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Broad J, Kung VWS, Palmer A, Elahi S, Karami A, Darreh-Shori T, Ahmed S, Thaha MA, Carroll R, Chin-Aleong J, Martin JE, Saffrey MJ, Knowles CH, Sanger GJ. Changes in neuromuscular structure and functions of human colon during ageing are region-dependent. Gut 2019; 68:1210-1223. [PMID: 30228216 PMCID: PMC6594449 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2018-316279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if human colonic neuromuscular functions decline with increasing age. DESIGN Looking for non-specific changes in neuromuscular function, a standard burst of electrical field stimulation (EFS) was used to evoke neuronally mediated (cholinergic/nitrergic) contractions/relaxations in ex vivomuscle strips of human ascending and descending colon, aged 35-91 years (macroscopically normal tissue; 239 patients undergoing cancer resection). Then, to understand mechanisms of change, numbers and phenotype of myenteric neurons (30 306 neurons stained with different markers), densities of intramuscular nerve fibres (51 patients in total) and pathways involved in functional changes were systematically investigated (by immunohistochemistry and use of pharmacological tools) in elderly (≥70 years) and adult (35-60 years) groups. RESULTS With increasing age, EFS was more likely to evoke muscle relaxation in ascending colon instead of contraction (linear regression: n=109, slope 0.49%±0.21%/year, 95% CI), generally uninfluenced by comorbidity or use of medications. Similar changes were absent in descending colon. In the elderly, overall numbers of myenteric and neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive neurons and intramuscular nerve densities were unchanged in ascending and descending colon, compared with adults. In elderly ascending, not descending, colon numbers of cell bodies exhibiting choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity increased compared with adults (5.0±0.6 vs 2.4±0.3 neurons/mm myenteric plexus, p=0.04). Cholinergically mediated contractions were smaller in elderly ascending colon compared with adults (2.1±0.4 and 4.1±1.1 g-tension/g-tissue during EFS; n=25/14; p=0.04); there were no changes in nitrergic function or in ability of the muscle to contract/relax. Similar changes were absent in descending colon. CONCLUSION In ascending not descending colon, ageing impairs cholinergic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Broad
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Victor W S Kung
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Palmer
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Shezan Elahi
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Azadeh Karami
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, NEO, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Taher Darreh-Shori
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, NEO, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shafi Ahmed
- Department of Surgery, Barts Health NHS Trust, The Royal London Hospital, London, UK,Department of Pathology, Barts Health NHS Trust, The Royal London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mohamed Adhnan Thaha
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK,Department of Surgery, Barts Health NHS Trust, The Royal London Hospital, London, UK,Department of Pathology, Barts Health NHS Trust, The Royal London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Carroll
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Joanne Chin-Aleong
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Joanne E Martin
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - M Jill Saffrey
- School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Charles H Knowles
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK,Department of Surgery, Barts Health NHS Trust, The Royal London Hospital, London, UK,Department of Pathology, Barts Health NHS Trust, The Royal London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Gareth John Sanger
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Liu JYH, Lin G, Fang M, Rudd JA. Localization of estrogen receptor ERα, ERβ and GPR30 on myenteric neurons of the gastrointestinal tract and their role in motility. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 272:63-75. [PMID: 30502347 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen is well known to have a modulatory role on gastrointestinal tract, particularly through its interaction with nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs), alpha and beta (ERα/β). Recent functional studies also indicate that estrogen can activate a G-protein coupled estrogen receptor, GPR30, or GPER1. The present study was designed to identify either the presence or absence of nuclear ERs and GPR30 in the myenteric plexus of the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon of female and male mice. Immunofluorescence staining revealed a high expression of GPR30 in the cytoplasm but not within the nucleus of enteric neurons in female and male mice. ERβ localization was similar to GPR30, where it was expressed in cytoplasm of enteric neurons, but was absent from nuclei, opening up the possibility that ERβ and GPR30 might work together to manifest estrogenic effects. Comparatively, ERα was mainly located in the nuclei of enteric neurons. ERα, ERβ and GPR30 were also expressed in the cytoplasm of glial cells in the stomach and small intestine, but levels were lower in the colon. The expression nuclear:cytoplasm ratio of ERα was higher in male than female mice, which might relate to sex-dependent translocation of ERα from cytoplasm to nucleus in response to known plasma levels of estrogen. A functional study using isolated ileal segments showed that ERα, ERβ and GPR30 are involved in the neuronal-mediated contractions in female tissues, but only ERα was involved in male tissues. This may indicate although expression level was similar between males and females, the downstream mechanisms of ERβ and GPR30 could be different between sexes. The present study provides a rationale for the action of estrogen to modulate gastrointestinal function in health and disease in different sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Y H Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Marong Fang
- Institute of Neurosciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China.
