Search Results (635)

Endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are chronic pain disorders that frequently coexist and share key pathophysiological features, including neuroinflammation, visceral hypersensitivity, peripheral sensitization, and central sensitization. Emerging evidence suggests that extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-mediated activation of the P2X3 receptor is a common mechanism driving persistent nociceptive signaling in both conditions. This narrative review examines the role of ATP–P2X3 signaling in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and IBS, highlighting its involvement in neuroimmune crosstalk, dorsal root ganglion plasticity, and cross-organ sensitization. We summarize experimental and clinical evidence supporting P2X3 as a therapeutic target and discuss the development of selective P2X3 antagonists, including gefapixant, eliapixant, sivopixant, and camlipixant. Although these agents have shown clinical benefit in refractory chronic cough, their application to endometriosis and IBS remains largely unexplored. Current evidence is predominantly preclinical, underscoring the need for biomarker-driven translational studies and clinical trials. Overall, ATP–P2X3 signaling represents a promising shared mechanistic pathway linking endometriosis and IBS and a potential target for the development of precision, nonopioid therapies for chronic pelvic and visceral pain. Full article

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder that significantly impairs patients’ quality of life. Antispasmodics such as mebeverine and otilonium bromide (OB) are commonly used as first-line therapies; however, comparative evidence regarding their effectiveness and safety profile remains limited. This study aimed to compare short-term changes in health-related quality of life and the occurrence of adverse events among IBS patients receiving mebeverine or otilonium bromide. A prospective cohort study was conducted from December 2024 to July 2025 among 110 IBS patients meeting the Rome IV criteria who received either mebeverine 200 mg or OB 40 mg twice daily for 4 weeks. The IBS-specific quality-of-life questionnaire (IBS-QOL) was interviewer-administered at baseline and after treatment (week 4). Adverse drug events were documented and classified according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). After 4 weeks, significant within-group improvements in the overall IBS-QOL score and most domain scores were observed in both treatment groups. In the unadjusted between-group analysis, the mean improvement in the overall IBS-QOL score was greater in the mebeverine group than in the otilonium bromide group (20.31 ± 13.17 vs. 14.62 ± 14.61; p = 0.034). However, treatment group was not independently associated with change in the overall IBS-QOL score after multivariable adjustment (OB vs. mebeverine: B = −4.63, 95% CI −10.28 to 1.02; p = 0.107). Nominal differences in activity interference and health worry did not remain statistically significant after Holm correction for multiple domain-level comparisons. Adverse events occurred in 9 of 110 patients (8.2%), with no significant difference between the mebeverine and otilonium bromide groups (11.7% vs. 4.0%; Fisher’s exact p = 0.178). All reported events were mild. In this prospective observational cohort, both mebeverine and otilonium bromide use was associated with short-term improvement in health-related quality of life and low rates of mild adverse events. Although the unadjusted change in the overall IBS-QOL score favored mebeverine, the adjusted analysis did not establish an independent difference between the two treatments. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study evaluated the interplay between cyberchondria, psychological distress, and symptom severity in female patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Materials and Methods: The study included 176 female participants: 86 patients with IBS and 90 controls. Participants completed a sociodemographic form, the IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS), Cyberchondria Severity Scale–Short Form (CSS-12), Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: Compared with healthy controls, women with IBS had significantly higher scores on the BAI (p < 0.001), BDI (p < 0.001), and CSS-12 Distress (p = 0.003), Reassurance (p < 0.001), and Compulsion (p < 0.001) subscales, whereas CSS-12 Excessiveness did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.211). Unexpectedly, PWBS scores were also significantly higher in women with IBS than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). IBS-SSS scores were significantly higher in the IBS group (p < 0.001). Within the IBS group, IBS-SSS was positively correlated with BAI (r = 0.255, p = 0.018) but not with BDI (r = 0.099, p = 0.365), while BDI was negatively correlated with PWBS (r = −0.320, p = 0.003). PWBS showed a weak positive correlation with CSS-12 Excessiveness (r = 0.215, p = 0.046), but not with the other CSS-12 dimensions. In ROC analysis, BAI (cut-off > 3) showed 88.4% sensitivity and 82.2% specificity; BDI (cut-off > 4), 82.6% and 86.7%; PWBS (cut-off > 33), 70.9% and 98.9%; and IBS-SSS (cut-off > 50), 96.5% and 88.9%, respectively. Conclusions: It was found that women with IBS had higher anxiety and depressive symptom scores compared with healthy female, and that there were differences in various dimensions of cyberchondria. The unexpectedly higher psychological well-being scores observed in the IBS group should be interpreted with caution. These findings point to the potential importance of psychological evaluation as part of a comprehensive assessment of IBS. Effect sizes for the between-group differences were large for the BAI and BDI (Cliff’s delta = 0.74 for both), the CSS-12 Reassurance subscale (delta = 0.53), the PWBS (Cohen’s d = 1.79) and the IBS-SSS (d = 2.84), and small for the Distress (delta = 0.28) and Compulsion (delta = 0.27) subscales. Full article

