Neurophysiological and muscular mechanisms in gastrointestinal motility: implications for irritable bowel syndrome
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57188/ricsa.2025.022Keywords:
Irritable bowel syndrome, Gastrointestinal motility, Gut-brain axis, Interstitial cells of CajalAbstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder with a global prevalence estimated at 10–15%. It is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and alterations in bowel habits, without evidence of structural damage. This study aimed to review the neurophysiological and muscular mechanisms regulating gastrointestinal motility and their role in the pathophysiology of IBS. A exhaustive review was conducted through a systematic literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, Redalyc, and Google Scholar. The population consisted of 35 articles published between 2015 and 2025, of which 18 met the inclusion criteria: publications in Spanish or English, full-text availability, and direct relevance to IBS. The findings highlight that dysfunction of the gut-brain axis, visceral hypersensitivity, and alterations in interstitial cells of Cajal significantly impact intestinal motility, contributing to the clinical manifestations of IBS. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing comprehensive therapeutic strategies targeting neuroimmunological and microbial regulation.
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