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Ford AC, Vanner S, Kashyap PC, Nasser Y. Chronic Visceral Pain: New Peripheral Mechanistic Insights and Resulting Treatments. Gastroenterology 2024; 166:976-994. [PMID: 38325759 PMCID: PMC11102851 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Chronic visceral pain is one of the most common reasons for patients with gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease or disorders of brain-gut interaction, to seek medical attention. It represents a substantial burden to patients and is associated with anxiety, depression, reductions in quality of life, and impaired social functioning, as well as increased direct and indirect health care costs to society. Unfortunately, the diagnosis and treatment of chronic visceral pain is difficult, in part because our understanding of the underlying pathophysiologic basis is incomplete. In this review, we highlight recent advances in peripheral pain signaling and specific physiologic and pathophysiologic preclinical mechanisms that result in the sensitization of peripheral pain pathways. We focus on preclinical mechanisms that have been translated into treatment approaches and summarize the current evidence base for directing treatment toward these mechanisms of chronic visceral pain derived from clinical trials. The effective management of chronic visceral pain remains of critical importance for the quality of life of suffers. A deeper understanding of peripheral pain mechanisms is necessary and may provide the basis for novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Ford
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, University of |Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Leeds Gastroenterology Institute, Leeds Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Vanner
- Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Purna C Kashyap
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Yasmin Nasser
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Londregan A, Alexander TD, Covarrubias M, Waldman SA. Fundamental Neurochemistry Review: The role of enteroendocrine cells in visceral pain. J Neurochem 2023; 167:719-732. [PMID: 38037432 PMCID: PMC10917140 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
While visceral pain is commonly associated with disorders of the gut-brain axis, underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons innervate visceral structures and undergo hypersensitization in inflammatory models. The characterization of peripheral DRG neuron terminals is an active area of research, but recent work suggests that they communicate with enteroendocrine cells (EECs) in the gut. EECs sense stimuli in the intestinal lumen and communicate information to the brain through hormonal and electrical signaling. In that context, EECs are a target for developing therapeutics to treat visceral pain. Linaclotide is an FDA-approved treatment for chronic constipation that activates the intestinal membrane receptor guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C). Clinical trials revealed that linaclotide relieves both constipation and visceral pain. We recently demonstrated that the analgesic effect of linaclotide reflects the overexpression of GUCY2C on neuropod cells, a specialized subtype of EECs. While this brings some clarity to the relationship between linaclotide and visceral analgesia, questions remain about the intracellular signaling mechanisms and neurotransmitters mediating this communication. In this Fundamental Neurochemistry Review, we discuss what is currently known about visceral nociceptors, enteroendocrine cells, and the gut-brain axis, and ongoing areas of research regarding that axis and visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Londregan
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
| | - Tyler D. Alexander
- Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
- Vicki & Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience at Jefferson Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
| | - Manuel Covarrubias
- Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
- Vicki & Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience at Jefferson Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
| | - Scott A. Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
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Otero A, Becerril S, Martín M, Cienfuegos JA, Valentí V, Moncada R, Catalán V, Gómez-Ambrosi J, Burrell MA, Frühbeck G, Rodríguez A. Effect of guanylin peptides on pancreas steatosis and function in experimental diet-induced obesity and after bariatric surgery. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1185456. [PMID: 37274331 PMCID: PMC10233012 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1185456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Obesity contributes to ectopic fat deposition in non-adipose organs, including the pancreas. Pancreas steatosis associates with inflammation and β-cell dysfunction, contributing to the onset of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. An improvement of pancreatic steatosis and indices of insulin resistance is observed following bariatric surgery, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We sought to analyze whether guanylin (GUCA2A) and uroguanylin (GUCA2B), two gut hormones involved in the regulation of satiety, food preference and adiposity, are involved in the amelioration of pancreas fat accumulation after bariatric surgery. Methods Pancreas steatosis, inflammation, islet number and area were measured in male Wistar rats with diet-induced obesity (n=125) subjected to surgical (sham operation and sleeve gastrectomy) or dietary (pair-fed to the amount of food eaten by gastrectomized animals) interventions. The tissue distribution of guanylate cyclase C (GUCY2C) and the expression of the guanylin system were evaluated in rat pancreata by real-time PCR, Western-blot and immunohistochemistry. The effect of guanylin and uroguanylin on factors involved in insulin secretion and lipogenesis was determined in vitro in RIN-m5F β-cells exposed