Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder with a multifactorial pathogenesis. Proposed mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of IBS include visceral hypersensitivity, disorders in the epithelial barrier integrity leading to abnormal mucosal intestinal permeability, changes in intestinal motility, immune system activation, low-grade inflammation, altered enteroendocrine signalling pathways and the evolving concept of dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and microbiota-brain axis alterations. The ability of the gut microbiota to communicate with the brain is emerging as an exciting concept in the relationship between health and disease. The gastrointestinal tract and nervous system are constantly communicating with each other in a bidirectional relation which is influenced by the immune system, the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and gut microbiota. Understanding the molecular and biochemical mechanisms disturbing the complex network of communication is key to our understanding of the pathophysiology of the functional GI diseases.

With the proposed webinars, we would like to share the current views and an outlook on the future of the rapidly advancing field of IBS.
We have prepared an exciting programme including the role of genetic factors, diet, microbiota, inflammation, diagnosis and biomarkers, as well as current and future therapeutic approaches.

The course will be held by a distinguished Faculty with expertise in the fields of neurogastroenterology, functional gastrointestinal disorders and microbiota.
We hope that this exchange will promote discussions and ideas that would ultimately improve the management of our patients.