Innovations in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI)

Abstract

Introduction: Functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are the most prevalent disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), frequently overlapping and associated with complex pathophysiological mechanisms. Increasing evidence implicates gut microbiota alterations in driving symptoms via immune activation, altered motility, gut vascular barrier and gut-brain axis disruption.

Areas covered: This review explores the role of gut microbiota in FD and IBS pathogenesis and symptomatology. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases, including studies published between January 2013 and March 2025. Particular focus is given to microbiota-targeted therapies such as prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). The review also discusses multidimensional treatment strategies combining dietary and lifestyle modification, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and pharmacological neuromodulation. Recent advances in diagnostic methods, including capsule-based microbiota sampling and digital tools for remote psychogastroenterology care, are highlighted.

Expert opinion: Despite scientific progress, current DGBI management remains insufficiently personalized. Future approaches should integrate individualized microbiota profiling with targeted interventions and utilize innovative diagnostic and digital health technologies to enhance clinical outcomes in FD and IBS.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; capsule endoscopy; disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI); functional dyspepsia; irritable bowel syndrome; microbiota; probiotics; psychogastroenterology.