Role of Cytolethal Distending Toxin in Altered Stool Form and Bowel Phenotypes in a Rat Model of Post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Background/aims: Campylobacter jejuni infection is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis, which is a trigger for post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). Cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) is expressed by enteric pathogens that cause PI-IBS. We used a rat model of PI-IBS to investigate the role of CDT in long-term altered stool form and bowel phenotypes.

Methanobrevibacter smithii is the predominant methanogen in patients with constipation-predominant IBS and methane on breath.

Purpose: Among irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients, breath methane producers overwhelmingly have constipation predominance (C-IBS). Although the most common methanogen in humans is Methanobrevibacter smithii, incidence and type of methanogenic bacteria in C-IBS patients are unknown.

Methods: By use of a questionnaire and lactulose breath testing, subjects with Rome II C-IBS and methane (>3 ppm) were selected (n = 9).

Intestinal methane production in obese individuals is associated with a higher body mass index.

Background: Obesity is an epidemic that affects 1 in 3 individuals in the United States, and recent evidence suggests that enteric microbiota may play a significant role in the development of obesity. This study evaluated the association between methanogenic archaea and obesity in human subjects.

Methods: Subjects with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher were prospectively recruited from the weight loss program of a tertiary care medical center.

Acute and chronic histological changes of the small bowel secondary to C. jejuni infection in a rat model for post-infectious IBS.

Background: Campylobacter jejuni has been implicated in the pathogenesis of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) in humans, effects which may be because of cytolethal distending toxin (CDT). In this study, we characterized both acute and chronic-phase histological changes of the small bowel in rats exposed to wild-type C. jejuni 81-176, or a strain that does not produce CDT, by using a validated rat model of PI-IBS.

Antibiotic prophylaxis prevents the development of a post-infectious phenotype in a new rat model of post-infectious IBS.

Background: A recent post-infectious rat model with Campylobacter jejuni 81-176 has replicated the events noted in humans with post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this study, we test whether prophylactic treatment with the antibiotic rifaximin will prevent the development of long-term altered bowel function in this model.

Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups.

A combination of rifaximin and neomycin is most effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome patients with methane on lactulose breath test.

Aim: There is a growing interest in methane and its association with constipation in functional bowel disease. Neomycin-based treatment of methane-positive subjects has resulted in improvement of constipation. Rifaximin, although superior for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome compared with other antibiotics, seems less effective in methane-positive subjects.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with an increased prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome.

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5-10% of reproductive-aged women. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic intestinal disorder that affects up to 20% of adults, more often women. We evaluate if there is a relationship between these common conditions.

Evaluating breath methane as a diagnostic test for constipation-predominant IBS.

Studies suggest that subjects with IBS have altered gut flora. Among these findings, methane production is more commonly associated with constipation-predominant symptoms. In this study, we prospectively evaluated the role of methane as a diagnostic test.

New clinical method for distinguishing D-IBS from other gastrointestinal conditions causing diarrhea: the LA/IBS diagnostic strategy.

Modern methods of diagnosing diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS) require a "diagnosis of exclusion" approach. In this study we aim to test the diagnostic ability of using the fluctuation of frequency and consistency of bowel patterns in IBS to discriminate it from other causes of diarrhea. Eligible subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire on the changes in form and frequency of bowel habits by time.