Gastrointestinal disorders-induced pain

Abstract Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), now better defined as disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) are disorders of gut-brain interaction. Chronic episodic abdominal pain and discomfort constitute integral diagnostic criteria of these disorders. A common feature of these disorders is heightened pain sensitivity to experimental gut stimulation, termed visceral pain hypersensitivity (VPH). Visceral pain disorders are a tremendous health care burden; continues to pose a significantly unmet medical need, negatively affecting the lives of millions of individuals worldwide in all ethnic groups and all economic classes. The origin and maintenance of visceral pain involves peripheral and central mechanisms. In this review, we have highlighted the roles of the Microbiota, Nerve growth factor (NGF), NLRP3 inflammasome and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tried to address the potential for manipulating these as a therapeutic target for FGIDs associated with visceral pain hypersensitivity which may warrant for drug development in the future.