Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026
Determination of the Optimal Chromosomal Locations for a DNA Element in Escherichia coli Using a Novel Transposon-mediated Approach
Published on: September 11, 2017
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 restores epithelial permeability alterations induced by irritable bowel syndrome
M R Barbaro1, D Fuschi1, C Cremon1
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna and S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
Background:
Intestinal permeability is altered in a subgroup of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and may contribute to symptom development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) on Caco-2 permeability alterations induced by mediators released by IBS mucosal biopsies compared to asymptomatic controls (AC).
Methods:
Caco-2 cells were used as an in vitro model of intestinal permeability. Seven AC and 28 well-phenotyped IBS (9 IBS-D, 8 IBS-C, and 11 IBS-M) patients were enrolled. Mucosal mediators spontaneously released (SUP) by IBS and AC biopsies were collected. Two concentrations of EcN (108 and 106 ) were applied to Caco-2 with or without SUP or SLIGRL (a protease-activated receptor-2 activating peptide), tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ. Paracellular permeability was assessed by evaluating the flow of sulfonic-acid conjugated to fluorescein through Caco-2 monolayer.
Key Results:
EcN 108 significantly reinforced Caco-2 monolayer compared to cells incubated with medium alone. IBS SUP induced a significant increase in paracellular permeability compared to AC SUP, independently of IBS bowel habit. EcN 108 induced a significant recovery of permeability rate compared to IBS SUP. Permeability increase induced by IBS SUP significantly correlated with severity and frequency of abdominal pain and abdominal distension. The co-incubation of EcN and IBS SUP abolished the above significant correlations.
Conclusions And Inferences:
EcN reinforces the integrity of Caco-2 monolayer and reverts the increase of permeability induced by mediators released by IBS biopsies. Future studies should investigate EcN therapeutic potentials in IBS.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
01:19Restorative Care
01:30Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...
01:06Altered States of Awareness
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain...