Role of the duodenal microbiota in functional dyspepsia

Abstract

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common and debilitating gastrointestinal disorder attributed to altered gut-brain interactions. While the etiology of FD remains unknown, emerging research suggests the mechanisms are likely multifactorial and heterogenous among patient subgroups. Small bowel motor disturbances, visceral hypersensitivity, chronic microinflammation, and increased intestinal tract permeability have all been linked to the pathogenesis of FD. Recently, alterations to the gut microbiome have also been implicated to play an important role in the disease. Changes to the duodenal microbiota may either trigger or be a consequence of immune and neuronal disturbances observed in the disease, but the mechanisms of influence of small intestinal flora on gastrointestinal function and symptomatology are unknown.