title: Current and emerging therapies in irritable bowel syndrome: from pathophysiology to treatment.
abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder with characteristic symptoms of abdominal pain/discomfort with a concurrent disturbance in defecation. It accounts for a significant healthcare burden, and symptoms may be debilitating for some patients. Traditional symptom-based therapies have been found to be ineffective in the treatment of the entire syndrome complex, and do not modify the natural history of the disorder. Although the exact etiopathogenesis of IBS is incompletely understood, recent advances in the elucidation of the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of IBS have resulted in the development of novel therapies, as well as potential future therapeutic targets. This article reviews current and emerging therapies in IBS based upon: IBS as a serotonergic disorder; stimulating intestinal chloride channels; modulation of visceral hypersensitivity; altering low-grade intestinal inflammation; and modulation of the gut microbiota.
authors.affiliation: Enteric NeuroScience Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Nicholas J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Talley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D018118:Chloride Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D018118:Chloride Channels; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D012701:Serotonin