Intestinal Motility Dysfunction in Goto-Kakizaki Rats: Role of the Myenteric Plexus.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with changes in intestinal morphology and the enteric nervous system. We previously reported constipation in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, a non-obese model for type 2 diabetes mellitus. AIM: The morpho-quantitative analysis of myenteric plexus neurons in the small and large intestines of 120-day-old male GK rats was investigated. METHODS: The diabetes was confirmed by high fasting blood glucose levels. The myenteric plexus was evaluated through wholemount immunofluorescence. The morpho-quantitative analyses included evaluating neuronal density (neurons per ganglion) of the total neuronal population, the cholinergic and nitrergic subpopulations, and enteric glial cells per ganglion. The cell body area of 100 neurons per segment per animal was measured. RESULTS: The total neurons and nitrergic subpopulation were unaltered in the GK rats' small and large intestines. The cholinergic subpopulation exhibited decreased density in the three segments of the small intestine and an increased number in the proximal colon of the GK rats. The number of enteric glial cells increased in the ileum of the GK rats, which could indicate enteric gliosis caused by the intestinal inflammatory state. The area of the cell body was increased in the total neuronal population of the jejunum and ileum of the GK rats. Frequency histograms of the cell body area distribution revealed the contribution of cholinergic neurons to larger areas in the jejunum and nitrergic neurons in the ileum. CONCLUSION: The constipation previously reported in GK rats might be explained by the decrease in the density of cholinergic neurons in the small intestine of this animal model.

Evaluación del inicio de dieta con coffea arábica versus dieta tradicional, en pacientes luego de cirugía electiva y de emergencia / Evaluation of the initiation of diet with coffea arabica versus a traditional diet in patients after elective and emergency surgery

Introducción. Etimológicamente la palabra íleo proviene del griego eileos que significa rodando o girando; es descrito como el retraso temporal de la motilidad gastrointestinal. Mundialmente es reconocido que el íleo postoperatorio es una de las principales complicaciones después de cirugía y representa un problema importante por su elevado costo sanitario. Se ha investigado respecto al uso preventivo de medidas físicas y farmacológicas, como los procinéticos, para el manejo del íleo postoperatorio. Métodos. Investigación clínico-terapéutica, comparativa, de corte longitudinal prospectivo de seguimiento, con muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, conformado por cuatro grupos con 25 pacientes cada uno, atendidos en el Servicio de Cirugía General entre mayo y agosto de 2021. Resultados. Los pacientes presentaron una media de edad de 49,4 ± 19,6 años y el 53 % fueron hombres. El 86 % de los pacientes presentaron ruidos intestinales antes de 24 horas posteriores a la operación. La primera evacuación en los pacientes que ingirieron café tipo espresso fue a las 42,6 horas y para aquellos en el grupo de café americano fue a las 43,4 horas en comparación con 89,4 horas en el grupo control (p < 0,001). Conclusión. Se recomienda el uso del café como una medida segura y económica para el inicio de la dieta, como una alternativa al esquema tradicional, constituyéndose en una opción para el manejo del íleo postoperatorio

Introduction. Etymologically the word ileus comes from the Greek eileos, which means rolling or turning. It is described as the temporary delay of gastrointestinal motility. It is recognized worldwide that postoperative ileus is one of the main complications after surgery and represents an important problem due to its high healthcare cost. Research has been done regarding the preventive use of physical and pharmacological measures, such as prokinetics, for the management of postoperative ileus.Methods. Clinical-therapeutic, comparative, prospective longitudinal follow-up research, with non-probabilistic convenience sampling, made up of four groups with 25 patients each, treated in the General Surgery Service between May and August 2021. Results. The patients had a mean age of 49.4 ± 19.6 years and 53% were male; 86% of patients had bowel sounds within 24 hours after the operation. The first bowel movement in patients who ingested espresso coffee was 42.6 hours and for those in the American coffee group it was at 43.4 hours compared to 89.4 hours in the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The use of coffee is recommended as a safe and economical measure to start the diet as an alternative to the traditional fashion, becoming an option for the management of postoperative ileus.

Brain Perception of Different Oils on Appetite Regulation: An Anorectic Gene Expression Pattern in the Hypothalamus Dependent on the Vagus Nerve.

