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Liu J, Dai Q, Qu T, Ma J, Lv C, Wang H, Yu Y. Ameliorating effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on a mouse model of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 193:106440. [PMID: 38369213 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Limited treatment options have been shown to alter the natural course of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). Therefore, safer and more effective approaches are urgently needed. We investigated the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in a mouse model of IBS-C. In the current study, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control, IBS-C model control, sham-electrostimulation (sham-ES), taVNS, and drug treatment groups. The effects of taVNS on fecal pellet number, fecal water content, and gastrointestinal transit were evaluated in IBS-C model mice. We assessed the effect of taVNS on visceral hypersensitivity using the colorectal distention test. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the fecal microbiota of the experimental groups. First, we found that taVNS increased fecal pellet number, fecal water content, and gastrointestinal transit in IBS-C model mice compared with the sham-ES group. Second, taVNS significantly decreased the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score compared with the sham-ES group, thus relieving visceral hyperalgesia. Third, the gut microbiota outcomes showed that taVNS restored Lactobacillus abundance while increasing Bifidobacterium probiotic abundance at the genus level. Notably, taVNS increased the number of c-kit-positive interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the myenteric plexus region in IBS-C mice compared with the sham-ES group. Therefore, our study indicated that taVNS effectively ameliorated IBS-C in the gut microbiota and ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, Anhui Province, China
| | - Qian Dai
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230001, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tong Qu
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230001, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, Anhui Province, China
| | - Chaolan Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, Anhui Province, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230001, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, Anhui Province, China.
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Besendörfer M, Kirchgatter A, Carbon R, Weiss C, Müller H, Matzel KE, Diez S. Sacral neuromodulation for constipation and fecal incontinence in children and adolescents - study protocol of a prospective, randomized trial on the application of invasive vs. non-invasive technique. Trials 2024; 25:210. [PMID: 38515199 PMCID: PMC10958925 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08052-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A therapeutic effect of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) on fecal incontinence (FI) and quality of life has been proven in adults. SNM is, however, rarely used in pediatric cases. The aim of the study is to investigate effects of SNM in pediatric constipation in a prospective parallel-group trial. METHODS A monocentric, randomized, unblinded, parallel-group trial is conducted. SNM is conducted in the invasive variant and in an innovative, external approach with adhesive electrodes (enteral neuromodulation, ENM). We include patients with constipation according to the ROME IV criteria and refractory to conventional options. Patients with functional constipation and Hirschsprung's disease are able to participate. Participants are allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either SNM or ENM group. Clinical data and quality of life is evaluated in regular check-ups. Neuromodulation is applied continuously for 3 months (end point of the study) with follow-up-points at 6 and 12 months. Findings are analyzed statistically considering a 5% significance level (p ≤ 0.05). Outcome variables are defined as change in (1) episodes of abdominal pain, (2) episodes of FI, (3) defecation frequency, (4) stool consistency. Improvement of proprioception, influence on urinary incontinence, quality of life and safety of treatment are assessed as secondary outcome variables. We expect a relevant improvement in both study groups. DISCUSSION This is the first trial, evaluating effects of neuromodulation for constipation in children and adolescents and comparing effects of the invasive and non-invasive application (SNM vs. ENM). TRIAL REGISTRATION The study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier NCT04713085 (date of registration 01/14/2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Besendörfer
- Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Loschgestraße 15, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Annemarie Kirchgatter
- Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Loschgestraße 15, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Roman Carbon
- Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Loschgestraße 15, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Christel Weiss
- Department of Medical Statistics, Biomathematics, and Information Processing, Medical Faculty, Mannheim of Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, Haus 3, Ebene 4, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Hanna Müller
- Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Marburg, Baldingerstaße, Marburg, 35043, Germany
| | - Klaus E Matzel
- Department of Surgery, Section of Coloproctology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Maximiliansplatz 2, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sonja Diez
- Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Loschgestraße 15, Erlangen, 91054, Germany.
