Early life adverse exposures in irritable bowel syndrome: new insights and opportunities

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder worldwide. Extensive research has identified multiple factors contributing to its development, including genetic predisposition, chronic infection, gut dysbiosis, aberrant serotonin metabolism, and brain dysfunction. Recent studies have emphasized the critical role of the early life stage as a susceptibility window for IBS. Current evidence suggests that diet can heighten the risk of IBS in offspring by influencing the microbiota composition, intestinal epithelium structure, gene expression, and brain-gut axis. The use of antibiotics during pregnancy and the neonatal period disrupts the normal gut microbiota structure, aligning it with the characteristics observed in IBS patients. Additionally, early life stress impacts susceptibility to IBS by modulating TLR4, NK1, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis while compromising the offspring's immune system. Formula feeding facilitates the colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines, concurrently reducing the presence of probiotics. This disruption of the Th1 and Th2 cell balance in the immune system weakens the intestinal epithelial barrier. Furthermore, studies suggest that delivery mode influences the occurrence of IBS by altering the composition of gut microbes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the existing evidence regarding the impact of adverse early life exposures on IBS during pregnancy, intrapartum, and neonatal period. By consolidating this knowledge, the review enhances our understanding of the direct and indirect mechanisms underlying early life-related IBS and offers new insights and research directions from childhood to adulthood.

The homeobox transcription factor Cux1 coordinates postnatal epithelial developmental timing but is dispensable for lung organogenesis and regeneration

“…Temporal control of gene expression may control the duration of such susceptibility windows 73 . Susceptibility windows during postnatal development have been recognized for lung disease 75 , atopic dermatitis 76,77 , and development of metabolic syndrome 78 , obesity, and functional and inflammatory bowel disease 79,80 . Given the contemporaneous delay in development of lung, skin, and gut in our study, it is tempting to speculate that factors such as CUX1 may optimize developmental timing and function to limit these critical windows, thereby providing resilience during postnatal development to environmental stimuli.…”

Risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome: A review

“…Интересными представляются данные о том, что на риск возникновения СРК может влиять и психоэмоциональное состояние матери в период беременности [44]. В эксперименте пренатальный материнский стресс приводил к висцеральной гиперчувствительности и абдоминальной боли у потомства опосредованно путем повышения экспрессии цистатионин-β-синтазы и нейротрофического фактора в спинном мозге [45], а также за счет усиления передачи болевых сигналов в дорсальном роге спинного мозга в результате снижения экспрессии miR-485 и увеличения количества кислоточувствительных ионных каналов ASIC1 [46].…”

“…продемонстрировало связь между гипергликемией у матери во время беременности и изменением уровня глюкагоноподобного пептида-1 у потомства [65]. Исходя из этого высказано предположение, что особенности питания матери могут представлять собой новый фактор риска развития СРК у ребенка в последующем [44].…”

Exploring the burden of irritable bowel syndrome among university students in Saudi Arabia: A study on prevalence, psychological associations, and well-being

“…Nevertheless, some studies suggest that factors like psychological elements, dietary habits, and the level of exercise are associated with the onset and progression of IBS. [ 13 ] About 33% of patients with IBS reported positive family history, suggesting that genetics may play a role in the etiology of the condition. [ 1 ] Moreover, individual characteristics such as age and gender may influence the development of IBS.…”