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Serotonin transporter gene polymorphism in irritable bowel syndrome
Cengiz Pata1, M Emin Erdal, Ebru Derici
1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Mersin, Turkey.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 24, 2002
Summary
This study found no direct link between serotonin transporter (SERT) gene variations and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, specific SERT genotypes may increase the risk for constipation-predominant or diarrhea-predominant IBS subtypes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Serotonin transporter (SERT) regulates intestinal peristalsis by clearing serotonin from neuronal gaps.
- SERT function is crucial for maintaining normal bowel motility.
- Investigating SERT gene variations may offer insights into irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serotonin transporter (SERT) gene polymorphism and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- To explore potential links between specific SERT genotypes and IBS subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze SERT gene polymorphism in DNA from 54 IBS patients and 91 healthy controls.
- Two regions of the SERT gene were assessed: variable number tandem repeats and the SERT gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR).
Main Results:
- Overall SERT gene polymorphism did not differ significantly between IBS patients and healthy subjects (p > 0.05).
- The 5-HTTLPR S/S genotype was more frequent in the constipation-predominant IBS group (p < 0.05).
- The 5-HTTLPR L/S genotype was more frequent in the diarrhea-predominant IBS group compared to other groups.
Conclusions:
- No direct association was found between overall SERT gene polymorphism and IBS.
- The S/S genotype may indicate an increased risk for constipation-predominant IBS.
- The L/S genotype might be associated with an increased risk for diarrhea-predominant IBS.