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Diez S, Kirchgatter A, Adam D, Füldner A, Müller H, Matzel KE, Besendörfer M. Noninvasive Sacral Neuromodulation in Children and Adolescents: A Case-Control Study of Patients With Chronic Refractory Constipation. Neuromodulation 2023; 26:1858-1866. [PMID: 36207226 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.08.451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In adult patients with chronic refractory constipation, invasive sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has been applied successfully. There is a need for less invasive solutions while providing comparable therapeutic effects in children and adolescents. We present a prospective, interventional case-control study on the application of noninvasive SNM. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with chronic constipation refractory to conservative treatment were prospectively included in the study from 2018 to 2021 and randomized to either SNM (SNM group: single current stimulation for 24 h/d, frequency 15 Hz, pulse width 210 μs, intensity 1-10 mA) or conventional treatment (controls: full range of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options). Treatment was conducted for 12 weeks. Treatment effects were collected with specialized questionnaires and quality-of-life analysis (KINDLR). Outcome variables were defecation frequency, stool consistency, fecal incontinence (FI) episodes, and abdominal pain. RESULTS Analysis was conducted in 28 patients with SNM and 31 controls (median age 7.0, range 3-16 years). Overall responsiveness to treatment was 86% of the SNM group and 39% of the control group (p < 0.001). All outcome variables were positively influenced by SNM treatment. Defecation frequency improved in 46% of patients with SNM and in 19% of controls (p = 0.026), as did stool consistency in 57% of patients with SNM and in 26% of controls (p = 0.014). Fecal incontinence was significantly reduced in 76% of patients with SNM (n = 16/21 vs 42% of controls [n = 11/26], p = 0.042). Quality of life improved significantly during SNM treatment (71.32 [baseline] vs 85.00 [after 12 weeks], p < 0.001) and confirmed a positive influence of SNM treatment compared with the control group (85.00 [SNM after 12 weeks] vs 79.29 [controls after 12 weeks], p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS Outcome of noninvasive SNM treatment in patients with chronic refractory constipation is better than conventional treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Diez
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Annemarie Kirchgatter
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dana Adam
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arne Füldner
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hanna Müller
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Klaus E Matzel
- Department of Surgery, Section of Coloproctology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manuel Besendörfer
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Walther M, Müller H, Weiß C, Carbon R, Diez S, Besendörfer M. A comparative observational study on intrasphincteric injections with Botulinum toxin vs. enteral neuromodulation in chronic refractory constipation. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:448. [PMID: 37684559 PMCID: PMC10486061 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04217-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Botulinum toxin injections in the anal sphincter apparatus (Botox) and enteral neuromodulation (ENM) are options for treatment of refractory chronic constipation. We present a retrospective comparative observational study. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 2014 to 2022, pediatric patients with chronic constipation were either treated with Botox or ENM with continuation of conservative treatment. Comparison was conducted regarding the primary outcome variables defecation frequency, stool consistency, and abdominal pain. Secondary outcomes were fecal incontinence, enuresis, change of medication and safety of treatment. RESULTS 19 Botox patients (10 boys, 9 girls, 12 patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD), 7 patients with functional constipation (FC)) were compared to 24 ENM patients (18 boys, 6 girls, 12 HD patients, 7 FC patients). Groups differed significantly in age (5.0 years (Botulinum toxin) and 6.5 years (ENM), mean values, p-value 0.008). Improvement of constipation was seen in 68% (n = 13/19) of Botox and 88% (n = 21/24) of ENM patients (p = 0.153). Influence of etiology on therapeutic effects was not observed. Complications were minor. CONCLUSIONS Botox and ENM can be considered as valuable and effective treatment options in refractory chronic constipation. Prospective, large-population studies should be designed to enable improved evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Walther
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hanna Müller
- Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Marburg, 35043, Baldingerstraße, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christel Weiß
- Department of Medical Statistics, Biomathematics, and Information Processing, Medical Faculty, Mannheim of Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Roman Carbon
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sonja Diez
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Manuel Besendörfer
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
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Camilleri M. Electrical devices for functional visceral pain. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2023; 35:e14518. [PMID: 36520617 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have documented correction of dysmotility in several regions of the gastrointestinal tract based on electrical stimulation of extrinsic nerves supplying those regions. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Ma et al. (2023) document the effect of transcutaneous neuromodulation applied by acustimulation at ST36 for ineffective esophageal motility in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. In addition to motor effects, there were also significant effects on GERD symptoms, raising the question whether extrinsic electrical nerve stimulation of the gut can reduce symptoms through effects that target sensation. This brief review summarizes evidence regarding the application of electrical acustimulation, transauricular electrical stimulation, and sacral electrical or magnetic stimulation to reduce abdominal or pelvic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Camilleri
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (CENTER), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Abstract
Functional constipation (FC) is considered the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder in children with a pooled global prevalence of 14.4% (95% confidence interval: 11.2-17.6) when diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria. Its pathophysiological mechanisms are thought be multifactorial and complicated, resulting in difficult management. Currently, the most effective medication, when used in parallel with toilet training, is osmotic laxatives. Children’s adherence to medication and parental concern regarding long-term laxative use are the main contributors to treatment failure. Recently, novel therapies with a high safety profile have been developed, such as probiotics, synbiotics, serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor agonists, chloride channel activators, and herbal and transitional medicines; nonetheless, well-designed research to support the use of these therapies is needed. This review aims to focus on multiple aspects of FC in children, including global prevalence, pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, tools, as well as conventional and novel treatment options, such as non-pharmacological management, including adequate fiber and fluid intake, physiotherapy, or neuromodulators. We also report that in very difficult cases, surgical intervention may be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc Long Tran
- Thailand and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Bangkok, Thailand
- Faculty of Medicine, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho City 9000, Viet Nam
| | - Palittiya Sintusek
- Thai Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Immunology Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Thai Red Cross, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Lodhia NA, Horton L, Thapa N, Goldin AH, Chan WW. Opioid-Associated Anorectal Dysfunction in Chronic Constipation. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:3904-10. [PMID: 34699000 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-07288-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The role of anorectal and defecatory dysfunction in opioid-related constipation is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between opioid use and rectal sensation, defecatory function, and balloon expulsion on anorectal physiology testing. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive adults undergoing high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) at a tertiary center for constipation. Clinical characteristics, medication use, and HRAM findings were obtained. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher-exact/student t-test for univariate analyses and logistic/general linear regression for multivariable analyses to compare patients with no opioid use, recent (< 3 months) use, and distant (> 3 months) use. RESULTS 424 patients (49.8 ± 17.2 years; 85.6% female) were included. Compared to those without opioid history, patients with recent use had increased volumes for first rectal sensation (70.4 mL vs 59.4, p = 0.043), urge (120.5 mL vs 101.5, p = 0.017), and maximal tolerance (170.2 mL vs 147.2, p = 0.0018), but not patients with distant use. Recent opioid use was associated with increased risk of dyssynergic defecation (DD) (61.8% vs 46.4%, p = 0.035), but not failed balloon expulsion. On multivariable models controlling for potential confounders, recent opioid use, but not distant use, remained independently correlated with increased volumes for first rectal sensation (β-coefficient 9.78, p = 0.019), urge (β-coefficient 16.7, p = 0.0060), and maximal tolerance (β-coefficient 22.9, p = 0.0032), and higher risk for DD (aOR = 2.18, p = 0.026). CONCLUSION Recent opioid use was an independent risk factor for rectal hyposensitivity and DD on HRAM in patients with constipation, but that effect may decrease with discontinuation of use. Anorectal physiology testing should be considered in patients with opioid-associated constipation.
