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Antisecretory drugs for diarrheal disease

Michael J G Farthing1

  • 1St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK. m.farthing@sgul.ac.uk

Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 16, 2006
PubMed

Insights

New antisecretory drugs offer hope for treating acute diarrhea, a major global health issue. Targeting intestinal mechanisms, these agents aim to reduce fluid loss and improve patient outcomes, especially in children.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Acute diarrhea causes significant global morbidity and mortality, particularly in infants and young children, leading to dehydration and acidosis.
  • While oral rehydration therapy has decreased mortality, effective treatments for high-volume watery diarrhea targeting intestinal secretory mechanisms are still needed.
  • Research has explored various targets, including enterocyte components (chloride channels, calcium-calmodulin), enteric nerves, and mediators like serotonin (5-HT) and prostaglandins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the progress and potential of antisecretory agents in managing acute diarrhea.
  • To highlight novel therapeutic targets and emerging drug candidates for secretory diarrheas.
  • To discuss the role of neurohumoral mechanisms in diarrheal diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on antisecretory agents and their targets.
  • Exploration of potential therapeutic pathways, including chloride channel inhibition and neurohumoral modulation.
  • Discussion of specific drug examples like racecadotril and potential antagonists for various receptors.

Main Results:

  • Chloride channel blockers show promise for treating secretory diarrheas.
  • Enkephalinase inhibition, exemplified by racecadotril, offers a safe and effective antisecretory approach.
  • Emerging research suggests potential roles for antagonists targeting 5-HT, substance P, and VIP receptors.

Conclusions:

  • Antisecretory therapy is evolving, with promising developments in targeting intestinal secretory mechanisms.
  • Neurohumoral pathways represent a significant area for future therapeutic interventions in acute diarrhea.
  • Increased availability of effective antisecretory treatments is anticipated in the near future.

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