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World J Gastroenterol. Oct 21, 2014; 20(39): 14105-14125
Published online Oct 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14105
Published online Oct 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14105
Irritable bowel syndrome: A microbiome-gut-brain axis disorder?
Paul J Kennedy, Timothy G Dinan, Gerard Clarke, 1.15 Biosciences Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
John F Cryan, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
Author contributions: Clarke G, Dinan TG and Cryan JF devised the study; Clarke G, Dinan TG, Cryan JF and Kennedy PJ reviewed and evaluated the literature for inclusion in the review; Clarke G and Kennedy PJ prepared the initial draft of the manuscript; Clarke G, Dinan TG, Cryan JF and Kennedy PJ reviewed, edited and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Supported by Science Foundation Ireland, No. SFI/12/RC/2272, No. 02/CE/B124, No. 07/CE/B1368; Health Research Board No. HRA_POR/2011/23; Brain and Behaviour Research Foundation No. 20771
Correspondence to: Gerard Clarke, PhD, 1.15 Biosciences Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. g.clarke@ucc.ie
Telephone: +353-21-4901408 Fax: +353-21-4901722
Received: February 28, 2014
Revised: April 18, 2014
Accepted: May 26, 2014
Published online: October 21, 2014
Revised: April 18, 2014
Accepted: May 26, 2014
Published online: October 21, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: A dysregulated gut-brain axis may be responsible for the main features of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the role of the gut microbiota is an underappreciated but critical node in this construct. Numerous clinical studies have documented various alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota in IBS, indicating defects in stability and diversity of this virtual organ. Manipulation of the gut microbiome influences the symptom profile in IBS and clear mechanisms have been elucidated to explain these interactions. This has important clinical implications and may offer hope for future treatment options to alleviate the suffering caused by this debilitating disorder.