Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation for treating gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with diabetes: a randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled, multicentre trial.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Diabetic gastroenteropathy frequently causes debilitating gastrointestinal symptoms. Previous uncontrolled studies have shown that transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) may improve gastrointestinal symptoms. To investigate the effect of cervical tVNS in individuals with diabetes suffering from autonomic neuropathy and gastrointestinal symptoms, we conducted a randomised, sham-controlled, double-blind (participants and investigators were blinded to the allocated treatment) study. METHODS: This study included adults (aged 20-86) with type 1 or 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal symptoms and autonomic neuropathy recruited from three Steno Diabetes Centres in Denmark. Participants were randomly allocated 1:1 to receive active or sham stimulation. Active cervical tVNS or sham stimulation was self-administered over two successive study periods: 1 week of four daily stimulations and 8 weeks of two daily stimulations. The primary outcome measures were gastrointestinal symptom changes as measured using the gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI) and the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS). Secondary outcomes included gastrointestinal transit times and cardiovascular autonomic function. RESULTS: Sixty-eight participants were randomised to the active group, while 77 were randomised to the sham group. Sixty-three in the active and 68 in the sham group remained for analysis in study period 1, while 62 in each group were analysed in study period 2. In study period 1, active and sham tVNS resulted in similar symptom reductions (GCSI: -0.26 ± 0.64 vs -0.17 ± 0.62, p=0.44; GSRS: -0.35 ± 0.62 vs -0.32 ± 0.59, p=0.77; mean ± SD). In study period 2, active stimulation also caused a mean symptom decrease that was comparable to that observed after sham stimulation (GCSI: -0.47 ± 0.78 vs -0.33 ± 0.75, p=0.34; GSRS: -0.46 ± 0.90 vs -0.35 ± 0.79, p=0.50). Gastric emptying time was increased in the active group compared with sham (23 min vs -19 min, p=0.04). Segmental intestinal transit times and cardiovascular autonomic measurements did not differ between treatment groups (all p>0.05). The tVNS was well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Cervical tVNS, compared with sham stimulation, does not improve gastrointestinal symptoms among individuals with diabetes and autonomic neuropathy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04143269 FUNDING: The study was funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (grant number NNF180C0052045).

Distributions of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor-α Positive Cells and Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Colon of Rats with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.

Background and Objectives: Diabetic gastroenteropathy (DG) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus type 2. Interstitial cells are non-neural cells of mesenchymal origin inserted between nerve elements and smooth muscle cells, necessary for normal function and peristaltic contractions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There are at least two types of interstitial cells within the GI muscle layer-interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and interstitial platelet-derived growth factor receptor α-positive cells (IPC). The mechanism of diabetic gastroenteropathy is unclear, and interstitial cells disorders caused by metabolic changes in diabetes mellitus (DM) could explain the symptoms of DG (slow intestinal transit, constipation, fecal incontinence). The aim of this study was to identify PDGFRα and c-kit immunoreactive cells in the colon of rats with streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes mellitus type 2, as well as to determine their distribution in relation to smooth muscle cells and enteric nerve structures. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were used, and diabetes type 2 was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, immediately after intraperitoneal application of nicotinamide. The colon specimens were exposed to PDGFRα and anti-c-kit antibodies to investigate interstitial cells; enteric neurons and smooth muscle cells were immunohistochemically labeled with NF-M and desmin antibodies. Results: Significant loss of the intramuscular ICC, myenteric ICC, and loss of their connection in intramuscular linear arrays and around the ganglion of the myenteric plexus were observed with no changes in nerve fiber distribution in the colon of rats with diabetes mellitus type 2. IPC were rarely present within the colon muscle layer with densely distributed PDGFRα+ cells in the colon mucosa and submucosa of both experimental groups. In summary, a decrease in intramuscular ICC, discontinuities and breakdown of contacts between myenteric ICC without changes in IPC and nerve fibers distribution were observed in the colon of streptozotocin/nicotinamide-induced diabetes type 2 rats.

