Intestinal microbiota and gastrointestinal diseases: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Fataneh  Esmaeili; Mehrnoosh  Shanaki

doi:10.18502/abi.v2i2.17931

Fataneh Esmaeili Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran, Iran
Mehrnoosh Shanaki Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/abi.v2i2.17931

Keywords: Gut microbiota, Gastrointestinal disorders, Dysbiosis, IBS.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal microbiota, also known as “microflora,” is a collection of microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. Under normal circumstances, the microbiota helps maintain intestinal homeostasis. However, some resident bacteria can transition from symbionts to pathobionts, leading to the development and progression of gastrointestinal diseases such as functional dyspepsia, severe diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, including cramping, gas, and constipation. This mini-review will briefly describe microbiota, IBS, the interrelationship between IBS and microbiota, and the therapeutic use of microbiota in treating IBS.