(1) Background: We examined the effect of the acute administration of olive oil (EVOO), linseed oil (GLO), soybean oil (SO), and palm oil (PO) on gastric motility and appetite in rats. (2) Methods: We assessed food intake, gastric retention (GR), and gene expression in all groups. (3) Results: Both EVOO and GLO were found to enhance the rate of stomach retention, leading to a decrease in hunger. On the other hand, the reduction in food intake caused by SO was accompanied by delayed effects on stomach retention. PO caused an alteration in the mRNA expression of NPY, POMC, and CART. Although PO increased stomach retention after 180 min, it did not affect food intake. It was subsequently verified that the absence of an autonomic reaction did not nullify the influence of EVOO in reducing food consumption. Moreover, in the absence of parasympathetic responses, animals that received PO exhibited a significant decrease in food consumption, probably mediated by lower NPY expression. (4) Conclusions: This study discovered that different oils induce various effects on parameters related to food consumption. Specifically, EVOO reduces food consumption primarily through its impact on the gastrointestinal tract, making it a recommended adjunct for weight loss. Conversely, the intake of PO limits food consumption in the absence of an autonomic reaction, but it is not advised due to its contribution to the development of cardiometabolic disorders.

Nandrolone decanoate impairs gastrointestinal motility and duodenal morphometry in moderately exercised rats.

The misuse of anabolic androgenic steroid associated or not with physical workouts disrupts gastrointestinal (GI) function homeostasis. Our goal was to investigate the effects of nandrolone decanoate (ND) and moderate swimming on the GI transit of solid meals, GI motor contractility, and intestinal histology in rats. Male Wistar rats were allocated to four groups that received intramuscular injections of ND (5.0 mg/kg) or vehicle (60.0 µL) and were submitted or not to swimming sessions (60 min, 5% body weight overload) for 4 weeks. Gastric emptying, intestinal transit, in vitro GI contractility, intestinal morphometry, and duodenal mucosal mast cells were evaluated in all experimental groups. ND treatment accelerated gastric emptying, slowed small intestine transit time, enhanced gastric carbachol-mediated reactivity, decreased crypt depth and villus height, reduced mucosal thickness, and increased the circular and longitudinal muscle layer thickness of the duodenum in sedentary rats. Moderate exercise accelerated intestinal transit time and reduced submucosa thickness. In vehicle-treated animals, a strong negative correlation was found between intestinal transit and mucosal mast cells, which was reversed by ND treatment. Combining ND treatment and swimming accelerated gastric emptying, increased duodenal cholinergic reactivity, inhibited the sodium nitroprusside relaxing response, increased the number of duodenal mast cells, decreased villus height, and increased the thickness of all muscle layers. ND changed the morphological and functional properties of the GI tract over time, with intense dysmotility, especially in sedentary animals, but moderate exercise seemed to have played a compensatory role in these harmful effects in the gut.

Aspectos gerais do retículo peritonite traumática em bovinos / General aspects of traumatic reticulum peritonitis in cattle / Aspectos generales de la peritonitis del retículo traumático en ganado

A Retículo Peritonite Traumática está diretamente ligada à ingestão de objetos metálicos perfuro cortantes, como pregos e pedaços de arame, que podem penetrar ou perfurar a parede do retículo. Embora a ocorrência de corpos estranhos de alumínio seja rara, outros elementos, como fios de pneus usados para fixar lonas em silagens e até cerdas de arame de escovas utilizadas em pequenos aeroportos, têm sido registrados como causas dessa afecção. A ingestão desses objetos pode resultar em lesões no retículo, desencadeando episódios de retículo peritonite traumática e suas sequelas, como pericardite traumática, inflamação do fígado, abscessos no baço e muito mais. Os sinais clínicos podem variar, mas incluem comportamento anormal, motilidade reduzida do rúmen, fezes mal digeridas, febre e sinais de dor. O diagnóstico baseia-se na avaliação dos sinais clínicos do animal, juntamente com exames complementares, como hemograma, bioquímico, ultrassom e radiografia. É importante considerar as alterações hematológicas, como leucocitose e hiperfibrinogenemia, como indicadores-chave desta afecção. O diagnóstico também envolve testes de dor ao corpo estranho. O tratamento pode ser conservativo ou cirúrgico. A abordagem conservativa envolve a administração de antibióticos, anti-inflamatórios e soluções intravenosas, além do tratamento de deficiências nutricionais subjacentes. A opção cirúrgica exige a remoção do corpo estranho do retículo, seguida de cuidados pós-operatórios.