Diabetic diarrhoea: A study on gastrointestinal motility, pH levels and autonomic function.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diarrhoea is a common, but poorly investigated diabetes complication. Autonomic neuropathy is a leading pathophysiological theory founded on old, small studies. Studies of gastrointestinal motility and pH levels are lacking. OBJECTIVES: Using new diagnostic methods, we aimed to find out if diabetic diarrhoea was associated with alterations in gastrointestinal motility, pH levels and autonomic function. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients (42 women, 46 with type 1 diabetes) were prospectively included. Symptoms were evaluated with the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale, defining ≥4 points as cases with diarrhoea. Patients scoring <4 were used as controls. We used the wireless motility capsule to measure gastrointestinal transit times, pH levels and contractility parameters. Autonomic function was assessed by measuring heart rate variability, baroreflex sensitivity and orthostatic hypotension. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (30%) had diarrhoea. Compared with controls, cases had slower gastric emptying (21:46 vs. 4:14, h:min, p = 0.03) and faster colonic transit (18:37 vs. 54:25, p < 0.001). Cases had increased intraluminal pH in the antrum (2.4 vs. 1.2, p = 0.009), caecum (7.3 vs. 6.4, p = 0.008) and entire colon (7.1 vs. 6.7, p = 0.05). They also had a decreased pH difference across the pylorus (3.3 vs. 4.9, p = 0.004) and ileocaecal junction (0.6 vs 1.0, p = 0.009). The groups did not differ in autonomic function, but diastolic blood pressure drop correlated rs = -0.34 (p = 0.04) with colonic transit time. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diabetic diarrhoea had altered gastrointestinal transit and intraluminal pH levels, but minimal changes in autonomic function. Our results suggest that tests of gastrointestinal function are clinically useful in diabetic diarrhoea.

Multi-omics characterization of type 2 diabetes mellitus-induced gastroenteropathy in the db/db mouse model.

Objective: Gastrointestinal dysfunction are often associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a complicated metabolic illness. Contributing factors have been proposed, including genetic predisposition, gene environmental, and lifestyle interactions, but the pathophysiology remains unknown. Methods: We aim to explore the possible causes behind gastrointestinal dysfunction caused by type 2 diabetes in this study. A comprehensive analysis of the gastric sinus metabolome, transcriptome, and proteome in db/db mice with gastrointestinal dysfunction was conducted. Results: The model group of mice had considerably lower small intestine propulsion and gastric emptying rates, higher blood glucose levels, and were significantly obese compared to the control group. We identified 297 genes, 350 proteins, and 1,001 metabolites exhibiting significant differences between db/db and control mice (p < 0.05). Moreover, multi-omics analysis revealed that the genes, proteins, and metabolites in the T2DM-induced gastroenteropathy mice group were involved in arachidonic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and vitamin digestion and absorption. Specifically, Cbr3, Etnppl, and Apob were the major mRNAs associated with T2DM-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction, while Cyp2b10, Cyp2b19, Pgs1, Gpat3, Apoa4, and Tcn2 were the major proteins associated with T2DM-induced gastrointestinal injury, and 16(R)-HET, 5-HETE, LysoPC (22:0), and Pantothenic acid were the major metabolites associated with T2DM-induced gastrointestinal disorders. Conclusion: The mechanism of action of diabetic gastroenteropathy may be related to vitamin digestion and absorption, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism.

Diabetic Gastroenteropathy: Soothe the Symptoms or Unravel a Cure?

Autonomic neuropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus, and especially complications related to gastrointestinal neuropathy, are often overlooked in the clinic. Diabetic gastroenteropathy affects every segment of the gastrointestinal tract and generates symptoms that may include nausea, early satiety, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. Severe cases can be complicated by weight loss, dehydration, and electrolyte disturbances. The pathophysiology is complex, the diagnostics and treatment options are multidisciplinary, and there is generally a lack of evidence for the treatment options. The aims for this review are first to summarize the pathophysiology and describe possible and expected symptoms and complications.Further, we will try to supply the clinician with a straightforward tool for diagnostics, and then, we shall summarize established treatment options, including diet recommendations, pharmacological and non-pharmacological options. Finally, we will explore the multiple possibilities of novel treatment, looking at medications related to the pathophysiology of neuropathy, other manifestations of autonomic neuropathies, and symptomatic treatment for other gastrointestinal disorders, also including new knowledge of endosurgical and neuromodulatory treatment. The overall goal is to increase awareness and knowledge on this frequent diabetic complication and to provide better tools for diagnosis and treatment. Ultimately, we hope to encourage further research in this field, as there are clear shortcomings in terms of biomarkers, pathophysiology, as well as treatment possibilities. In conclusion, diagnosis and management of diabetic gastroenteropathy are challenging and often require multidisciplinary teams and multimodal therapies. Treatment options are sparse, but new pharmacological, endoscopic, and neuromodulatory techniques have shown promising results in initial studies.

Relationship between symptoms during a gastric emptying study, daily symptoms and quality of life in patients with diabetes mellitus.

