Dysbiosis in Functional Bowel Disorders

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Human Health

Background:

• Functional bowel disorders (FBD) are gastrointestinal diseases with unclear causes.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most recognized FBD.
• Recent advancements in microbiological techniques allow for exploring the gut microbiota's role in FBD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of gut microbiota and dysbiosis in functional bowel disorders (FBD).
• To review current research on microbial composition, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation in FBD, particularly IBS.

Main Methods:

• Comparing gut microbial composition between FBD patients (e.g., IBS) and healthy controls.
• Analyzing studies on interventions like probiotics and prebiotics in FBD.
• Considering fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as an experimental approach.

Main Results:

• Microbiota composition differs between FBD patients and healthy individuals, though not always specific to FBD.
• Probiotic and prebiotic interventions for IBS have yielded mixed outcomes, with varying efficacy on symptoms.
• Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is rarely tested in FBD and carries potential risks.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiota is implicated in FBD, but specific microbial signatures remain elusive.
• Current interventions like probiotics show inconsistent benefits for IBS.
• Further research is needed to clarify the gut microbiota's role and develop effective FBD treatments.