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. 2024 Sep 21;30(35):3985-3995.
doi: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i35.3985.

Correlation between the neuroendocrine axis, microbial species, inflammatory response, and gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome

Xin Zhang  1 , Wei-Wei Jin  2 , Hong-Gang Wang  3
Affiliations

Correlation between the neuroendocrine axis, microbial species, inflammatory response, and gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome

Xin Zhang et al. World J Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Background: This study examines the complex relationships among the neuroendocrine axis, gut microbiome, inflammatory responses, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of IBS and suggest potential therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes.

Aim: To investigate the interactions between the neuroendocrine axis, gut microbiome, inflammation, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with IBS.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with IBS between January 2022 and January 2023 were selected for the study. Healthy individuals undergoing routine check-ups during the same period served as the control group. Data were collected on neuroendocrine hormone levels, gut microbiome profiles, inflammatory biomarkers, and gastrointestinal symptomatology to analyze their interrelations and their potential roles in IBS pathogenesis.

Results: IBS patients exhibited significant dysregulation of the neuroendocrine axis, with altered levels of cortisol, serotonin, and neuropeptides compared to healthy controls. The gut microbiome of IBS patients showed reduced diversity and specific alterations in bacterial genera, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Faecalibacterium, which were associated with neuroendocrine disturbances. Additionally, elevated levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, were observed and correlated with the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that targeting the neuroendocrine axis, gut microbiome, and inflammatory pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life in IBS patients.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal symptoms; Inflammatory response; Intestinal microbiota; Irritable bowel syndrome; Neuroendocrine axis; Relationship study.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Comparison of neuroendocrine axis indicators between two study groups. bP < 0.05 vs healthy group. ACTH: Adrenocorticotropic hormone; COR: Cortisol; 5-HT: 5-hydroxytryptamine.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Comparison of gut microbiota indicators between two study groups. bP < 0.05 vs healthy group.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Comparison of inflammatory factor levels between two study groups. bP < 0.05 vs healthy group.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Neuroendocrine axis indicator levels in patients with different symptoms within 24 hours. A: Adrenocorticotropic hormone levels; B: Cortisol levels. aP < 0.05. ACTH: Adrenocorticotropic hormone; COR: Cortisol.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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