Skip to main content

Serotonin and Motility

 











The Role of Gut Serotonin in GI Motility and Intestinal Crosstalk with Microbiota

Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is mainly synthesized in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It has been studied for decades as it plays a crucial role in regulating the different neurogenic motor patterns in the GI tract. Recently, two separate studies by Keating, Damien J., and Ge, Xiaolong, have shed some light on the connection between gut serotonin and microbiota, and their impact on GI motility. In this blog post, we will dive deeper into these studies, and explore the scientific evidence behind the claims.


One of the primary studies we will discuss is Keating, Damien J.'s article, "Gut Serotonin in the Control of Gastrointestinal Motility." The study highlights the essential role that serotonin plays in the control of gastrointestinal motility. It found that serotonin is synthesized in the enterochromaffin cells of the intestinal mucosa, via the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH1). Additionally, about 1% of nerve cell bodies found in the enteric nervous system, synthesize serotonin via a different enzyme called tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2). The study concluded that the high quantity of serotonin that is synthesized within the gut wall explains why it plays a vital role in the different neurogenic motor patterns in the gastrointestinal tract.


The second study we will discuss is Xiaolong Ge's "Intestinal Crosstalk between Microbiota and Serotonin and its Impact on Gut Motility." The study found that there is a connection between the gut microbiota and serotonin. The microbiota in the gut produces a vast array of compounds that interact with the different cells in the gastrointestinal tract, including those involved in serotonin synthesis. It is speculated that this microbiota-serotonin interaction may play a role in the control of GI motility. Therefore, the study concluded that intestinal crosstalk between microbiota and serotonin could affect gut motility.


Another study by Gershon, Michael D. et al., "Serotonin and Its Receptors in the GI Tract: Regulation, Function, and Therapeutic Targets," explored the scientific evidence on the various serotonin receptors and their role in modulating GI motility. The study highlights the role of 5-HT receptors on the various types of cells located in the GI tract that are involved in the regulation of motility. The authors found that pharmacological manipulation of these receptors could affect GI motility, a discovery that still drives the development of new potential therapies.
In contrast, studies by Mayer, Emeran A., and Tillisch, Kirsten, et al., "The Brain-Gut Axis in Abdominal Pain Syndromes," examined the connection between gut serotonin and brain-function in people experiencing abdominal pain syndromes. Mayer found that the brain-gut axis played a significant role in the development and maintenance of different abdominal pain syndromes by modulating the neurogenic motor patterns in the GI tract. These studies highlight the importance of serotonin in the brain-gut axis in modulating GI motility in stress-associated diseases of the GI tract.


In conclusion, serotonin plays a crucial role in the GI motility and the connection between the gut microbiota and serotonin is becoming apparent in contemporary scientific research. The studies by Keating, Damien J., Ge, Xiaolong, Gershon, Michael D., as well as Mayer, Emeran A., and Tillisch, Kirsten, provide evidence of the importance of gut serotonin in GI motility and its modulation by microbiota, stress and brain-gut axis. Moving forward, understanding the complex nature of the gut serotonin and its interaction with the microbiota and other factors will pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic targets and treatment of GI-related gut disorders.

 5 ways to increase serotonin naturally


 5.  Decrease stress/ sleep
4. exercise 
3. get more sunlight
2. take a 5 HTP supplement
1.  eat food high in tryptophan foods and high fiber diet


 If you are interested in learning more about how to improve your Gut Health Book a Nutrition consult with Wendy


Ge, X., Pan, J., Liu, Y., Wang, H., Zhou, W., & Wang, X. (2018). Intestinal crosstalk between microbiota and serotonin and its impact on Gut Motility. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 19(3), 190–195. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201019666180528094202 

Keating, D. J., & Spencer, N. J. (2019). What is the role of endogenous gut serotonin in the control of gastrointestinal motility? Pharmacological Research, 140, 50–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2018.06.017

Martin CR, Osadchiy V, Kalani A, Mayer EA. The Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018 Apr 12;6(2):133-148. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.04.003. PMID: 30023410; PMCID: PMC6047317.

Mayer, E. A., & Tillisch, K. (2011). The brain-gut axis in abdominal pain syndromes. Annual Review of Medicine, 62(1), 381–396. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-med-012309-103958


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why Fiber is a Superfood: The Importance of Adequate Intake

  Why Fiber is a Superfood: The Importance of Adequate Intake Fiber is one of the most essential nutrients that our body needs, yet studies today show that most Americans still need to consume enough fiber in their daily diet. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is indigestible and passes through our digestive system largely intact. Although it does not provide energy, it has been found to be associated with many chronic health diseases that we are facing today. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of adequate fiber intake and why it is considered a superfood. 1. What is Fiber, and Why is it Important? Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. There are two types of fiber—soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and can bind with fatty substances, while insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and adds bulk to the stool. Both types of fiber are essential in maintai...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Benefits of Akkermansia for Gut Health and Beyond

The Benefits of Akkermansia for Gut Health and Beyond Akkermansia muciniphila, a name that might sound unfamiliar to many, is a bacterium residing in the human gut that has started to gain recognition in the field of health and nutrition. This bacterium, part of the Verrucomicrobia phylum, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the mucosal lining of the gut, impacting metabolic health, diabetes management, and weight regulation. For nutrition enthusiasts and health professionals, understanding the benefits of Akkermansia can open new doors to optimized gut health and overall wellness. Akkermansia muciniphila is a gram-negative, obligate anaerobic bacterium that specializes in degrading mucin, a component of the mucus lining of the gut. This unique ability positions Akkermansia as a crucial player in maintaining the integrity of the mucosal barrier. According to Cani (2017), the gut microbiota lies at the intersection of various physiological processes, and Akkermansia’s role is no exc...
Post a Comment
Read more

What Are Electrolytes and How Do They Affect Your Digestion?

                    What Are Electrolytes and How Do They Affect Your Digestion? We've all heard that electrolytes are essential for staying hydrated, especially during intense physical activities. But these essential minerals do more than just help us replenish fluids. They are also important for regulating nerve and muscle function, balancing pH levels, and aiding in digestion. So, what exactly are electrolytes, and how do they affect your digestion? In this post, we will explore these essential minerals and their importance in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Firstly, let's define what electrolytes are. Electrolytes are charged minerals that conduct electrical impulses in our body, helping to regulate various functions. Electrolytes are primarily found in bodily fluids like blood, sweat, and urine. Some of the most important electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride. Now, let's talk abou...
Post a Comment
Read more