Inflammation and microflora

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2011 Mar;40(1):69-85. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2010.12.010.

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common gastrointestinal condition, affecting 10% to 20% of adults in developed countries. Over the last few years, growing evidence has supported a new hypothesis for IBS based on alterations in intestinal bacterial composition. This article reviews the evidence for a bacterial concept in IBS and begins to formulate a hypothesis of how these bacterial systems could integrate in a new pathophysiologic mechanism in the development of IBS. Data suggesting an interaction between this gut flora and inflammation in the context of IBS is also presented.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Enterobacteriaceae / growth & development
  • Gastroenteritis / complications
  • Gastroenteritis / microbiology
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / microbiology*
  • Inflammation / physiopathology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / immunology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / microbiology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / physiopathology*
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / immunology
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / microbiology*
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Methane / metabolism
  • Microbial Consortia / physiology
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Methane