Meniere Disease treated with transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with betahistine Mesylate: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Meniere Disease is a clinical condition defined by hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness symptoms, there are currently no any medications approved for its treatment. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether taVNS as an adjunctive therapy could relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life in patients with Meniere disease. METHODS: In this Single-center, single blind, randomized trial, participants were assigned to transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) group and sham taVNS group. The primary outcome measures comprised Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Pure Tone Auditory, Visual analogue scale of aural fullness. Secondary outcome measures comprised the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, video head impulse test, and the caloric test. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, the THI (-11.00, 95%CI, -14.87 to -7.13; P < 0.001), DHI (-47.26, 95%CI, -50.23 to -44.29; P < 0.001), VAS of aural fullness (-2.22, 95%CI, -2.95 to -1.49; P<0.01), and Pure Tone Thresholds (-7.07, 95%CI, -9.07 to -5.06; P<0.001) were significantly differed between the two groups. In addition, SF36(14.72, 95%CI, 11.06 to 18.39; P < 0.001), vHIT (RD, 0.26, 95 % CI, -0.44 to -0.08, RR, 0.43, 95 % CI, 0.22 to 0.83, P < 0.01), and the caloric test (RD, -0.24, 95 % CI, -0.43 to -0.04, RR, 0.66, 95 % CI, 0.44 to 0.95, P = 0.02) have significant difference between two group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that taVNS combined with Betahistine Mesylate relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with Meniere Disease. taVNS can be considered an adjunctive therapy in treatment of Meniere Disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05328895.

Meniere's disease is a manifestation of migraine.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss the theory that Meniere's disease (MD) is a variation of otologic migraine rather than an isolated inner ear condition. RECENT FINDINGS: In contrast to the approximately 12% of the general population suffering from migraine headaches, 51-60% of patients with MD experience migraine headaches. While pathognomonic for MD, endolymphatic hydrops has also been identified in patients with vestibular migraine. Treatment with the integrative neurosensory rehabilitation approach (diet and lifestyle changes, magnesium and riboflavin supplementation, and when needed, prophylactic medication) to treat the underlying migraine process has been highly effective in patients with MD. SUMMARY: MD can be understood as a manifestation of migraine such that patients with MD can be effectively treated with migraine therapies.

[Analysis on clinical application characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of Meniere's disease based on topology model by complex network].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the application characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion in clinical treatment of Meniere's disease by using complex network technology, so as to provide evidence for selecting acupoints, needling and moxibustion methods and treatment ideas. METHODS: Articles both in English and Chinese published from the inception of databases of CNKI, Wanfang VIP, Chinese biomedical literature database (SinoMed), PubMed, Embase, EBSCO (Academic Search Pre-mier), Web of Science and Ovid to April of 2021 were retrieved by using key words "acupuncture" or "moxibustion" or "acupuncture and moxibustion" and "Meniere disease" or "Meniere's syndrome" or "Ménières vertigo" or "otogenic vertigo" or "auditory vertigo", followed by screening the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and establishing a database of clinical li-terature about acupuncture treatment of Meniere's Disease with software Epidata 3.1. Then, the descriptive analysis was conducted first, followed by association rule analysis using SPSS Modeler 18.0, and complex network analysis using Gephi 0.9.2 software. RESULTS: A total of 232 articles were included, containing 152 acupoints [97 body acupoints as Baihui (GV20), Fengchi (GB20), Neiguan (PC6), etc., 28 otopoints as Ershenmen (MA-TF1), Shen (MA-SC), etc., 20 scalp points as Yunting Area, 7 extra-points as Sishencong (EX-HN1), Taiyang (EX-HN5), etc.] which were used to be a total frequency of 1 569. Descriptive analysis showed that the main meridians were the Governor Vessel, Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangming, Trienergizer Meridian of Hand Shaoyang, and Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang. Acupuncture was the most commonly used therapy for Meniere's disease. The association analysis showed that the most relevant combination of acupoints was GV20 and GB20, GV20 and PC6, reflecting the principles of local acupoint selection and combination of local and distant acupoints. Finally, "K-core Analytic Hierarchy Process" and "Community Analysis" revealed that 3 core acupoint groups were most frequently used in clinical treatment of Meniere's disease, including 1) auricular acupoints, as MA-TF1, MA-SC, Neier(MA-L), Zhen(MA-AT) and Pizhixia(MA-AT1), 2) acupoints of the 14 meridians and extra-points, as Tinggong(SI19), Yifeng(TE17), GB20, 3) acupoints of the Shaoyang meri-dians of hand and foot, as Shuaigu (GB8), Tinghui (GB2), Zhongzhu (TE3), Ermen (TE21), etc. CONCLUSION: The principle of acupoint selection is mainly based on the combination of acupoints along the meridians and local areas, while paying attention to the coordination among the auricular points, scalp acupoints and extra-points, which may provide a reference for the clinical treatment and scientific research on acupuncture treatment of Meniere's disease.

