Abstract:

Slow transit constipation (STC) is a common type of functional constipation characterized by slowed colonic motility and delayed intestinal transit, and often accompanies by symptoms such as infrequent bowel movements and difficulty in defecation. Studies indicate that the development of STC is related to abnormal changes in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). This article summarizes the classification, markers, and functions of ICCs, as well as their relationship with STC, highlighting that abnormalities in the quantity and function of ICCs can influence the symptoms of patients with STC. Additionally, the article reviews various treatment strategies for patients with STC, such as the use of microbiota preparations, traditional Chinese medicine, physical therapy, and molecular treatments, and their potential impacts on ICCs, providing new treatment insights for patients with STC. The authors suggest that ICCs can serve as potential therapeutic targets for STC; future research should focus on the role of ICCs in the pathogenesis of STC, develop specific therapeutic approaches, and assess the feasibility of clinical applications of emerging strategies, such as stem cell therapy and gene therapy, so as to offer new treatment options for patients with STC.

Key words:

Slow transit constipation, Interstitial cells of Cajal, Treatment, Review

摘要：

慢传输型便秘（slow transit constipation，STC）是功能性便秘的一种常见类型，以结肠蠕动缓慢、肠道内容物排出延迟为特点，常伴有排便次数少、排便困难等症状。研究表明，STC的发生与Cajal间质细胞（interstitial cells of Cajal，ICCs）的异常改变有关。本文通过总结ICCs的分类、标志物、功能及其与STC的关系发现ICCs的数量和功能异常可影响STC患者的症状。此外，本文还总结了STC的不同治疗措施如微生态制剂、中医药、物理疗法和分子治疗对ICCs的潜在影响，并提供了STC患者治疗的新思路。笔者认为，ICCs可作为STC患者治疗的潜在靶标，未来研究应当关注ICCs在STC发病机制中的作用，开发特异性治疗手段，并评估干细胞疗法和基因疗法等新兴策略在临床中应用的可能性，为STC患者提供新的治疗选择。

关键词:

慢传输型便秘, Cajal间质细胞, 治疗, 综述