Enteric neuropathy associated to diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of diseases highly prevalent nowadays. Its different types produce very similar symptoms with acute and chronic complications. Amongst these, gastrointestinal (GI) dysmotility, associated with the development of neuropathy in the enteric nervous system (ENS) is recognized. The objective is to review the current knowledge on GI dysmotility and enteric neuropathy associated to diabetes mellitus. The different functional and structural alterations within the digestive tract in diabetic patients and animal models are described. Finally, the therapeutic and preventive strategies tested so far in the context of enteric diabetic neuropathy are briefly summarized. In conclusion, amongst the alterations described in DM, the loss of inhibitory intrinsic innervation of the gut is most remarkable. Different therapeutic and/or preventive strategies, including the use of insulin, nerve growth factor or antioxidants, as well as myenteric neuron transplantation, are proposed.

Keywords

• Diabetes mellitus
• Dismotilidad gastrointestinal
• Gastroparesia
• Neuropatía entérica
• Plexo mientérico
• Sistema nervioso entérico