Traumatic Reticulum Peritonitis this directly linked to the ingestion of sharp metallic objects, such as nails and pieces of wire, which can penetrate or pierce the wall of the reticulum. Although the occurrence of aluminum foreign bodies is rare, other elements, such as tire wires used to attach tarpaulins to silage and even wire bristles from brushes used in small airports, have been recorded as causes of this condition. Ingestion of these objects can result in damage to the reticulum, triggering episodes of traumatic reticulum peritonitis and its sequelae, such as traumatic pericarditis, liver inflammation, spleen abscesses and more. Clinical signs may vary but include abnormal behavior, reduced rumen motility, poorly digested feces, fever and signs of pain. The diagnosis is based on the evaluation of the animal's clinical signs, together with complementary tests, such as blood count, biochemistry, ultrasound and radiography. It is important to consider hematological changes, such as leukocytosis and hyperfibrinogenemia, as key indicators of this condition. Diagnosis also involves foreign body pain testing. Treatment can be conservative or surgical. The conservative approach involves administering antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and intravenous solutions, in addition to treating underlying nutritional deficiencies. The surgical option requires removal of the foreign body from the reticulum, followed by post-operative care.

La peritonitis traumática del retículo esto directamente ligada a la ingestión de objetos metálicos punzantes, como clavos y trozos de alambre, que pueden penetrar o perforar la pared del retículo. Aunque la aparición de cuerpos extraños de aluminio es rara, se han registrado como causas de esta afección otros elementos, como los alambres de neumáticos utilizados para fijar las lonas al ensilaje e incluso las cerdas de alambre de los cepillos utilizados en los aeropuertos pequeños. La ingestión de estos objetos puede provocar daños en el retículo, desencadenando episodios de peritonitis traumática del retículo y sus secuelas, como pericarditis traumática, inflamación del hígado, abscesos del bazo y más. Los signos clínicos pueden variar, pero incluyen comportamiento anormal, motilidad ruminal reducida, heces mal digeridas, fiebre y signos de dolor. El diagnóstico se basa en la evaluación de los signos clínicos del animal, junto con pruebas complementarias, como hemograma, bioquímica, ecografía y radiografía. Es importante considerar los cambios hematológicos, como la leucocitosis y la hiperfibrinogenemia, como indicadores clave de esta afección. El diagnóstico también implica la prueba del dolor por cuerpo extraño. El tratamiento puede ser conservador o quirúrgico. El enfoque conservador implica la administración de antibióticos, antiinflamatorios y soluciones intravenosas, además de tratar las deficiencias nutricionales subyacentes. La opción quirúrgica requiere la extracción del cuerpo extraño del retículo, seguida de cuidados postoperatorios.

Efectos en la motilidad de fármacos para obesidad: impacto en la práctica clínica y endoscópica / Effects of obesity drugs on gastrointestinal motility: impact on clinical and endoscopic practice

Obesity is a very common pathology worldwide. Among the management alternatives are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues, a hormone secreted mainly by the intestine. Apart from its effects as an incretin, effects on gastrointestinal motility have been described, which seem to be fundamental for its effect on obesity, but also the cause of its most frequent potential adverse effects. There is discussion regarding the large number of case reports in relation to the retention of gastric contents at the time of endoscopy. There is currently insufficient evidence to state categorically that they produce a significant change in gastric emptying. Nevertheless, it is recommended to inquire about the use of these drugs before endoscopic procedures that require sedation and, in the presence of symptoms, to suggest changes in the preparation

La obesidad es una patología muy frecuente a nivel global. Dentro de las alternativas del manejo están los análogos del péptido 1 similar al glucagón (GLP-1), hormona secretada principalmente por el intestino. Aparte de sus efec- tos como incretina, se han descrito efectos sobre la motilidad gastrointestinal, los que parecen ser fundamentales para su efecto sobre la obesidad, pero también los causales de sus potenciales efectos adversos más frecuentes. Existe discusión en relación con la gran cantidad de reportes de casos en relación con la retención de contenido gástrico al momento de una endoscopia. Actualmente no existe evidencia suficiente para afirmar categóricamente que producen un cambio significativo en el vaciamiento gástrico. No obstante, se recomienda indagar sobre el uso de estos fármacos antes de procedimientos endoscópicos que requieran sedación y, ante la presencia de síntomas, sugerir cambios en la preparación.

Mapeo de superficie corporal gástrica (Alimetria®): una nueva forma de estudiar la función gastroduodenal / Body Surface Gastric Mapping (Alimetry®): a New Way to study the Gastroduodenal Function

Upper gastrointestinal symptoms affect 10% of the population, leading to significant costs and negatively impacting quality of life. Diagnosing disorders such as functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis is challenging due to overlapping symptoms. Gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) has reproducibility issues. Body Surface Gastric Mapping (BSGM) is an advanced technique for precise and reliable electrophysiological mapping, overcoming the limitations of electrogastrography (EGG). Gastric Alimetry® measures gastric myoelectric potentials, providing valuable diagnostic data. BSGM uses an electrode array to capture gastric activity and requires a standardized protocol for comparable data. The metrics generated help identify specific gastric dysfunction phenotypes, improving diagnostic accuracy. These advancements promise to revolutionize the clinical management of chronic gastric symptoms, making this review essential reading for those interested in gastrointestinal research and treatment.