| | - John A Rudd
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Lee SM, Kim N, Jo HJ, Park JH, Nam RH, Lee HS, Kim HJ, Lee MY, Kim YS, Lee DH. Comparison of Changes in the Interstitial Cells of Cajal and Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase-positive Neuronal Cells With Aging Between the Ascending and Descending Colon of F344 Rats. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2017; 23:592-605. [PMID: 28774159 PMCID: PMC5628993 DOI: 10.5056/jnm17061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Neuronal degeneration and changes in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are important mechanisms of age-related constipation. This study aims to compare the distribution of ICCs and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) with regard to age-related changes between the ascending colon (AC) and descending colon (DC) in 6-, 31-, and 74-week old and 2-year old male Fischer-344 rats. Methods The amount of fecal pellet and the bead expulsion times were measured. Fat proportion in the muscle layer of the colon was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression were analyzed with Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Isovolumetric contractile measurements and electrical field stimulation were used to assess smooth muscle contractility. Results Colon transit and bead expulsion slowed with senescence. Fat in the muscle layer accumulated with age in the AC, but not in the DC. The proportion of KIT-immunoreactive ICCs in the submucosal and myenteric plexus was higher in the DC than in the AC, and it declined with age, especially in the AC. In contrast, the proportion of NOS-immunoreactive neurons in the myenteric plexus was higher in the AC than in the DC, and both decreased in older rats. Nitric oxide levels declined with age in the DC. Muscle strip experiments showed that the inhibitory response mediated by nitric oxide in the circular direction of the DC was reduced in 2-year old rats. Conclusion The AC and DC differ in their distribution of ICCs and nNOS, and age-related loss of nitrergic neurons more severely affects the DC than the AC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Min Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Nayoung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Jo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Park
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ryoung Hee Nam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hye Seung Lee
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea
| | - Moon Young Lee
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Korea
| | - Yong Sung Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Wonkwang Digestive Disease Research Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital, Gunpo, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Dong Ho Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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Takiishi T, Fenero CIM, Câmara NOS. Intestinal barrier and gut microbiota: Shaping our immune responses throughout life. Tissue Barriers 2017; 5:e1373208. [PMID: 28956703 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2017.1373208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 458] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is considered the largest immunological organ in the body having a central role in regulating immune homeostasis. Contrary to earlier belief, the intestinal epithelial barrier is not a static physical barrier but rather strongly interacts with the gut microbiome and cells of the immune system. This intense communication between epithelial cells, immune cells and microbiome will shape specific immune responses to antigens, balancing tolerance and effector immune functions. Recent studies indicate that composition of the gut microbiome affects immune system development and modulates immune mediators, which in turn affect the intestinal barrier. Moreover, dysbiosis may favor intestinal barrier disruption and could be related to increased susceptibility to certain diseases. This review will be focused on the development of the intestinal barrier and its function in host immune defense and how gut microbiome composition throughout life can affect this role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Takiishi
- a Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences , University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo - SP , Brazil
| | - Camila Ideli Morales Fenero
- a Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences , University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo - SP , Brazil
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara
- a Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences , University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo - SP , Brazil
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de Brito MC, Chopard RP, Cury DP, Watanabe IS, Mendes CE, Castelucci P. Effects of aging on the architecture of the ileocecal junction in rats. World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther 2016; 7:416-427. [PMID: 27602243 PMCID: PMC4986394 DOI: 10.4292/wjgpt.v7.i3.416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the structural organization of the elastic and collagen fibers in the region of the ileocecal transition in 30 young and old male Wistar rats.
METHODS: Histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed in this study. The results demonstrated that there was a demarcation of the ileocecal region between the ileum and the cecum in both groups.
RESULTS: The connective tissue fibers had different distribution patterns in the two groups. IHC revealed the presence of nitric oxide synthase, enteric neurons and smooth muscle fibers in the ileocecal junctions (ICJs) of both groups. Compared to the young group, the elderly group exhibited an increase in collagen type I fibers, a decrease in collagen type III fibers, a decreased linear density of oxytalan elastic fibers, and a greater linear density of elaunin and mature elastic fibers.
CONCLUSION: The results revealed changes in the patterns of distribution of collagen and elastic fibers that may lead to a possible decrease in ICJ functionality.
