IBS has a strong genetic component, and genetic studies have suggested that the heritability of IBS (the degree to which this condition is due to genetic factors) may be between 22–57%.[1] Individuals who have a relative with IBS are 2–3 times more likely to have IBS.[1] A study found that women with IBS-D had a gene mutation that affected serotonin receptors in the gut. Since gut-derived serotonin helps regulate intestinal motility, this could explain some IBS symptoms.[2] While hundreds of genetic variants have been studied for their potential role in IBS, to date, no single gene has been identified as playing a major role in IBS, though research is ongoing.
References
- ^Saito YAThe role of genetics in IBS.Gastroenterol Clin North Am.(2011-Mar)
- ^Fritz N, Berens S, Dong Y, Martínez C, Schmitteckert S, Houghton LA, Goebel-Stengel M, Wahl V, Kabisch M, Götze D, D'Amato M, Zheng T, Röth R, Mönnikes H, Tesarz J, Engel F, Gauss A, Raithel M, Andresen V, Keller J, Frieling T, Pehl C, Stein-Thöringer C, Clarke G, Kennedy PJ, Cryan JF, Dinan TG, Quigley EMM, Spiller R, Beltrán C, Madrid AM, Torres V, Mayer EA, Sayuk G, Gazouli M, Karamanolis G, Bustamante M, Estivil X, Rabionet R, Hoffmann P, Nöthen MM, Heilmann-Heimbach S, Schmidt B, Franke A, Lieb W, Herzog W, Boeckxstaens G, Wouters MM, Simrén M, Rappold GA, Vicario M, Santos J, Schaefert R, Lorenzo-Bermejo J, Niesler BThe serotonin receptor 3E variant is a risk factor for female IBS-D.J Mol Med (Berl).(2022-Nov)