Los síntomas gastroduodenales afectan a más del 10% de la población, causando costos significativos e impac- tando negativamente la calidad de vida. Diagnosticar trastornos como la dispepsia funcional y la gastroparesia es complejo debido a la superposición de síntomas. El cintigrama de vaciamiento gástrico (CVG) y electrogas- trografía (EGG) tiene problemas de reproducibilidad. El Mapeo de superficie de Cuerpo Gástrico (MSCG) o conocida también como Alimetría gástrica, es una técnica avanzada que permite un mapeo electrofisiológico preciso y fiable, superando las limitaciones de la EGG. La Alimetría Gástrica mide los potenciales mioeléc - tricos gástricos, proporcionando datos útiles para el diagnóstico. El MGSC utiliza una matriz de electrodos para capturar la actividad gástrica y requiere un protocolo estandarizado para obtener datos comparables. Las métricas generadas ayudan a identificar fenotipos específicos de disfunción gástrica, mejorando la precisión diagnóstica. Estos avances prometen revolucionar el manejo clínico de los síntomas gástricos crónicos, ha - ciendo de esta revisión una lectura esencial para aquellos interesados en la investigación y tratamiento de problemas gastrointestinales

Non-invasive biomagnetic assessment of gastrointestinal motility in a loperamide-induced constipation model

Constipation is a disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) and some of the main etiological mechanisms are directly related to changes in GI physiology. The capacity to carry out paired assessments and measure GI parameters under the influence of constipation is a relevant point in selecting a suitable methodology. We aimed to perform a non-invasive investigation of gastrointestinal motility in constipated rats using the alternating current biosusceptometry system (ACB). The animals were split into two groups: the pre-induction stage (CONTROL) and post-induction loperamide stage (LOP). We assessed GI motility parameters using the ACB system. Colon morphometric and immunohistochemical analyses were performed for biomarkers (C-kit) for interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Our results showed a significant increase in gastrointestinal transit in the LOP group in addition to a reduction in the dominant frequency of gastric contraction and an arrhythmic profile. A change in colonic contractility profiles was observed, indicating colonic dysmotility in the LOP group. We found a reduction in the number of biomarkers for intestinal cells of Cajal (ICC) in the LOP group. The ACB system can evaluate transit irregularities and their degrees of severity, while also supporting research into novel, safer, and more efficient treatments for constipation.

Mini-review: Enteric glial cell reactions to inflammation and potential therapeutic implications for GI diseases, motility disorders, and abdominal pain.

Enteric glial cells are emerging as critical players in the regulation of intestinal motility, secretion, epithelial barrier function, and gut homeostasis in health and disease. Enteric glia react to intestinal inflammation by converting to a 'reactive glial phenotype' and enteric gliosis, contributing to neuroinflammation, enteric neuropathy, bowel motor dysfunction and dysmotility, diarrhea or constipation, 'leaky gut', and visceral pain. The focus of the minireview is on the impact of inflammation on enteric glia reactivity in response to diverse insults such as intestinal surgery, ischemia, infections (C. difficile infection, HIV-Tat-induced diarrhea, endotoxemia and paralytic ileus), GI diseases (inflammatory bowel diseases, diverticular disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, colorectal cancer) and functional GI disorders (postoperative ileus, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome). Significant progress has been made in recent years on molecular pathogenic mechanisms of glial reactivity and enteric gliosis, resulting in enteric neuropathy, disruption of motility, diarrhea, visceral hypersensitivity and abdominal pain. There is a growing number of glial molecular targets with therapeutic implications that includes receptors for interleukin-1 (IL-1R), purines (P2X2R, A2BR), PPARα, lysophosphatidic acid (LPAR1), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4R), estrogen-ß receptor (ERß) adrenergic α-2 (α-2R) and endothelin B (ETBR), connexin-43 / Colony-stimulating factor 1 signaling (Cx43/CSF1) and the S100ß/RAGE signaling pathway. These exciting new developments are the subject of the minireview. Some of the findings in pre-clinical models may be translatable to humans, raising the possibility of designing future clinical trials to test therapeutic application(s). Overall, research on enteric glia has resulted in significant advances in our understanding of GI pathophysiology.