Long-term effect of transtympanic intermittent pressure therapy using a tympanic membrane massage device for intractable meniere's disease and delayed endolymphatic hydrops.

BACKGROUND: A 12-month follow-up study showed that middle ear pressure treatment with a transtympanic membrane massage (TMM) device had a similar effect to a Meniett device. OBJECTIVES: The effects of pressure treatment with a TMM device were retrospectively compared to the effects of treatment with a Meniett device in patients with Meniere's disease (MD) and delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) who were followed for a minimum of 24 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients were treated with the TMM device and 14 patients were treated with a Meniett device. The insertion of a transtympanic ventilation tube was necessary for the Meniett device but not for the TMM device. RESULTS: In patients treated with the TMM and Meniett devices, the frequency of vertigo significantly improved at 19-24 months after treatment. The distribution of vertigo at 19-24 months after treatment did not differ between the patients treated with the two types of devices. Pressure treatment for 8 months or more was suitable to achieve remission. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Middle ear pressure treatment for 8 months or more with a TMM or Meniett device was equally effective and provided minimally invasive treatment options for intractable MD and DEH.

Effects of transtympanic intermittent pressure therapy using a new tympanic membrane massage device for intractable Meniere's disease and delayed endolymphatic hydrops: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The retrospective study showed that the effect of the middle ear pressure treatment by the tramstympanic membrane massage (TMM) device was similar to that of the Meniett device. OBJECTIVES: The new TMM device named EFET device was prospectively evaluated in patients with Meniere's disease (MD) and delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) and we compared the effects to the Meniett device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 23 ears of 19 patients were treated with an EFET device, and 17 ears of 15 patients were treated with the Meniett device. All patients suffering from intractable MD and DEH were treated for 4 months. The insertion of a transtympanic ventilation tube was necessary for the Meniett device, but not the EFET device. RESULTS: In patients treated by the EFET and Meniett devices, the frequency of vertigo significantly improved after treatment. The distribution of vertigo outcomes at 4 months after treatment did not differ between patients treated with the both devices. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Middle ear pressure treatment by the EFET device is effective and provides minimally invasive options for intractable MD and DEH like the Meniett device.

The Clinical Benefit of Device Therapy for Meniere's Disease in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the clinical benefit of device therapy on controlling the symptoms of Meniere's disease (MD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Internet, and Wanfang Data before January 13, 2018. We selected randomized controlled clinical trials, case-controlled studies, and cohort studies that dealt with outcomes of device therapy for the treatment of MD. RESULTS: Sixteen trials met our inclusion criteria. The use of device therapy resulted in improved vertigo control, which was described as a reduction in the number of vertigo days by month (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 3.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.00-4.31), in the number of vertigo episodes by month (WMD: 7.37, 95% CI: 2.40-12.35), and in the vertigo visual analog score (WMD: 41.51, 95% CI: 34.68-48.34). In addition, the overall complete vertigo control (class A) rate was 50% (95% CI: 37%-64%). The device therapy also reduced the number of sick days by month (WMD: 4.56, 95% CI: 2.15-6.97), and the functional level improved (WMD: 2.66, 95% CI: 2.15-3.17). The electrocochleographic parameters decreased. The device therapy proved beneficial for hearing changes (WMD: 3.19, 95% CI: 0.66-5.71). No publication bias was found in the funnel plot and the results of Egger's test. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the device therapy might reduce vertigo attacks and sick days in patients with MD. Additionally, the function level and hearing level may improve after the device therapy. In addition, the decrease in electrocochleographic parameters showed that inner ear electrophysiology improved after device therapy.

