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10:37
Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
The immune system in irritable bowel syndrome
Giovanni Barbara1, Cesare Cremon, Giovanni Carini
1Department of Clinical Medicine and Center for Applied Biomedical Research University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. giovanni.barbara@unibo.it
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|December 8, 2011
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may involve immune system activation in the gut and body. Research shows increased immune cells and mediators in IBS patients, suggesting new diagnostic and treatment targets.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathophysiology may involve immune system activation.
- Infectious gastroenteritis is a significant risk factor for IBS development.
- Increased T cells and mast cells are observed in the intestines of IBS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of systemic and gastrointestinal immune activation in IBS.
- To investigate the impact of immune mediators on gut function and barrier integrity.
- To identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for IBS.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of immune cell populations in IBS patients and healthy controls.
- Detection of antibodies against microbiota antigens and cytokine levels in peripheral blood.
- Assessment of immune mediator effects on enteric nerves and mucosal barrier function in experimental models.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of IBS patients exhibit increased intestinal T cells and mast cells.
- Systemic immune responses, including antibodies and cytokines, suggest altered host-microbial interactions.
- Immune mediators influence enteric nerve function and mucosal barrier integrity.
Conclusions:
- Immune activation is a relevant factor in IBS pathophysiology and symptom generation.
- Further research is needed to identify specific patient subsets and clarify the role of various factors.
- Immune activation presents opportunities for novel biomarker discovery and therapeutic strategies in IBS.
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