Does L-carnitine prevent cadmium-induced damage in gastrointestinal contractility and histological changes in prepubertal rat / ¿La L-carnitina previene el daño inducido por cadmio en la contractilidad gastrointestinal y los cambios histológicos en ratas prepúberes?

SUMMARY: Cadmium (Cd) is the industrial and environmental toxic heavy metal which is found in air, water and soil. Cd, adversely affects many organs in humans such as kidney, intestine, liver, testis and lungs. L-carnitine (LC) is an important agent that plays essential role in energy metabolism. In our study, we aimed to work out whether LC application has any protective effect on intestinal contractility and morphologic damage of prepubertal rat duodenum on Cd-induced toxicity. Twenty eight prepubertal female Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The first group is control (C), second group; Cd group; Cadmium chloride was given 2 mg/kg 28 days with a one-day break by i.p. The third group; Cd+LC, which cadmium chloride was given 2 mg/kg i.p. and LC was given orally by gastric lavage. The LC dose was given as 75 mg/kg. The fourth group; LC, which only LC was given orally. The intestinal segments were isolated and suspended in tissue bath. Contractile responses were induced by acetylcholine (ACh) and relaxation was achieved with phenylephrine. Also the segments were examined for histological changes by light microscopy. Ach-induced contractions were higher in Cd+LC, LC, and control group compared to the Cd group in duodenal segments. The phenylephrine-induced relaxations were lower in Cd groups as compared with Control, Cd+LC and LC group in duodenal segments. In Cd group intestinal morphology was observed to be severely damaged whereas in Cd+LC group the damage was noticeably lower. Cd administration caused severe cellular damage and decreased gastrointestinal motility. Treatment with the LC has affected the gastrointestinal contractility and reduced the damage in intestinal morphology, which occured after Cd application.

El cadmio (Cd) es el metal pesado tóxico industrial y ambiental que se encuentra en el aire, el agua y el suelo. El Cd afecta negativamente a muchos órganos humanos, como los riñones, los intestinos, el hígado, los testículos y los pulmones. La L-carnitina (LC) es un agente importante que juega un rol esencial en el metabolismo energético. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si la aplicación de LC tiene algún efecto protector sobre la contractilidad intestinal y el daño morfológico del duodeno de rata prepuberal sobre la toxicidad inducida por Cd. Veintiocho ratas Wistar hembras prepúberes se dividieron en cuatro grupos. El primer grupo control (C), segundo grupo; grupo cd; Se administró cloruro de cadmio 2 mg/kg durante 28 días con un descanso de un día por vía i.p. El tercer grupo; Cd+LC, al que se administró cloruro de cadmio 2 mg/kg i.p. y LC se administró por vía oral mediante lavado gástrico. La dosis de LC se administró como 75 mg/kg. El cuarto grupo; LC, al cual solo LC se administraba por vía oral. Los segmentos intestinales fueron aislados y suspendieron en baño de tejido. Las respuestas contráctiles fueron inducidas por acetilcolina (ACh) y la relajación se logró con fenilefrina. También se examinaron los segmentos en busca de cambios histológicos mediante microscopía óptica. Las contracciones inducidas por Ach fueron mayores en Cd+LC, LC y el grupo control en comparación con el grupo Cd en los segmentos duodenales. Las relajaciones inducidas por fenilefrina fueron menores en los grupos Cd en comparación con el grupo Control, Cd+LC y LC en los segmentos duodenales. En el grupo Cd se observó que la morfología intestinal estaba severamente dañada mientras que en el grupo Cd+LC el daño fue notablemente menor. La administración de Cd causó daño celular severo y disminución de la motilidad gastrointestinal. El tratamiento con LC afectó la contractilidad gastrointestinal y redujo el daño en la morfología intestinal, que ocurría después de la aplicación de Cd.