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) frequently occurs alongside depression, greatly impairing patients’ life quality, with limited targeted treatments. Low-molecular-weight peptides (LMWPs) from Musca domestica larvae exert gut-protective bioactivities, but their efficacy and molecular mechanisms for comorbid IBS-D and depression remain unelucidated. A chronic–acute combined stress (CACS)-induced rat model of IBS-D complicated with depression was established and treated with LMWPs. The study evaluated intestinal and depressive behavioral phenotypes, and integrated 16S rRNA sequencing, untargeted serum metabolomics and quantitative detection of fecal SCFAs for multi-omics correlation analysis. 1. CACS triggered typical comorbid symptoms, which LMWPs alleviated with effects similar to trimebutine maleate. 2. LMWP treatment was associated with reshaped gut microbiota, restored metabolic pathways, altered levels of 27 disease-associated serum metabolites, and increased fecal SCFA levels. 3. Multi-omics correlation analyses suggested that the therapeutic benefits may involve crosstalk among gut microbiota, SCFAs, and tryptophan metabolites. Larva-derived LMWP relieves IBS-D combined with depression by modulating gut microecology, SCFA generation and serum metabolic balance through the gut–brain axis, which can serve as a novel promising therapeutic candidate. Full article

Background/Objectives: Illness uncertainty is inherent in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the factors that contribute to it and outcomes impacted by it have yet to be assessed in pediatric IBS. As such, the current longitudinal pilot study assessed the relationship between disease characteristics, illness appraisals, mood, and health-related outcomes. Methods: 50 youth (ages 10–18) diagnosed with IBS completed self-report measures across three timepoints. Path analysis models specifying illness uncertainty as the mediator were constructed and assessed with Mplus using Bayesian Estimation. Results: Time-2 illness uncertainty significantly predicted time-3 depressive and anxiety symptoms, higher functional disability, and lower levels of problem- and emotion-focused coping. Exploratory indirect effects demonstrating clinical signals were also identified. Conclusions: Future observational studies with larger samples are needed to further investigate illness appraisals’ relationships with adjustment and health-related outcomes in pediatric IBS. This is a fruitful avenue to identify modifiable areas of targeted intervention. Full article

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a tick-induced, IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to the oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal), which is expressed on glycoproteins and glycolipids of non-primate mammals but absent in humans. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms dominate the clinical presentation in a substantial proportion of patients yet remain systematically under-recognized, frequently being attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), or lactose intolerance. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on the epidemiology, GI and systemic phenotype, immunological mechanisms, diagnostic strategies, management approaches, quality-of-life burden, and multi-level public health interventions for AGS, and it identifies critical knowledge gaps as of 2026. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science from database inception through 31 March 2026, and synthesized the evidence narratively in accordance with the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA). GI symptoms occur in 47–69% of patients with AGS, with abdominal pain (58%), diarrhea (42%), nausea (39%), and vomiting (31%) as the cardinal manifestations. A characteristic 2–6 h delay between the ingestion of mammalian-derived food and symptom onset—explained by the glycolipid–chylomicron delivery mechanism—drives diagnostic confusion with functional GI disorders. Among 295,400 tested individuals in the United States, 30.5% were α-gal IgE positive, and an estimated 96,000–450,000 Americans were affected between 2010 and 2022. Despite this burden, 42% of U.S. healthcare providers had never heard of AGS. Strict avoidance of mammalian meat improves symptoms in 53–86% of adherent patients, although the condition carries a meaningful risk of anaphylaxis even among GI-predominant presenters. AGS is a prevalent, frequently misdiagnosed, and clinically morbid condition whose GI phenotype lies squarely within the gastroenterologist’s domain. A coordinated response that integrates clinician education, institutional diagnostic algorithms, and national surveillance infrastructure is urgently needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fibromyalgia (FM) is increasingly recognized as a multisystem disorder characterized by central sensitization and visceral symptom involvement. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and overactive bladder (OAB), which share overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms related to altered visceral processing, are both commonly reported in FM. However, whether gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms cluster within the same patients and whether such clustering is associated with greater FM severity remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate the overlap between IBS and OAB in women with FM and to determine whether their coexistence is associated with differences in FM severity. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 74 women with FM evaluated at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic of Memorial Ataşehir Hospital between August and December 2025. FM severity was assessed using the Widespread Pain Index (WPI), Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), and FM Severity Score (GSS). OAB symptoms were evaluated using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and IBS status was determined based on prior clinical diagnosis. For subgroup severity analyses, patients were categorized as IBS + OAB, OAB only, or neither condition; the two patients with IBS alone were excluded from these comparisons because of the small cell size (n = 72). Results: IBS was present in 13 patients (17.6%) and OAB in 46 patients (62.2%). A substantial overlap between bowel and bladder symptoms was observed: 84.6% of IBS-positive patients had OAB, and IBS prevalence was higher in OAB-positive than OAB-negative patients (23.9% vs. 7.1%; OR = 4.56, 95% CI 0.93–22.24), although this association did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.063). Significant overall group differences were observed for SSS (p < 0.001) and GSS (p = 0.001), whereas WPI did not differ significantly across groups (p = 0.228). Patients with concomitant IBS and OAB had significantly higher GSS scores than both the OAB-only (adjusted p = 0.003) and neither-condition groups (adjusted p = 0.001). In multivariable analysis adjusted for age, concomitant IBS and OAB remained significantly associated with higher GSS (B = 3.77, 95% CI 1.59–5.95; p = 0.001). The regression model explained 18.2% of the variance in GSS (R² = 0.182; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Concomitant IBS and OAB in women with FM were associated with greater overall FM symptom burden, particularly higher SSS and GSS scores, whereas widespread pain severity did not differ significantly across groups. The presence of either IBS or OAB may warrant evaluation for the other condition, as bowel–bladder symptom clustering may characterize a subgroup with greater overall symptom burden and support consideration of a more integrated clinical assessment. Full article

