title: The shifting interface between IBS and IBD.
abstract: Recent data developing from the study of postinfectious IBS has challenged the belief that IBS is a purely psychological disorder. Distinct abnormalities of the gut mucosa have been reported including immune activation and increased release of inflammatory mediators with some overlap with IBD. New studies show that genetic factors which predispose to IBD are also associated with IBS. A common feature is impaired gut barrier function which appears to precede the development of IBD while in IBS it may be the result of either a preceding infection or psychosocial stress. Stress can activate mast cells which are a feature in most but not all IBS series. Anti-inflammatory treatments targeting activated mast cells may benefit IBS patients but currently the evidence is weak and larger trials are needed. Changes in the commensal microbiota have been recently described with a "dysbiosis" in CD characterised by reduced diversity. Inconsistent changes have also been described in IBS but studies controlling for antibiotic use and differences in diet and bowel habit are needed before definitive conclusions can be made.
authors: NIHR Biomedical Research Unit, Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom. robin.spiller@nottingham.ac.uk
authors: Robin
authors: R
authors: Spiller
authors: Ching
authors: C
authors: Lam
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D023082:Defensins / Q000378:metabolism; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D007422:Intestines / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D010539:Permeability; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D023082:Defensins; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors