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Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects the digestive system, with a mixed group of recurrent symptoms that can include abdominal pain, altered defecation and bloating. Irritable bowel syndrome is considered a functional bowel disorder with no known organic cause.
Mehravar et al. use U.S. health record database to evaluate all-cause mortality in adults with irritable bowel syndrome on medications. Antidepressants and μ-opioid antidiarrheals are associated with higher mortality, while rifaximin, eluxadoline, bile acid sequestrants, polyethylene glycol-3350 and secretagogues are not.
The hypothalamic neurons projecting to the raphe magnus nucleus activate descending serotonergic neurons, thereby activating spinal defecation center. The pathway plays a role in transmitting acute psychological stress to the colorectum.
This study presents the inhibitory primary auditory cortex – anterior cingulate cortex pathway underlying the auditory-pain crosstalk in mice, thus serving as a neural substrate for music therapy in visceral pain management.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex and chronic gastrointestinal disorder associated with dysregulation of the gut-brain axis. Here, the authors develop an engineered microalgae that can address the pharmacokinetic complications of IBS and achieve the treatment of multi-organ symptoms.
Inflammatory bowel disease remains a global health challenge, despite advances in treatment and understanding of disease biology. In this issue, we focus on the most pressing priorities in inflammatory bowel disease research and care.
Bathroom ban legislation is increasing throughout the United States, and little is known about the effect on transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals with chronic gastrointestinal conditions. Efforts should be made to raise awareness and address the knowledge gaps.
Key studies published in 2022 further established the importance of alterations in the gut microenvironment and interactions with the enteric and central nervous systems in symptom generation in irritable bowel syndrome and suggested novel and clinically accessible therapeutic approaches for this large group of patients.
