Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRH-R1) polymorphisms are associated with irritable bowel syndrome and acoustic startle response.

Background: Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRH-R1) in the amygdala and the stria terminalis plays an important role in the activation of central stress circuits. Genetic factors may contribute to the hyperresponsiveness of these circuits in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Aims: To determine if CRH-R1 SNPs are associated with: (1) a diagnosis of IBS, (2) gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and (3) acoustic startle response (ASR) to threat, which is mediated by the amygdala via CRH.

Catecholaminergic Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with GI Symptoms and Morphological Brain Changes in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Background: Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In particular, early adverse life events (EALs) and the catecholaminergic system have been implicated.

Aims: To investigate whether catecholaminergic SNPs with or without interacting with EALs are associated with: 1) a diagnosis of IBS, 2) IBS symptoms and 3) morphological alterations in brain regions associated with somatosensory, viscerosensory, and interoceptive processes.