title: Molecular basis of the irritable bowel syndrome.
abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort and bloating. The pathophysiology of IBS is poorly understood, but the presence of psychosocial basis is now known. There is an increasing number of publications supporting the role of genetics in IBS. Most of the variations are found in genes associated with the brain-gut axis, revealing the strong correlation of brain-gut axis and IBS. miRNAs, which play critical roles in physiological processes, are not well studied in IBS. However, so far there is found an involvement of alterations in miRNA expression or sequence, in IBS symptoms. IBS phenotype is affected by epigenetic alteration and environment. Changes in DNA and histone methylation are observed in patients who suffered childhood trauma or abuse, resulting in altered gene expression, such as the glucocorticoid receptor gene. Finally, diet is another factor associated with IBS, which may contribute to symptom onset. Certain foods may affect on bacterial metabolism and epigenetic modifications, predisposing to IBS.
authors.affiliation: Anna Vaiopoulou, Maria Gazouli, Department of Basic Medical Science, Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vaiopoulou
authors.affiliation: Anna Vaiopoulou, Maria Gazouli, Department of Basic Medical Science, Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Georgios
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Karamanolis
authors.affiliation: Anna Vaiopoulou, Maria Gazouli, Department of Basic Medical Science, Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Theodora
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Psaltopoulou
authors.affiliation: Anna Vaiopoulou, Maria Gazouli, Department of Basic Medical Science, Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Karatzias
authors.affiliation: Anna Vaiopoulou, Maria Gazouli, Department of Basic Medical Science, Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gazouli
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D059647:Gene-Environment Interaction; D005819:Genetic Markers; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010641:Phenotype; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers
keywords: Diet; Epigenetics; Gastrointestinal diseases; Genetics; Irritable bowel syndrome