RightHealth

Posts Tagged ‘IBS’

December 11, 2008

Genetic Link To Irritable Bowel Syndrome »

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder, accounting for 25 to 50 percent of all referrals to gastroenterologists. The exact cause is unknown, but researchers at the Institute of Human Genetics in Heidelberg, Germany have discovered a genetic mutation in serotonin receptors of the intestinal tract that may cause the diarrhea which many people with IBS experience. Serotonin is a hormone that is found not only in the central nervous system, but in large abundance in the GI tract. A mutation in a receptor for serotonin can explain GI disturbances, such as diarrhea. This discovery will likely pave the way for future treatments of IBS.

Read more and share your opinion.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post to Facebook Share on Facebook

 

Posted by Steven / December 11, 2008 11:39 pm / Permalink / Comments (5) / Trackbacks (0)