ObjectiveTo summarize the current research progress on the changes of enteric glial cells (EGCs) in intestinal motility disorders and its possible molecular mechanisms in regulating intestinal motility.MethodThe literatures related to the EGCs and intestinal dysmotility were collected and analyzed.ResultsThe EGCs were involved in the occurrence and development of intestinal motility disorders, and there were abnormalities in the quantity, receptor, and phenotype in the different dysmotility diseases such as the postoperative ileus, Hirschsprung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and so on. It could sense the neuronal signals and communicate with the enteric neurons via Ca2+ response and connexin-43 to affect the intestinal motility.ConclusionStudy of role and mechanism of EGCs in intestinal motor dysfunction is helpful to discovery new targets for treatment of these diseases.
Non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD) refers to a disease with symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn and pathological reflux, but no significant esophageal mucosal damage under endoscopy. Its pathogenesis may be related to factors such as lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction, weakened esophageal clearance ability, visceral hypersensitivity, and disordered intestinal microecology, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common intestinal flora disorder syndrome. A number of studies have shown that SIBO has a certain correlation with NERD, and SIBO may be involved in the occurrence and development of NERD through mechanisms such as inflammatory response, gas production, and increased short-chain fatty acids. Therefore, this article reviews the correlation between NERD and SIBO, aiming to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of NERD.