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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
10:37
Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
Pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome
Yasmin Nasser1, Andrea Shin2, Alexander C Ford3
1Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada.
The Lancet. Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|July 16, 2026
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) involves gut-brain interactions with peripheral and central mechanisms. While some IBS causes are measurable, more research is needed for targeted treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Neurogastroenterology
- Gut-Brain Axis Research
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome Pathophysiology
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) lacks a definitive biomarker despite extensive research.
- Over 30 years, numerous peripheral and central pathophysiological abnormalities have been identified.
- These mechanisms contribute to IBS symptoms through the gut-brain axis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of IBS pathophysiology.
- To discuss peripheral, central, and integrated mechanisms underlying IBS.
- To highlight the need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of research on IBS pathophysiology over the last three decades.
- Analysis of peripheral mechanisms (e.g., microbiome, motility, inflammation).
- Analysis of central mechanisms (e.g., psychological health, pain processing).
Main Results:
- Peripheral factors include gut infections, microbiome alterations, visceral hypersensitivity, increased permeability, inflammation, motility issues, and metabolic disturbances (serotonin, bile acid, carbohydrates).
- Central factors involve psychological health and altered pain processing.
- IBS is conceptualized as a disorder of gut-brain interaction, with integrated peripheral and central mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Some IBS mechanisms, like bile acid metabolism and colonic transit, are quantifiable.
- Further research is crucial to translate identified mechanisms into reliable diagnostic tests and treatments for IBS.
- Understanding the complex interplay of gut-brain mechanisms is key to advancing IBS management.
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