Abstract

Gut Dysbiosis in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Narrative Review on Correlation with Disease Subtypes and Novel Therapeutic Implications

Microorganisms. 2023 Sep 22;11(10):2369. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11102369.

 

Maria Napolitano 1Ernesto Fasulo 1Federica Ungaro 1 2Luca Massimino 1 2Emanuele Sinagra 3Silvio Danese 1 4Francesco Vito Mandarino 1

 
     

Author information

1Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy.

2Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy.

3Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy.

4Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. It can be subclassified in different subtypes according to the main clinical manifestation: constipation, diarrhea, mixed, and unclassified. Over the past decade, the role of gut microbiota in IBS has garnered significant attention in the scientific community. Emerging research spotlights the intricate involvement of microbiota dysbiosis in IBS pathogenesis. Studies have demonstrated reduced microbial diversity and stability and specific microbial alterations for each disease subgroup. Microbiota-targeted treatments, such as antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and even diet, offer exciting prospects for managing IBS. However, definitive conclusions are hindered by the heterogeneity of these studies. Further research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms, developing microbiome-based diagnostics, and enabling personalized therapies tailored to an individual's microbiome profile. This review takes a deep dive into the microscopic world inhabiting our guts, and its implications for IBS. Our aim is to elucidate the complex interplay between gut microbiota and each IBS subtype, exploring novel microbiota-targeted treatments and providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge.

© Copyright 2013-2024 GI Health Foundation. All rights reserved.
This site is maintained as an educational resource for US healthcare providers only. Use of this website is governed by the GIHF terms of use and privacy statement.