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The human colon: Evidence for degenerative changes during aging and the physiological consequences
Nicholas Baidoo1,2, Gareth J Sanger2
1School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, UK.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|June 18, 2024
Summary
Aging affects the human colon, leading to cellular changes that may contribute to constipation in the elderly. Reduced nerve function explains decreased abdominal pain with age.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Aging research
- Cellular biology
Background:
- Constipation incidence rises in the elderly (>65 years), while abdominal pain decreases.
- Lifestyle, disease, and medications impact gastrointestinal function in aging.
- Cellular and non-cellular changes in the aging human intestine are under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on aging effects on human isolated colon cellular and tissue functions.
- To analyze region, sex, age, and study size in human colon aging research.
- To understand age-related cellular and tissue alterations in the human colon.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies on human colon aging.
- Analysis of age-related changes in muscle, enteric and nociceptor innervation, and submucosa.
- Investigation of cell- and sublayer-dependent changes across colon regions.
Main Results:
- Identified age-related changes in colon muscle, enteric and nociceptor innervation, and submucosa.
- Ascending colon appears more vulnerable to age-related changes.
- Reduced nociceptor innervation correlates with diminished abdominal pain in the elderly.
Conclusions:
- Age-related colon wall degeneration may contribute to constipation due to reduced functional reserve.
- Inflammaging and increased mucosal permeability are potential mechanisms.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for managing age-related gastrointestinal issues.
Keywords:
agingcollagenenteric nervous systemglial cellshuman coloninflammaginginterstitial cells of CajalmicrobiomeneurodegenerationnociceptionsenescenceMore Related Videos
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