The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a complex neural network embedded in the gut wall that orchestrates the reflex behaviors of the intestine. The ENS is often referred to as the “little brain” in the gut because the ENS is more similar in size, complexity and autonomy to the central nervous system (CNS) than other components of the autonomic nervous system. Like the brain, the ENS is composed of neurons that are surrounded by glial cells. Enteric glia are a unique type of peripheral glia that are similar to astrocytes of the CNS. Yet enteric glial cells also differ from astrocytes in many important ways. The roles of enteric glial cell populations in the gut are beginning to come to light and recent evidence implicates enteric glia in almost every aspect of gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology. However, elucidating the exact mechanisms by which enteric glia influence gastrointestinal physiology and identifying how those roles are altered during gastrointestinal pathophysiology remain areas of intense research. The purpose of this e-book is to provide an introduction to enteric glial cells and to act as a resource for ongoing studies on this fascinating population of glia. Table of Contents: Introduction / A Historical Perspective on Enteric Glia / Enteric Glia: The Astroglia of the Gut / Molecular Composition of Enteric Glia / Development of Enteric Glia / Functional Roles of Enteric Glia / Enteric Glia and Disease Processes in the Gut / Concluding Remarks / References / Author Biography

The book explores the intricate connections between the nervous and immune systems in the context of neurodegenerative disorders, offering a comprehensive overview of the bidirectional communication between these systems and their implications for disease progression and therapeutic interventions. The book aims to understand the recent developments in the field of neuroimmune communication. Key Features: In-depth analysis of immunological biomarkers and therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders. Exploration of the role of glial cells in neuroimmune interactions and their dual nature in disease pathology. Examination of short- and long-range interactions between the central nervous system (CNS) and immune system, including hormonal axis and cytokine milieu. Discussion on the impact of microbiota on neural networks and immune responses, highlighting the gut-brain axis and potential therapeutic avenues. Utilization of Drosophila model systems to study neurodegeneration, providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatment strategies. Coverage of various neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, polyglutamine-related diseases, and tauopathy, with a focus on understanding disease progression and identifying therapeutic targets. The book stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, bridging the fields of neuroscience, immunology, and microbiology to provide a holistic understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. It offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between the nervous and immune systems, shedding light on novel therapeutic avenues for treating these debilitating conditions. Suitable for researchers, clinicians, and students in the fields of neurology, immunology, and microbiology, this book serves as an essential resource for understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

The gastrointestinal tract is a long, muscular tube responsible for the digestion of food, assimilation of nutrients and elimination of waste. This is achieved by secretion of digestive enzymes and absorption from the intestinal lumen, with different regions playing specific roles in the processing of specific nutrients. These regions come into play sequentially as ingested material is moved along the length of the GI tract by contractions of the muscle layers. In some regions like the oesophagus transit it rapid and measured in seconds while in others like the colon transit is measured in hours and even days, commensurate with the relative slow fermentation that takes place in the large bowel. An hierarchy of controls, neural and endocrine, serve to regulate the various cellular targets that exist in the gut wall. These include muscle cells for contraction and epithelial cells for secretion and absorption. However, there are complex interactions between these digestive mechanisms and other mechanisms that regulate blood flow, immune function, endocrine secretion and food intake. These ensure a fine balance between the ostensibly conflicting tasks of digestion and absorption and protection from potentially harmful ingested materials. They match assimilation of nutrients with hunger and satiety and they ensure that regions of the GI tract that are meters apart work together in a coordinated fashion to match these diverse functions to the digestive needs of the individual. This ebook will provide an overview of the neural mechanisms that control gastrointestinal function. Table of Contents: Neural Control of Gastrointestinal Function / Cells and Tissues / Enteric Nervous System / From Gut to CNS: Extrinsic Sensory Innervation / Sympathetic Innervation of the Gut / Parasympathetic Innervation of the Gut / Integration of Function / References

This textbook is a practical guide to the application of the philosophy and principles of Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy (IFMNT) in the practice of medicine, and the key role nutrition plays in restoring and maintaining wellness. The textbook provides an overview of recent reviews and studies of physiological and biochemical contributions to IFMNT and address nutritional influences in human heath overall, including poor nutrition, genomics, environmental toxicant exposures, fractured human interactions, limited physical movement, stress, sleep deprivation, and other lifestyle factors. Ultimately, this textbook serves to help practitioners, healthcare systems, and policy makers better understand this different and novel approach to complex chronic disorders. It provides the reader with real world examples of applications of the underlying principles and practices of integrative/functional nutrition therapies and presents the most up-to-date intervention strategies and clinical tools to help the reader keep abreast of developments in this emerging specialty field. Many chapters include comprehensive coverage of the topic and clinical applications with supplementary learning features such as case studies, take-home messages, patient and practitioner handouts, algorithms, and suggested readings. Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy: Principles and Practices will serve as an invaluable guide for healthcare professionals in their clinical application of nutrition, lifestyle assessment, and intervention for each unique, individual patient.