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Beyond the Gut: A New frontier in IBS Treatment by Targeting the Brain
This study published online in the British Journal of Pharmacology on December 25, 2024, discovered that a class of drugs called opioid delta-receptor (DOP) agonists may help alleviate IBS symptoms by targeting the central nervous system rather than acting directly on the intestine. This study was co-authored by Toshinori Yoshioka, a third-year …Agonists of the opioid δ-receptor improve irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms
Background and purpose: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that is challenging to treat, and novel drugs are needed for this condition. Previously, a chronic vicarious social defeat stress (cVSDS) mouse model exhibits IBS-like symptoms. Also agonists of the opioid δ-receptor exert anti-stress effects in rodents with minimal adverse effects.
Targeting Brain Pathways May Offer New Hope for IBS Treatment
Reference: Yoshioka T, Kimiki S, Yamazaki M, et al. Agonists of the opioid δ‐receptor improve irritable bowel syndrome‐like symptoms via the central nervous system. British J Pharmacol. 2024:bph.17428.doi: 10.1111/bph.17428. This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been …
Applying the DOP agonists directly to a specific brain region called the insular cortex had similar effects on IBS symptoms as systemic treatment. “Our findings demonstrated that DOP agonists acted directly on the central nervous system to improve diarrhea-predominant IBS symptoms in mice, and suggest that the mechanism of action involves the regulation of glutamate neurotransmission in the insular cortex,” highlights Saitoh.
Taken together, the continued research by Saitoh’s group on this topic could pave the way for effective treatments for IBS. ”DOP agonists could represent a groundbreaking new IBS treatment that not only improves IBS-like symptoms but also provides anti-stress and emotional regulation effects. In the future, we would like to conduct clinical developments with the goal of expanding the indication of DOP agonists for IBS, in addition to depression,” remarks Saitoh.
Compared to currently available IBS treatments,such as laxatives,antidiarrheals,analgesics,and antispasmodics,targeting the underlying stress with DOP agonists may offer a more definitive solution with minimal adverse effects. Further clarification of the roles of stress and brain chemistry in the progress of IBS will be essential in achieving this much-needed medical breakthrough. With promising prospects, future studies will translate Saitoh’s group’s findings to humans, bringing great relief to those affected by IBS.
Beyond the Gut: A New Frontier in IBS Treatment by Targeting the Brain
Table of Contents
This study published online in the British Journal of Pharmacology on december 25,2024,discovered that a class of drugs called opioid delta-receptor (DOP) agonists may help alleviate IBS symptoms by targeting the central nervous system rather than acting directly on the intestine. this study was co-authored by Toshinori Yoshioka, a third-year…
Interview with Dr. Saitoh on Opioid Delta-Receptor Agonists and IBS
Editor: Can you explain the significance of the recent findings regarding opioid delta-receptor (DOP) agonists and their potential to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Dr. Saitoh: The recent findings are quite promising. Opioid delta-receptor agonists have traditionally been used to treat conditions like depression. Though,our study suggests that these agonists may also be effective in managing IBS symptoms by targeting the central nervous system rather than the gut directly.
Editor: How does this approach differ from the current treatments available for IBS, such as laxatives, antidiarrheals, analgesics, and antispasmodics?
Dr. Saitoh: Current treatments primarily focus on alleviating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes. By targeting the central nervous system and reducing stress,DOP agonists may offer a more definitive solution with minimal adverse effects.
Editor: Can you elaborate on the role of stress and brain chemistry in the progression of IBS?
Dr. Saitoh: Stress and brain chemistry play a notable role in the progression of IBS. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments. Our research indicates that stress can exacerbate IBS symptoms, and by targeting the central nervous system, we can perhaps mitigate these effects.
Editor: What are the next steps in translating these findings to human trials and eventually to clinical practice?
Dr. Saitoh: The next steps involve further research to validate our findings in human subjects. If triumphant, this could lead to the expansion of the indication of DOP agonists for IBS treatment, providing much-needed relief to those affected by this condition.
Editor: What message would you like to convey to patients suffering from IBS regarding these new findings?
Dr. Saitoh: I would like to convey hope. While IBS can be a challenging condition to manage, these new findings offer promising prospects for more effective treatments. Our research is ongoing, and we are committed to translating these findings into clinical practice to improve the quality of life for IBS patients.
Conclusion
The recent study on opioid delta-receptor agonists and their potential to treat IBS by targeting the central nervous system offers a new frontier in managing this condition. By addressing the underlying causes of IBS, such as stress and brain chemistry, these agonists may provide a more definitive solution with minimal adverse effects compared to current treatments. Future studies will focus on translating these findings to human trials,bringing hope and relief to those affected by IBS.
