Role of the brain-gut axis in gastrointestinal cancer

作     者：Yang-Zi Di Bo-Sheng Han Jun-Mao Di Wei-Yan Liu Qiang Tang 

作者机构：Department of General SurgeryShiyan Taihe HospitalHubei University of MedicineShiyan 442000Hubei ProvinceChina Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 443000Hubei ProvinceChina 

出 版 物：《World Journal of Clinical Cases》 (世界临床病例杂志)

年 卷 期：2019年第7卷第13期

页      面：1554-1570页

核心收录：

学科分类：10[医学] 

主　　题：Brain-gut axis Gastrointestinal cancer Neurotransmitters Neuropeptides 

摘      要：Several studies have largely focused on the significant role of the nervous and immune systems in the process of tumorigenesis, including tumor growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. The brain-gut-axis is a new paradigm in neuroscience, which describes the biochemical signaling between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the central nervous system. This axis may play a critical role in the tumorigenesis and development of GI cancers. Mechanistically, the bidirectional signal transmission of the brain-gut-axis is complex and remains to be elucidated. In this article, we review the current findings concerning the relationship between the brain-gut axis and GI cancer cells, focusing on the significant role of the brain-gut axis in the processes of tumor proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, autophagy, and metastasis. It appears that the brain might modulate GI cancer by two pathways: the anatomical nerve pathway and the neuroendocrine route. The simulation and inactivation of the central nervous, sympathetic, and parasympathetic nervous systems, or changes in the innervation of the GI tract might contribute to a higher incidence of GI cancers. In addition, neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors can produce stimulatory or inhibitory effects in the progression of GI cancers. Insights into these mechanisms may lead to the discovery of potential prognostic and therapeutic targets.