Brain-gut interactions in IBS

Fichna, Jakub und Storr, Martin A. (2012): Brain-gut interactions in IBS. In: Frontiers in Pharmacology, Vol. 3, 127

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder with an estimated prevalence of 10-20%. Current understanding of the pathophysiology of IBS is incomplete due to the lack of a clearly identified pathological abnormality and due to the lack of reliable biomarkers. Possible mechanisms believed to contribute to IBS development and IBS like symptoms include physical stressors, such as infection or inflammation, psychological, and environmental factors, like anxiety, depression, and significant negative life events. Some of these mechanisms may involve the brain-gut axis (BGA). In this article we review the current knowledge on the possible involvement of the BGA in IBS and discuss new directions for potential future therapies of IBS.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Keywords: irritable bowel syndrome; brain-gut axis; pathophysiology; autonomic nervous system; hypothalamopituitary-adrenal axis
• Faculties: Medicine
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 1663-9812
• Place of Publication: PO BOX 110, LAUSANNE, 1015, SWITZERLAND
• Language: English