Prebiotic Treatment in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)-A Randomized Pilot Trial.

Several studies show that gut microbiotas in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) differ from those in a healthy population, suggesting that this alteration plays a role in NAFLD pathogenesis. We investigated whether prebiotic administration affects liver fat content and/or liver-related and metabolic parameters. Patients with NAFLD and metabolic syndrome (age: 50 ± 11; 79% men) were randomized to receive either 16 g/day of prebiotic (ITFs-inulin-type fructans) ( = 8) or placebo (maltodextrin) ( = 11) for 12 weeks.

Low-Dose Cannabidiol Is Safe but Not Effective in the Treatment for Crohn's Disease, a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is an anti-inflammatory cannabinoid shown to be beneficial in a mouse model of IBD. Lacking any central effect, cannabidiol is an attractive option for treating inflammatory diseases.

Aim: To assess the effects of cannabidiol on Crohn's disease in a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Interactions between the intestinal microbiota and bile acids in gallstones patients.

Cholecystectomy, surgical removal of the gallbladder, changes bile flow to the intestine and can therefore alter the bidirectional interactions between bile acids (BAs) and the intestinal microbiota. We quantified and correlated BAs and bacterial community composition in gallstone patients scheduled for cholecystectomy before and after the procedure, using gas-liquid chromatography and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction of the phylum Bacteroidetes. Gallstone patients had higher overall concentrations of faecal BAs and a decreased microbial diversity, accompanied by a reduction in the beneficial genus Roseburia and an enrichment of the uncultivated genus Oscillospira, compared with controls.

Soluble Syndecan-1 Levels Are Elevated in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background: Syndecan-1 plays a central role in maintaining normal intestinal barrier function. Shedding of syndecan-1, reflected by soluble syndecan-1 serum concentrations, is highly regulated by inflammation.

Aim: To determine soluble syndecan-1 levels in inflammatory bowel disease patients and its relationship with other inflammatory markers, disease activity, and medical treatment.

Interleukin-18 and its binding protein in patients with inflammatory bowel disease during remission and exacerbation.

Background: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases with an unknown etiology. Interleukin-18 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is up-regulated in Crohn's disease. IL-18 binding protein neutralizes IL-18.