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Published on: February 1, 2012
Serotonin signaling in diverticular disease
Meagan M Costedio1, Matthew D Coates, Amy B Danielson
1Department of Surgery, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
Summary
Altered serotonin transporter (SERT) expression in the colon may explain persistent symptoms in diverticulitis patients. This study found reduced SERT in diverticulitis patients, but not those with asymptomatic diverticulosis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurogastroenterology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Diverticulosis is common, with complications in 15% of cases.
- Altered gut motility, triggered by serotonin (5-HT), is key in diverticular disease.
- Investigating 5-HT signaling differences in diverticulosis and diverticulitis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if colonic 5-HT signaling differs between healthy individuals, asymptomatic diverticulosis patients, and diverticulitis patients.
- To identify if altered 5-HT signaling distinguishes uncomplicated diverticulosis from complicated diverticulitis.
- To explore the role of 5-HT signaling in the pathogenesis and persistent symptoms of diverticular disease.
Main Methods:
- Sigmoid colon biopsies from three groups: controls, asymptomatic diverticulosis, and recent diverticulitis.
- Analysis of 5-HT signaling components: content, release, and 5-HT transporter (SERT) expression.
- Quantification of SERT transcript levels, mucosal 5-HT content, enterochromaffin (EC) cell numbers, and TpH-1 mRNA.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in SERT transcript levels was observed in diverticulitis patients compared to controls.
- No significant difference in SERT transcript levels was found in asymptomatic diverticulosis patients.
- Mucosal 5-HT content, EC cell numbers, TpH-1 mRNA, and 5-HT release were comparable across all groups.
Conclusions:
- Altered 5-HT signaling is unlikely to cause the initial development of diverticula.
- Reduced SERT expression and function in diverticulitis patients may be a consequence of prior inflammation.
- Diminished SERT may explain persistent pain and altered motility in diverticulitis patients post-inflammation.
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