A multicenter study found that levels of insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5), secreted by intestinal L cells, were significantly elevated in patients with bile acid diarrhea and a subset with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea. INSL5 concentrations correlated with stool consistency and urgency. Rectal administration of taurocholic acid prompted a notable increase in INSL5 within 10 minutes, influencing defecation response. Increased INSL5 was also linked to treatment outcomes for patients receiving ondansetron. This research paves the way for future exploration of INSL5's role in chronic diarrhea management.

Source: Gut