Nutrient-induced changes in the phenotype and function of the enteric nervous system.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• The enteric nervous system (ENS) controls gut functions by integrating sensory signals.
• Nutrients in the gut lumen and wall are key environmental factors influencing ENS activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of key nutrients on ENS functions and phenotype.
• To cover both acute and long-term effects of nutrients on the ENS.

Main Methods:

• Review of current knowledge on nutrient-ENS interactions.
• Analysis of studies showing nutrient-induced changes in enteric neurons and related cells.

Main Results:

• Enteric neurons possess molecular machinery to detect nutrients.
• Glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids directly activate enteric neurons and enteroendocrine cells (EECs).
• Nutrient presence induces long-term changes in ENS phenotype, affecting gut motility, secretion, and permeability.

Conclusions:

• The ENS, along with EECs and vagal nerves, plays a vital role in nutrient response.
• Further research is needed to understand nutrient-induced ENS changes on gut repair, stem cell differentiation, and brain signaling for food intake control.