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Genetics of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common diagnoses made by gastroenterologists and primary care providers alike, and yet the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Family and twin studies suggest that IBS may have a genetic basis. Several candidate gene association studies have been performed, but thus far, they have failed to clearly identify an "IBS gene." Epidemiological studies are needed to facilitate phenotype definition and identify relevant environment risk factors that will need to factor in gene and environment interactions in all future genetic studies. As genetic research in IBS is relatively nascent, much opportunity, as well as many challenges, exists in identifying the genes responsible for IBS.

Source: The American Journal of Gastroenterology

DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2008.02048.x

Authors: Yuri A. Saito, Nicholas J. Talley

Institutions: Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic in Florida

Language: English

Topic: Gastrointestinal motility and disorders

Subfield: Gastroenterology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases