An altered permeability has been proposed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of several gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Nutrients derived from food are able to influence the permeability of the intestine and can therefore also affect gastrointestinal symptoms. In this study, the investigators will investigate the effects of capsaicine and cinnamaldehyde, which can be found in hot peppers and cinnamon, respectively, on gastrointestinal physiology. Objective: To obtain more information about the effects of capsaicin and cinnamaldehyde on the intestine, these substances will be infused directly in the duodenum. Hereafter, the permeability of the intestine, gallbladder motility and the effects on satiety will be assessed. Hypothesis: Duodenal capsaicin and cinnamaldehyde infusion induces changes in the intestinal epithelial barrier function by selectively acting on TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors and releasing serotonin from enterochromaffin cells as determined by the multi sugar permeability test
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
13
1.5 mg capsaicin administered intraduodenally
70 mg per intervention administered intraduodenally
Physiological saline
Maastricht University Medical Center+
Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
To assess the effect of capsaicin and cinnamaldehyde (CA) infusion on intestinal permeability
Measurements performed in plasma
Time frame: Measured at start and end of infusion (30 min), on each of the 3 test days
To assess the effect of capsaicin and CA infusion on the activation of the TRP receptors as defined by the mucosal concentrations of the neuropeptides SP, CGRP and NKA
Measurements will be performed in mucosal biopsy samples
Time frame: 1 day
To assess the effect capsaicin and CA on parameters that are known to be associated with satiety, measured by satiety hormones in blood plasma and mucosal tissue (CCK) as well as satiety scoring on a visual analogue scale
Visual analogue scores will be collected from the start of the infusion until 90 minutes thereafter.
Time frame: 1 day
To assess the effect of capsaicin and CA on serotonergic function in duodenal biopsy specimens by measuring serotonin and its metabolites by HPLC
Measurements will be performed on biopsy specimens
Time frame: 1 day
To assess the effect of capsaicin and CA on gallbladder motility by ultrasound
Time frame: Measurements will be performed during the testday starting from 08.00 AM to 11.00AM
To assess the effect of capsaicin and CA on the expression of tight junction proteins measured by immunohistochemistry and by quantitative PCR
Measurements will be performed in biopsy specimens of the duodenal mucosa
Time frame: 1 day
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.