The enteric nervous system (ENS) can function semi-autonomously from the central nervous system (CNS) in regulating complex gastrointestinal processes and exhibits substantial developmental, epigenetic, neuroimmune, and adaptive plasticity. We propose the concept of Stress-Induced Long-term Epigenetic Implicit Memory (SLEIM) as a hypothesis-generating theoretical framework suggesting that prenatal maternal stress may contribute to persistent biological alterations within ENS-related pathways through interacting epigenetic, neuroimmune, neuronal, glial, and microbiota-associated mechanisms. The precise biological substrates and mechanisms underlying this proposed framework remain unknown. Through the microbiota–gut–brain axis (MGBA), such stress-related biological alterations may influence physiological communication between the ENS and CNS and in turn affect stress-response systems, including HPA axis activity, immune signalling, cortisol regulation, mast-cell activation, and cytokine balance. The frequent comorbidity of fibromyalgia (FM) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) suggests the existence of shared pathogenic mechanisms involving central sensitisation, neuroimmune processes, and MGBA dysfunction. In this study, we therefore also address dependency-related characteristics and autonomy vulnerabilities reported in some patients with FM and consider how developmental, psychological, neurobiological, and illness-related factors may contribute to these patterns. Within the proposed SLEIM framework, prenatal stress-related biological influences may represent a potential developmental pathway that contributes to vulnerability to IBS, FM, and related functional disorders later in life. However, these relationships remain hypothetical and require future empirical investigation. Full article

The intricate interplay between the gut microbiome and the enteric nervous system remains a paramount focus in understanding the multifactorial pathogenesis of disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI), most notably irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While the clinical entity of post-infectious IBS is well-established, the independent, long-term pathophysiological impact of iatrogenic antibiotic exposure is garnering critical attention within neurogastroenterology. This narrative review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current epidemiological and mechanistic evidence positioning antibiotic-induced microbial depletion as a potential predisposing factor for incident IBS. By evaluating recent literature, we highlight epidemiological trends demonstrating a consistent, dose-dependent relationship between cumulative antibiotic courses, particularly broad-spectrum agents, and an elevated risk of developing IBS, independent of prior acute enteric infections. Furthermore, we explore the mechanistic underpinnings of this association, focusing on how systemic antibiotics induce persistent, detrimental alterations in commensal diversity. This resulting dysbiosis initiates a proposed cascade of downstream consequences, including compromised epithelial barrier integrity, persistent low-grade mucosal inflammation, and altered bile acid metabolism. These localized disruptions serve as established triggers for visceral hypersensitivity and dysregulated gastrointestinal motility communicated via the gut–brain axis. Ultimately, this review underscores that antibiotic exposure may act as a significant, modifiable risk factor for IBS pathogenesis. Recognizing this substantial iatrogenic risk reinforces an urgent clinical imperative for stringent antimicrobial stewardship and emphasizes the necessity for future research directed toward prophylactic, microbiome-sparing strategies to mitigate the escalating global burden of DGBIs. Full article

