Fig. 5. Potential drug target sites in the complex events of post-operative ileus (POI). Several potential sites could be targeted to dampen the effect of POI. Four main intertwined events could be targeted: ➊ Neuroinflammation, ➋ Inflammatory pathways, ➌ Epithelial barrier disruption, and ➍ Gut microbiota. CRF, corticotropin-releasing factor; HPA, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal; TJPs, tight junction proteins; PAR-2, protease activated receptor-2; CAIP, cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway; 5-HT4, 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor; ICAM-1, intercellular adhesion molecules-1; iNOS, inducible nitric oxide synthase; COX-2, cyclooxygenase-2. X means inhibition of POI.
© J Neurogastroenterol Motil
