Published online Oct 28, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i40.11371
Peer-review started: April 23, 2015
First decision: July 13, 2015
Revised: July 28, 2015
Accepted: September 13, 2015
Article in press: September 14, 2015
Published online: October 28, 2015
Processing time: 184 Days and 4.4 Hours
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with the prevalence of 10%-20 % of the population has become an emerging problem worldwide. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits. The etiology of IBS contains genetic, psychological, and immunological factors, and has not been fully elucidated; of note, recent studies also point at environmental pollution and its role in the development of functional GI diseases. In this review we focus on several environmental factors, such as bacterial contamination, air pollution, radiation and even stress as potential triggers of IBS. We discuss associated disturbances in homeostasis, such as changes in intestinal microbiome and related pathophysiological mechanisms. Based on the effect of environmental factors on the GI tract, we also propose novel targets in IBS treatment.
Core tip: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits. The etiology of IBS has not been fully elucidated; however, recent studies point at environmental pollution and its role in the development of IBS. Here we focus on several environmental factors, such as bacterial contamination, air pollution, radiation and even stress as potential triggers of IBS; we also propose novel targets in IBS treatment.