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms are often triggered by the consumption of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs), which are widely found in cereal-based foods, dairy products, fruits, legumes, and vegetables. Among these, cereal-based products are one of the main dietary sources of fructans. Consequently, low-FODMAP dietary strategies have gained increasing attention as an effective approach for managing IBS symptoms. This study adopted an integrated strategy based on the parallel selection of low-FODMAP flours and the screening of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts, with the aim of identifying the best-performing flour and microbial starter to support the of low-FODMAP bread formulation. Sixteen soft and durum wheat flours were characterized for fructan content, chemical, physical, and rheological properties, revealing marked variability among the samples and highlighting the importance of raw material selection. Together, 150 LAB and 7 commercial yeasts were evaluated for their ability to modulate fructans, fructose, glucose and mannitol during 24 h model-dough fermentation. Most strains promoted substantial reduction in FODMAP levels, with variability depending on microorganisms, inoculum concentration, and fermentation time. Overall, the findings of this study provide a foundation for subsequent investigations focused on the development and characterization of low-FODMAP bread using the selected flour-starter combinations. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to characterize physicians’ knowledge and practice patterns regarding the use of probiotics in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). By examining clinical experiences and barriers to adoption, this research sought to identify critical gaps in practice and establish a foundation for evidence-based improvements in patient care. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted in accordance with the CROSS (Consensus-based Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies) guidelines. Attendees of a medical congress, specifically general practitioners, gastroenterologists, surgeons, and internists with an interest in the clinical significance and therapeutic modulation of the human microbiome, were invited to participate. Participants completed a 38-item, paper-based questionnaire. The instrument assessed respondents’ self-perceived knowledge of probiotics, their understanding of probiotic definitions and specific strains, and their current clinical practice patterns—particularly regarding the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, the survey explored information sources, the frequency of self-prescription, and the perceived need for further education, with a specific focus on safety profiles and clinical concerns. Results: Of the 70 invited attendees, 68 completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 97.1%. The respondent cohort included 40 general practitioners (GPs), 20 gastroenterologists (GEs), four surgeons (SSs), and four internists (SIMs). More than half of the respondents were female (n = 37, 54.4%), with a median age of 43 years (range: 28–70). Exactly half of the respondents (n = 34, 50.0%) agreed that probiotics always have a role in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, only 44.1% (n = 30) reported familiarity with the relevant scientific literature on probiotics. Furthermore, respondents more frequently recognized bacterial species associated with single-strain probiotic formulations compared to those in multi-strain mixtures. The primary concern regarding the administration of probiotics for IBS was this lack of familiarity with the scientific literature, cited by 23.5% of respondents. Notably, 100% of the surveyed cohort expressed a need for further education on the topic. Conclusions: The emergence of scientific and clinical evidence results in a clinical practice characterized by high prescribing habits, despite the lack of formal approval. These findings highlight evidence showing the effectiveness of certain probiotic strains in managing IBS symptoms, suggesting the need for standardized guidelines. Given the demonstrated need for further education among the surveyed cohort, integrating probiotic-specific training into both undergraduate medical curricula and continuing professional development programs could significantly enhance the clinical knowledge and awareness of both current and future practitioners. Full article

