The human colon: Evidence for degenerative changes during aging and the physiological consequences

Baidoo, N. and Sanger, G.J. 2024. The human colon: Evidence for degenerative changes during aging and the physiological consequences. Neurogastroenterology & Motility. e14848. Advanced online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.14848

TitleThe human colon: Evidence for degenerative changes during aging and the physiological consequences
TypeJournal article
AuthorsBaidoo, N. and Sanger, G.J.
Abstract

Background: The incidence of constipation increases among the elderly (>65 years), while abdominal pain decreases. Causes include changes in lifestyle (e.g., diet and reduced exercise), disease and medications affecting gastrointestinal functions. Degenerative changes may also occur within the colo-rectum. However, most evidence is from rodents, animals with relatively high rates of metabolism and accelerated ageing, with considerable variation in time course. In humans, cellular and non-cellular changes in the ageing intestine are poorly investigated.
Purpose: To examine all available studies which reported the effects of ageing on cellular and tissue functions of human isolated colon, noting the region studied, sex and
age of tissue donors and study size. The focus on human colon reflects the ability to access full-thickness tissue over a wide age range, compared with other gastrointestinal regions. Details are important because of natural human variability.
We found age-related changes within the muscle, in the enteric and nociceptor innervation, and in the submucosa. Some involve all regions of colon, but the ascending colon appears more vulnerable. Changes can be cell- and sublayer-dependent. Mechanisms are unclear but may include development of “senescent-like” and associated inflammaging, perhaps associated with increased mucosal permeability to harmful luminal contents. In summary, reduced nociceptor innervation can explain diminished abdominal pain among the elderly. Degenerative changes within the colon wall may have little impact on symptoms and colonic functions, because of high “functional reserve,” but are likely to facilitate the development of constipation during age-related challenges
(e.g., lifestyle, disease, and medications), now operating against a reduced functional reserve.

Keywordsaging
collagen
enteric nervous system
glial cells
human colon
inflammaging
interstitial cells of Cajal
microbiome
neurodegeneration
nociception
senescence
Article numbere14848
JournalNeurogastroenterology & Motility
ISSN1365-2982
1350-1925
Year2024
PublisherJohn Wiley & Sons
Wiley
Publisher's version
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access Level
Open (open metadata and files)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.14848
PubMed ID38887160
Web address (URL)https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.14848
Publication dates
Published online17 Jun 2024
ProjectThe ageing of gastrointestinal tract

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