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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
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Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
Irritable bowel syndrome: towards biomarker identification
Gerard Clarke1, Eamonn M M Quigley, John F Cryan
1Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. g.clarke@ucc.ie
Trends in Molecular Medicine
|October 9, 2009
Summary
Identifying reliable biomarkers for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is crucial. This review highlights low-grade immune activation as a promising area for developing new diagnostic tools and treatments for IBS patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting 7-10% globally.
- Current diagnostic challenges stem from the absence of definitive biomarkers and incomplete understanding of its pathophysiology.
- These limitations impede effective patient diagnosis and drug development for IBS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate emerging potential biomarkers for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- To emphasize the role of low-grade immune activation in IBS pathophysiology.
- To explore how preclinical advancements can aid in developing robust IBS biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical evaluation of existing studies on IBS biomarkers.
- Focus on research investigating immune system involvement in IBS.
- Analysis of preclinical developments relevant to biomarker identification.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence supports low-grade immune activation as a key feature in IBS.
- Several potential biomarkers are under investigation.
- Preclinical research offers insights into novel marker development.
Conclusions:
- The identification of reliable biomarkers is essential for advancing IBS understanding.
- Targeting immune pathways may lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for IBS.
- Biomarker discovery is critical to address the unmet needs in managing this debilitating condition.
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