Exploring Gut Microbiota Imbalance in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Potential Therapeutic Effects of Probiotics and Their Metabolites García Mansilla, María José Rodríguez Sojo, María Jesús Roxana Lista, Andrea Ayala Mosqueda, Ciskey Vanessa Ruiz Malagón, Antonio Jesús Gálvez Peralta, Julio Juan Rodríguez Nogales, Alba Rodríguez Sánchez, María José Irritable bowel syndrome gastrointestinal treatment Irritable bowel syndrome is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal discomfort, bloating, cramping, flatulence, and changes in bowel movements. The pathophysiology of IBS involves a complex interaction between motor, sensory, microbiological, immunological, and psychological factors. Diversity, stability, and metabolic activity of the gut microbiota are frequently altered in IBS, thus leading to a situation of gut dysbiosis. Therefore, the use of probiotics and probiotic-derived metabolites may be helpful in balancing the gut microbiota and alleviating irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. This review aimed to report and consolidate recent progress in understanding the role of gut dysbiosis in the pathophysiology of IBS, as well as the current studies that have focused on the use of probiotics and their metabolites, providing a foundation for their potential beneficial effects as a complementary and alternative therapeutic strategy for this condition due to the current absence of effective and safe treatments. 2025-01-07T12:38:29Z 2025-01-07T12:38:29Z 2024-12-31 journal article García Mansilla, M.J. et. al. Nutrients 2025, 17, 155 [https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010155] https://hdl.handle.net/10481/98542 10.3390/nu17010155 eng http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ open access Atribución 4.0 Internacional MDPI