Age-Related Variations in Enteric Glial Cells: A Comprehensive Microscopic Analysis of the Human Colon

Background: Constipation and other lower intestinal disorders are more common in the middle-aged population. According to recent research, enteric glial cells (EGCs) may have an impact on colonic motility. Little is known about how ageing impacts EGCs in the human colon. This study aims to compare the morphology of EGCs in the colons of young and middle-aged individuals. Objective: To study the age-related morphological variations in the EGCs of the myenteric plexus in human transverse colon. Materials and Methods: Colon specimens from 11 deceased individuals were obtained from a mortuary and categorized into two age groups: Group 1 (Young, n = 6) and Group 2 (Middle-Aged, n = 5). Immunohistochemistry for Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) and routine staining were performed. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluations were conducted. Results: In the middle-aged group 2, vacuolization was observed between Myenteric Ganglia (MG), and myenteric neurons appeared more scattered compared to the young group 1. The number of myenteric neurons and EGCs decreased with increasing age. The mean count of EGCs per MG and per mm² of ganglionic area was significantly higher in group 1 (young) as compared to group 2 (middle-aged). The MG density, expressed relative to the thickness of the inner circular muscle, was significantly greater in group 1 (young). Conclusion: There is a significant decrease in the number of EGCs with advancing age, along with notable morphological changes. These changes may contribute to various gut motility disorders observed in the middle-aged, impacting their quality of life.