Efficacy of Drugs Acting on Histamine 1 Receptors in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

There is increasing evidence that a subset of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have an organic explanation for their symptoms. Some patients exhibit evidence of mast cell activation,1,2 although the cause is unknown. Recent evidence suggests this could relate to a break in oral tolerance to a dietary antigen after an acute enteric infection.3 Degranulation of mast cells results in mucosal release of tryptase and histamine1 and, hence, immune activation and visceral afferent neuron hyperexcitability.
Source: Gastroenterology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Research Letters Source Type: research