Enteric Nervous System and Its Relationship with Neurological Diseases
Author: María José Luesma1, Liberto López-Marco1, Marta Monzón1, Sonia Santander2
Affiliation:
1 Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
2 Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, Legal and Forensic Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
Conference/Journal: J Clin Med
Date published: 2024 Sep 20
Other:
Volume ID: 13 , Issue ID: 18 , Pages: 5579 , Special Notes: doi: 10.3390/jcm13185579. , Word Count: 280
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a fundamental component of the gastrointestinal system, composed of a vast network of neurons and glial cells. It operates autonomously but is interconnected with the central nervous system (CNS) through the vagus nerve. This communication, known as the gut-brain axis, influences the bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to review neurological pathologies related to the ENS. Methods: To this end, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in the "PubMed" database. Articles available in "free format" were selected, applying the filters "Humans" and limiting the search to publications from the last ten years. Results: The ENS has been linked to various neurological diseases, from autism spectrum disorder to Parkinson's disease including neurological infection with the varicella zoster virus (VZV), even sharing pathologies with the CNS. This finding suggests that the ENS could serve as an early diagnostic marker or therapeutic target for neurological diseases. Gastrointestinal symptoms often precede CNS symptoms, and the ENS's accessibility aids in diagnosis and treatment. Parkinson's patients may show intestinal lesions up to twenty years before CNS symptoms, underscoring the potential for early diagnosis. However, challenges include developing standardized diagnostic protocols and the uneven distribution of dopaminergic neurons in the ENS. Continued research is needed to explore the ENS's potential in improving disease prognosis. Conclusions: The ENS is a promising area for early diagnosis and therapeutic development. Nevertheless, it is essential to continue research in this area, especially to gain a deeper understanding of its organization, function, and regenerative capacity.
Keywords: central nervous system (CNS); enteric nervous system (ENS); gastrointestinal system; glial cells; neurological diseases; varicella zoster virus (VZV).
PMID: 39337066 PMCID: PMC11433641 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13185579
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