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International Journal of Colorectal Disease

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01-01-2019 | Short Communication

Obstructed defecation—an enteric neuropathy? An exploratory study of patient samples

Authors: Mia Kim, Corinna Rosenbaum, Nicolas Schlegel, Christian Grumaz, Kai Sohn, Christoph Isbert, Heike Walles, Marco Metzger

Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Although various strategies exist for chronic constipation therapy, the pathogenesis of chronic constipation is still not completely understood. The aim of this exploratory experimental study is to elucidate alterations of the autonomous enteric nervous system at the molecular level in patients with obstructed defecation, who represent one of the most predominant groups of constipated patients.

Methods

Full-thickness rectal wall samples of patients with obstructed defecation were analyzed and compared with controls. Differential gene expression analyses by RNA-Seq transcriptome profiling were performed and gene expression profiles were assigned to gene ontology pathways by application of different biological libraries.

Results

Analysis of the transcriptome showed that genes associated with the enteric nervous system functions were significantly downregulated in patients with obstructed defecation. These affected functions included developmental processes and synaptic transmission.

Conclusions

Our results therefore indicate that obstructed defecation may represent an enteric neuropathy, comparable to Hirschsprung disease and slow-transit constipation.

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Title: Obstructed defecation—an enteric neuropathy? An exploratory study of patient samples
Authors: Mia Kim
Corinna Rosenbaum
Nicolas Schlegel
Christian Grumaz
Kai Sohn
Christoph Isbert
Heike Walles
Marco Metzger
Publication date: 01-01-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 0179-1958
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1262
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-018-3160-1

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Obstructed defecation—an enteric neuropathy? An exploratory study of patient samples

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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