to lipotoxic conditions. Results Sleeve gastrectomy reduced pancreas steatosis and inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity and synthesis. An upregulation of GUCA2A and GUCY2C, but not GUCA2B, was observed in pancreata from rats with diet-induced obesity one month after sleeve gastrectomy. Interestingly, both guanylin and uroguanylin diminished the lipotoxicity in palmitate-treated RIN-m5F β-cells, evidenced by lower steatosis and downregulated lipogenic factors Srebf1, Mogat2 and Dgat1. Both guanylin peptides reduced insulin synthesis (Ins1 and Ins2) and release from RIN-m5F β-cells, but only guanylin upregulated Wnt4, a factor that controls β-cell proliferation and function. Discussion Together, sleeve gastrectomy reduced pancreatic steatosis and improved β-cell function. Several mechanisms, including the modulation of inflammation and lipogenesis as well as the upregulation of GUCA2A in the pancreas, might explain this beneficial effect of bariatric surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarón Otero
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sara Becerril
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marina Martín
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Javier A. Cienfuegos
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Víctor Valentí
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rafael Moncada
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Anesthesia, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Victoria Catalán
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Javier Gómez-Ambrosi
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - María A. Burrell
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gema Frühbeck
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Amaia Rodríguez
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
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Liddle RA. Guanylyl cyclase C ameliorates visceral pain: an unsuspected link. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:166703. [PMID: 36787251 PMCID: PMC9927947 DOI: 10.1172/jci166703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome afflicts 15% of the US population. Although treatments are limited, guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C) agonists alleviate pain and constipation. Until now, it was assumed that the activation of GUCY2C and production of cGMP in enterocytes stimulated fluid secretion and reduced visceral sensation. The recent discovery that a subtype of enteroendocrine cells (EECs) known as neuropod cells synapse with submucosal neurons unveiled a pathway for communicating gut signals to the nervous system. In this issue of the JCI, Barton et al. report that GUCY2C is enriched in neuropod cells and is involved with sensory nerve firing. Selective deletion of GUCY2C in mouse models suggests that defective GUCY2C neuropod-cell signaling underlies visceral pain. These studies introduce possibilities for dissociating the secretory and analgesic effects of GUCY2C agonism. Although further work remains, unveiling the role of neuropod cells is a major step in understanding visceral pain.
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Barton JR, Londregan AK, Alexander TD, Entezari AA, Bar-Ad S, Cheng L, Lepore AC, Snook AE, Covarrubias M, Waldman SA. Intestinal neuropod cell GUCY2C regulates visceral pain. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e165578. [PMID: 36548082 PMCID: PMC9927949 DOI: 10.1172/jci165578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral pain (VP) is a global problem with complex etiologies and limited therapeutic options. Guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C), an intestinal receptor producing cyclic GMP(cGMP), which regulates luminal fluid secretion, has emerged as a therapeutic target for VP. Indeed, FDA-approved GUCY2C agonists ameliorate VP in patients with chronic constipation syndromes, although analgesic mechanisms remain obscure. Here, we revealed that intestinal GUCY2C was selectively enriched in neuropod cells, a type of enteroendocrine cell that synapses with submucosal neurons in mice and humans. GUCY2Chi neuropod cells associated with cocultured dorsal root ganglia neurons and induced hyperexcitability, reducing the rheobase and increasing the resulting number of evoked action potentials. Conversely, the GUCY2C agonist linaclotide eliminated neuronal hyperexcitability produced by GUCY2C-sufficient - but not GUCY2C-deficient - neuropod cells, an effect independent of bulk epithelial cells or extracellular cGMP. Genetic elimination of intestinal GUCY2C amplified nociceptive signaling in VP that was comparable with chemically induced VP but refractory to linaclotide. Importantly, eliminating GUCY2C selectively in neuropod cells also increased nociceptive signaling and VP that was refractory to linaclotide. In the context of loss of GUCY2C hormones in patients with VP, these observations suggest a specific role for neuropod GUCY2C signaling in the pathophysiology and treatment of these pain syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shely Bar-Ad
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology
| | | | | | - Adam E. Snook
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, and
