title: Colonic butyrate- algesic or analgesic?
abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common health issue that is characterized by abdominal pain, abnormal bowel movements, and altered visceral perception. The complexity and variability in symptoms pose serious challenges in treating IBS. Current therapy for IBS is primarily focused on reducing the abdominal pain, thereby improving the quality of life to a significant extent. Although the use of fiber rich diet is widely recommended in treating IBS, some studies have questioned its use. Intra-colonic butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, is primarily produced by the fermentation of dietary fibers in the colon. In the existing literature there are conflicting reports about the function of butyrate. In rats it is known to induce visceral hypersensitivity without altered pathology, whereas in humans it has been reported to reduce visceral pain. Understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for this contrasting effect of butyrate is important before recommending fiber rich diet to IBS patients.
authors: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA. sengupta@mcw.edu
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Kannampalli
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Shaker
authors: J N
authors: JN
authors: Sengupta
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D002087:Butyrates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003106:Colon / Q000187:drug effects*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D051381:Rats; D059265:Visceral Pain / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D002087:Butyrates; D004043:Dietary Fiber