| Theme |
Clinical Gastroenterology -- Past 30 Years and Future Vision |
| Title |
History and Future of Small Intestine |
| Author |
Shunji Fujimori |
Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School |
| Author |
Choitsu Sakamoto |
Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School |
| [ Summary ] |
One of the main functions of small intestine is absorption absorption. The active transport of physical materials by transporters is essential to the process of absorption in the small intestine. Because the lining of the small intestine is in contact with intestinal contents (microorganisms and other materials), it has a strongly developed immune mechanism. The immune system status, bacterial flora, and transporters of the small intestine influence the entire body. Recent research has demonstrated that altered function of the small intestine is strongly associated with not only autoimmune disease but also diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and so on. In the 21th century, capsule endoscopy and balloon assisted endoscopy, which are advanced modalities that now allow better investigation of the entire small intestine, have been developed. Many endoscopic diagnoses and therapies are determined through both modalities. The small intestine has wide attracted attention over the years. |