Studies demonstrating increased baseline IL-6 levels in IBS patients v. controls(7,8,14,15) as well as the cholinergic-mediated (brain–gut axis neurotransmitter) increased expression of IL-6 associated with increased abdominal pain/discomfort and bloating have provided evidence for pro-inflammatory IL-6 responses in IBS patients(8). This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and irritable bowel syndrome.