[Frontiers in Bioscience E4, 2683-2700, June 1, 2012]

Irritable bowel syndrome: the role of gut neuroendocrine peptides

Magdy El-Salhy1,2, Inge Seim3, Lisa Chopin3, Doris Gundersen4, Jan Gunnar Hatlebakk2, Trygve Hausken2

1Section for Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Stord Helse-Fonna Hospital, Norway, 2Section for Gastroenterology, Institute of Medicine, Bergen University, Norway, 3Ghrelin Research Group, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia, 4Department of Research, Helse-Fonna, Haugesund, Norway

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. The neuroendocrine peptides of the gut
4. The possible role of the gut neuroendocrine peptides/amines in the pathogenesis of IBS
5. The gut neuroendocrine peptides/amines as a tool in the diagnosis of IBS
6. The gut neuroendocrine peptides/amines use in the treatment of IBS
7. Conclusion
8. Acknowledgements
9. References

1. ABSTRACT

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic disorder with a prevalence ranging from 5 to 10 % of the world's population. This condition is characterised by abdominal discomfort or pain, altered bowel habits, and often bloating and abdominal distension. IBS reduces quality of life in the same degree of impairment as major chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure and diabetes and the economic burden on the health care system and society is high. Abnormalities have been reported in the neuroendocrine peptides/amines of the stomach, small- and large intestine in patients with IBS. These abnormalities would cause disturbances in digestion, gastrointestinal motility and visceral hypersensitivity, which have been reported in patients with IBS. These abnormalities seem to contribute to the symptom development and appear to play a central role in the pathogenesis of IBS. Neuroendocrine peptides/amines are potential tools in the treatment and diagnosis of IBS. In particular, the cell density of duodenal chromogranin A expressing cells appears to be a good histopathological marker for the diagnosis of IBS with high sensitivity and specificity.