Researchers investigated the role of gastrointestinal microbiota in the exacerbation of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The researchers collected fecal, salivary, and dental plaque samples from men with IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) and healthy control men. The results showed that the fecal microbiota exhibited significant differences in its composition and the presence of short-chain fatty acids during IBS symptom exacerbation compared to when symptoms were not exacerbated. Findings suggest the interactions between the colonic host and the microbial community are altered in IBS-D patients during symptom exacerbation, highlighting the potential role of the gut microbiota in IBS, and providing insights into the differences in microbial composition between healthy individuals and those with IBS-D.
Reference: Wang J, Tao L, Chen M. The role of sex hormones in the fecal microbiota of IBS-D patients with exacerbation of symptoms deserves attention. J Gastroenterol. 2023 Apr;58(4):425-426. doi: 10.1007/s00535-022-01950-z. Epub 2022 Dec 31. PMID: 36585976.