Background: Dysbiosis, mucosal inflammation and increased intestinal permeability have been implicated in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a sequential butyrate–probiotic administration in reducing symptoms and improving stool consistency in patients with diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D) or mixed-type IBS (IBS-M). Methods: Two hundred adult patients were allocated to intervention (n = 105) or control (n = 95). The intervention group received ColonLife formulation (Εuro-Pharma S.r.l., Torino—Italy), consisting of two distinct capsules: the first containing butyric acid and grapefruit seed extract, and the second containing microencapsulated probiotic strains together with fructooligosaccharides (FOSs). Symptom severity, quality of life and stool consistency (Bristol Stool Scale) were assessed at baseline and three follow-up visits. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups (p > 0.05). Diarrhea severity decreased significantly in the intervention group (3.78 ± 1.01 to 3.31 ± 1.21; Δ − 0.47) compared with minimal change in controls (3.71 ± 1.05 to 3.62 ± 1.14; Δ − 0.08; p = 0.015). Stool consistency improved more in the intervention group (−1.18 ± 1.46 vs. −0.64 ± 1.41; p = 0.028), with normal stools increasing from 1.0% to 65.7% versus 4.2% to 36.8% in controls (p < 0.001). The degree of change in pain scores was similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). The degree of reduction in bloating scores was also similar between groups (p > 0.05). Quality of life improved in both groups (intervention: +0.68 ± 1.43; control: +0.71 ± 1.64; both p < 0.01), with no significant difference between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Sequential butyrate–probiotic administration significantly improves diarrhea, stool consistency and gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS-D and IBS-M, supporting its role as a microbiota-targeted treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Functional bowel disorders (FBDs) are chronic gastrointestinal conditions that substantially impair quality of life. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of Heyndrickxia coagulans IDCC 1201 (COA 1201) in adults with FBD. Methods: Participants received COA 1201 or a placebo for 8 weeks, with outcomes assessed using the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life (IBS-QOL), and bowel activity measures. And Fecal microbiome and metabolomics were measured by 16S rRNA gene sequencing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Results: Both groups showed improvement from baseline, but COA 1201 produced greater symptom relief, particularly in abdominal bloating, post-defecation discomfort, and the body image domain of IBS-QOL. Fecal microbiome profiling revealed modest changes in global diversity, yet taxa linked to saccharolytic activity and short-chain fatty acid production—including Ruminococcus bromii, Agathobacter rectalis, and Bifidobacterium—were enriched in participants receiving COA 1201, whereas Clostridium leptum increased in those receiving a placebo. Untargeted metabolomics demonstrated distinct metabolic signatures between groups, confirmed by supervised partial least squares discriminant analysis. Exploratory metabolites were identified using variable importance in projection scores (>1.5), statistical significance (p < 0.05), and absolute log₂ fold change (>1). Alanine and proline emerged as time-dependent metabolites, while tryptophan, lactic acid, and phytosphingosine were specifically associated with COA 1201 treatment. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings suggest that COA 1201 alleviates FBD symptoms by modulating the gut microbiome and metabolome. Full article

The low-FODMAP diet (LFD) reduces gastrointestinal symptoms, restricting poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates to reduce colonic fermentation. It has been proposed as a dietary strategy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. However, this diet could affect patients’ nutritional status and alter their gut microbiota. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a 10-week LFD on nutritional status, quality of life, and gut microbiota in patients with IBS, UC, and a control group without gastrointestinal symptoms. A randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted, including adults with IBS and UC, as well as a control group. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either an LFD or a standard diet (STD). Nutritional status, stool consistency, bowel habits, and quality of life were assessed, and stool samples were collected. Stool microbiota was profiled by 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3) and analyzed for alpha diversity, beta diversity and differential abundance. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance. The follow-up period lasted 10 weeks (W0 to W10). Analyses were conducted in the per-protocol population. In total, 86 patients were included (IBS n = 40, UC n = 34, Control n = 12) with an average age of 40 ± 11 years. After adjustment for baseline values, no statistically significant differences in anthropometric or body-composition outcomes were observed between the LFD and STD groups. Similarly, there was a notable reduction in diarrhea frequency (53.3% vs. 20%, p = 0.058). Additionally, patients with IBS and UC exhibited similar microbiota profiles at W0. Among UC patients following the LFD, there was increased presence of BX12, CAG-1427, Holdemania, Evtepia, and Granulicatella, while Angelakisella and CAG-177 were less abundant. LFD was associated with changes in stool consistency, bowel habits, quality of life, and gut microbiota in patients with UC and IBS. Full article

(1) Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, linked to dysbiosis and inflammation. Currently available treatments, focused on symptom management, displayed limited efficacy. Recent research highlights microbiota modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy to restore intestinal barrier integrity; (2) A dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model of post-colitis IBS-like symptoms was performed to evaluate the effect of a novel mixture of Enterococcus lactis SF68^®, butyrate, and folate. Disease activity index and spleen weight were assessed. Markers of gut inflammation, intestinal barrier alterations, and gut butyrate bioavailability were measured. The activity of colonic mitochondria was also analyzed; (3) Supplementation with the novel mixture significantly reduced spleen weight and cytokine levels. The intestinal epithelial barrier was restored through an increase in claudin-1, occludin, and defensin 1–3 and a reduction in LBP plasma level. Treatment with the mixture enhanced the expression of butyrate transporters in mice. Mitochondrial activity markers, including citrate synthase and Cytochrome c oxidase, were improved by treatment; (4) The novel mixture containing Enterococcus lactis, butyrate, and folate exerted a protective effect against post-inflammatory IBS by reducing local inflammation, restoring intestinal barrier integrity, and enhancing butyrate bioavailability, suggesting its potential for managing post-inflammatory IBS symptoms effectively. Full article