Vy Truong Thuy Nguyen1,2, Negar Taheri1,2, Abhishek Chandra3,4, Yujiro Hayashi1,2. 1. Enteric Neuroscience Program and Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. 2. Gastroenterology Research Unit, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. 3. Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. 4. Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Aging is a complex biological process and associated with a progressive decline in functions of most organs including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Age-related GI motor disorders/dysfunctions include esophageal reflux, dysphagia, constipation, fecal incontinence, reduced compliance, and accommodation. Although the incidence and severity of these diseases and conditions increase with age, they are often underestimated due in part to nonspecific and variable symptoms and lack of sufficient medical attention. They negatively affect quality of life and predispose the elderly to other diseases, sarcopenia, and frailty. The mechanisms underlying aging-associated GI dysfunctions remain unclear, and there is limited data examining the effect of aging on GI motor functions. Many studies on aging-associated changes to cells within the tunica muscularis including enteric neurons, smooth muscles, and interstitial cells have proposed that cell loss and/or molecular changes may be involved in the pathogenesis of age-related GI motor disorders/dysfunctions. There is also evidence that the aging contributes to phenotypic changes in innate immune cells, which are physically and functionally linked to other cells in the tunica muscularis and can alter GI (patho) physiology. However, various patterns of changes have been reported, some of which are contradictory, indicating a need for additional work in this area. PURPOSE: Although GI infection due to intestinal bacterial overgrowth, bleeding, and cancers are also important and common problems in the elderly patients, this mini-review focuses on data obtained from enteric neuromuscular aging research with the goal of better understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of enteric neuromuscular aging to enhance future therapy.
BACKGROUND: Aging is a complex biological process and associated with a progressive decline in functions of most organs including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Age-related GI motor disorders/dysfunctions include esophageal reflux, dysphagia, constipation, fecal incontinence, reduced compliance, and accommodation. Although the incidence and severity of these diseases and conditions increase with age, they are often underestimated due in part to nonspecific and variable symptoms and lack of sufficient medical attention. They negatively affect quality of life and predispose the elderly to other diseases, sarcopenia, and frailty. The mechanisms underlying aging-associated GI dysfunctions remain unclear, and there is limited data examining the effect of aging on GI motor functions. Many studies on aging-associated changes to cells within the tunica muscularis including enteric neurons, smooth muscles, and interstitial cells have proposed that cell loss and/or molecular changes may be involved in the pathogenesis of age-related GI motor disorders/dysfunctions. There is also evidence that the aging contributes to phenotypic changes in innate immune cells, which are physically and functionally linked to other cells in the tunica muscularis and can alter GI (patho) physiology. However, various patterns of changes have been reported, some of which are contradictory, indicating a need for additional work in this area. PURPOSE: Although GI infection due to intestinal bacterial overgrowth, bleeding, and cancers are also important and common problems in the elderly patients, this mini-review focuses on data obtained from enteric neuromuscular aging research with the goal of better understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of enteric neuromuscular aging to enhance future therapy.
Authors: Pandu R R Gangula; William L Maner; Maria-Adelaide Micci; Robert E Garfield; Pankaj Jay Pasricha Journal: Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol Date: 2007-03 Impact factor: 4.052
Authors: Brian D Gulbransen; Mohammad Bashashati; Simon A Hirota; Xianyong Gui; Jane A Roberts; Justin A MacDonald; Daniel A Muruve; Derek M McKay; Paul L Beck; Gary M Mawe; Roger J Thompson; Keith A Sharkey Journal: Nat Med Date: 2012-03-18 Impact factor: 53.440