Serum zonulin is elevated in IBS and correlates with stool frequency in IBS-D

BackgroundStudies have shown increased intestinal permeability in irritable bowel syndrome. Validating serum biomarkers for altered intestinal permeability in irritable bowel syndrome will facilitate research and pathophysiology-based therapy.ObjectiveTo measure serum zonulin and intestinal fatty acid binding protein levels in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and compare with healthy controls and celiac disease.MethodsSerum zonulin and intestinal fatty acid binding protein levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (n = 50), diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (n = 50), celiac disease (n = 53) and healthy controls (n = 42). Irritable bowel syndrome symptom severity was measured using the irritable bowel syndrome-symptom severity scale.ResultsPatients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome had h...