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World J Gastroenterol. Jun 14, 2014; 20(22): 6725-6743
Published online Jun 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i22.6725
Published online Jun 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i22.6725
Gender-related differences in irritable bowel syndrome: Potential mechanisms of sex hormones
Mathieu Meleine, Department of Inflammation, Nutrition and Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction, Inserm Unit 1073, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Rouen, 76183 Rouen, France
Mathieu Meleine, Julien Matricon, Clermont Université, Université d’Auvergne, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Julien Matricon, Department of Pharmacology. University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, United States
Author contributions: Meleine M and Matricon J were jointly involved in bibliographic research, data extraction and manuscript writing.
Correspondence to: Mathieu Meleine, PhD, Department of Inflammation, Nutrition and Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction, Inserm Unit 1073, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Rouen, 22 Boulevard Gambetta, Cedex 1, 76183 Rouen, France. mathieu.meleine@hotmail.fr
Telephone: +33-2-35148240 Fax: +33-2-35148226
Received: October 30, 2013
Revised: February 8, 2014
Accepted: March 19, 2014
Published online: June 14, 2014
Revised: February 8, 2014
Accepted: March 19, 2014
Published online: June 14, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of ovarian hormones in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A better understanding of gender differences in IBS may help unveil some key mechanisms contributing to IBS development. We present data on: (1) the modulatory role of ovarian hormones on IBS symptoms; (2) influence of ovarian hormones on risk factors associated with IBS; and (3) potential mechanisms of action, by which ovarian hormones can modulate and/or induce IBS symptoms.