Altered protease signalling in the gut: a novel pathophysiological factor in irritable bowel syndrome.

The article discusses a study on the role of proteases as signalling molecules regulating cell functions by cleaving protease-activated receptors (PARs) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is described as a chronic gastrointestinal disorder whose characteristics include abdominal pain. bloating and altered defecation. It describes mechanisms in the generation of IBS symptoms that are mediated by PAR. It concludes that the role of proteases and PARs in the development of IBS symptoms needs further investigations.