Simple blood test developed by scientists could determine if a patient is suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or another serious condition such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Researchers conclusively identified a test for antibodies that form against a particular protein, vinculin, found in the guts of patients, many of whom suffered acute gastroenteritis at some point.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort and a fluctuating disturbance in defecation. IBS is not life-threatening.
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"This is a major breakthrough. It is the first test with a high specificity for IBS, likely based on a pathological mechanism of the disease," co-author Mark Pimentel, the director of the Cedars-Sinai GI Motility Program and the GI Motility Laboratory, said.
In the study, 221 patients were evaluated; some had a diagnosis of IBS, some were diagnosed with IBD and some were healthy, with no symptoms.
Anti-vinculin antibodies were significantly elevated in IBS patients as compared to those with IBD or those who were healthy.
![The Splendid Stomach - Animation]( "The Splendid Stomach - Animation")
Stomach is the organ where food is mixed, stored and partially digested.
"Until this study, there had been no accurate biomarkers identified specifically for IBS. The new blood test has the potential to distinguish IBS from IBD and reduce the need for unnecessary testing, expense and years of suffering," Pimentel said.
A simple blood test at the first sign of symptoms means patients who have IBS could get effective treatment sooner.
Source: ANI
Anti-vinculin antibodies were significantly elevated in IBS patients as compared to those with IBD or those who were healthy.
The Splendid Stomach - Animation
Stomach is the organ where food is mixed, stored and partially digested.
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"Until this study, there had been no accurate biomarkers identified specifically for IBS. The new blood test has the potential to distinguish IBS from IBD and reduce the need for unnecessary testing, expense and years of suffering," Pimentel said.
A simple blood test at the first sign of symptoms means patients who have IBS could get effective treatment sooner.
Source: ANI
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