the effects of sympathetic nerve stimulation on different motor behaviors of the distal colon. Results showed that electrical stimulation of colonic nerves inhibited transient neural events (TNEs) and pellet propulsion, while significant inhibition of colonic motor complexes (CMCs) required higher frequencies of stimulation. The findings suggest differential sensitivities to sympathetic input among distinct neurogenic motor behaviors of the colon and raise the possibility of paradoxical effects of CMCs on pellet movement suppression in vivo.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Stewart Ramsay, Nick J. Spencer, Vladimir Zagorodnyuk
Summary: The aim of this study is to determine the role of endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonolylglycerol (2-AG), in regulating mechanosensitivity of probable nociceptive neurons innervating the bladder - capsaicin-sensitive mucosal afferents. The results showed that AEA potentiated the mechanical response of mucosal afferents, while 2-AG inhibited their response. These findings have important implications for understanding the role of endocannabinoids in regulating bladder sensation and function.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(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)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Bao Nan Chen, Adam Humenick, Wai Ping Yew, Lukasz Wiklendt, Phil G. Dinning, Nick J. Spencer, David A. Wattchow, Marcello Costa, Simon J. H. Brookes
Summary: This study used multiplexed immunohistochemistry to classify myenteric neurons of human colon into 20 classes. Cell morphology, soma size, and associations with axon terminals were quantified, providing a comprehensive understanding of the human myenteric plexus.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuri Ogawa, Sarah Nicholas, Malin Thyselius, Richard Leibbrandt, Thomas Nowotny, James C. Knight, Karin Nordstrom
Summary: Many animals, including predators and male hoverflies, use motion vision information to detect and pursue moving targets. This study investigated the response of target-selective descending neurons (TSDNs) in male hoverflies during pursuits of artificial targets. The results showed that individual TSDNs responded consistently at specific time points, but with variations between neurons. The overall response rate was low, suggesting that different neurons may control different parts of the behavioral output.
Review
Physiology
Timothy J. Hibberd, Stewart Ramsay, Phaedra Spencer-Merris, Phil G. Dinning, Vladimir P. Zagorodnyuk, Nick J. Spencer
Summary: This review discusses the role of peripheral clocks in regulating major colonic functions, including colonic motility, absorption, hormone secretion, permeability, and pain signalling. It also describes the interactions between pathophysiological states such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis and circadian rhythmicity.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(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)
Proceedings Paper
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Nick J. Spencer, Marcello Costa
Summary: The enteric nervous system (ENS) plays a crucial role in the cyclical motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract, but the activation of the thousands of neurons within the ENS that generate neurogenic contractions has remained a mystery. Neuronal imaging studies on the mouse large intestine have provided insights into how different classes of myenteric neurons are activated during cyclical motor patterns, and it has been found that large populations of myenteric neurons coordinate their firing across interconnected ganglia, regardless of their functional class. The polarity of the enteric circuits and the rhythmic activity of specific classes of enteric neurons at approximately 2 Hz are important factors in the propulsion of content along the mouse colon. The mechanisms that initiate and terminate the patterned firing of enteric neurons during cyclic activity remain to be determined, presenting an exciting challenge for future studies.
ENTERIC NERVOUS SYSTEM II
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Bradley B. Barth, Nick J. Spencer, Warren M. Grill
Summary: The motor patterns of the colon are coordinated by the enteric nervous system (ENS) and involve various cell types. Recent advances in research have revealed the complexity of the circuitry underlying colonic motor patterns. The colonic motor complex (CMC) is described as a robust control system, and electrical stimulation can disrupt its coordination and propagation.
ENTERIC NERVOUS SYSTEM II
(2022)