Vitamin D supplementation may improve symptoms in Meniere's disease.

In the last 4 years the authors observed a trend that correcting vitamin D deficiency in newly diagnosed cases of Meniere's disease decreased the necessity of the ablative therapy with intratympanic gentamicin. According to their hypothesis, vitamin D supplementation may indeed have a beneficial effect in Meniere's disease if the symptoms are caused by a local postviral autoimmune reaction. Vitamin D has a strong immunomodulatory role, one of which is the regulation of the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators. The authors suggest further epidemiological studies to decide if there is a connection between vitamin D deficiency and Meniere's disease.

[Acupuncture combined with oral western medication for Meniere's disease: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect difference between acupuncture combined with western medication and simple western medication for Meniere's disease. METHODS: Ninety-six patients with Meniere's disease were randomly assigned into a combination group (48 cases, 12 cases dropping) and a medication group (48 cases, 9 cases dropping). Betastatin mesylate tablets (once 12 mg, 3 times a day) and mecobalamin tablets (once 0.5 mg, 3 times a day) were prescribed orally in the two groups. Acupuncture was used in the combination group, twice a week, 20 min a time, and the acupoints were Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Tinggong (SI 19), Hegu (LI 4), Quchi (LI 11), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Taichong (LR 3), Taixi (KI 3) and Tianshu (ST 25). All the treatment was given for continuous 12 weeks. The symptoms were observed by dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), pure tone audiometry score and stuffy ear visual analogue scale (VAS). The effects were compared in the aspects of dizziness, hearing and activity. RESULTS: The scores of DHI, THI, pure tone audiometry and VAS scores after treatment were lower than those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05), with lower scores of the above 4 indexes in the combination group after treatment (all P<0.05). The difference values before and after treatment of the 4 indexes in the combination group were higher than those in the medication group (all P<0.05). The effective rates of dizziness, hearing and activity in the combination group were 97.2% (35/36), 91.7% (33/36), 88.9% (32/36), which were better than 71.8% (28/39), 74.4% (29/39) and 69.2% (27/39) in the medication group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with conventional medication achieve better effect than simple conventional medication.

Delayed Effect of Active Pressure Treatment on Endolymphatic Hydrops.

OBJECTIVE: To identify eventual correlations between the effect of low-pressure treatment and endolymphatic hydrops in Ménière patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of subjects affected by definite Ménière disease (2015) and a severe degree of disability, who received a ventilation tube with or without a low-pressure treatment before undergoing a surgical procedure (vestibular neurectomy). After the placement of the ventilation tube, the subjects were either left alone with the tube or received 1 month of self-administered low-pressure therapy with a portable device. In all subjects, an electrocochleography (ECochG) was performed and specific questionnaires - Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Functional Scale Level (FSL) - were completed before starting either arm of treatment, at the end of treatment, and then 3 and 6 months later. RESULTS: All selected subjects presented with an ECochG pattern that was indicative of endolymphatic hydrops before starting either treatment. At the end of pressure treatment, 80% showed symptomatic improvement while maintaining the hydropic ECochG pattern. At the 3-month control stage, the hydropic pattern resulted normalized (<0.5) in all the improved subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Although 1 month of low-pressure treatment provided a positive symptomatological outcome, normalization of the hydropic ECochG parameters occurred only at a later time. Therefore, it is possible to assume that endolymphatic hydrops could be concurrent with a non-symptomatic stage of Ménière disease, and that the anti-hydropic effect of the low-pressure treatment, if any, would present with a certain delay after its completion.

