A 3.5-fold elevation in TRPV1-immunoreactive nerve fibers was observed in biopsies from IBS sufferers compared with controls (p<0.0001).26 The authors observed (p. 923) that the increased TRPV1 nerve fibers may contribute to visceral hypersensitivity and pain in IBS and provide a novel therapeutic target. This evidence concerns the gene TRPV1 and irritable bowel syndrome.