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Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder with characteristic
symptoms of abdominal pain/discomfort with a concurrent disturbance in defecation.
It accounts for a significant healthcare burden, and symptoms may be debilitating
for some patients. Traditional symptom-based therapies have been found to be ineffective
in the treatment of the entire syndrome complex, and do not modify the natural history
of the disorder. Although the exact etiopathogenesis of IBS is incompletely understood,
recent advances in the elucidation of the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms
of IBS have resulted in the development of novel therapies, as well as potential future
therapeutic targets. This article reviews current and emerging therapies in IBS based
upon: IBS as a serotonergic disorder; stimulating intestinal chloride channels; modulation
of visceral hypersensitivity; altering low-grade intestinal inflammation; and modulation
of the gut microbiota.
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