Gastroparesis: Concepts, Controversies, and Challenges

Box 5

Current Knowledge

Gastroparesis is a complex neuromuscular disorder. Consistent with the different

causes and manifestations, changes in innervation, ICC and muscle structure

and/or function can be seen in subsets of patients.

Emerging Trends

Inflammation may contribute to loss or dysfunction of neurons, ICC, and muscle

cells.

Future Perspective

Identifying subgroups with neuromuscular dysfunction due to inflammation may

define subgroups of idiopathic gastroparesis and lead to the identification of new

treatment options.

Changes in cell density may become a rationale for stem cell therapy. Alternatively,

the presence of ICC progenitor cells in the gastric wall may provide additional

opportunities and lead to therapeutic interventions targeting differentiation of

these cells