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World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. Nov 6, 2013; 4(4): 86-96
Published online Nov 6, 2013. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v4.i4.86
Published online Nov 6, 2013. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v4.i4.86
Eosinophils and mast cells as therapeutic targets in pediatric functional dyspepsia
Craig A Friesen, Jennifer M Colombo, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, the Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri, MO 64108, United States
Jennifer V Schurman, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Sciences, the Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri, MO 64108, United States
Susan M Abdel-Rahman, Division of Pediatric Pharmacology and Medical Toxicology, the Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri, MO 64108, United States
Author contributions: All authors reviewed the literature and participated in writing the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Craig A Friesen, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, the Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, Missouri, MO 64108, United States. cfriesen@cmh.edu
Telephone: +1-816-2343016 Fax: +1-816-8551721
Received: June 15, 2013
Revised: July 31, 2013
Accepted: August 5, 2013
Published online: November 6, 2013
Processing time: 142 Days and 9.9 Hours
Revised: July 31, 2013
Accepted: August 5, 2013
Published online: November 6, 2013
Processing time: 142 Days and 9.9 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Current evidence implicates gastric mast cells and duodenal eosinophils in the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia and as mediators between psychologic and physiologic factors. Increased antral mast cell density is associated with anxiety, electromechanical dysfunction, and the postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) subtype of functional dyspepsia. Likewise, increased duodenal eosinophil density is associated with anxiety and the PDS subtype, however, effects on electromechanical function are more indirect. More importantly, mast cells and eosinophils appear to be therapeutic targets offering newer options for treating functional dyspepsia.