Elevated expression of c-fos in central nervous system correlates with visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a new target for IBS treatment

摘要

Background and aimsAlthough visceral hypersensitivity is a major pathophysiological feature of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), its molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. c-fos is a well-established marker of cell activation. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that norepinephrine (NE) system is dysregulated in IBS; however, very little is known on its mechanism. It is our hypothesis that elevated expression of c-fos in central nervous system (CNS) correlates with visceral hypersensitivity in rat model of IBS. Furthermore, we explored the changes of NE system in IBS patients.