The regulation of enteric neuron connectivity by semaphorin 5A is affected by the autism-associated S956G missense mutation.

The neural network of the enteric nervous system (ENS) underlies gastrointestinal functions. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in enteric neuronal connectivity are poorly characterized. Here, we studied the role of semaphorin 5A (Sema5A), previously characterized in the central nervous system, on ENS neuronal connectivity.

Transient gestational hypothyroxinemia accelerates and enhances ulcerative colitis-like disorder in the male offspring.

Introduction: Gestational hypothyroxinemia (HTX) is a condition that occurs frequently at the beginning of pregnancy, and it correlates with cognitive impairment, autism, and attentional deficit in the offspring. Evidence in animal models suggests that gestational HTX can increase the susceptibility of the offspring to develop strong inflammation in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a frequent inflammatory bowel disease with unknown causes.

A functional network of highly pure enteric neurons in a dish.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the intrinsic nervous system that innervates the entire digestive tract and regulates major digestive functions. Recent evidence has shown that functions of the ENS critically rely on enteric neuronal connectivity; however, experimental models to decipher the underlying mechanisms are limited. Compared to the central nervous system, for which pure neuronal cultures have been developed for decades and are recognized as a reference in the field of neuroscience, an equivalent model for enteric neurons is lacking.

Fecal Supernatant from Adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder Alters Digestive Functions, Intestinal Epithelial Barrier, and Enteric Nervous System.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders defined by impaired social interactions and communication with repetitive behaviors, activities, or interests. Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances and gut microbiota dysbiosis are frequently associated with ASD in childhood. However, it is not known whether microbiota dysbiosis in ASD patients also occurs in adulthood.

Analysis of enteric nervous system and intestinal epithelial barrier to predict complications in Hirschsprung's disease.

In Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR), postoperative course remains unpredictable. Our aim was to define predictive factors of the main postoperative complications: obstructive symptoms (OS) and Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC). In this prospective multicentre cohort study, samples of resected bowel were collected at time of surgery in 18 neonates with short-segment HSCR in tertiary care hospitals.