Role of Brain NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in the Stress-induced Modulation of Gastrointestinal Functions

BACKGROUND Nucleobindin2 (NUCB2)/nesfatin-1 plays a well-established role in homeostatic functions associated with food intake and stress integration. AIM This review focusses on NUCB2/nesfatin-1's central effects on gastrointestinal functions and will summarize the effects on food intake, motility and secretion with focus on the upper gastrointestinal tract. RESULTS We will highlight the stressors that influence brain NUCB2/nesfatin-1 expression and discuss functional implications. In addition to traditional acute psychological and physical stressors such as restraint stress and abdominal surgery we will look at immunological, visceral and metabolic stressors as well as a chronic combination stress model that have been shown to affect NUCB2/nesfatin-1 signaling and describe associated functional consequences.