Association between a functional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene and diarrhoea predominant irritable bowel syndrome in women.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Serotonin (5-hydroxtryptamine, 5-HT) is an important factor in gut function, playing key roles in intestinal peristalsis and secretion, and in sensory signalling in the brain-gut axis. Removal from its sites of action is mediated by a specific protein called the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT or 5-HTT). Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the SERT gene have effects on transcriptional activity, resulting in altered 5-HT reuptake efficiency. It has been speculated that such functional polymorphisms may underlie disturbance in gut function in individuals suffering with disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to assess the potential association between SERT polymorphisms and the diarrhoea predominant IBS (dIBS) phenotype

SUBMITTER: Yeo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1774243 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature