Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder, accounting for 25 to 50 percent of all referrals to gastroenterologists. The exact cause is unknown, but researchers at the Institute of Human Genetics in Heidelberg, Germany have discovered a genetic mutation in serotonin receptors of the intestinal tract that may cause the diarrhea which many people with IBS experience. Serotonin is a hormone that is found not only in the central nervous system, but in large abundance in the GI tract. A mutation in a receptor for serotonin can explain GI disturbances, such as diarrhea. This discovery will likely pave the way for future treatments of IBS.
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Tags: bowel, diarrhea, genetic, IBS, irritable, syndrome
Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
December 12th, 2008 at 8:10 am
I found this article very interesting because it expresses information which correlates with my own condition of IBS + insomnia + elevated blood pressure. I would be interested in receiving information regarding any further information resulting from research of the issues involved.
December 12th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I found my IBS has to do with food allergies and stress. I found the food allergies through a blood test. Stress is related to job. I’ve changed my job and now try to stay away from food that trigers IBS. My change of diet has made a big difference!
December 13th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
My IBS actually seems to have gotten worse after spinal surgery to remove a cyst. I was hoping it was affecting digestive nerves…
December 13th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
I have a product for ibs on my site that works well! advancedglobalhealth.com
December 14th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I got IBS in 1982 after a galbladder sugery.