The Gut–Brain Axis and Its Role in Controlling Eating Behavior in Intestinal Inflammation

Moran, Gordon William; Thapaliya, Gita

Abstract

Malnutrition represents a major problem in the clinical management of the inflammatory
bowel disease (IBD). Presently, our understanding of the cross-link between eating behavior and
intestinal inflammation is still in its infancy. Crohn’s disease patients with active disease exhibit strong
hedonic desires for food and emotional eating patterns possibly to ameliorate feelings of low mood,
anxiety, and depression. Impulsivity traits seen in IBD patients may predispose them to palatable
food intake as an immediate reward rather than concerns for future health. The upregulation of
enteroendocrine cells (EEC) peptide response to food intake has been described in ileal inflammation,
which may lead to alterations in gut–brain signaling with implications for appetite and eating
behavior. In summary, a complex interplay of gut peptides, psychological, cognitive factors, diseaserelated
symptoms, and inflammatory burden may ultimately govern eating behavior in intestinal
inflammation.

Citation

Moran, G. W., & Thapaliya, G. (2021). The Gut–Brain Axis and Its Role in Controlling Eating Behavior in Intestinal Inflammation. Nutrients, 13(3), Article 981. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030981

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Mar 16, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Mar 18, 2021
• Publication Date: Mar 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Mar 19, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 19, 2021
• Journal: Nutrients
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 3
• Article Number: 981
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030981
• Keywords: enteroendocrine cells; enteroendocrine peptides; gut hormones; gut–brain axis; intestinal inflammation; eating behavior
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5401936
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/3/981