Impact of Objective Colonic and Whole Gut Motility Data as Measured by Wireless Motility Capsule on Outcomes of Antireflux Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Studies show higher rates of dissatisfaction with antireflux surgery (ARS) outcomes in patients with chronic constipation. This suggests a relationship between colonic dysmotility and suboptimal surgical outcome. However, due to limitations in technology, there is no objective data available examining this relationship. The wireless motility capsule (WMC) is a novel technology consisting of an ingestible capsule equipped with pH, temperature, and pressure sensors, which provide information regarding regional and whole gut transit times, pH and motility. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of objective regional and whole gut motility data on the outcomes of ARS. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective review of patients who underwent WMC testing before ARS. Transit times, motility, and pH data obtained from different gastrointestinal tract regions were used in analysis to determine factors that impact surgical outcome. A favorable outcome was defined as complete resolution of the predominant reflux symptom and freedom from antisecretory medications. RESULTS: The final study population consisted of 48 patients (fundoplication [n = 29] and magnetic sphincter augmentation [n = 19]). Of those patients, 87.5% were females and the mean age ± SD was 51.8 ± 14.5 years. At follow-up (mean ± SD, 16.8 ± 13.2 months), 87.5% of all patients achieved favorable outcomes. Patients with unfavorable outcomes had longer mean whole gut transit times (92.0 hours vs 55.7 hours; p = 0.024) and colonic transit times (78.6 hours vs 47.3 hours; p = 0.028), higher mean peak colonic pH (8.8 vs 8.15; p = 0.009), and higher mean antral motility indexes (310 vs 90.1; p = 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate that objective colonic dysmotility leads to suboptimal outcomes after ARS. WMC testing can assist with preoperative risk assessment and counseling for patients seeking ARS.

GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH WELL-CONTROLLED TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are common. However, the endpoints in well-controlled T2DM in elderly patients are barely understood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate GI transit and gastric myoelectric activity in elderly patients with T2DM who were undergoing treatment with metformin and to compare them with non-diabetic healthy controls. METHODS: A total of thirty participants were enrolled in this study: young non-diabetic (n=10), elderly non-diabetic controls (n=10), and patients with T2DM managed with metformin (n=10). After fasting overnight, the participants ingested a standard meal and magnetic markers for non-invasive monitoring of GI transit and gastric contractility using the alternating current biosusceptometry and electrogastrography techniques. RESULTS: Mean gastric emptying time, mean colon arrival time, and mean intestinal transit time were determined. There were no significant differences between the groups and in the parameters evaluated (P>0.05). The frequency and amplitude of gastric myoelectric activity were not different between groups; however, abnormal rhythmic index and the half-bandwidth were slightly higher for both elderly diabetic and non-diabetic groups compared with the young adults (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study showed unaltered gastric emptying and intestinal transit in T2DM patients with good glycemic control, and suggest changes in the gastric electrical activity can be a part of aging.

Vomiting and Gastric Motility in Early Brain Damaged Children With Congenital Zika Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the occurrence of vomiting and gastric dysmotility in dysphagic children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) and assessed possible associations of these findings with the severity of dysphagia and the presence of tube feeding. METHODS: Forty-six children with CZS were assessed for dysphagia, and the occurrence of vomiting, dietary volume tolerance <15 mL/kg, and feeding time per meal >30 minutes were evaluated. Gastric antrum ultrasonography was used to detect the frequency of contractions and measure antral areas (at fasting and 15 minutes postprandial), from which the gastric emptying rate (GER) was calculated. Antral ultrasonography findings were compared with those of ten healthy controls. Vomiting and gastric motility were compared between CZS patients according to the severity of dysphagia and the requirement for tube feeding. RESULTS: Overall, 76% (35/46) of children with CZS had moderate-to-severe dysphagia (MSD), among whom 60% (21/35) were tube fed [MSD tube fed (MSDTF)]. Vomiting occurred in 54% (25/46) of children, whereas dietary volume intolerance and prolonged feeding time were observed in 59% (27/46) and 37% (17/46), respectively, most frequently in MSDTF patients. On ultrasound, 61% (28/46) of children with CZS had no antral contractions, whereas 90% (9/10) of controls did. Compared to healthy controls, GER was eight-fold lower in children with CZS and 60-fold lower in MSDTF children. CONCLUSIONS: In dysphagic children with CZS, vomiting, volume intolerance, and prolonged feeding time were frequent and possibly associated with impaired antral contraction and delayed gastric emptying, especially in cases of severe dysphagia and tube feeding.

High-fat diets on the enteric nervous system: Possible interactions and mechanisms underlying dysmotility.

Obesity is a chronic disease that affects various physiological systems. Among them, the gastrointestinal tract appears to be a main target of this disease. High-fat diet (HFD) animal models can help recapitulate the classic signs of obesity and present a series of gastrointestinal alterations, mainly dysmotility. Because intestinal motility is governed by the enteric nervous system (ENS), enteric neurons, and glial cells have been studied in HFD models. Given the importance of the ENS in general gut physiology, this review aims to discuss the relationship between HFD-induced neuroplasticity and gut dysmotility observed in experimental models. Furthermore, we highlight components of the gut environment that might influence enteric neuroplasticity, including gut microbiota, enteric glio-epithelial unit, serotonin release, immune cells, and disturbances such as inflammation and oxidative stress.

