Featured
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Review Article |
Circadian clocks in the digestive system
Many molecular, physiological and behavioural processes display distinct daily rhythms that are directed by the circadian system. This Review summarizes knowledge about the diurnal regulation of gastrointestinal processes by circadian clocks present in the digestive tract and its accessory organs, including circadian control of digestion, motility, hormones, barrier function and the gut microbiota.
- Anneleen Segers
- & Inge Depoortere
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News & Views |
LEAP2: A novel regulator of food intake and body weight?
A new study is the first to investigate the relationship between liver-enriched antimicrobial peptide-2 (LEAP2) and different metabolic states, and highlights the reciprocal relationship between LEAP2 and ghrelin (known as the ‘hunger hormone’ for its role in stimulating appetite). These findings could have important implications given the worldwide increase in obesity since 1975.
- Martha A. Schalla
- & Andreas Stengel
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Review Article |
The metabolic role of vagal afferent innervation
Metabolic homeostasis is orchestrated partly in response to nutrient-dependent vagal afferent signals transmitted from the gut to the central nervous system. This Review highlights our understanding of the vagal afferent system and its role in regulation of appetite and glucose homeostasis.
- T. M. Zaved Waise
- , Helen J. Dranse
- & Tony K. T. Lam
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News & Views |
Gastrointestinal safety of incretin therapies: are we there yet?
The gastrointestinal safety of incretin-based therapies is controversial. Two new studies find no effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on acute pancreatitis risk, but increased risk of bile duct and gallbladder disease. However, no retrospective epidemiological studies can provide definitive answers, and nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea remain the most clinically relevant adverse effects of these drugs, compromising long-term adherence.
- Juris J. Meier
- & Julio Rosenstock
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Review Article |
Vagal neurocircuitry and its influence on gastric motility
Upper gastrointestinal tract function is regulated by vagovagal neurocircuits, comprising brainstem nuclei that integrate visceral sensory information and provide vagal motor output. Here, Travagli and Anselmi describe the organization of these neurocircuits and their plasticity in response to stressors. The influence of gastrointestinal peptides on vagovagal neurons is also discussed.
- R. Alberto Travagli
- & Laura Anselmi
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Review Article |
Ghrelin and motilin receptors as drug targets for gastrointestinal disorders
The gastrointestinal hormones ghrelin and motilin are released during hunger to stimulate appetite and interdigestive movement of the stomach, respectively. Ghrelin and motilin receptor agonists also increase gastric emptying of meals and emerging data shows previously unknown effects on nausea and constipation. In this Review, Sanger and Furness describe the complex interactions of ghrelin and motilin with their receptors and the pathways influencing gastrointestinal functions. Finally, they describe the potential of receptor agonists to treat various gastrointestinal disorders.
- Gareth J. Sanger
- & John B. Furness
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Review Article |
Ghrelin, the proglucagon-derived peptides and peptide YY in nutrient homeostasis
This Review focuses on several of the hormones released by the gastrointestinal tract prior to or during nutrient ingestion that have key roles in maintaining energy balance. These hormones include the gastric orexigenic hormone, ghrelin, and the distal L cell anorex-igenic and metabolic hormones, glucagon-like peptide (GLP) 1, GLP 2, oxyntomodulin and peptide YY. Their biological actions are outlined, as well as potential or actual uses as treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Charlotte X. Dong
- & Patricia L. Brubaker
Gut metabolism differentially altered by bariatric surgeries