Gut‐Brain Axis Exploration

Abstract

Objective: The pathophysiology of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) is associated with dysfunction at various levels of the gut-brain axis. Hypervigilance can result in an increased tendency to report pain. In the present study, we aimed to explore whether hypervigilance can influence attentional processing in postural control in children with FGIDs. Patients and Methods: Fifty-nine participants classified into healthy subjects, those with FGIDs, and those with organic diseases (Org) based on Rome IV criteria were enrolled. Postural control under 6 sensory conditions was evaluated using a stabilometric platform. The mean velocity of the center of pressure (CoP) displacement in the anteroposterior direction and the mediolateral direction, the length of the CoP trajectory, and the sway area were also measured. Results: With visual and somatosensorial normal inputs, participants with FGIDs showed a higher number of anteroposterior (FGIDs: 4[interquartile range [IQR] 3–7], control [Cntl] 3 [IQR 3–4], P < 0.05) latero-lateral oscillations (FGIDs: 3 [IQR 3–6], Cntl 3 [IQR 2–3], P < 0.05) and a higher perimeter value (FGIDs: 148 [IQR 121–240], Cntl 124 [IQR 111–140], P = 0.056) compared to healthy subjects. With normal visual but altered somatosensorial input, subjects with FGIDs showed higher values of all parameters (anteroposterior: FGIDs 6[IQR 5–8], Cntl and Org 5 [IQR 4–6], P < 0.05; latero-lateral FGIDs 6 [IQR 4–8], Cntl 4 [IQR 4–5], Org 4[IQR 3–5], P < 0.05; perimeter FGIDs 253 [IQR 167–305], Cntl 185 [IQR 161–217], Org 176 [IQR 142–219], P < 0.05; area FGIDs 98 [IQR 81–233], Cntl 86 [IQR 59–114], Org 56 [IQR 41–97], P < 0.05). Conclusions: The higher number of oscillations in subjects with FGIDs who had normal visual input could be expression of alteration in attention and therefore hypervigilance as hypothesized in the context of gut-brain axis alterations.

Postural Control in Childhood: Investigating the Neurodevelopmental Gradient Hypothesis

“…In order to assess postural control, all participants underwent stabilometry, the methods of which have already been reported in detail [45]. Briefly, stabilometric assessments were performed in a standing position on an electronic monoaxial platform known as the TecnoBody ® Platform (PK200WL, Prokin Tecnobody, Dalmine (BG), Italy).…”

“…Experimental perturbation of sensory inputs can help in examining how individuals suffering from different conditions utilize combinations of that sensory feedback to maintain an upright stance [45]. In line with the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project, which promotes a framework for translational research on functional neurobehavioral dimensions across different disorder categories, sensorimotor systems may well represent a domain of function to be studied in neurodevelopment [46].…”

Functional gastrointestinal disorders in Jordanian infants: a pilot study

“…Although many theories have been proposed to identify the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the emergence of functional disorders, some illnesses do not yet have a theoretical foundation [ 1 ]. Generally, FGIDs are characterized by multi-layered dysfunction in the gut–brain axis [ 13 ]. Pain is a complicated multifactorial symptom associated with functional diseases, in which impaired pain regulatory systems, sensory inputs into the central nervous system, and environmental and genetic predispositions result in increased vulnerability, with several pathological mechanisms involved [ 14 ].…”

Postoperative Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Children with Esophageal Atresia: Potential Benefits on the Anthropometric Parameters

“…An increase of the parasympathetic function by interacting with the interoceptive process at the brain level is apparent, specifically the insular cortex, and its control on the whole body [ 9 , 18 , 19 ]. Reducing the signs of allostatic load in children after surgery is an important condition to prevent postural and neurodevelopmental issues, allowing them to have normal breathing and feeding parameters [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Furthermore, osteopathy has proved to be effective and safe in the pediatric field and in the management of EA [ 23 , 24 ].…”