Digestive diseases and sciences
-
Accumulating evidence suggests that gender-related differences are prominent in gastric motility functions in both health and disease. Women are more susceptible to gastroparesis than men. Though the mechanism(s) involved are not fully understood, impairment of the nitrergic system is one of the main factors responsible for the disease. ⋯ Recent research has been focused on BH(4) biosynthesis and gastroparesis because reduced BH(4) cofactor levels can alter the production of NO by nNOS. Researchers are now paying more attention to the possibility of using BH(4) as a therapeutic strategy in gastroparesis. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the regulation and function of nNOS by sex hormones and BH(4) and its potential role in the treatment of gastroparesis.