Preparations from Campomanesia reitziana reduce the gastrointestinal motility and castor oil-induced diarrhea in a non-opioid and non-dopaminergic pathway in mice and display antimicrobial activity in vitro.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the antidiarrheal potential of the aqueous extract (AECR) and hydroalcoholic extract of Campomanesia reitziana leaves (HECR), its ethyl acetate (EAF) and dichloromethane fractions (DCMF), and myricitrin isolated from EAF. METHODS: The total phenols and flavonoids were measured, followed by chromatography and myricitrin isolation. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl scavenger activity, the cytotoxicity, and the effects on LPS-induced nitrite production in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) were quantified. The effect of HECR, EAF, DCMF, and AECR on intestinal motility (IT), gastric emptying (GE), and castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice was determined, as well as its antimicrobial activity. KEY RESULTS: The administration of AECR 10% (10 ml/kg, p.o), but not HECR (300 mg/kg), reduced the GE and IT by 52 and 51%. The EAF and DCMF at 300 mg/kg also reduced IT but did not change GE. Moreover, AECR and EAF, but not DCMF, inhibited the castor oil-induced diarrhea and naloxone or metoclopramide pretreatment did not change these effects. Myricitrin did not change IT and the evacuation index of mice. Finally, the dry residue of AECR inhibited bacterial growth and EAF showed bacteriostatic activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and S. typhimurium and antifungal for C. albicans. However, none of the preparations alter the viability of Giardia spp. trophozoites. CONCLUSIONS: The AECR and EAF can be effective to treat diarrhea acting through opioid- or dopaminergic type 2 receptor-independent mechanisms and by its antimicrobial actions.

Accuracy of clinical indicators of the nursing diagnosis of dysfunctional gastrointestinal motility in infants.

This study aimed to analyze the accuracy of the clinical indicators of the nursing diagnosis of dysfunctional gastrointestinal motility in infants from neonatal units and identify their association with clinical variables. This is a study of the diagnostic accuracy of clinical indicators of the diagnosis of dysfunctional gastrointestinal motility, with a cross-sectional design, performed on 228 hospitalized infants in neonatal units. A high prevalence of dysfunctional gastrointestinal motility was identified in the studied population. Regarding accuracy measures, clinical indicators such as increased gastric residual, changes in bowel sounds, bile-colored gastric residual, regurgitation, absence of flatus, and hard and formed stool were useful to discriminate between infants with and without dysfunctional gastrointestinal motility. The findings can help nurses during the diagnostic process, as they identify which defining characteristics can be used to confirm or rule out the probability of occurrence of the diagnosis.

The effects of L-carnitine on gastrointestinal contractility and histological changes in rat intestinal ischemia-reperfusion Injury / Efectos de la l-carnitina sobre la contractilidad gastrointestinal y los cambios histológicos en la lesión por isquemia-reperfusión intestinal de rata

SUMMARY: Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) of the small intestine causes serious abdominal pathologies including tissue dysfunction and organ failure. L-carnitine (L-C), a powerful antioxidant, may help lessen the severity of these pathological effects since it plays a key role in energy metabolism. In this work we aimed to study the effects of L-C on the isolated ileal and duodenal contractility and histological changes in intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury. Twenty eight Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The first group is the control group. Second group, I/R group, had rats submitted to 45-minutes of intestinal ischemia and to 45-minutes reperfusion. The third group, I/R+ L-C group, rats were treated with L-C 5 minutes before reperfusion and than submitted to ischemia. The fourth group, included rats that were treated with L-C without ischemia or reperfusion. Intestinal ischemia was conducted by obstructing superior mesentery arteries by silk loop. The ileal and duodenal segments were isolated and suspended in tissue bath. Contractile responses were induced by acetylcholine (Ach) and relaxation was achieved with phenylephrine. At the same time the terminal ileal and duodenal segments were examined for histological changes. Ach-induced contraction responses were higher in the I/R+L-C group, the L-C group, and the control group compared to the I/R group, in both ileal and duodenal segments. On the other hand, the phenylephrine-induced relaxations were higher in the I/R+L-C and L-C groups, especially in duodenal segments. In I/R group intestinal morphology was observed to be severely damaged whereas in I/R+L-C group the damage was noticeably lower possibly due to protective properties of L-C. I/R injury caused severe cellular damage response within the muscularis resulting in decreased gastrointestinal motility. Treatment with the L-C has significantly affected the gastrointestinal contractility. Also L-C treatment reduced the damage in intestinal morphology that occurs after IR injury.

