These mechanisms of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are up-regulated by the vagus nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which carries out the majority of its functions by the release of neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (Ach), and to a lesser extent gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) protein. On the contrary, the functions of GIT are down-regulated by the activation sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which carries out its functions mostly via neurotransmitter epinephrine.Meal consumption causes distention of the stomach, leading to stimulation of the parasympathetic vagus nerve in the gastric mucosa, which causes the release of GRP protein. In gastrinoma, GRP protein causes larger than normal amounts of gastrin secretion, which leads to hyperplasia of the parietal cells. Hyperplasia of parietal cells causes an abnormal release of HCl into the duodenum, which causes the ulcers of the duodenum. Excessive HCl production also causes hyperperistalsis, a condition marked by excessive rapidity of the passage of food through the stomach and intestine and inhibits the activity of lipase, causing severe fatty diarrhea known as steatorrhea. Evenly the long-standing hyper-secretion of gastrin stimulate proliferation of the enterochromaffin like cells (ECL). These cells are found along the side the gastric lumen of the digestive tract. They play a main role in regulation of gastric secretion and motility when stimulated by nervous system. These cells in return will undergo progressive dysplastic changes starting with hyperplasia to neoplasia throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
Younger patients start out having unimpaired vision, but it starts to deteriorate at a young age and does so slowly. If vision is able to improve with the use of glasses, they should be worn to help facilitate concept development. Retinal degeneration cannot be ameliorated with glasses.The type of therapy needed for each individual varies, as not every affected individual would benefit from speech, physical, and occupational therapies. The type of therapy for each person is highly individualized. Individuals who have Cohen syndrome may also benefit from psychosocial support.Many people who have Cohen syndrome also have neutropenia which is a condition in which an individual has an abnormally low number of white blood cells called neutrophils. Having this condition may make these individuals susceptible to infections. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is one possible treatment for neutropenia.Monitoring weight gain and growth is crucial, as well as annual ophthalmologic and hematologic evaluations and checkups. While there are treatments available to people with Cohen syndrome, there are no known cures for the disease. Prevalence
Over the past several years, there have been approximately 50 new cases worldwide. There are population groups with this condition in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US. It still seems to go undiagnosed, leaving the number of known cases less than 500. Etymology
The syndrome is named after Michael Cohen, William Pepper and Jaroslav Cervenka, who researched the illness. References
External links

GeneReview/NIH/UW entry on Cohen syndrome