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Scott A. Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Sharma A, Rao SSC, Kearns K, Orleck KD, Waldman SA. Review article: diagnosis, management and patient perspectives of the spectrum of constipation disorders. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2021; 53:1250-1267. [PMID: 33909919 PMCID: PMC8252518 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic constipation is a common, heterogeneous disorder with multiple symptoms and pathophysiological mechanisms. Patients are often referred to a gastroenterology provider after laxatives fail. However, there is limited knowledge of the spectrum and management of constipation disorders. AIM To discuss the latest understanding of the spectrum of constipation disorders, tools for identifying a pathophysiologic-based diagnosis in the specialist setting, treatment options and the patient's perspective of constipation. METHODS Literature searches were conducted using PubMed for constipation diagnostic criteria, diagnostic tools and approved treatments. The authors provided insight from their own practices. RESULTS Clinical assessment, stool diaries and Rome IV diagnostic criteria can facilitate diagnosis, evaluate severity and distinguish between IBS with constipation, chronic idiopathic constipation and dyssynergic defecation. Novel smartphone applications can help track constipation symptoms. Rectal examinations, anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion, assessments of neuromuscular function with colonic transit time and colonic manometry can provide mechanistic understanding of underlying pathophysiology. Treatments include lifestyle and diet changes, biofeedback therapy and pharmacological agents. Several classes of laxatives, as well as prokinetic and prosecretory agents, are available; here we describe their mechanisms of action, efficacy and side effects. CONCLUSIONS Constipation includes multiple overlapping subtypes identifiable using detailed history, current diagnostic tools and smartphone applications. Recognition of individual subtype(s) could pave the way for optimal, evidence-based treatments by a gastroenterology provider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol Sharma
- Division of Gastroenterology/HepatologyMedical College of GeorgiaAugusta UniversityAugustaGAUSA
| | - Satish S. C. Rao
- Division of Gastroenterology/HepatologyMedical College of GeorgiaAugusta UniversityAugustaGAUSA
| | | | | | - Scott A. Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental TherapeuticsThomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaPAUSA
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Diagnosing Constipation Spectrum Disorders in a Primary Care Setting. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10051092. [PMID: 33807888 PMCID: PMC7961346 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10051092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding pathophysiological causes of constipation is worthwhile in directing therapy and improving symptoms. This review aims to identify and fill gaps in the understanding of the pathophysiology of constipation, understand its prevalence, review diagnostic tools available to primary care physicians (PCPs), and highlight patients’ expectations for the management of this common spectrum of disorders. Literature searches conducted via PubMed included terms related to constipation, diagnosis, and patient perceptions. Case studies were developed to highlight the differences between patients who may be appropriately managed in the primary care setting and those requiring specialty consultation. Myriad pathophysiological factors may contribute to constipation, including stool consistency, altered intestinal motility, gut microbiome, anorectal abnormalities, as well as behavioral and psychological factors. Common diagnoses of “primary constipation” include slow-transit constipation, defecation disorders, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, and chronic idiopathic constipation. A detailed medical history should be conducted to exclude alarm features and PCPs should be familiar with pathophysiological factors that cause constipation, available diagnostic tools, alarm signs, and the various classification criteria for constipation subtypes in order to diagnose and treat patients accordingly. PCPs should understand when a referral to a gastroenterologist, anorectal specialist, pelvic floor physical therapist, and/or mental health specialist is appropriate.
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Bharucha AE, Lacy BE. Mechanisms, Evaluation, and Management of Chronic Constipation. Gastroenterology 2020; 158:1232-1249.e3. [PMID: 31945360 PMCID: PMC7573977 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
With a worldwide prevalence of 15%, chronic constipation is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal diagnoses made in ambulatory medicine clinics, and is a common source cause for referrals to gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons in the United States. Symptoms vary among patients; straining, incomplete evacuation, and a sense of anorectal blockage are just as important as decreased stool frequency. Chronic constipation is either a primary disorder (such as normal transit, slow transit, or defecatory disorders) or a secondary one (due to medications or, in rare cases, anatomic alterations). Colonic sensorimotor disturbances and pelvic floor dysfunction (such as defecatory disorders) are the most widely recognized pathogenic mechanisms. Guided by efficacy and cost, management of constipation should begin with dietary fiber supplementation and stimulant and/or osmotic laxatives, as appropriate, followed, if necessary, by intestinal secretagogues and/or prokinetic agents. Peripherally acting μ-opiate antagonists are another option for opioid-induced constipation. Anorectal tests to evaluate for defecatory disorders should be performed in patients who do not respond to over-the-counter agents. Colonic transit, followed if necessary with assessment of colonic motility with manometry and/or a barostat, can identify colonic dysmotility. Defecatory disorders often respond to biofeedback therapy. For specific patients, slow-transit constipation may necessitate a colectomy. No studies have compared inexpensive laxatives with newer drugs with different mechanisms. We review the mechanisms, evaluation, and management of chronic constipation. We discuss the importance of meticulous analyses of patient history and physical examination, advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic testing, guidance for individualized treatment, and management of medically refractory patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil E Bharucha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
| | - Brian E Lacy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
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