Evaluation of some biomarkers levels in women suffering from irritable bowel syndrome

Background & objective: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), this disease is characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, which can significantly impair the quality of life, also the severity of symptoms varies in different individuals with some experiencing severe disease whereas others experiencing mild symptoms. The present study was designed to investigate a role of biomarker salusin- α as a prognostic markers for prediction of irritable bowel syndrome.Methodology: The research was conducted in Najaf Governorate, Iraq, from July 1, 2025, to December 1, 2026. A total of 90 participants were enrolled, including 60 patients diagnosed with IBS and 30 healthy individuals as controls. The results were stratified into subgroups according to age, body mass index, disease duration, diagnosis status (newly diagnosed or under treatment), familial or non, constipation or diarrhea, physical activity and non-physical activity.Results: The results revealed a significant decrease in salusin- α level among patients compared to the control group. The present results revealed significant decrease in salusin- α in women patients in compare with control. In ages groups that results showed significant decrease in ages group (20-29) years than other groups, also significant decrease in diarrhea group in compare to constipation. The results also indicated a significant decrease in new diagnosed patients than treated, also body mass index revealed a significant decrease in obese patients than overweight. Shorter duration of disease less than (1 year) showed significant decrease than long more than 1 year. both physical activity and familial status showed a significant decrease than non physical activity and non familial.Additionally, the study included a full analytical validation of the salusin α ELISA assay (linearity, sensitivity, precision, recovery, and cross reactivity) in accordance with FDA bioanalytical guidelines. A proof of concept design for a nanomaterial based biosensor and in silico simulation using COMSOL were also proposed to demonstrate future potential for point of care IBS diagnosis.Conclusions: In conclusion, the study suggests that salusin- α is a novel biomarker for irritable bowel syndrome It may serve as a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool. Abbreviations: IBS-irritable bowel syndrome; GIT-astrointestinal tract; BMI-body mass index; NAFLD-non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; D-diarrhea; C-constipation; VSMCs- vascular smooth muscle cell.