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Morphometric and biomechanical remodeling of the small intestine during aging in rats. J Biomech 2015; 48:4271-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Ranson RN, Saffrey MJ. Neurogenic mechanisms in bladder and bowel ageing. Biogerontology 2015; 16:265-84. [PMID: 25666896 PMCID: PMC4361768 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-015-9554-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of both urinary and faecal incontinence, and also chronic constipation, increases with ageing and these conditions have a major impact on the quality of life of the elderly. Management of bladder and bowel dysfunction in the elderly is currently far from ideal and also carries a significant financial burden. Understanding how these changes occur is thus a major priority in biogerontology. The functions of the bladder and terminal bowel are regulated by complex neuronal networks. In particular neurons of the spinal cord and peripheral ganglia play a key role in regulating micturition and defaecation reflexes as well as promoting continence. In this review we discuss the evidence for ageing-induced neuronal dysfunction that might predispose to neurogenic forms of incontinence in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard N Ranson
- Department of Applied Sciences (Biomedical Sciences), Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK,
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Saffrey MJ. Aging of the mammalian gastrointestinal tract: a complex organ system. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2014; 36:9603. [PMID: 24352567 PMCID: PMC4082571 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-013-9603-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal disorders are a major cause of morbidity in the elderly population. The gastrointestinal tract is the most complex organ system; its diverse cells perform a range of functions essential to life, not only secretion, digestion, absorption and excretion, but also, very importantly, defence. The gastrointestinal tract acts not only as a barrier to harmful materials and pathogens but also contains the vast number of beneficial bacterial populations that make up the microbiota. Communication between the cells of the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous and endocrine systems modifies behaviour; the organisms of the microbiota also contribute to this brain-gut-enteric microbiota axis. Age-related physiological changes in the gut are not only common, but also variable, and likely to be influenced by external factors as well as intrinsic aging of the cells involved. The cellular and molecular changes exhibited by the aging gut cells also vary. Aging intestinal smooth muscle cells exhibit a number of changes in the signalling pathways that regulate contraction. There is some evidence for age-associated degeneration of neurons and glia of the enteric nervous system, although enteric neuronal losses are likely not to be nearly as extensive as previously believed. Aging enteric neurons have been shown to exhibit a senescence-associated phenotype. Epithelial stem cells exhibit increased mitochondrial mutation in aging that affects their progeny in the mucosal epithelium. Changes to the microbiota and intestinal immune system during aging are likely to contribute to wider aging of the organism and are increasingly important areas of analysis. How changes of the different cell types of the gut during aging affect the numerous cellular interactions that are essential for normal gut functions will be important areas for future aging research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jill Saffrey
- Department of Life Health and Chemical Sciences, Biomedical Research Network, The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK,
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Schoffen JPF, Santi Rampazzo AP, Cirilo CP, Zapater MCU, Vicentini FA, Comar JF, Bracht A, Natali MRM. Food restriction enhances oxidative status in aging rats with neuroprotective effects on myenteric neuron populations in the proximal colon. Exp Gerontol 2014; 51:54-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2014.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Saffrey MJ. Cellular changes in the enteric nervous system during ageing. Dev Biol 2013; 382:344-55. [PMID: 23537898 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The intrinsic neurons of the gut, enteric neurons, have an essential role in gastrointestinal functions. The enteric nervous system is plastic and continues to undergo changes throughout life, as the gut grows and responds to dietary and other environmental changes. Detailed analysis of changes in the ENS during ageing suggests that enteric neurons are more vulnerable to age-related degeneration and cell death than neurons in other parts of the nervous system, although there is considerable variation in the extent and time course of age-related enteric neuronal loss reported in different studies. Specific neuronal subpopulations, particularly cholinergic myenteric neurons, may be more vulnerable than others to age-associated loss or damage. Enteric degeneration and other age-related neuronal changes may contribute to gastrointestinal dysfunction that is common in the elderly population. Evidence suggests that caloric restriction protects against age-associated loss of enteric neurons, but recent advances in the understanding of the effects of the microbiota and the complex interactions between enteric ganglion cells, mucosal immune system and intestinal epithelium indicate that other factors may well influence ageing of enteric neurons. Much remains to be understood about the mechanisms of neuronal loss and damage in the gut, although there is evidence that reactive oxygen species, neurotrophic factor dysregulation and/or activation of a senescence associated phenotype may be involved. To date, there is no evidence for ongoing neurogenesis that might replace dying neurons in the ageing gut, although small local sites of neurogenesis would be difficult to detect. Finally, despite the considerable evidence for enteric neurodegeneration during ageing, and evidence for some physiological changes in animal models, the ageing gut appears to maintain its function remarkably well in animals that exhibit major neuronal loss, indicating that the ENS has considerable functional reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jill Saffrey
- Department Life, Health & Chemical Sciences, Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article will review the recent publications (over the last 1-2 years) concerning the effects of ageing on gastrointestinal function, with an emphasis on the motor and sensory function of the gut. RECENT FINDINGS Recent publications support earlier observations of an age-related selective decline in the number of cholinergic neurons in the enteric nervous system, but also reveal a progressive loss of interstitial cells of Cajal in the stomach and colon throughout adult life. These changes appear to have surprisingly little effect on gastrointestinal motor function in healthy ageing, although gut sensation is impaired and older individuals have an increased susceptibility to gastrointestinal complications of comorbid illnesses. SUMMARY Alterations in gut function with ageing have particular implications in the oesophagus, colon, and anorectum. Dysphagia, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, constipation, and faecal incontinence are the most prevalent clinical manifestations. Older individuals are also susceptible to postprandial hypotension, in which altered cardiovascular responses to intestinal nutrient exposure are pivotal. Dysphagia, delayed gastric emptying, and constipation are increasingly being recognized as early features of Parkinson's disease, and frequently precede the neurological manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher K Rayner
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.
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