Effects of aging on the architecture of the ileocecal junction in rats

Abstract

AIM:To evaluate the structural organization of the elastic and collagen fibers in the region of the ileocecal transition in 30 young and old male Wistar rats. METHODS:Histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed in this study. The results demonstrated that there was a demarcation of the ileocecal region between the ileum and the cecum in both groups. RESULTS:The connective tissue fibers had different distribution patterns in the two groups. IHC revealed the presence of nitric oxide synthase, enteric neurons and smooth muscle fibers in the ileocecal junctions (ICJs) of both groups. Compared to the young group, the elderly group exhibited an increase in collagen type Ⅰ fibers, a decrease in collagen type Ⅲ fibers, a decreased linear density of oxytalan elastic fibers, and a greater linear density of elaunin and mature elastic fibers. CONCLUSION:The results revealed changes in the patterns of distribution of collagen and elastic fibers that may lead to a possible decrease in ICJ functionality. Core tip: The ileocolonic sphincter controls the forward and backward flow by integrating its motility with that of the distal ileum and proximal the ileocolonic sphincter controls the forward and backward flow by integrating its motility with that of the distal ileum and proxima. The ileocecal junction (ICJ) includes the muscle bundles in the terminal ileum, the intrinsic nerve plexus. The ICJ includes the muscle bundles in the terminal ileum, the intrinsic nerve plexus. Given the importance of knowing how the ICJ changes with age, the objective of this study was to characterize the morphological changes in the ICJ in rats aged 21 d and 2 years, using optical microscopy and electronic scanning and transmission methodologies. Additionally, the neurochemical characterization of the inhibitory neurons of the myenteric plexus, which are immunoreactive to the enzyme nitric oxide synthase, and the staining of the neuronal population were employed to identify immunoreactivity to HuC/D.de Brito MC, Chopard RP, Cury DP, Watanabe IS, Mendes CE, Castelucci P. Effects of aging on the architecture of the ileocecal junction in rats.

Metabolomic Profiles of Mouse Tissues Reveal an Interplay between Aging and Energy Metabolism

“…It has been reported that the number of endocrine cells in the duodenum changes during aging [39], whereas data on time-dependent alterations in the jejunum are scarce [27]. However, morphological modifications and impaired function were observed in the ileum or at the ileocecal junction at an advanced age [27,40]. We obtained a T score [1] at 11.9% (Figure 5A, left, middle), a correlation coefficient R 2 Y at 0.986 (p = 0.08) and Q 2 at 0.374 (p = 0.30) for duodenum (Figure 5A, right), and NMR-based metabolomics profiling of duodenal metabolites only revealed a decrease in lysine during aging (Figures 5B and S5A,B), despite a trend toward a reduction in all metabolites.…”

Use of Olive Oil for the Treatment of a Phytobezoar: A Case Report

“…Of course, there is a concern that pieces of split phytobezoar will show difficulty in passing the ileocecal valve in older patients. A laboratory study by de Brito et al [13] using rats reported that the function of the ileocecal junction appears to change with aging, which is associated with changes in the patterns of distribution of collagen and elastic fibers, resulting in increased tensile strength and firmness, but decreased elasticity. However, in humans, there is no clear evidence that aging is related to ileocecal valve incompetence.…”

Metabolomic Profiles of Mice Tissues Reveals an Interplay Between Aging and Energy Metabolism

“…It has been reported that the number of endocrine cells in the duodenum changes during aging [39], whereas data on time-dependent alterations in the jejunum are scarce [27]. However, morphological modifications and impaired function were observed in the ileum or at the ileocecal junction at an advanced age [27,40]. We obtained a T score at 11.9%, a correlation coefficient R 2 Y at 0.986 (p=0.08) and Q 2 at 0.374 (p=0.30) for duodenum (Figure 5A), and NMR-based metabolomics profiling of duodenal metabolites revealed only a decrease in lysine during aging (Figure 5B, S5A-B), despite a trend toward reduction in all metabolites.…”