AIMS: Gastric emptying is of limited utility for predicting the severity of symptoms in patients with diabetes mellitus and gastrointestinal symptoms. We evaluated the extent to which symptoms recorded during a 13 C-spirulina-based gastric emptying breath test (GEBT) or scintigraphy predicting the severity of daily symptoms in diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Gastric emptying, symptoms during a gastric emptying study, either scintigraphy (n = 38) or GEBT (n = 111), and daily gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated in 149 patients with diabetes mellitus and variably severe gastrointestinal symptoms. KEY RESULTS: Gastric emptying was normal, delayed, and rapid in 37%, 52%, and 9% measured with the GEBT and 55%, 34%, and 11% of patients measured with scintigraphy; differences between GEBT and scintigraphy were not significant. Daily symptoms were moderately severe or more intense in 58% and 21% of patients undergoing scintigraphy and GEBT (P < 0.0001). Symptoms during the GEBT (46%) and emptying thalf (3%) explained 50% of the variance in daily symptoms in the GEBT group. In the scintigraphy group, symptoms explained 29% of this variance; the thalf was insignificant. Patients who reported that one or more symptoms were more severe than the others during the GE study were more likely (OR 3.98, 95% CI 2.16, 7.33) to report the same symptom(s) as being the most severe in the daily diary. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms during a GEBT and to a lesser extent during scintigraphy, but not gastric emptying predict the severity of daily symptoms and may serve as a biomarker in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Curative Effect and Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Diabetic Gastroenteropathy： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Diabetic gastroenteropathy is a serious chronic complication that accompanies the progression of diabetes mellitus， severely impacting patients' quality of life and overall health. Nearly half of diabetic patients experience symptoms such as nausea， vomiting， early satiety， abdominal distension， and abdominal pain， which increases their anxiety and depression， prompting frequent medical visits and further burdening the healthcare system. In-depth research into the pathogenesis of diabetic gastroenteropathy has identified several core mechanisms， including hyperglycemia， autonomic and enteric nervous system dysfunction， abnormal secretion of gastrointestinal hormones， macrophage polarization， brain-gut axis dysregulation， microRNA deficiency， and oxidative stress-induced damage and apoptosis of interstitial cells of Cajal （ICC）. Current clinical treatments mainly rely on prokinetic and antiemetic drugs. However， their notable adverse effects and diminishing efficacy with long-term use remain pressing issues. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， with its unique theoretical framework and extensive practical experience， potent in prescription formulation and acupoint selection guided by holistic concepts and syndrome differentiation， has gradually become an important option for treating diabetic gastroenteropathy. Numerous studies have confirmed that mechanisms include improving gastrointestinal hormone secretion， repairing ICC damage， regulating the nervous system， reducing oxidative stress， and modulating the brain-gut axis. These findings provide new insights into the treatment of diabetic gastroenteropathy. This article summarized the pathogenesis of diabetic gastroenteropathy and reviewed recent research on Chinese medicine and acupuncture-moxibustion therapy in improving gastrointestinal motility for diabetic gastroenteropathy treatment， aiming to offer clinical treatment insights and highlight the need for further research to explore comprehensive and individualized treatment approaches， providing better strategies for managing diabetic gastroenteropathy.

Potential synergistic effects of quercetin with other phytoconstituents of Costus pictus (insulin plant) extract in the control of hyperglycemia and prevention of NSAID-induced gastroenteropathy in diabetic rats.

There is a need of multifactorial management to treat T2DM. Till date, no clinically simulated animal model and therapy for NSAID-induced gastroenteropathic damage (NSAID-iGD) in T2DM patients. T2DM was developed using high-fat diet plus multiple low doses of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg, IP). Rats treated with ethanolic extract of Insulin plant (EIP; 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, PO; b.i.d.)/Quercetin (QCT; 50 mg/kg)/vehicle for total 10 days. Diclofenac sodium (DCF; 7.5 mg/kg, PO, b.i.d.) administered for final five days of EIP/vehicle administration. Rats fasted after last dose on the 9th day; water was provided ad libitum. 12 h after the last dose on 10th day, GI tracts assessed for haemorrhagic damage, XO activity, LPO, intestinal permeability, luminal pH alterations along with haematological, biochemical and histological parameters. The evidence suggested that DCF administration caused significant gastroenteropathic damage. In presence of T2DM, NSAID-iGD significantly exacerbated. Whereas, QCT/EIP treatment significantly attenuated T2DM dependent exacerbation of NSAID-iGD, and also efficiently managed T2DM in a dose-dependent manner. Low amount of QCT in EIP(190.96 ±â€¯7.5 ng/mg) than its effective dose(50 mg/kg) indicates that EIP's other phytoconstituents (e.g. Kaempferol, Ascorbic acid, Lupeol, Diosgenin, ß-sitosterol, Stigmasterol, ß-amyrin, etc.) giving synergistic actions. Costus pictus/QCT has potential to be promising candidate to treat patient with T2DM and NSAID-gastroenteropathy in T2DM.