what is serotonin? What role does it play in the gi tract and in IBS?
first you don't understand how the condition is diagnosed.
There are experts in gastroenterology, neurogastroenterology, immunology, neuroimmunology and every filed studying IBS. It is super complex, which is why then don't know the EXACT cause yet, but have made a ton of progress.
Video Corner: Causes and TreatmentsA functional GI disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has very specific symptoms. Over the past 5–10 years we've developed an understanding that many different components contribute to these symptoms. Brain-gut interactions, changes in serotonin signaling, motility, inflammation, gut sensitivity, genetic predispositions, and bacterial flora all can contribute to varying degrees in an individual having this condition. Not only will this help with developing more effective treatments, but better understanding of the factors that underlie symptoms in each individual will enable more reliable treatments that will work earlier on rather than trying hit or miss one after another.
Video Corner: Gut Flora, Probiotics and Antibiotics Bacteria are germs that are normally in the gut. They are often referred to as the gut flora. Most bacteria are in the large intestine (colon). Some bacteria can cause infection; these are called pathogens. Other bacteria can be helpful. These helpful (or "good") bacteria are called probiotics. Medicines that destroy bacteria are called antibiotics.
During IFFGD's 7th International Symposium on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in April 2007, we had the opportunity to interview a leading researcher, Eamonn Quigley, MD, on the topics of probiotics and antibiotics. Dr. Quigley is Professor of Medicine and Human Physiology at University College, Cork (National University of Ireland). Brooks Cash, MD adds comments about issues of safety and effectiveness of antibiotics.
In some people with IBS a subtle inflammation persists for some time after recovery from an initial infection and obvious inflammation. This can cause increased sensation in the intestines and changes in gut motility consistent with symptoms of IBS.
Inflammation Does inflammation have a role in generating IBS symptoms? An interview with Gary M. Mawe, PhD, Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT. Dr. Mawe is a basic scientist.
Video Corner: Research Advances From mechanisms at the gut level and the micro flora to the spinal cord and brain our understanding to the functional disorders has grown tremendously over the past 5 years. In these videos Emeran Mayer, MD and Lin Chang, MD, both from UCLA, and Brooks Cash, MD from Bethesda, Maryland explain some of these advances.
On one end new techniques allow us to probe the living human brain to understand its structure, activity, and receptor systems. On the other end we are just beginning to view the universe of our gut micro flora and the cross-talk taking place between it and the brain. Growing understanding of the ways in which many systems within the body interact has implications for various disorders such as pain, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, gastroparesis, and others. Like a jigsaw puzzle, many pieces are beginning to emerge.
Increasingly our understanding of IBS is that it is a heterogeneous disorder – that is, multiple factors contribute to the well defined symptoms of the disorder. One of these suspected underlying dysfunctions involves serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter or messenger to nerves. Most serotonin in the body is in cells that line the gut where it senses what is going on and through receptors signals nerves that stimulate a response. The serotonin must then be reabsorbed (a process called re-uptake) into cells. This process appears to be disrupted in people with IBS.
Serotonin and SERT How does serotonin affect gut function? An interview with Gary M. Mawe, PhD, Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT. Dr. Mawe is a basic scientist.
Video Corner: Overcoming Challenges There is growing recognition of the seriousness and the complexity of the functional GI disorders. Yet individuals affected by these disorders still face challenges in finding adequate care. Many physicians remain unprepared to diagnose and treat patients with functional GI disorders. Moreover, the burden of illness resulting from chronic pain or discomfort and other symptoms associated with functional GI disorders remains underappreciated by everyone it seems – except those who experience it, or those who are truly dedicated to finding solutions.
Many of the digestive disorders seen in adults begin in kids and teens. Providing better treatments early in life would not only help help children and their families, but would also help avoid much pain, suffering and expense later on in life. While we have seen many advances in understanding functional GI and motility disorders in kids and teens, much more remains to be done. Development of improved treatments in pediatrics is a particular challenge.
The Experts Speak About IFFGD Learn about IFFGD on video Go » At IFFGD's 7th International Symposium on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in April 2007, we had the opportunity to talk to some of the international experts in functional GI disorders. Our discussions covered some of the most recent developments in this field.
Click the topic titles below to go to the video interviews!
Posts
Re: Candida
