Disorders of the enteric nervous system - a holistic view

Area of Science:

• Neurogastroenterology
• Peripheral and Central Nervous System Interactions
• Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis

Background:

• The enteric nervous system (ENS), the largest part of the peripheral nervous system, mirrors central nervous system functions.
• While the ENS's role in congenital enteric neuropathies is known, its involvement in systemic diseases is less understood.
• Disordered ENS function is implicated in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current knowledge on the ENS's role in gastrointestinal and systemic diseases.
• To highlight the ENS's interactions with other systems in disease pathogenesis.
• To address current research challenges and future directions in ENS studies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature and data.
• Analysis of the ENS's role as a modulator of gut barrier function and homeostasis.
• Examination of the interplay between the gut microbiome, genetics, ENS, CNS, and immune system.

Main Results:

• The ENS is a key regulator of gut barrier integrity and homeostasis.
• A compromised gut barrier ('leaky gut') facilitates translocation of toxins, potentially initiating systemic processes.
• Interactions between the gut microbiome, host genetics, ENS, CNS, and immune system contribute to disorders like IBS, IBD, and neurodegeneration.

Conclusions:

• The ENS plays a significant role in both gastrointestinal and systemic disease phenotypes.
• Understanding the complex interactions involving the ENS is crucial for deciphering disease mechanisms.
• Further research is needed to overcome current limitations and advance ENS-related disease understanding.