Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
08:58
Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis
Published on: January 5, 2017
ReFerm® a Fermented Oat Gruel Composition, Improves Colonic Barrier Function and Modulates Tricellulin Expression in
Vittorio Abruzzese1, Olga Biskou1, Martin E Winberg1
1Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Fermented oat gruel (ReFerm®) strengthens the intestinal barrier in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients by improving colonic barrier function and increasing tricellulin expression. This supports its therapeutic potential for IBS.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiome research
- Cell biology
Background:
- Intestinal barrier dysfunction is linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathophysiology.
- Microbial therapies may enhance epithelial barrier function, but mechanisms are unclear.
- Investigating ReFerm®, a fermented oat preparation, for its effects on IBS gut barrier.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess ReFerm®'s impact on colonic barrier function in IBS patients.
- To examine ReFerm®'s effects on tight junction protein expression.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of ReFerm®'s barrier-protective effects.
Main Methods:
- Ussing chamber analysis of colonic biopsies to measure epithelial permeability.
- Western blotting and confocal microscopy to assess tight junction protein expression.
- In vitro studies using Caco-2 cells to validate ReFerm®'s effects.
Main Results:
- ReFerm® significantly reduced both paracellular and transcellular permeability in IBS colonic biopsies.
- Increased expression of the tight junction protein tricellulin was observed.
- In vitro Caco-2 cell experiments confirmed ReFerm®'s direct enhancement of epithelial barrier properties.
Conclusions:
- ReFerm® strengthens colonic barrier integrity in IBS patients.
- The mechanism involves modulation of the tight junction protein tricellulin.
- Fermented oat interventions like ReFerm® show therapeutic potential for IBS.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Irritable Bowel Syndrome
DefinitionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent combinations of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.Pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndromeIts pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving disturbances in motility, sensory processing, microbial balance, barrier integrity, and gut–brain communication. These mechanisms interact to produce symptoms that vary across IBS subtypes.Altered Motility PatternsDisordered...
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
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...
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...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable 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:
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:
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...