New paradigm of oral rehydration in patients affected by irritable bowel syndrome with chronic diarrhea

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea is a very frequent clinical condition characterized by disabling intestinal symptoms.This disease presents with daily abdominal pain for at least 3 months related to defecation and associated with a change in the frequency of bowel movements and the shape of the stool.International surveys about this disease report a global prevalence of about 1.5%.A new amino acid based electrolyte solution has recently been commercialized for oral rehydration in diarrhea.It is composed of water,electrolytes,and five selected amino acids that function as sodium co-transporters without containing glucose.In recent years,some studies explored the effectiveness of the amino acid based electrolyte beverage in oncologic patients with gastrointestinal mucositis,reporting good results.Recently,a prospective study to evaluate the clinical impact of the amino acid based medical beverage was conducted in patients with diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome.The research was based on a real-life methodology minimizing the disruption of the routine care.One hundred patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea drank a solution based on selected amino acids twice a day for 2 wk.Each enrolled patient completed the study and showed a significant response rate with regard to stool consistency and pain reduction.Based on this data,we can hypothesize that the amino acid based oral rehydration solution could be a valid tool in the treatment of patients affected by irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.It is certainly necessary to plan highquality clinical trials comparing glucose based oral solutions and amino acid based solutions in patients with persisting diarrhea.Probably in the near future all oral rehydration solutions will contain amino acids.

Current Research Status of Traditional Chinese Medicine External Treatment for Diarrhea Type Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D)with diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal functional disease in clinical practice,which seriously affects the quality of life of patients.Cur‐rently,Western medicine has poor therapeutic effects,while traditional Chinese medi‐cine has unique advantages in relieving IBS-D symptoms and preventing recurrence.In recent years,especially with external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine,it has become a new treatment direction in clinical practice and has achieved good therapeutic effects.This article will provide a review of recent research on the treatment of IBS-D using traditional Chinese medicine external treatment methods.

Recent advances in pharmacological treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent functional disorder that reduces patients’ quality of life. It is a chronic disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort associated with disordered defecation in the absence of identifiable structural or biochemical abnormalities. IBS imposes a significant economic burden to the healthcare system. Alteration in neurohumoral mechanisms and psychological factors, bacterial overgrowth, genetic factors, gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and immune system factors are currently believed to influence the pathogenesis of IBS. It is possible that there is an interaction of one or more of these etiologic factors leading to heterogeneous symptoms of IBS. IBS treatment is predicated upon the patient’s most bothersome symptoms. Despite the wide range of medications and the high prevalence of the disease, to date no completely effective remedy is available. This article reviews the literature from January 2008 to July 2013 on the subject of IBS peripherally acting pharmacological treatment. Drugs are categorized according to their administration for IBS-C, IBS-D or abdominal pain predominant IBS.

High risk of temporomandibular disorder in irritable bowel syndrome: Is there a correlation with greater illness severity?

AIMTo investigate the prevalence and the risk of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (including each subtype: constipation, diarrhoea, and mixed) compared to the general population.METHODSBetween January 2014 and December 2015 we enrolled consecutively adult patients diagnosed with IBS at the outpatient clinic of the University of Salerno and healthy controls (HC) without IBS. At enrollment, we analyzed all patients for the presence of TMDs according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD.RESULTSWe enrolled 91 IBS patients (23 IBS-D, 30 IBS-C and 38 IBS-M) and 57 HC in the study. We found a higher risk of having TMD (OR = 3.41, 95%CI: 1.66-7.01) compared to the HC. The risk of having TMD was independent of IBS-subtype. Multiple regression analysis showed that facial pain was positively related to abdominal pain and higher level of depression.CONCLUSIONIBS patients had a more than three times greater risk of TMD compared to HC. The risk of having TMD was similar in different IBS subtypes. IBS patients that also fulfilled criteria for TMD seem to share along with chronic facial and abdominal pain a significant co-occurrence with psychiatric disorders and female preponderance.

Comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan signaling pathway characteristics in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis

AIM: To study differences in the visceral sensitivity of the colonic mucosa between patients with diarrheapredominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D) and those with ulcerative colitis(UC) in remission and to relate these differences with changes in the 5-hydroxytryptophan(5-HT) signaling pathway. METHODS: Gastrointestinal symptoms were used to determine the clinical symptom scores and rectal visceral sensitivity of patients with IBS-D and patients with UC in remission. Blood levels of 5-HT and5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid(5-HIAA) were measured using an HPLC-electrochemical detection system. The levels of 5-HT 3 receptor(3R), 4R, and 7R m RNAs in colonic biopsy samples were detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression of TPH1 was analyzed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: Abdominal pain or discomfort, stool frequency, and the scores of these symptoms in combination with gastrointestinal symptoms were higher in the IBS-D and UC groups than in the control groups. However, no significant differences were observed between the IBS-D and UC remission groups. With respect to rectal visceral sensitivity, the UC remission and IBS-D groups showed a decrease in the initial perception threshold, defecating threshold and pain threshold. However, these groups exhibited significantly increased anorectal relaxation pressure. Tests examining the main indicators of the 5-HT signaling pathway showed that the plasma 5-HT levels, 5-HIAA concentrations, TPH1 expression in the colonic mucosa, and 5-HT3 R and 5-HT5 R expression were increased in both the IBS-D and the UC remission groups; no increases were observed with respect to 5-HT7 R expression.CONCLUSION: The IBS-D and UC groups showed similar clinical symptom scores, visceral sensitivity, and levels of serotonin signaling pathway indicators in the plasma and colonic mucosa. However, the pain threshold and 5-HT7 R expression in the colonic mucosa were significantly different between these groups. The results reveal that(1) IBS-D and UC are related to visceral sensitivity pathogenesis and the clinical manifestations of these conditions and(2) the observed differences in visceral hypersensitivity are possibly due to differences in levels of the 5-HT7 receptor, a component of the 5-HT signaling pathway.

Altered metabolism of bile acids correlates with clinical parameters and the gut microbiota in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND Bile acids(BAs)have attracted attention in the research of irritable bowel syndrome with predominant diarrhea(IBS-D)due to their ability to modulate bowel function and their tight connection with the gut microbiota.The composition of the fecal BA pool in IBS-D patients is reportedly different from that in healthy populations.We hypothesized that BAs may participate in the pathogenesis of IBS-D and the altered BA profile may be correlated with the gut microbiome.AIM To investigate the role of BAs in the pathogenesis of IBS-D and the correlation between fecal BAs and gut microbiota.METHODS Fifty-five IBS-D patients diagnosed according to the Rome Ⅳ criteria and twentyeight age-,sex-,and body mass index-matched healthy controls(HCs)were enrolled in this study at the gastroenterology department of China-Japan Friendship Hospital.First,clinical manifestations were assessed with standardized questionnaires,and visceral sensitivity was evaluated via the rectal distension test using a high-resolution manometry system.Fecal primary BAs including cholic acid(CA)and chenodeoxycholic acid(CDCA),secondary BAs including deoxycholic acid(DCA),lithocholic acid(LCA),and ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)as well as the corresponding tauro-and glyco-BAs were examined by ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.The gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Correlations between fecal BAs with clinical features and gut microbiota were explored.RESULTS Fecal CA(IBS-D:3037.66[282.82,6917.47]nmol/g,HC:20.19[5.03,1304.28]nmol/g;P<0.001)and CDCA(IBS-D:1721.86[352.80,2613.83]nmol/g,HC:57.16[13.76,1639.92]nmol/g;P<0.001)were significantly increased,while LCA(IBSD:1621.65[58.99,2396.49]nmol/g,HC:2339.24[1737.09,2782.40];P=0.002)and UDCA(IBS-D:8.92[2.33,23.93]nmol/g,HC:17.21[8.76,33.48]nmol/g;P=0.025)were significantly decreased in IBS-D patients compared to HCs.Defecation frequency was positively associated with CA(r=0.294,P=0.030)and CDCA(r=0.290,P=0.032)and negatively associated with DCA(r=−0.332,P=0.013)and LCA(r=−0.326,P=0.015)in IBS-D patients.In total,23 of 55 IBS-D patients and 15 of 28 HCs participated in the visceral sensitivity test.The first sensation threshold was negatively correlated with CDCA(r=−0.459,P=0.028)in IBS-D patients.Furthermore,the relative abundance of the family Ruminococcaceae was significantly decreased in IBS-D patients(P<0.001),and 12 genera were significantly lower in IBS-D patients than in HCs(P<0.05),with 6 belonging to Ruminococcaceae.Eleven of these genera were negatively correlated with primary BAs and positively correlated with secondary BAs in all subjects.CONCLUSION The altered metabolism of BAs in the gut of IBS-D patients was associated with diarrhea and visceral hypersensitivity and might be ascribed to dysbiosis,especially the reduction of genera in Ruminococcaceae.

