Enteric Nervous System Alterations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Perspectives and Implications

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Neuroscience
• Focuses on the interplay between the enteric nervous system (ENS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Background:

• The enteric nervous system (ENS) coordinates gastrointestinal (GI) functions and interacts with the intestinal epithelium, immune system, microbiome, and central nervous system (CNS).
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, involves chronic GI inflammation and damage.
• Emerging research highlights the ENS's role in IBD etiology and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current research on alterations in the ENS in the context of IBD.
• To explore the role of enteric glial cell (EGC) activation, gliosis, and senescence in IBD pathogenesis.
• To discuss the implications of ENS changes for the gut-brain axis (GBA) and potential therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on ENS alterations in IBD.
• Analysis of mechanisms involving EGC activation, enteric gliosis, and EGC senescence with senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).
• Examination of the impact on GI function and the GBA.

Main Results:

• IBD induces EGC activation, leading to persistent enteric gliosis and disruption of GI function via the GBA.
• EGC senescence and SASP acquisition are implicated in chronic GI inflammation and IBD recurrence.
• ENS alterations play a significant role in the pathophysiology of IBD.

Conclusions:

• Targeting ENS-related mechanisms, particularly EGC senescence, with senotherapeutic agents presents a promising therapeutic avenue for IBD.
• Modulating the ENS offers a potential alternative strategy for managing IBD and advancing treatment.
• Further research into ENS-targeted therapies could significantly impact IBD management.