Irritable bowel syndrome: An inflammation disease?

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common bowel disorder that markedly impairs quality of life of patients. IBS affects 5-15 % of the general population with important health costs. Currently, the symptoms of IBS involve interactions among central nervous system conponents, peripheral dysfunction, low-grade inflammation and/or previous infection. At the peripheral level, recent works indicate that altered intestinal permeability can contribute to IBS and related symptoms. In particular, increased permeability could modify the cross-talk between bacterial microflora and the host, thus leading to persistent ''low grade inflammation'', and altered GI mobility and sensitivity. Mast cell mediators and an increase protease activity in feces could be at origin of altered GI functioning in IBS. These peripheral components represent new therapeutic targets in IBS. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of Societe francaise de nutrition.