Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are bioactive lipids which modulate inflammation and immunity. They gained recognition in nutritional therapy and are recommended dietary supplements. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting the usefulness of PUFAs in active therapy of various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. In this review we briefly cover the systematics of PUFAs and their metabolites, and elaborate on their possible use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) with focus on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and colorectal cancer (CRC). Each section describes the latest findings from in vitro and in vivo studies, with reports of clinical interventions when available.

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Metabolic syndrome (MS) features a constellation of central obesity, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose metabolism and often hypertension joined by insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. All these elements greatly raise patient's risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, resulting in an increased mortality. Metabolic syndrome affects approximately 20-25% of the world's adult population and thus it is essential to study its pathophysiology and seek new pharmacological targets. There is a thoroughly studied link between MS and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) system, i.e. steatohepatitis. However, recent findings also indicate similarities in pathophysiological features between MS and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including adipose tissue dysregulation, inadequate immune response, and inflammation. In this review we aim to outline the pathophysiology of MS and emphasize the aspects revealed recently, such as mineralocorticoid activity, involvement of sex hormones and an accompanying increase in prolactin secretion. More importantly, we focus on the common links between MS and IBD. Finally, we describe new strategies and drug targets that may be utilized in MS therapy, namely adiponectin mimetics, GLP-1-based multi agonists, ABCA1 agonists and possible role of miRNA. We also discuss the possible utility of selected agents as adjuvants in IBD therapy.

Background Cisplatin is a highly emetogenic antineoplastic drug and induces peripheral neuropathy when given in cycles. Granisetron, a 5‐HT3 antagonist, is clinically used to prevent chemotherapy‐induced nausea/emesis and abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome. The effects of cisplatin on visceral sensitivity and those of granisetron in the context of cancer chemotherapy are not well known. Methods Adult male Wistar rats received two intraperitoneal injections 30 minutes apart: granisetron (1 mg kg−1)/vehicle and cisplatin (6 mg kg−1)/vehicle. Thereafter, nausea‐like behavior was measured as bedding intake for 4 hours, and gastric dysmotility was measured radiographically for 8 hours. Gastric weight and size were determined ex vivo and samples of the forestomach, corpus, ileum, and colon were obtained for histological analysis at 4 and 30 hours after cisplatin/vehicle. Visceral sensitivity was measured as abdominal contractions in response to mechanical intracolonic stimulation 2 hours after cisplatin/vehicle. Key Results Cisplatin‐induced bedding intake and gastric dysmotility, and granisetron blocked these effects, which occurred in the absence of frank mucositis. Visceral sensitivity was reduced to a similar extent by both drugs alone or in combination. Conclusions and Inferences Cisplatin‐induced bedding intake and gastric dysmotility were blocked by granisetron, confirming the involvement of serotonin acting on 5‐HT3 receptors. Unexpectedly, visceral sensitivity to colonic distension was reduced, to the same extent, by cisplatin, granisetron, and their combination, suggesting important mechanistic differences with nausea and gastric dysmotility that warrant further investigation.

Our results show for the first time that the variations in CNR1 and OPRM1 genes are associated with CVS and that different genotypes may contribute to the risk of CVS.

Good understanding of the localization and the role of opioid receptors is vital for regulation of various pathophysiological processes in the gastrointestinal tract and may simultaneously provide a tempting approach in eliminating adverse effects related to centrally acting opioids.

BackgroundAyurvedic medicine is based on natural healing methods that use herbal medicine to cleanse the body of toxins and to attain physical and mental regeneration. Triphala (TLP) is one of the most important ayurvedic supplements and is believed to have a beneficial effect on the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract.PurposeWe aim to summarize available literature focused on the components of TLP (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica and Phyllanthus emblica) and discusse their effectiveness and therapeutic value for improving lower GI symptoms in functional GI disorders, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).MethodsThis study is based on pertinent papers that were retrieved by a selective search using relevant keywords in PubMed and ScienceDirect databases.ResultsThe components of TLP are believed to cause restoration of the epithelium lining of the digestive tract, and by exhibiting mild laxative properties facilitate passage of stool in the colon. TLP is rich in polyphenols, vitamin C and flavonoids, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains various types of acids, such as gallic, chebulagic and chebulinic, which additionally possess cytoprotective and antifungal properties.ConclusionTriphala holds potential in improving lower GI symptoms and may be a valuable and effective addition to standard treatment of IBS. Supplementation of TLP herbal formulations alone or along with other probiotics can be recommended in ongoing clinical studies.