Mechanism of Umbilical Moxibustion in the Treatment of IBS-b

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized primarily by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. The global prevalence of IBS is approximately 11.2%, while its incidence in China ranges from 2.3% to 15.8%, with IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant IBS) being the most common subtype. This condition is characterized by recurrent episodes and is often difficult to cure. Currently, the pathogenesis of IBS remains unclear. However, as research on gut microbiota advances, increasing evidence suggests that gut microbiota plays a significant role in the development, progression, and treatment of IBS. It can contribute to the occurrence of IBS by damaging the intestinal barrier, activating immune responses, and increasing visceral sensitivity, among other mechanisms. Clinically, umbilical moxibustion therapy, which involves stimulating the Shenque point, has shown good efficacy in treating IBS, though its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Based on non-targeted metabolomics combined with 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology, this study aims to identify biomarkers and related metabolic pathways associated with umbilical moxibustion in the treatment of IBS. The goal is to preliminarily elucidate the molecular-level mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of umbilical moxibustion for IBS.

Study Type: Prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial (patient-blinded, researcher-unblinded).