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Review
. 2015 Oct 28;21(40):11371-8.
doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i40.11371.

Role of environmental pollution in irritable bowel syndrome

Mateusz Marynowski  1 , Aleksandra Likońska  1 , Hubert Zatorski  1 , Jakub Fichna  1
Affiliations
Review

Role of environmental pollution in irritable bowel syndrome

Mateusz Marynowski et al. World J Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with the prevalence of 10%-20 % of the population has become an emerging problem worldwide. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits. The etiology of IBS contains genetic, psychological, and immunological factors, and has not been fully elucidated; of note, recent studies also point at environmental pollution and its role in the development of functional GI diseases. In this review we focus on several environmental factors, such as bacterial contamination, air pollution, radiation and even stress as potential triggers of IBS. We discuss associated disturbances in homeostasis, such as changes in intestinal microbiome and related pathophysiological mechanisms. Based on the effect of environmental factors on the GI tract, we also propose novel targets in IBS treatment.

Keywords: Air pollution; Environmental pollution; Irritable bowel syndrome; Post infectious irritable bowel syndrome; Stress.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Multifactorial etiology of irritable bowel syndrome. IBS: Irritable bowel syndrome; GI: Gastrointestinal.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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