The Efficacy of Sodium Butyrate and Probiotics in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome — IBS-Plus  

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Clinical Trial

Official title: An Assessment of the Efficacy of Microencapsulated Sodium Butyrate and a Probiotic Mixture in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome - a Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

According to current IBS management guidelines, probiotic administration reduces IBS-associated symptoms and improves the quality of life. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of the combined formulation comprising microencapsulated sodium butyrate and a probiotic mixture of two Lactobacillus strains (L. rhamnosus and L. acidophilus) and three Bifidobacterium strains (B. longum, B. bifidum, and B. lactis) on the incidence and severity of clinical symptoms in patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) based on the Rome IV criteria.

Microencapsulated sodium butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) with biological effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa; it constitutes a key source of energy for enterocytes. Butyrate was shown to have a trophic effect on the colon epithelium and to help restore the disrupted structural and functional integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. These unique properties of sodium butyrate result in its beneficial effects on the abdominal symptoms (such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain) in patients with IBS. This study will assess the effects of the mixture of sodium butyrate and multi-strain probiotic on the rate and severity of clinical symptoms in IBS patients, by taking into account their nutritional status and body composition.

Clinical Trial Description

The study schedule includes five visits:the screening/baseline visit, whose purpose is to qualify patients to be included in the study, the randomization visit (visit 0), at which patients will be given a probiotic/butyric acid or placebo, and three follow-up visits (at weeks 4, 8, and 12 after randomization).

All patients will undergo:

1. A physical examination - at each visit;

2. Nutritional status assessment - at visit 0 and at weeks 4 and 12 of treatment;

3. Anthropometric measurements - at visit 0 and at weeks 4 and 12 of treatment;

4. Body composition analysis via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) with the use of a Bodystat machine - at visit 0 and at 4 and 12 weeks of treatment;

5. Laboratory tests (including complete blood count; liver function tests; bilirubin, amylase, creatinine, CRP, and glucose levels; electrolytes; and an SARS-CoV2 antigen cassette test conducted by a doctor) at the screening visit; and cytokines (IL-6 and macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP-1ß)) at visit 0 and at weeks 4 and 12 of treatment;

6. Disease severity will be rated with the IBS symptom severity score (IBS-SSS) developed by Francis, Morris, and Whorwell, with mild, moderate, and severe cases indicated by scores of <175, 175-300, and >300, respectively. In addition, the following scales will be used to assess IBS treatment efficacy: IBS-Quality of Life (IBS-QOL), IBS-Global Improvement Scale (IBS-GIS), and IBS - Adequate Relief (IBS-AR).

7. The number and type of bowel movements will be assessed with the Bristol Stool Formation scale. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Syndrome

• NCT number: NCT05013060
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Nordic Biotic Sp. z o.o.
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: April 15, 2021
• Completion date: January 31, 2024