Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2025
Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity in Mice Using Fluorescein-Isothiocyanate-Labeled Dextran
Published on: November 18, 2022
Depression in Diarrhea-Predominant IBS Patients: Exploring the Link Between Gut Barrier Dysfunction and Erythrocyte
Michele Linsalata1, Laura Prospero1, Antonia Ignazzi1
1Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Group, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS "S. de Bellis", 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy.
Patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) and depression show increased intestinal permeability and altered polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism. These gut health markers, including PUFA profiles, may offer new therapeutic targets for IBS-D depression.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Psychiatry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) frequently co-occurs with depression and anxiety.
- Gut barrier dysfunction, dysbiosis, and inflammation are implicated in IBS pathophysiology and mood disorders.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are known to modulate inflammation and depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between intestinal permeability, PUFA profiles, inflammation, and depression severity in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D).
Main Methods:
- Forty-three IBS-D patients were divided into depressed (IBS-D(d+)) and non-depressed (IBS-D(d-)) groups.
- Assessed small intestinal permeability (s-IP) in urine and blood.
- Analyzed erythrocyte membrane PUFA composition, gut dysbiosis, and inflammation markers.
Main Results:
- Depressed IBS-D patients (IBS-D(d+)) had higher s-IP and altered PUFA metabolism compared to non-depressed patients (IBS-D(d-)).
- Omega-3 PUFA levels inversely correlated with s-IP, while the omega-6/omega-3 ratio positively correlated.
- Depression severity was linked to s-IP markers and omega-3 levels; IBS-D(d+) patients showed more dysbiosis and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal barrier integrity and PUFA metabolism are interconnected in IBS-D patients with depression.
- s-IP markers and erythrocyte PUFA profiles may serve as novel therapeutic targets for managing depression in IBS-D.
More Related Videos
10:37Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
08:58Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis
Published on: January 5, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...