Irritable bowel syndrome is linked to certain intestinal cells

in collaboration with

Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)

Researchers from theUniversity of California in San Francisco (USA) would have discovered the mechanism at the origin of the irritable bowel syndrome. This disease, which is not serious, alters the quality of life of millions of people who suffer from it, i.e. 5% of the French population. Their experiments in mice revealed the presence of specific intestinal cells – enterochromaffin cells – whose activation could be linked to the development of irritable bowel syndrome.

Focus on irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (also called functional bowel disease) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects bowel function. It is not serious but causes significant discomfort. Irritable bowel syndrome affects twice as many women as men. The diagnosis usually takes place between the ages of 30 and 40.

The symptoms are:

• Recurrent abdominal pain (spasms, burning, bloating);
• Intestinal transit disorders (diarrhea and/or constipation);
• A discomfort.

How to diagnose it? According to Doctor Gérald Kierzek, “it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to eliminate an organic cause. Once eliminated by a blood test or a colonoscopy, we can speak of irritable bowel syndrome”.

Affected people have more sensitive intestines and therefore react badly to certain foods that do not cause any discomfort in others.

“Irritable bowel syndrome is not a psychosomatic illness. However, following healthy lifestyle measures is important. Meals that are too fatty, too sweet, foods that are too high in fiber, carbonated drinks, alcohol, caffeine, or even stress can cause seizures.” explains Dr. Kierzek.

Enterochromaffin cells pointed out

The experiments revealed the presence of specific intestinal cells, the activity of which could be the cause of chronic intestinal pain and impaired transit, two hallmarks of irritable bowel syndrome. Their name ? Enterochromaffin cells.

This subpopulation of enteroendocrine cells is largely responsible for gastrointestinal regulation. Enterochromaffin (EC) cells line the intestine and detect stimuli that cause pain. They become active when exposed to irritating agents. The American study sought to understand the extent to which they were involved in visceral pain.

To do this, the researchers activated the mice’s EC cells. Short-chain fatty acids of bacterial origin, such as isovalerate, are known to be EC cell activators. The researchers thus covered the intestine of a group of mice with isovalerate. They then simulated gastric pain and bloating in rodents to see how those treated with isovalerate and those without reacted.

What happened ? Male mice treated with isovalerate were much more sensitive to pain than the others. For the females, all felt the same. These two results “suggest that EC cells from females have higher basal isovalerate activity”, explain the researchers. An explanation for the sexual bias of irritable bowel syndrome – which mainly affects women.

After conducting another experiment, the researchers found that EC cells could remain active even after the irritants had disappeared from the gut. Irritable bowel syndrome is therefore due to prolonged activation of EC cells: enough to help scientists develop a future treatment…