RESUMEN: La isquemia-reperfusión (I/R) del intestino delgado provoca graves patologías abdominales que incluyen disfunción tisular y falla orgánica. La L-carnitina (L-C), un poderoso antioxidante, puede ayudar a disminuir la gravedad de estos efectos patológicos, ya que desempeña un papel clave en el metabolismo energético. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar los efectos de L-C sobre la contractilidad ileal y duodenal aislada y los cambios histológicos en la lesión por isquemia y reperfusión intestinal. Se dividieron 28 ratas Wistar en cuatro grupos. El primer grupo fue el control. El segundo grupo, grupo I/R, de ratas sometidas durante 45 minutos de isquemia intestinal y a 45 minutos de reperfusión. El tercer grupo, grupo I/R+ L-C, las ratas se trataron con L-C, 5 minutos antes de la reperfusión y luego se sometieron a isquemia. El cuarto grupo, las ratas fueron tratadas con L-C sin isquemia ni reperfusión. La isquemia intestinal se realizó obstruyendo la arteria mesentérica superior con un asa de seda. Los segmentos ileal y duodenal se aislaron y suspendieron en un baño de tejido. Las respuestas contráctiles fueron inducidas por acetilcolina (Ach) y la relajación se logró con fenilefrina. Al mismo tiempo, se examinaron cambios histológicos de los segmentos del íleon terminal y del duodeno. Las respuestas de contracción inducidas por Ach fueron mayores en el grupo I/R+L-C, el grupo L-C y el grupo control en comparación con el grupo I/R, tanto en el segmento ileal como en el duodenal. Por otra parte, las relajaciones inducidas por fenilefrina fueron mayores en los grupos I/R+L-C y L-C, especialmente en los segmentos duodenales. En el grupo I/R se observó que la morfología intestinal estaba dañada significativamente, mientras que en el grupo I/R+L-C el daño fue notablemente menor, posiblemente debido a las propiedades protectoras de L-C. La lesión por I/R causó una respuesta de daño celular severo dentro de la capa muscular que resultó en una disminución de la motilidad gastrointestinal. El tratamiento con L-C afectó significativamente la contractilidad gastrointestinal. Por otra parte, el tratamiento L-C redujo el daño en la morfología intestinal que ocurre después de la lesión por IR.

Plant origin prebiotics affect duodenal brush border membrane functionality and morphology, in vivo (Gallus Gallus).

The intra-amniotic administration approach has been used to evaluate the effects of plant origin prebiotics on intestinal health and on brush border membrane functionality and morphology. Prebiotics are fermentable dietary fibers, which can positively affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and activity of colon bacteria, thus improving intestinal health. The consumption of prebiotics increases digestive tract motility, which leads to hyperplasia and/or hypertrophy of intestinal cells, increasing nutrient digestive and absorptive surface area. This review collates information about the effects and relationship between prebiotic consumption on small intestinal brush border membrane functionality and morphology by utilizing the intra-amniotic administration approach. To date, research has shown that the intra-amniotic administration of prebiotics affects the expression of key brush border membrane functional proteins, intestinal surface area (villi height/width), and goblet cell number/size. These effects may improve brush border membrane functionality and digestive/absorptive capabilities.

Paternal obesity and its transgenerational effects on gastrointestinal function in male rat offspring.

The interplay between obesity and gastrointestinal (GI) motility is contradictory, and the transgenerational influence on this parameter is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the GI function in a model of paternal obesity and two subsequent generations of their male offspring. Newborn male rats were treated with monosodium glutamate (MSG) and composed the F1 generation, while control rats (CONT) received saline. At 90 days, male F1 were mated with non-obese females to obtain male offspring (F2), which later mated with non-obese females for obtaining male offspring of F3 generation. Lee Index analysis was adopted to set up the obesity groups. Alternating current biosusceptometry (ACB) technique was employed to calculate GI transit parameters: mean gastric emptying time (MGET), mean cecum arrival time (MCAT), mean small intestinal transit time (MSITT), and gastric frequency and amplitude of contractions. Glucose, insulin, and leptin levels and duodenal morphometry were measured. F1 obese rats showed a decrease in the frequency and amplitude of gastric contractions, while obese rats from the F2 generation showed accelerated MGET and delayed MCAT and MSITT. Glucose and leptin levels were increased in F1 and F2 generations. Insulin levels decreased in F1, F2, and F3 generations. Duodenal morphometry was altered in all three generations. Obesity may have paternal transgenerational transmission, and it provoked disturbances in the gastrointestinal function of three generations.