Positive pressure therapy for Ménière's disease or syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Ménière's disease is an incapacitating disease in which recurrent attacks of vertigo are accompanied by hearing loss, tinnitus and/or aural fullness, all of which are discontinuous and variable in intensity. A number of different therapies have been identified for patients with this disease, ranging from dietary measures (e.g. a low-salt diet) and medication (e.g. betahistine (Serc®), diuretics) to extensive surgery (e.g. endolymphatic sac surgery). The Meniett® low-pressure pulse generator (Medtronic ENT, 1999) is a device that is designed to generate a computer-controlled sequence of low-pressure (micro-pressure) pulses, which are thought to be transmitted to the vestibular system of the inner ear. The pressure pulse passes via a tympanostomy tube (grommet) to the middle ear, and hence to the inner ear via the round and/or oval window. The hypothesis is that these low-pressure pulses reduce endolymphatic hydrops. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of positive pressure therapy (e.g. the Meniett device) on the symptoms of Ménière's disease or syndrome. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; Cambridge Scientific Abstracts; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 6 June 2014. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing positive pressure therapy (using the Meniett or a similar device) with placebo in patients with Ménière's disease. The primary outcome was control of vertigo; secondary outcomes were loss or gain of hearing, severity of tinnitus, perception of aural fullness, functional level, complications or adverse effects, and sick days. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We contacted authors for additional data. Where possible, we pooled study results using a fixed-effect, mean difference (MD) meta-analysis and tested for statistical heterogeneity using both the Chi² test and I² statistic. This was only possible for the secondary outcomes loss or gain of hearing and sick days. We presented results using forest plots with 95% confidence intervals (Cl). MAIN RESULTS: We included five randomised clinical trials with 265 participants. All trials were prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised controlled trials on the effects of positive pressure therapy on vertigo complaints in Ménière's disease. Overall, the risk of bias varied: three out of five studies were at low risk, one was at unclear risk and one was at high risk of bias. Control of vertigo For the primary outcome, control of vertigo, it was not possible to pool data due to heterogeneity in the measurement of the outcome measures. In most studies, no significant difference was found between the positive pressure therapy group and the placebo group in vertigo scores or vertigo days. Only one study, at low risk of bias, showed a significant difference in one measure of vertigo control in favour of positive pressure therapy. In this study, the mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score for vertigo after eight weeks of treatment was 25.5 in the positive pressure therapy group and 46.6 in the placebo group (mean difference (MD) -21.10, 95% CI -35.47 to -6.73; scale not stated - presumed to be 0 to 100). Secondary outcomes For the secondary outcomes, we carried out two pooled analyses. We found statistically significant results for loss or gain of hearing . Hearing was 7.38 decibels better in the placebo group compared to the positive pressure therapy group (MD) (95% CI 2.51 to 12.25; two studies, 123 participants). The severity of tinnitus and perception of aural fullness were either not measured or inadequate data were provided in the included studies. For the secondary outcome functional level , it was not possible to perform a pooled analysis. One included study showed less functional impairment in the positive pressure group than the placebo group (AAO-HNS criteria, one- to six-point scale: MD -1.10, 95% CI -1.81 to -0.39, 40 participants); another study did not show any significant results. In addition to the predefined secondary outcome measures, we included sick days as an additional outcome measure, as two studies used this outcome measure and it is a complementary measurement of impairment due to Ménière's disease. We did not find a statistically significant difference in sick days. No complications or adverse effects were noted by any study. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence, from five included studies, to show that positive pressure therapy is effective for the symptoms of Ménière's disease. There is some moderate quality evidence, from two studies, that hearing levels are worse in patients who use this therapy. The positive pressure therapy device itself is minimally invasive. However, in order to use it, a tympanostomy tube (grommet) needs to be inserted, with the associated risks. These include the risks of anaesthesia, the general risks of any surgery and the specific risks of otorrhoea and tympanosclerosis associated with the insertion of a tympanostomy tube. Notwithstanding these comments, no complications or adverse effects were noted in any of the included studies.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of Meniett therapy for Meniere's disease.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of micropressure treatment for Meniere's disease (MD). DATA SOURCES: Medline, Ovid, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library search of the literature from January 1996 to December 2012. REVIEW METHODS: Systematic literature review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria required definitive diagnosis of unilateral MD, treatment with Meniett device, vertigo control results, and hearing results before and after treatment. Randomized controlled trials and other types of case-control studies were included. Improvements in vertigo, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) functional score, and pure tone average (PTA) were assessed. Funnel plots were used to detect bias and Q test was used to assess for heterogeneity. Random effects model was used for meta-analysis. T test was used to assess for significance. RESULTS: Of 113 abstracts screened, 18 studies met criteria for review and 12 were used for meta-analysis. Eight studies reported hearing evaluation and the improvement in PTA after Meniett treatment was significant (P = 0.0085). Data could not be combined for AAO-HNS functional score due to heterogeneity. However, there was a trend toward improvement. Of six studies reporting frequency of vertigo, Meniett treatment significantly reduced frequency of vertigo (P = < .0001). LIMITATIONS: Much of the data used in the analysis was derived from retrospective or level 4 studies. The average follow-up was only 5 months, and there were low number of patients in the treatment and control groups. CONCLUSION: The Meniett device is a safe, nondestructive treatment for patients' refractory to medical therapy for MD.

