Recent Advances in Intestinal Barrier Function and the Gut-Brain Axis in Ageing

A special issue of Gastroenterology Insights (ISSN 2036-7422). This special issue belongs to the section "Gastrointestinal Disease".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2022) | Viewed by 6559

Special Issue Editors

1. Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden
2. Laboratory of Translational Mucosal Immunology, Digestive Diseases Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: intestinal barrier; mucosal immunology; plasma cells; ageing
1. Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
2. Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
Interests: neurogastroenterologi; neuroenergetics; nutrition; inflammation; women’s health; volatile organic compounds

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

By 2050, it is estimated that 22% of the world’s population will be above 60. Ensuring healthy ageing is therefore a global priority. The elderly population is commonly affected by idiopathic bowel symptoms, and the underlying mechanisms seem not only restricted to the gut but also connected in the circuit known as the gut–brain axis. Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are highly prevalent in the elderly, with emerging evidence suggesting a disturbance in the gut–brain axis playing an important role. The intestinal barrier is vital for maintaining immune homeostasis by preventing pathology-inducing translocation of microorganisms and toxins into the body, while also allowing selective absorption of nutrients. The role of the intestinal barrier function needs to be further studied in relation to its effect on disease initiation and symptom manifestation/exacerbation, particularly in the ageing population.

For this Special Issue, we welcome a broad range of pre-clinical to clinical contributions that cover the intestinal barrier function in the ageing population with an emphasis on inflammaging, mucosal immunology, gut–brain axis, microbiota, gastrointestinal disorders and neurodegenerative diseases from the perspective of the gut. We aim to publish high-quality research that brings new knowledge to this broad field.

Dr. John-Peter Ganda Mall
Dr. Ulrikke Voss
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • intestinal barrier function
  • permeability
  • ageing
  • inflammaging
  • gut–brain axis
  • mucosal immunology
  • neurodegenerative diseases
  • microbiota

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1037 KiB  
Article
Gut Health and Its Association with Wellbeing and Nutrient Intake in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
by Frida Fart, Lina Tingö, Stina Engelheart, Carl Mårten Lindqvist, Robert J. Brummer, Annica Kihlgren and Ida Schoultz
Gastroenterol. Insights 2022, 13(4), 349-364; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gastroent13040035 - 17 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2209
Abstract
Many of the increasing number of community-dwelling older adults will need increased healthcare in the future. By characterising gut health and its association with wellbeing and nutrient intake in this population, we aim to recognise areas along the gut–brain axis through which the [...] Read more.
Many of the increasing number of community-dwelling older adults will need increased healthcare in the future. By characterising gut health and its association with wellbeing and nutrient intake in this population, we aim to recognise areas along the gut–brain axis through which the health of community-dwelling older adults might be promoted. In this cross-sectional observational study, validated questionnaires were used to assess gut health, nutrient intake, and wellbeing in 241 community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years old). In total, 65% of the participants experienced at least one gastrointestinal symptom, of which females had more abdominal pain and constipation, while the oldest old (i.e., ≥80 years old) had more diarrhoea. Increased gastrointestinal symptoms correlated with more stress, anxiety, depression, and a decreased quality of life, in addition to dyspepsia which correlated with a lower E% of protein. Most of the participants did not reach the recommended intake for protein, fibre and polyunsaturated fats. Males had a lower intake of protein (E%) and fibre (g/MJ) than females, and the oldest old had a lower E% of protein than younger older adults. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that gastrointestinal symptoms are common, and most of the study participants had an imbalanced macronutrient intake, which could be a target for future possible dietary interventions to improve overall health. Full article
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10 pages, 1090 KiB  
Article
The Association of Irritable Bowel Complaints and Perceived Immune Fitness among Individuals That Report Impaired Wound Healing: Supportive Evidence for the Gut–Brain–Skin Axis
by Jessica Balikji, Maarten M. Hoogbergen, Johan Garssen and Joris C. Verster
Gastroenterol. Insights 2021, 12(4), 423-432; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gastroent12040040 - 03 Nov 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3576
Abstract
The gut–brain–skin axis is important in wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between experiencing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, perceived immune fitness, and impaired wound healing. N = 1942 Dutch students (mean (SD) age 21.3 (2.1), 83.6% [...] Read more.
The gut–brain–skin axis is important in wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between experiencing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, perceived immune fitness, and impaired wound healing. N = 1942 Dutch students (mean (SD) age 21.3 (2.1), 83.6% women) completed an online survey. They were allocated to one of four groups: (1) control group (N = 1544), (2) wound infection (WI) group (N = 65), (3) slow healing wounds (SHW) group (N = 236), or (4) a combination group (COMBI), which experienced both WI and SHW (N = 87). Participants rated their perceived immune fitness on a scale ranging from very poor (0) to excellent (10), and the severity of IBS symptoms (constipation, diarrhea, and pain) was assessed with the Birmingham IBS Symptom Questionnaire. Compared to the control group, perceived immune fitness was significantly poorer for the SHW group (p < 0.001) and COMBI group (p < 0.001), but not for the WI group. Compared to the control group, constipation was reported significantly more frequently by the SHW group (p < 0.001) and the WI group (p = 0.012), diarrhea was reported significantly more frequent by the SHW group (p = 0.038) and the COMBI group (p = 0.004), and pain was reported significantly more frequent by the SHW group (p = 0.020) and COMBI group (p = 0.001). Correlations between IBS complaints and perceived immune fitness were statistically significant (p < 0.001), and also a highly significant and negative association was found between the percentage of participants that reported impaired wound healing and perceived immune fitness (r = −0.97, p < 0.001). In conclusion, among participants with self-reported impaired wound healing, IBS complaints were significantly more severe, and accompanied by a significantly reduced perceived immune fitness. Full article
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