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07:04
Modeling Age-Associated Neurodegenerative Diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: August 15, 2020
Neurodegeneration: a key factor in the ageing gut
1Drug Discovery - Enterology, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, PA 19477, USA. pwade@prdus.jnj.com
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|April 7, 2004
Summary
Aging leads to nerve cell loss in the gut's nervous system, causing gastrointestinal issues. Caloric restriction may protect these nerves, offering hope for improved quality of life in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Gastroenterology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction increases with age, particularly in individuals over 80.
- Understanding age-related gut changes is crucial to differentiate normal aging from disease-related dysfunction.
- Recent research focuses on intrinsic age-related alterations within the gut.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current data on age-related neurodegenerative changes in the enteric nervous system (ENS).
- To explore the link between ENS changes and functional alterations in the aging gut.
- To discuss potential therapeutic interventions for age-related bowel dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Review of morphological studies on enteric neuron loss in humans and rodents.
- Analysis of recent findings on selective neuronal subtype preservation (e.g., nitrergic vs. cholinergic).
- Examination of preliminary data on 'age-labile' intrinsic sensory neurons.
Main Results:
- Significant loss of enteric neurons in submucosal and myenteric plexuses occurs with aging.
- Nitregic neurons show selective preservation, while cholinergic neurons are also affected.
- Intrinsic sensory neurons appear particularly vulnerable to age-related changes.
Conclusions:
- Age-related neurodegeneration in the ENS is a key factor in observed functional GI changes.
- Caloric restriction is currently the only intervention shown to prevent ENS neurodegeneration.
- Further research into enteric neurobiology aims to develop therapies for age-related bowel dysfunction, improving quality of life.
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