Connection of the Gut Microbiome to Irritable Bowel Syndrome

By Brent D’Agostino

When it comes to the development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the exact cause is unknown. There is, however, many studies that have uncovered numerous similarities between the cases of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This article will highlight one such connection, the gut microbiome.

The gut microbiome is the combination of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa that are within the human digestive tract. Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, is an incredibly common gastrointestinal disorder. It is characterized by recurrent bouts of abdominal pain, discomfort of the bowels and altered bowel movements, although the direct cause of IBS is still unknown. There have been numerous cases and studies that have begun to reveal the relationship between an imbalanced gut microbiome and IBS.

Those with IBS have been found to have altered microbiomes which can lead to increased cases of intestinal inflammation and pain. Further study has led to the hypothesis that altered gut microbiomes play a significant role in the pathology of IBS.

This hypothesis is supported by the fact that many cases of IBS stem from a previous instance of acute gastroenteritis. Cases such as this can trigger the gut immune response and low grade inflammation that is common within the gut microbiome of those with IBS. There are, however, a wide range of infectious triggers that can result in the specific circumstance that results in IBS. In cases where IBS is diagnosed, the gut microbiome tends to be less diverse and stable.

Additional evidence that supports the connection between a disrupted gut microbiome and the development of IBS have also been found and is as follow: antibiotic use that disrupts the flora of the gut microbiome, persistent case of low level inflammation of the bowel wall, and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). All the provided evidence born from current research ties alterations of the gut microbiome as a precursor that increases one’s chances of developing IBS. From the studied nature of patients with IBS and their gut microbiomes to the research into cases leading to IBS, although no specific cause has been identified, there is a strong case that links disturbances to the gut microbiome and eventual development of IBS. Alteration of the gut microbiome is believed to be one element that can lead to the development of IBS, others including genetic factors and predisposition, stress, and a dysregulation between the gut-brain axis.

Although the causes are numerous and no clear answer to the exact cause of IBS is known, the varied severity of the cases and individual differences have led the treatment of IBS to differ wildly between patients. The most common and current treatment options for managing IBS are prebiotics/probiotics, synbiotics, non-absorbable antibiotics, serum derived bovine immunoglobulins, and dietary interventions such as a low FODMAP diet, gluten free diet, and fecal matter transplants.

The recurring similarities in cases of patients leading to the development of IBS as well as studies on those with IBS when it comes to the altered state of the gut microbiome leads to the solid conclusion that an altered gut microbiome, due to a range of causes, has a solid effect on the development and continued diagnosis of IBS. To what degree this specific precursor has in this development is still largely unknown and is the subject of continued research into the topic. As of this time, IBS is a condition that is more often than not managed rather than cured.

References:

“IBS and Your Gut.” About IBS, IFFGD, 28 Apr. 2022, https://aboutibs.org/what-is-ibs/ibs-and-your-gut/.

Menees, Stacy, and William Chey. “The Gut Microbiome and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” F1000Research, F1000 Research Limited, 9 July 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6039952/.

Chong, Pei Pei, et al. “The Microbiome and Irritable Bowel Syndrome — a Review on the Pathophysiology, Current Research and Future Therapy.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 1 Jan. 1AD, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.01136/full.