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El-Chammas KI, Santucci NR, Mansi S, Kaul A. Pediatric gastrointestinal neuromodulation: A review. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:403-412. [PMID: 35418002 PMCID: PMC9843514 DOI: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_109_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation, also known as bioelectric neuromodulation or neurostimulation, is the therapeutic use of electrical stimulation of nerves or brain centers. Neuromodulation has been trialed in an increasing range of human diseases as well as gastrointestinal disorders. The application of neuromodulation to treat pediatric motility and functional disorders is an exciting recent development. This review aims to briefly discuss the use of neuromodulation for the treatment of pediatric gastroparesis, constipation, and visceral hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil I. El-Chammas
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA,Address for correspondence: Dr. Khalil I. El-Chammas, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio - 45229, USA. E-mail:
| | - Neha R. Santucci
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Sherief Mansi
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ajay Kaul
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Abstract
Fecal incontinence (FI) is a commonly occurring disease of high concern. It is characterized by voluntary and involuntary defecation in children and adolescents. It is not only a physical disease but also a psychological and behavioral disorder. FI poses a serious burden on individuals and their families and therefore has become a social problem. Unfortunately, the management of FI among children is still a challenge because the etiology varies widely. Constipation has been found to be the most common cause, while sphincter dysfunction and neurogenic abnormalities may also play a role. Currently, no consensus guidelines exist, and the criteria for selecting optional methods remain unclear. It is therefore necessary to improve the efficacy of diagnosis and management strategies of FI in children. This review focused on the classification and etiology, discussed the diagnosis and management methods of FI in children and adolescents, and aimed to guide future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe-Ying Shen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Dalian Women and Children's Medical Center, Dalian, China
| | - Yu-Zuo Bai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shu-Cheng Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Zhang Y, Lu T, Meng Y, Maisiyiti A, Dong Y, Li S, Chen Y, Yin J, Chen JDZ. Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation Improves Constipation by Enhancing Colon Motility via the Central-Vagal Efferent Pathway in Opioid-Induced Constipated Rats. Neuromodulation 2021; 24:1258-1268. [PMID: 33887080 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Constipation and opioid-induced constipation (OIC) are common with limited treatment options. We investigated whether a noninvasive method of auricular vagal nerve stimulation (aVNS) could be used for treating OIC and explored its potential mechanisms and neural pathways in a rodent model of OIC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sprague-Dawley were chronically implanted with one pair of auricular electrodes for aVNS. Sixteen rats were treated with loperamide for a week while another 16 rats received bilateral vagotomy, then randomly treated with aVNS or sham-aVNS for a week. In addition, eight normal rats were implanted with a polyethylene catheter in the proximal colon for assessing whole colon transit. RESULTS 1) The number of fecal pellets and water content in feces increased after aVNS, compared with sham-aVNS. 2) aVNS accelerated colon transit and whole gut transit, compared with sham-aVNS. 3) In colon tissues, aVNS increased the protein expression of choline acetyltransferase, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and the c-kit expression in myenteric interstitial cells of Cajal but decreased the protein expression of neural nitric oxide synthase (p < 0.05 for all, vs. sham-VNS). 4) The prokinetic effects of aVNS were abolished by both subdiaphragmatic vagotomy and atropine. 5) aVNS increased the c-fos expression in both nucleus tractus solitarius and dorsal motor nucleus of vagus, and increased vagal efferent activity (p < 0.05, vs. sham-VNS). CONCLUSIONS aVNS improves OIC by enhancing colon motility and restoring enteric neural functions mediated via the central and vagal efferent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Meng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alimujiang Maisiyiti
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yan Dong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shiying Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yan Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jieyun Yin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jiande D Z Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Ramadi KB, Srinivasan SS, Traverso G. Electroceuticals in the Gastrointestinal Tract. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:960-976. [PMID: 33127099 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The field of electroceuticals has attracted considerable attention over the past few decades as a novel therapeutic modality. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract (GIT) holds significant potential as a target for electroceuticals as the intersection of neural, endocrine, and immune systems. We review recent developments in electrical stimulation of various portions of the GIT (including esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine) and nerves projecting to the GIT and supportive organs. This has been tested with varying degrees of success for several dysmotility, inflammatory, hormonal, and neurologic disorders. We outline a vision for the future of GI electroceuticals, building on advances in mechanistic understanding of GI physiology coupled with novel ingestible technologies. The next wave of electroceutical therapies will be minimally invasive and more targeted than current approaches, making them an indispensable tool in the clinical armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil B Ramadi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Shriya S Srinivasan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Giovanni Traverso
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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