A43 β-DEFENSINS AS MARKERS OF INTESTINAL DYSBIOSIS: THE NATURE OF CHANGES IN β-DEFENSINS IS DEPENDENT ON THE PROCESS UNDERLYING THE INDUCTION OF DYSBIOSIS

摘要

Dysbiosis may be defined as a change in the microbial composition or function that results in altered host function. Defensins are antimicrobial peptides, are part of innate immunity, and are important in host defense and maintaining homeostasis. Dysbiosis is a putative mechanism underlying the expression of many functional GI disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) for which no biomarkers exist. Previous studies have revealed increased β-defensin (β-Def) levels in IBS patients, most likely due to changes in the microbiota.