Enteric nervous system and inflammatory bowel disease.

Area of Science:

• Neurogastroenterology
• Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• The enteric nervous system (ENS), the gut's "second brain," regulates gastrointestinal functions and homeostasis.
• ENS dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the complex interplay between the ENS and IBD.
• To highlight the ENS's role in gut homeostasis, inflammation, and colorectal cancer.
• To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the ENS for IBD and colorectal cancer.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on ENS function in gastrointestinal health and disease.
• Analysis of neuro-immune crosstalk mechanisms in experimental colitis models.
• Examination of the ENS's contribution to colorectal cancer development and progression.

Main Results:

• IBD patients exhibit enteric neuropathies exacerbating inflammation and barrier dysfunction.
• Enteric glial cells (EGCs) are key regulators of gut homeostasis, with dysfunction linked to chronic inflammation and cancer.
• Neuro-immune crosstalk significantly impacts colitis, and the ENS influences colorectal cancer via neurogenesis and invasion.
• Emerging therapies targeting ENS activity show promise for IBD symptom relief.

Conclusions:

• The ENS is a critical factor in IBD pathogenesis and colorectal cancer progression.
• Targeting neuro-immune interactions within the ENS presents a promising therapeutic avenue for gastrointestinal diseases.
• Further research and interdisciplinary approaches are needed to fully understand and leverage the ENS for therapeutic benefit.