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Review
. 2024 Aug 1;30(4):290-297.
doi: 10.1097/MCC.0000000000001175. Epub 2024 Jun 13.

The enteroendocrine axis and its effect on gastrointestinal function, nutrition, and inflammation

Jordan D Philpott  1   2 , K Marco Rodriguez Hovnanian  1   2 , Margaret Stefater-Richards  3   4 , Nilesh M Mehta  1   4 , Enid E Martinez  1   2   4
Affiliations
Review

The enteroendocrine axis and its effect on gastrointestinal function, nutrition, and inflammation

Jordan D Philpott et al. Curr Opin Crit Care. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction limits enteral nutrition (EN) delivery in critical illness and contributes to systemic inflammation. The enteroendocrine (EE) axis plays an integral role in this interface between nutrition, inflammation, and GI function in critical illness. In this review, we present an overview of the EE system with a focus on its role in GI inflammation and function.

Recent findings: Enteroendocrine cells have been primarily described in their role in macronutrient digestion and absorption. Recent research has expanded on the diverse functions of EE cells including their ability to sense microbial peptides and metabolites and regulate immune function and inflammation. Therefore, EE cells may be both affected by and contribute to many pathophysiologic states and interventions of critical illness such as dysbiosis , inflammation, and alternative EN strategies. In this review, we present an overview of EE cells including their growing role in nonnutrient functions and integrate this understanding into relevant aspects of critical illness with a focus on EN.

Summary: The EE system is key in maintaining GI homeostasis in critical illness, and how it is impacted and contributes to outcomes in the setting of dysbiosis , inflammation and different feeding strategies in critical illness should be considered.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Schematic of the enteroendocrine cell in the epithelial barrier and its relationship to intraluminal cues and downstream immune and neurologic signaling. EE, enteroendocrine.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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