Factorial study of moxibustion in treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

AIM: To identify an appropriate therapeutic regimen for using aconite cake-separated moxibustion to treat diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS).

Safety and efficacy of purified clinoptilolite-tuff treatment in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea:Randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder with poor response to treatment.IBS with predominant diarrhea(IBS-D)is accompanied by abdominal pain as well as high stool frequency and urgency.Purified clinoptilolite-tuff(PCT),which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a dietary supplement with the brand name G-PUR®,has previously shown therapeutic potential in other indications based on its physical adsorption capacity.AIM To assess whether symptoms of IBS-D can be ameliorated by oral treatment with PCT.METHODS In this randomized,placebo-controlled,double-blind pilot study,30 patients with IBS-D diagnosis based on Rome IV criteria were enrolled.Following a 4-wk run-in phase,14 patients were randomized to receive a 12-wk treatment with G-PUR®(2 g three times daily),and 16 patients received placebo.The relief from IBS-D symptoms as measured by the proportion of responders according to the Subject’s Global Assessment(SGA)of Relief was assessed as the primary outcome.For the secondary outcomes,validated IBS-D associated symptom questionnaires,exploratory biomarkers and microbiome data were collected.RESULTS The proportions of SGA of Relief responders after 12 wk were comparable in both groups,namely 21%in the G-PUR®group and 25%in the placebo group.After 4 wk of treatment,36%of patients in the G-PUR®group vs 0%in the placebo group reported complete or considerable relief.An improvement in daily abdominal pain was noted in 94%vs 83%(P=0.0353),and the median number of days with diarrhea per week decreased by 2.4 d vs 0.3 d in the G-PUR®and placebo groups,respectively.Positive trends were observed for 50%of responders in the Bristol Stool Form Scale.Positive trends were also noted for combined abdominal pain and stool consistency response and the Perceived Stress Questionnaire score.Only 64%in the G-PUR®group compared to 86%in the placebo group required rescue medication intake during the study.Stool microbiome studies showed a minor increase in diversity in the G-PUR®group but not in the placebo group.No PCT-related serious adverse events were reported.CONCLUSION In this randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled study,the PCT product,G-PUR®,demonstrated safety and clinical benefit towards some symptoms of IBS-D,representing a promising novel treatment option for these patients.

Increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor is correlated with visceral hypersensitivity in patients with diarrheapredominant irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND Visceral hypersensitivity is considered to play a vital role in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). Neurotrophins have drawn much attention in IBS recently. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) was found to mediate visceral hypersensitivity via facilitating sensory nerve growth in pre-clinical studies. We hypothesized that BDNF might play a role in the pathogenesis of diarrhea-predominant IBS(IBS-D).AIM To investigate BDNF levels in IBS-D patients and its role in IBS-D pathophysiology.METHODS Thirty-one IBS-D patients meeting the Rome IV diagnostic criteria and 20 ageand sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Clinical and psychological assessments were first conducted using standardized questionnaires. Visceral sensitivity to rectal distension was tested using a high-resolution manometry system. Colonoscopic examination was performed and four mucosal pinch biopsies were taken from the rectosigmoid junction. Mucosal BDNF expression and nerve fiber density were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Mucosal BDNF mRNA levels were quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Correlations between these parameters were examined.RESULTS The patients had a higher anxiety score [median(interquartile range), 6.0(2.0-10.0) vs 3.0(1.0-4.0), P = 0.003] and visceral sensitivity index score [54.0(44.0-61.0)vs 21.0(17.3-30.0), P < 0.001] than controls. The defecating sensation threshold[60.0(44.0-80.0) vs 80.0(61.0-100.0), P = 0.009], maximum tolerable threshold[103.0(90.0-128.0) vs 182.0(142.5-209.3), P < 0.001] and rectoanal inhibitory reflex threshold [30.0(20.0-30.0) vs 30.0(30.0-47.5), P = 0.032] were significantly lower in IBS-D patients. Intestinal mucosal BDNF protein [3.46 E-2(3.06 E-2-4.44 E-2) vs3.07 E-2(2.91 E-2-3.48 E-2), P = 0.031] and mRNA [1.57(1.31-2.61) vs 1.09(0.74-1.42), P = 0.001] expression and nerve fiber density [4.12 E-2(3.07 E-2-7.46 E-2) vs1.98 E-2(1.21 E-2-4.25 E-2), P = 0.002] were significantly elevated in the patients.Increased BDNF expression was positively correlated with abdominal pain and disease severity and negatively correlated with visceral sensitivity parameters.CONCLUSION Elevated mucosal BDNF may participate in the pathogenesis of IBS-D via facilitating mucosal nerve growth and increasing visceral sensitivity.

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhea have lower disease-specific quality of life than irritable bowel syndrome-constipation

AIM: To determine effect of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) subtype on IBS-specific quality of life(QOL) questionnaire and its subscales.METHODS: We studied IBS patients visiting our functional gastroenterology disorder clinic at a tertiary care center of Unites States.IBS and IBS subtype were diagnosed using Rome-Ⅲ questionnaire.QOL was assessed using IBS-QOL questionnaire.IBSQOL assesses quality of life along eight subscales: dysphoria,interference with activities,body image,health worry,food avoidance,social reactions,sexual health,and effect on relationships.IBS-QOL and its subscales were both scored on a range of 0-100 with higher scores suggestive of better QOL.Results of overall IBS-QOL scores and subscale scores are expressed as means with 95%CI.We compared mean IBS-QOL score and its subscales among various IBSsubtypes.Analysis of variance(ANOVA) was used to compare the mean difference between more than two groups after controlling for age and gender.A posthoc analysis using Bonferroni correction was used only when P value for ANOVA was less than 0.05.RESULTS: Of 542 patients screened,243 had IBS as per Rome-Ⅲ criteria.IBS-mixed(IBS-M) was the most common IBS subtype(121 patients,49.8%) followed by IBS- diarrhea(IBS-D)(56 patients,23.1%),IBSconstipation(IBS-C)(54 patients,22.2%) and IBSunspecified(IBS-U)(12 patients,4.9%).Overall IBSQOL scores were significantly different among various IBS-subtypes(P = 0.01).IBS-QOL of patients with IBS-D(61.6,95%CI: 54.0-69.1) and IBS-M(63.0,95%CI: 58.1-68.0) was significantly lower than patients with IBS-C(74.5,95%CI: 66.9-82.1)(P = 0.03 and 0.02 respectively).IBS-D patients scored significantly lower than IBS-C on food avoidance(45.0,95%CI: 34.8-55.2 vs 61.1,95%CI: 50.8-71.3,P = 0.04) and interference with activity(59.6,95%CI: 51.4-67.7 vs 82.3,95%CI: 74.1-90.6,P < 0.001).IBS-M patients had more interference in their activities(61.6,95%CI: 56.3-66.9 vs 82.3,95%CI: 74.1-90.6,P = 0.001) and greater impact on their relationships(73.3,95%CI: 68.4-78.2 vs 84.7,95%CI: 77.2-92.2,P = 0.02) than IBS-C patients.Patients with IBS-M also scored significantly lower than IBS-C on food avoidance(47.2,95%CI: 40.7-53.7 vs 61.1,95%CI: 50.8-71.3,P = 0.04) and social reaction(66.1,95%CI: 61.1-71.1 vs 80.0,95%CI: 72.1-87.7,P = 0.005).CONCLUSION: IBS-D and IBS-M patients have lower IBS-QOL than IBS-C patients.Clinicians should recognize food avoidance,effects on daily activities and relationship problems in these patients.

