Corticotropin-Releasing Factor and Toll-Like Receptor Gene Expression Is Associated with Low-Grade Inflammation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients with Depression.

Song Jizhong,Li Yanqing,Wang Qiaomin,Wang Chao

doi:10.1155/2016/7394924

Abstract

The mechanism of low-grade inflammation in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is unclear; our research concentrates on the involvement of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) gene expression in the process of low-grade inflammation in IBS patients with depression. This study suggests more IBS patients are presenting with the states of depression and anxiety. IBS patients with depression have shown a lower grade inflammatory response and an imbalance of the inflammatory response. CRF1, CRF2, TLR2, and TLR4 in IBS patients with depression are significantly higher than those without depression and controls. Thus, activation of the CRF-TLR associated pathways produces an inflammatory reaction, which can concurrently affect the digestive tract and the CNS and induce the corresponding digestive and psychiatric symptoms.

Highlights

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disease characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and is associated with altered bowel habits and changes in stool characteristics
Peripheral blood samples were taken from all IBS patients and 60 selected cases, and mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-10, CRF1, CRF2, and TLR4, TLR2 in the peripheral blood samples were detected by RT-PCR
We found that the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) scores of the IBS group were higher than those of the healthy control group

Summary

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disease characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and is associated with altered bowel habits and (or) changes in stool characteristics. Increasing evidences indicate that some IBS patients often expressed mental disorders such as anxiety or depression [4]. The above findings show that CRF may contribute to IBS symptoms as well as to psychiatric symptoms, indicating that there may be a common pathophysiological process underlying IBS and psychiatric disorders. The inflammation processes, such as respiratory and intestinal infections, can downregulate mood, induce abdominal distension, or lead to a decrease of appetite. We assessed the expressions of inflammatory cytokines, CRF, and Toll-like receptors (TLR) using RTPCR to elucidate the possible association between intestinal inflammation and depression in IBS patients

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