Multi-omics for biomarker approaches in the diagnostic evaluation and management of abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome: what lies ahead

Abstract

Reliable biomarkers for common disorders of gut–brain interaction characterized by abdominal pain, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are critically needed to enhance care and develop individualized therapies. The dynamic and heterogeneous nature of the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie visceral hypersensitivity have challenged successful biomarker development. Consequently, effective therapies for pain in IBS are lacking. However, recent advances in modern omics technologies offer new opportunities to acquire deep biological insights into mechanisms of pain and nociception. Newer methods for large-scale data integration of complementary omics approaches have further expanded our ability to build a holistic understanding of complex biological networks and their co-contributions to abdominal pain. Here, we review the mechanisms of visceral hypersensitivity, focusing on IBS. We discuss candidate biomarkers for pain in IBS identified through single omics studies and summarize emerging multi-omics approaches for developing novel biomarkers that may transform clinical care for patients with IBS and abdominal pain.

The importance of the gut microbiome and its signals for a healthy nervous system and the multifaceted mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders

“…Temporary changes in the composition of the GI microbiota during a critical developmental period have long-term effects on nociceptive pathways, and the gut microbiome in particular in male newborns but not adult rats (O'Mahony et al, 2014). Histamine is emerging as a relevant mediator of visceral hyperalgesia (De Palma et al, 2022), and multiple studies investigating the highly complex processes are well summarised in several recent review articles (Alizadeh et al, 2022;Ustianowska et al, 2022;Mayer et al, 2023;Pujo et al, 2023;Sarnoff et al, 2023;Shaikh et al, 2023;Shin and Kashyap, 2023). 9 Sex-specific differences…”

Crisis in the gut: navigating gastrointestinal challenges in Gulf War Illness with bioengineering

“…3 ). For instance, within IBS models, bioengineering offers the exploration of genetic and epigenetic influences through whole genomic sequencing [ 182 , 183 ], as well as transcriptomics for identifying biomarkers [ 184 ]. Epigenomic mechanisms influenced by intricate environmental factors may affect the genome, leading to potential implications for IBS [ 183 ].…”

The IBS bug-pain connection

“…Interestingly, their results showed that the visceral hypersensitivity phenotype could be transferred to animal models through fecal transfer and rescued by fungicide treatment. 10 Shin et al 11 point at a gap in clinical translation, where reliable biomarkers for common disorders of gut – brain interaction characterized by abdominal pain, including but not limited to IBS, are needed to develop individualized therapies.…”