Anton syndrome during oxygen-ozone therapy.

Ozone (O3) gas is a molecule that consists of 3 oxygen atoms, found out in the mid-19th century [1]. Ozone gas preserves humans from detrimental influences of ultraviolet radiation [1]. In spite of harmful effects of O3 gas, investigators think that it has excessive curative effects [1]. Nowadays, O3 therapy is used for many fields of medicine in precise therapeutic doses [1] and [2]. It is known that O3 therapy is helpful in dental procedures, cerebrovascular diseases, tinnitus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, sensorial hypoacusis, senile dementia, multiple sclerosis, irradiation sensitive tumors, herpes simplex and herpes zoster virus infections, muscular hypertonia, and chronic otitis media, etc.[2]. The complications and disadvantages of O3 therapy could be observed in the future. Herein, we presented a case of ischemic stroke after an oxygen-O3 therapy, which is called also Anton syndrome.

Intermittent pressure therapy of intractable Meniere's disease and delayed endolymphatic hydrops using the transtympanic membrane massage device: a preliminary report.

CONCLUSION: Middle ear pressure treatment by the tympanic membrane massage (TMM) device as well as the Meniett device is effective and provides minimally invasive options for intractable vertigo in patients with Meniere's disease (MD) and delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH). OBJECTIVE: The effects of the TMM device were evaluated according to the criteria of the Japan Society for Equilibrium Research (1995) in patients with MD and DEH and compared to those in patients treated with the Meniett device. METHODS: Twelve ears of 10 patients (MD 8; DEH 2) were treated with the TMM device, while 16 ears of 15 patients (MD 11; DEH 4) were treated with the Meniett device. All the patients had failed to respond to medical treatment including diuretics before each pressure treatment, and were followed up for more than 12 months after treatment. Tympanotomy is necessary before treatment for the Meniett device, not but for the TMM device. RESULTS: With both devices, the frequency of vertigo after treatment was significantly lower than before treatment (p < 0.05). The time course of vestibular symptoms with the TMM device was not significantly different from that with the Meniett device (p > 0.05). No complications were directly attributable to treatment with the TMM device.

[Perspectives in neurotology]. / Perspektiven der Gleichgewichtsdiagnostik und -therapie.

Vestibular diagnostics and therapy is the mirror of technological, scientific and socio-economics trends as are other fields of clinical medicine. These trends have led to a substantial diversification of the field of neurotology. The improvements in diagnostics have been characterized by the introduction of new receptor testing tools (e. g., VEMPs), progress in imaging (e. g., the endolymphatic hydrops) and in the description of central-vestibular neuroplasticity. The etiopathology of vestibular disorders has been updated by geneticists (e. g., the description of the COCH gene mutations), the detection of structural abnormalities (e. g., dehiscence syndromes) and related disorders (e. g. migraine-associated vertigo). The therapeutic options were extended by re-evaluation of techniques known a long time ago (e. g., saccus exposure), the development of new approaches (e. g., dehiscence repair) and the introduction of new drug therapy concepts (e. g., local drug delivery). Implantable, neuroprosthetic solutions have not yet reached experimental safety and validity and are still far away. However, externally worn neuroprosthetic solution were introduced in the rehab of vestibular disorders (e. g., VertiGuard system). These and related trends point into a medical future which is characterized by presbyvertigo as classical sign of the demographic changes ahead, by shortage of financial resources and a medico-legally over-regulated, even hostile environment for physicians in clinical medicine.

Application of autogenic training in patients with Ménière disease.

Data are limited on the role of psychotherapy in the treatment of Ménière disease. We sought to document the effect of a psychotherapeutic technique known as autogenic training on clinical outcome in Ménière disease. Six patients with Ménière disease were studied. Retrospective chart review was conducted. All patients were refractory to conventional therapy and completed a course of autogenic training, which was offered as a complementary treatment. Autogenic training with initial psychological counseling was conducted by a clinical psychologist during 45-min sessions. Outcome measures assessed were the frequency of vertigo and functional levels 2 years after initiation of autogenic training. Functional levels were evaluated according to the 1995 guidelines of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). As a personality measure, we used the Maudsley Personality Inventory (MPI), devised by Eysenck, which measures neuroticism (N), extraversion (E), and propensity to lie (L). Five of six patients showed improved functional level after three to eight sessions of psychotherapy; hearing level did not change. The score of the N scale of the MPI was closely related to the number of psychotherapy sessions. Prognosis was evaluated based on the AAO-HNS reporting guidelines, as follows: A = 3, B = 1, C = 1, F = 1. The value of N in MPI was closely related to the number of psychological counseling sessions (R = 0.97, P < 0.05). In conclusion, autogenic training may enhance the mental well-being of patients with Ménière disease and improve clinical outcome.

Antisecretory factor as a potential health-promoting molecule in man and animals.

Antisecretory factor (AF) is a protein secreted in plasma and other tissue fluids in mammals with proven antisecretory and anti-inflammatory activity; its immunohistological distribution suggests a role in the immune system. The expression level and the distribution of AF protein are altered during an immunological response. Exposure to bacterial toxins induces secretion of AF in plasma, probably reflecting a natural defence mechanism to agents causing diarrhoea, thereby contributing to a favourable clinical outcome and disease termination. An increase of AF levels in plasma by dietary means, such as specially processed cereals (SPC), has been demonstrated in human subjects and animals. Administration of SPC to patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease, gastroenteritis and Ménière's disease relieved symptoms and improved quality of life. A recent study showed the positive effect of SPC diet supplementation on prevention of the effects of exposure to low levels of blast overpressure in rats, reducing the extent of intracranial pressure increase and cognitive function impairment. AF-rich egg yolk powder improved health status in children suffering acute and chronic diarrhoea, reducing the frequency and increasing the consistency of stools. This kind of functional food could be used for prophylaxis in populations exposed to a high risk of morbidity and mortality caused by diarrhoea and as a complementary therapy in patients affected by chronic intestinal inflammatory disease to improve well-being. In pig husbandry AF-inducing diets, owing to their antisecretory activity and anti-inflammatory action, are a suitable option as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters to counteract post-weaning diarrhoea.