The trace aminergic system : a gender-sensitive therapeutic target for IBS?
Date
2020-09-28
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BioMed Central
Abstract
Due to a lack of specific or sensitive biomarkers, drug discovery advances have been limited for individuals suffering
from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While current therapies provide symptomatic relief, inflammation itself is relatively
neglected, despite the presence of chronic immune activation and innate immune system dysfunction. Moreover,
considering the microgenderome concept, gender is a significant aetiological risk factor. We believe that we have
pinpointed a “missing link” that connects gender, dysbiosis, diet, and inflammation in the context of IBS, which may
be manipulated as therapeutic target. The trace aminergic system is conveniently positioned at the interface of the
gut microbiome, dietary nutrients and by-products, and mucosal immunity. Almost all leukocyte populations express
trace amine associated receptors and significant amounts of trace amines originate from both food and the gut
microbiota. Additionally, although IBS-specific data are sparse, existing data supports an interpretation in favour of a
gender dependence in trace aminergic signalling. As such, trace aminergic signalling may be altered by fluctuations
of especially female reproductive hormones. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, this review discusses potential
mechanisms of actions, which include hyperreactivity of the immune system and aberrant serotonin signalling, and
links outcomes to the symptomology clinically prevalent in IBS. Taken together, it is feasible that the additional level
of regulation by the trace aminergic system in IBS has been overlooked, until now. As such, we suggest that components
of the trace aminergic system be considered targets for future therapeutic action, with the specific focus of
reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Description
CITATION: Pretorius, L. & Smith, C. 2020. The trace aminergic system : a gender-sensitive therapeutic target for IBS?. Journal of Biomedical Science, 27:95, doi:10.1186/s12929-020-00688-1.
The original publication is available at https://jbiomedsci.biomedcentral.com
The original publication is available at https://jbiomedsci.biomedcentral.com
Keywords
Amines in the body, Gastrointestinal system -- Diseases, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Oxidative stress, Inflammation, Inflammatory bowel diseases, IBD (Disease), Bioinformatics, Bio-informatics, Chemistry, Physical and theoretical, Drug development, Microbiotheria, Microbiotherians
Citation
Pretorius, L. & Smith, C. 2020. The trace aminergic system : a gender-sensitive therapeutic target for IBS?. Journal of Biomedical Science, 27:95, doi:10.1186/s12929-020-00688-1