Interplay between nerve cells and intestinal bacteria
An American research team discovered a previously unknown interplay in between Neurons and ours Darmflora. Accordingly, there are specialized nerve cells whose ends directly in the colon pass. These secrete a substance that Composition of the intestinal flora influenced. at chronic intestinal inflammation this interplay is disturbed.
researchers of Weill Medical College in New York City (USA) interactions between special neurons, pain impulsesthe Darmflora and the emergence of inflammation document. The study results have now been published in the renowned journal “Cell” presents.
Nerve cells involved in maintaining the intestinal flora
Pains we perceive via nerve cells (neurons). Some of these cells extend into the intestines. Apparently these specialized neurons are responsible for the maintaining a healthy intestinal flora responsible.
According to the study, the pain-sensitive neurons in the gut secrete a molecule called Substance P away. This substance increases the population of beneficial microbes in the intestines, which in turn ensure that inflammatory reactions and tissue damage reduced will.
New insights into inflammatory bowel disease
In addition, the working group was able to prove that people with chronic inflammatory bowel disease have a reduced number of such pain-sensitive neurons in the intestine, which significantly disrupts this process.
“These findings change our thinking about inflammatory bowel diseases and open up a completely new approach for therapeutic measures”confirms study lead author Dr. David Artist.
“Defining a previously unknown sensory function for these specific neurons in influencing the microbiota brings a new level of understanding to the interactions between host and gut flora”adds study lead author Dr. Wen Zhang added.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis treated wrong so far?
The two diseases are grouped together under the umbrella term inflammatory bowel disease Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis summarized. So far, attempts have been made to treat these diseases with drugs that immune system aim
However, recent study results now increasingly suggest that the bacteria living in the gut represent a more promising approach to the treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The neurons that have now been discovered offer another interface through which the intestinal flora could be influenced.
About the newly discovered neurons in the gut
The nerve endings of the neurons extend directly into the gut. According to the study, the nerve cells form a surface protein called TRPV1which as receptor for pain-related signals serves.
For example, the receptor recognizes heat, acid and capsaicin, the substance that makes chilies hot. If the receptor is activated, we perceive a burning pain.
course of the study
When the researchers turned off TRPV1 in mice, the animals developed significantly stronger inflammatory reactions and tissue damage in the gut. After the receptors were activated again, the inflammation subsided.
Blocking the receptors drew one change in the Composition of the intestinal flora after himself. The researchers planted the altered intestinal flora in the intestines of healthy mice, whereupon these animals also developed inflammatory reactions.
A broad-spectrum antibiotic that killed most of the gut bacteria was able to neutralize the inflammatory response. Overall, the working group was able to demonstrate with these experiments that not the neurons, but the gut bacteria themselves are responsible for the inflammation.
Nerves influence gut flora via substance P
The researchers come to the conclusion that maintaining a healthy composition of gut bacteria protects the gut from inflammation and tissue damage.
Special nerve cells in the gut help maintain a healthy gut flora by secreting a molecule called substance P into the gut, which encourages certain gut bacteria.
New approaches in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
From the results it can be deduced that Substance P a potential drug for people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. However, it is not yet known exactly how the substance exerts its effect on the intestinal microbial population. The team now wants to answer this question in a follow-up study.
Nevertheless, the new findings reason for hope for people with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, especially for those who are not responding well to available therapies.
Currently available therapies are only partially effective
“Many of the current anti-inflammatory drugs only work in a subset of patients, and until now the pharmaceutical companies didn’t know why”, gives Dr. Arts to consider.
“Perhaps it’s because we’ve only seen part of the picture in chronic inflammation – and now the rest, including the role of the nervous system, is beginning to come into focus.”, sums up the scientist. (vb)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Graduate editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Sources:
- Wen Zhang, Mengze Lyu, Nicholas J. Bessman, et al.: Gut-innervating nociceptors regulate the intestinal microbiota to promote tissue protection; in: Cell (2022), cell.com
- Weill Cornell Medicine: Pain-Sensing Gut Neurons Protect Against Inflammation (veröffentlicht: 14.10.2022), news.weill.cornell.edu
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.