Animal Models for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), including functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), present chronic abdominal symptoms without clear organic causes.
• The pathophysiology of FGID remains incompletely understood, necessitating advanced research tools.
• Animal models are instrumental in elucidating FGID mechanisms and evaluating therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and categorize diverse animal models used in FGID research.
• To highlight the utility of these models in understanding the brain-gut axis and peripheral gastrointestinal mechanisms.
• To discuss models relevant to FGID comorbidities like anxiety and depression.

Main Methods:

• Review of stress-related animal models: perinatal, neonatal (maternal separation), and adult stress paradigms.
• Examination of models targeting peripheral gastrointestinal mechanisms: infection-induced, inflammatory triggers, food hypersensitivity, and metabolic disorders.
• Inclusion of models of secondary FGID and spontaneous models exhibiting GI and anxiety-related symptoms.

Main Results:

• Stress models provide insights into brain-gut axis dysfunction in FGID.
• Peripheral models elucidate gastrointestinal mechanisms, including those triggered by infection, inflammation, and food.
• Spontaneous and secondary models offer valuable perspectives on FGID comorbidities and complex etiologies.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive array of animal models aids in unraveling the complex pathophysiology of FGID.
• These models are essential for investigating the brain-gut axis, peripheral factors, and associated comorbidities.
• Continued development and application of animal models will advance the understanding and treatment of FGID.