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World J Gastroenterol. Mar 14, 2014; 20(10): 2456-2469
Published online Mar 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i10.2456
Published online Mar 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i10.2456
Irritable bowel syndrome: Emerging paradigm in pathophysiology
Yoo Jin Lee, Kyung Sik Park, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 700-712, South Korea
Author contributions: Lee YJ reviewed the literature and drafted the manuscript; Park KS conceived the topic and produced the final manuscript.
Correspondence to: Kyung Sik Park, Professor, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, 56 Dalseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 700-712, South Korea. seenae99@dsmc.or.kr
Telephone: +82-53-2507088 Fax: +82-53-2507442
Received: September 27, 2013
Revised: December 1, 2013
Accepted: February 20, 2014
Published online: March 14, 2014
Revised: December 1, 2013
Accepted: February 20, 2014
Published online: March 14, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: In recent years, several novel mechanisms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that likely relate to previously established IBS theories have been identified. Inflammation and postinfectious low-grade inflammation are emerging areas requiring clarification with regard to IBS pathophysiology. Immunological and genetic predisposition along with altered microbiota are critical in IBS development, while several dietary factors and enteroendocrine cells may also play roles in this syndrome. However, none of these accounts for the full repertoire of IBS symptoms, and the pathophysiology of this condition is not fully understood.