Increased intestinal mucosal leptin levels in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

AIM To measure the leptin levels in patients with diarrheapredominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D) and analyze the relationship of leptin with clinical features, visceral sensitivity, mast cells, and nerve fibers. METHODS Forty-two patients with IBS-D fulfilling the Rome Ⅲ criteria and 20 age-and sex-matched healthy controls underwent clinical and psychological evaluations using validated questionnaires(including IBS Symptom Severity Scale, IBS-specific Quality of Life, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and Hamilton Depression Scale), along with colonoscopy, colonic mucosal biopsy, and visceral sensitivity testing. Serum leptin levels were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mucosal leptin expression and localization were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.Mucosal leptin m RNA levels were quantified using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Mast cell counts and activation rates were investigated by toluidine blue staining. Correlation analyses between these parameters were performed.RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, or body mass index between the IBS-D group and the control group. The median IBS Symptom Severity Scale score in the IBS-D group was 225.0(range, 100-475). IBS-D patients had significantly increased anxiety [IBS-D: median, 6.5; interquartile range(IQR), 3.3; control: median, 2.0; IQR, 2.0; P < 0.001] and depression(IBS-D: median, 7.0; IQR, 3.0; control: median, 3.0; IQR, 2.0; P < 0.001) scores. IBS-D patients had significantly lower first sensation threshold(IBS-D: median, 50.6; IQR, 25.9; control: median, 80.5; IQR, 18.6; P < 0.001), defecation sensation threshold(IBS-D: median, 91.5; IQR, 29.3; control: median, 155.0; IQR, 21.1; P < 0.001) and maximum tolerable threshold(IBS-D: median, 163.2; IQR, 71.2; control: median, 226.2; IQR, 39.3; P < 0.001). Mucosal leptin expression, as reflected by integrated optical density(IBS-D: median, 4424.71; IQR, 4533.63; control: median, 933.65; IQR, 888.10; P < 0.001), leptin mR NA expression(IBS-D: median, 1.1226; IQR, 1.6351; control: median, 0.8947; IQR, 0.4595; P = 0.009), and mast cell activation rate(IBS-D: median, 71.2%; IQR, 12.9%; control group: median, 59.4%; IQR, 18.88%; P < 0.001) were significantly increased in IBS-D patients. The colocalization of leptin and leptin receptors was observed on mast cells and PGP9.5-positive nerve fibers in the intestinal mucosa. Also, leptin expression was positively correlated with anxiety, depression, and the mast cell activation rate, but negatively correlated with the defecation sensation threshold and the maximum tolerance threshold during visceral sensitivity testing(adjusted P < 0.0038).CONCLUSION Increased levels of mucosal leptin may interact with mast cells and the nervous system to contribute to the pathogenesis of IBS-D.

Mitochondrial ATP 6 and 8 polymorphisms in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea

AIM: To investigate mitochondrial ATP 6 and 8 poly-morphisms in the colon and ileum of patients with ir-ritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). METHODS: Twenty-eight patients fulfilling the Rome Ⅲ criteria for IBS-D and 28 healthy subjects were in-vestigated. All study participants underwent screening colonoscopy and mucosal biopsies were obtained from the colon and/or terminal ileum. Genomic DNA was ex-tracted from specimens based on standard protocols. Mitochondrial ATP (MT-ATP) 6 and 8 genes in speci-mens were polymerase chain reaction amplified and sequenced. Sequencing data were analyzed via Variant Reporter Software and compared with the reference sequence from Genbank (accession No. NC_012920) to indicate possible polymorphisms. The protocol was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01028898. RESULTS: Twenty-five polymorphic sites of MT-ATP 6 and 8 genes were detected and 12 of them were missense mutations. A median of two polymorphic sites in MT-ATP genes was found in colon specimens of controls while a median of three polymorphic sites was noted in patients with IBS-D (Mann-Whitney test, P=0.012). The variants of the colon and ileum speci-mens from the same subjects were identical in all but one case. Symptom duration in IBS was not found to be a significant factor associated with the mtDNA polymorphism (Spearman correlation, P=0.592). The mitochondrial DNA change at 8860 was present in all cases of both groups. The frequency of the 8701 poly-morphism was found to be the second most frequent; however, no statistical difference was noted between the groups (χ2 test, P=0.584). CONCLUSION: Patients with IBS-D have a higher inci-dence of MT-ATP 6 and 8 polymorphisms than healthy subjects, implying that the mtDNA polymorphism may play a role in IBS-D.

Inhibitory effects of patchouli alcohol on stress-induced diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

AIM To elucidate the mechanism of patchouli alcohol(PA) in treatment of rat models of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D).METHODS We studied the effects of PA on colonic spontaneous motility using its cumulative log concentration(3 × 10^(-7) mol/L to 1 × 10^(-4)mol/L). We then determined the responses of the proximal and distal colon segments of rats to the folowing stimuli:(1) carbachol(1 × 10^(-9) mol/L to 1 × 10^(-5) mol/L);(2) neurotransmitter antagonists including N~ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride(10μmol/L) and(1 R~*, 2 S~*)-4-[2-Iodo-6-(methylamino)-9 Hpurin-9-yl]-2-(phosphonooxy)bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-1-methanol dihydrogen phosphate ester tetraammonium salt(1 μmol/L);(3) agonist α,β-methyleneadenosine 5′-triphosphate trisodium salt(100 μmol/L); and(4) single KCl doses(120 mmol/L). The effects of blockers against antagonist responses were also assessed by pretreatment with PA(100 μmol/L) for 1 min. Electrical-field stimulation(40 V, 2-30 Hz, 0.5 ms pulse duration, and 10 s) was performed to observe nonadrenergic, noncholinergic neurotransmitter release in IBS-D rat colon. The ATP level of Kreb's solution was also determined.RESULTS PA exerted a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the spontaneous contraction of the colonic longitudinal smooth muscle, and the half maximal effective concentration(EC_(50)) was 41.9 μmol/L. In comparison with the KCl-treated IBS-D group, the contractile response(mg contractions) in the PA + KCl-treated IBS-D group(11.87 ± 3.34) was significantly decreased in the peak tension(P < 0.01). Compared with CCh-treated IBS-D rat colon, the cholinergic contractile response of IBS-D rat colonic smooth muscle(EC_(50) = 0.94 μmol/L) was significantly decreased by PA(EC_(50) = 37.43 μmol/L)(P < 0.05). Lack of nitrergic neurotransmitter release in stress-induced IBS-D rats showed contraction effects on colonic smooth muscle. Pretreatment with PA resulted in inhibitory effect on l-NAME-induced(10 μmol/L) contraction(P < 0.05). ATP might not be the main neurotransmitter involved in inhibitory effects of PA in the colonic relaxation of stressinduced IBS-D rats.CONCLUSION PA application may serve as a new therapeutic approach for IBS-D.

Possible therapeutic role of Ig E blockade in irritable bowel syndrome

Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the high-affinity type-I Ig E Fc receptors on mast cells(MCs) and basophils, inhibiting the Ig E immune pathway. Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, and dysregulation of the immune system likely contributes to its etiology and/or symptomatology. Colonic biopsies from patients with IBS demonstrate considerable increase in the number of degranulating MCs releasing histamine in proximity to nerves, and this event may underlie the common IBS symptom of abdominal pain. Pharmacologic control of MC activation and mediator release is a current area of active interest in the field of IBS research. Recently, we and Pearson et al described 2 cases of patients with IBS with diarrhea(IBS-D) showing positive clinical response to omalizumab. In both cases, the female patients had severe, long-lasting IBS-D and achieved an almost complete resolution of IBS symptoms. Both patients were also able to discontinue all IBS medications after commencing the anti-Ig E therapy. For both patients, the omalizumab treatment showed a relatively rapid onset of action, resembling the efficacy observed in and previously reported for patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria. In this Editorial, we discuss the possible biological mechanisms that may underlie the clinical efficacy of omalizumab in IBS. We suggest that there is a need for a well-designed prospective study to investigate the therapeutic effects of anti-Ig E in IBS.

Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome:Mechanistic insights into chronic disturbances following enteric infection

Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is a commonly encountered chronic functional gastrointestinal(GI)disorder.Approximately 10%of IBS patients can trace the onset of their symptoms to a previous a bout of infectious dysentery.The appearance of new IBS symptoms following an infectious event is defined as post-infectiousIBS.Indeed,with the World Health Organization estimating between 2 and 4 billion cases annually,infectious diarrheal disease represents an incredible international healthcare burden.Additionally,compounding evidence suggests many commonly encountered enteropathogens as unique triggers behind IBS symptom generation and underlying pathophysiological features.A growing body of work provides evidence supporting a role for pathogen-mediated modifications in the resident intestinal microbiota,epithelial barrier integrity,effector cell functions,and innate and adaptive immune features,all proposed physiological manifestations that can underlie GI abnormalities in IBS.Enteric pathogens must employ a vast array of machinery to evade host protective immune mechanisms,and illicit successful infections.Consequently,the impact of infectious events on host physiology can be multidimensional in terms of anatomical location,functional scope,and duration.This review offers a unique discussion of the mechanisms employed by many commonly encountered enteric pathogens that cause acute disease,but may also lead to the establishment of chronic GI dysfunction compatible with IBS.

Epidemiological and clinical perspectives on irritable bowel syndrome in India, Bangladesh and Malaysia: A review

Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, common in clinic and in the community. It has a significant impact on both society and patients' quality of life. The epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management of IBS may vary in different geographical regions due to differences in diet, gastrointestinal infection, socio-cultural and psychosocial factors, religious and illness beliefs, symptom perception and reporting. Although previous reviews and consensus reports on IBS in Asia have been published, Asia is quite diverse socio-demographically. In this context, India, Bangladesh and Malaysia share some similarities, including:(1) large proportion of the population living in rural areas;(2) rapid development and associated lifestyle changes in urban areas; and(3) dietary, cultural and religious practices. The present review explores the clinical and epidemiological data on IBS from these three major nations in South and South-East Asia. In-depth review of the literature revealed important differences between IBS in the East, as revealed by studies from these three countries, and the West; these include a predominantly rural profile, differences in bowel habit and symptom profile, raising concern with regards to diagnostic criteria and subtyping of IBS, higher dietary fiber consumption, frequent lactose malabsorption, parasitosis, and possible overlap between post-infectious IBS and tropical sprue. Moreover, the current perception on difference in prevalence of the disorder in these countries, as compared to the West, might be related to variation in survey methods.

Discrepancies between the responses to skin prick test to food and respiratory antigens in two subtypes of patients with irritable bowel syndrome

AIM:To compare the response to skin prick tests (SPTs) to food antigens (FAs) and inhalant allergens (IAs) in patients with two subtypes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and healthy controls. METHODS:We compared the results of SPTs for IAs and FAs in 87 volunteers divided into three groups:diarrhea predominant IBS (D-IBS) GroupⅠ(n = 19), constipation predominant IBS (C-IBS) Group Ⅱ (n = 17), and normal controls Group Ⅲ (n = 51). RESULTS:Of the 285 tests (171 for FAs and 114 for IAs) performed in GroupⅠwe obtained 45 (26.3%) positive responses for FA and 23 (20.1%) for IA. Of the 153 tests for FA in Group Ⅱ, we obtained 66 (20.1%) positive responses, and of the 102 tests for IA, we obtained 20 (19.6%) positive responses. Of the 459 tests for FA performed in Group Ⅲ, we obtained 39 (84%) positive responses, and of the 306 for IA, we obtained 52 (16.9%) positive responses. The numbers of positive responses were not significantly different between the three groups, but in the D-IBS group, the number of SPTFA responses differed significantly from those for the other two groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION:Despite the small number of cases studied, the higher reactivity to FAs in GroupⅠcompared to Groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ adds new information, and suggests the presence of a possible alteration in intestinal epithelial function.

New therapeutic option for irritable bowel syndrome:Serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin

Oral prescription medical foods have long been used in hospital settings but are also appropriate therapies for gastrointestinal disorders in outpatient medical practice.Oral serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate(SBI) has been shown in clinical studies to reduce loose stools and improve stool consistency as well as other symptoms(i.e.,abdominal pain,bloating,and urgency) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea(IBS-D) and human immunodeficiency virus-associated enteropathy.This case series reports the outcomes of 14 IBS patients who received SBI as an addition to standard of care at an individual physician's clinical practice.The patients:2 IBS with constipation(IBS-C),7 IBS-D,2 mixed diarrhea and constipation IBS(IBS-M) and 3 undefined IBS(IBS-U; also described by some physicians as IBS-Bloating),ranged in age from 22-87 years.SBI(5 g or 10 g daily dose) was added to the patient's current standard care and followed for several weeks to determine if symptoms were improved with the addition of SBI.Overall,12 of the 14 patients indicated some level of improvement through direct questioning of the patients regarding changes from the prior visit.One IBS-Bloating patient had a resolution of symptoms and two patients(1 IBS-Bloating and 1 IBS-C) discontinued therapy because of insufficient relief.The 12 patients who continued on therapy reported an overall improvement in symptoms with better stool consistency,decreased frequency as well as reductions in abdominal pain,bloating,distention,and incontinence.In most cases,therapeutic effects of SBI were seen within the first four weeks of therapy with continued improvements at subsequent visits.SBI has a multifaceted mechanism of action and may help to manage IBS by providing a distinct protein source required to normalize bowel function,gastrointestinal microbiota,and nutritionally enhance tight junction protein expression between intestinal epithelial cells.SBI as a medical food provides a safe option for patients with IBS-D but may have application in other forms of IBS.

Montezuma's revenge-the sequel: The one-hundred year anniversary of the first description of “post-infectious” irritable bowel syndrome

One-hundred years have passed since the original description of the commonly described phenomenon of persistent abdominal symptoms being triggered by an acute enteric infection. This first account was generated out of astute observations by Sir Arthur Hurst in World War I. Additional descriptions followed from military and non-military practitioners adding the evidence which has transitioned this recognized condition from association to causation. While mechanistic understanding is an area of active pursuit, this historical accounting of a centuries progress highlights important advances and contributions of military medicine and scientists to advances benefiting global populations.

Efficacy observation on warm needling for 60 cases of diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome

Objective To observe the clinical effect of warm needling in the treatment of diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome. Methods One hundred and twenty patients with diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome were randomly divided into a warm needling group and a western medicine group by random digit table method, 60 patients were included in each group. Tiānshū （天枢 ST 25）, Zúsānl （足三里 ST 36） and Sānyīnjiāo （三阴交 SP 6） were selected as the main acupoints for the warm needling group, the needles were retained for 30 min, once a day, an interval of 1 day was set up after treatment for six days, and the treatment were carried out for continuous four weeks. The patients in the western medicine group were orally administered with 2 mg loperamide hydrochloride capsules, 3 times a day, and the treatment were carried out for continuous four weeks. The treatment effects were compared between the two groups, and the recurrence rates were counted after for six-month followup. Results The total effective rate in the warm needling group was 86.7% （52/60） and the total effective rate in the western medicine group was 71.7% （43/60）, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant （P0.05）; after six-month follow-up, the recurrence rate in the warm needling group was 21.4% （6/28）, while the recurrence rate in the western medicine group was 54.5% （12/22）, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant （P0.05）. Conclusion The warm needling therapy shows relatively satisfactory treatment effects in the treatment of diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome and the recurrence rate is relatively low.