[Genetic background of irritable bowel syndrome]

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder which affects the 20% of the population. The exact origin is unknown. IBS is the result of interaction of genes and environmental factors. Familial aggregation and higher concordance rate of monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins provide evidence for the importance of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of IBS. Interest has focused on genetic variants of serotonin transporter and receptors, because of their role in gut motility, visceral sensitivity, immune processes and mood. Firm conclusions about the role of serotonin system, as well as other neuroreceptors, G-proteins, cytokine polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of IBS cannot be made.