title: The possible role of gastrointestinal endocrine cells in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome.
abstract: The etiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is unknown, but several factors appear to play a role in its pathophysiology, including abnormalities of the gastrointestinal endocrine cells. The present review illuminates the possible role of gastrointestinal hormones in the pathophysiology of IBS and the possibility of utilizing the current knowledge in treating the disease. Areas covered: Research into the intestinal endocrine cells and their possible role in the pathophysiology of IBS is discussed. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying the abnormalities in the gastrointestinal endocrine cells in IBS patients are revealed. Expert commentary: The abnormalities observed in the gastrointestinal endocrine cells in IBS patients explains their visceral hypersensitivity, gastrointestinal dysmotility, and abnormal intestinal secretion, as well as the interchangeability of symptoms over time. Clarifying the role of the intestinal stem cells in the pathophysiology of IBS may lead to new treatment methods for IBS.
authors.affiliation: a Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine , Stord Hospital , Stord , Norway.|b Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Clinical Medicine , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway.|c National Centre for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Department of Medicine , Haukeland University Hospital , Bergen , Norway.
authors.forename: Magdy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: El-Salhy
authors.affiliation: b Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Clinical Medicine , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway.|c National Centre for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Department of Medicine , Haukeland University Hospital , Bergen , Norway.
authors.forename: Trygve
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hausken
authors.affiliation: b Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Clinical Medicine , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway.|c National Centre for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Department of Medicine , Haukeland University Hospital , Bergen , Norway.|d National Centre for Ultrasound in Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine , Haukeland University Hospital , Bergen , Norway.
authors.forename: Odd Helge
authors.initials: OH
authors.lastname: Gilja
authors.affiliation: b Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Clinical Medicine , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway.|c National Centre for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Department of Medicine , Haukeland University Hospital , Bergen , Norway.
authors.forename: Jan Gunnar
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Hatlebakk
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019858:Enteroendocrine Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D007419:Intestinal Secretions / Q000378:metabolism; D007422:Intestines / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010641:Phenotype; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D059265:Visceral Pain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones
keywords: Diet; Musashi-1; genes; low-grade inflammation; microbiota; neurogenin 3; stem cells