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Updated: Mar 30, 2026
Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
Role of environmental pollution in irritable bowel syndrome
Mateusz Marynowski1, Aleksandra Likońska1, Hubert Zatorski1
1Mateusz Marynowski, Aleksandra Likońska, Hubert Zatorski, Jakub Fichna, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland.
Abstract:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with the prevalence of 10%-20 % of the population has become an emerging problem worldwide. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits. The etiology of IBS contains genetic, psychological, and immunological factors, and has not been fully elucidated; of note, recent studies also point at environmental pollution and its role in the development of functional GI diseases. In this review we focus on several environmental factors, such as bacterial contamination, air pollution, radiation and even stress as potential triggers of IBS. We discuss associated disturbances in homeostasis, such as changes in intestinal microbiome and related pathophysiological mechanisms. Based on the effect of environmental factors on the GI tract, we also propose novel targets in IBS treatment.
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