The human colon: Evidence for degenerative changes during aging and the physiological consequences.
aging
collagen
enteric nervous system
glial cells
human colon
inflammaging
interstitial cells of Cajal
microbiome
neurodegeneration
nociception
senescence
Journal
Neurogastroenterology and motility
ISSN: 1365-2982
Titre abrégé: Neurogastroenterol Motil
Pays: England
ID NLM: 9432572
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
17 Jun 2024
17 Jun 2024
Historique:
revised:
16
04
2024
received:
18
01
2024
accepted:
05
06
2024
medline:
18
6
2024
pubmed:
18
6
2024
entrez:
18
6
2024
Statut:
aheadofprint
Résumé
The incidence of constipation increases among the elderly (>65 years), while abdominal pain decreases. Causes include changes in lifestyle (e.g., diet and reduced exercise), disease and medications affecting gastrointestinal functions. Degenerative changes may also occur within the colo-rectum. However, most evidence is from rodents, animals with relatively high rates of metabolism and accelerated aging, with considerable variation in time course. In humans, cellular and non-cellular changes in the aging intestine are poorly investigated. To examine all available studies which reported the effects of aging on cellular and tissue functions of human isolated colon, noting the region studied, sex and age of tissue donors and study size. The focus on human colon reflects the ability to access full-thickness tissue over a wide age range, compared with other gastrointestinal regions. Details are important because of natural human variability. We found age-related changes within the muscle, in the enteric and nociceptor innervation, and in the submucosa. Some involve all regions of colon, but the ascending colon appears more vulnerable. Changes can be cell- and sublayer-dependent. Mechanisms are unclear but may include development of "senescent-like" and associated inflammaging, perhaps associated with increased mucosal permeability to harmful luminal contents. In summary, reduced nociceptor innervation can explain diminished abdominal pain among the elderly. Degenerative changes within the colon wall may have little impact on symptoms and colonic functions, because of high "functional reserve," but are likely to facilitate the development of constipation during age-related challenges (e.g., lifestyle, disease, and medications), now operating against a reduced functional reserve.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
The incidence of constipation increases among the elderly (>65 years), while abdominal pain decreases. Causes include changes in lifestyle (e.g., diet and reduced exercise), disease and medications affecting gastrointestinal functions. Degenerative changes may also occur within the colo-rectum. However, most evidence is from rodents, animals with relatively high rates of metabolism and accelerated aging, with considerable variation in time course. In humans, cellular and non-cellular changes in the aging intestine are poorly investigated.
PURPOSE
OBJECTIVE
To examine all available studies which reported the effects of aging on cellular and tissue functions of human isolated colon, noting the region studied, sex and age of tissue donors and study size. The focus on human colon reflects the ability to access full-thickness tissue over a wide age range, compared with other gastrointestinal regions. Details are important because of natural human variability. We found age-related changes within the muscle, in the enteric and nociceptor innervation, and in the submucosa. Some involve all regions of colon, but the ascending colon appears more vulnerable. Changes can be cell- and sublayer-dependent. Mechanisms are unclear but may include development of "senescent-like" and associated inflammaging, perhaps associated with increased mucosal permeability to harmful luminal contents. In summary, reduced nociceptor innervation can explain diminished abdominal pain among the elderly. Degenerative changes within the colon wall may have little impact on symptoms and colonic functions, because of high "functional reserve," but are likely to facilitate the development of constipation during age-related challenges (e.g., lifestyle, disease, and medications), now operating against a reduced functional reserve.
Types de publication
Journal Article
Review
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
e14848Subventions
Organisme : Takeda Pharmaceutical Company
Organisme : Bowel and Cancer Research
Organisme : Dunhill Medical Trust
ID : R382/1114
Organisme : Age UK
Informations de copyright
© 2024 The Author(s). Neurogastroenterology & Motility published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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