Efficacy of an oral suspension containing xyloglucan and pea proteins on a murine model of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common foregut disease, affecting about 20% of the adult population. Esophageal epithelial barrier plays a fundamental role in the pathophysiology of GERD; however, pharmacological therapies mainly aim to reduce the acidity of the gastroesophageal environment rather than to protect esophageal tissue integrity. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of an oral solution containing xyloglucan and pea proteins (XP) in reestablishing gastroesophageal tissue integrity and biochemical markers. To induce GERD, C57BL/6 mice were alternatively overfed and fasted for 56 days and then treated with XP, sodium alginate, omeprazole, or omeprazole+XP twice daily for 7 days. Gastric pain and inflammatory markers were evaluated after 3 and 7 days of treatment. After sacrifice, the esophagi and stomachs were surgically removed for macroscopic and histological examination. Gastric pain was significantly reduced at days 3 and 7 by XP, omeprazole, and omeprazole+XP, while alginates were ineffective at day 3. XP was able to diminish gastric macroscopic damage and demonstrated the same efficacy as omeprazole in reducing esophageal damage. XP significantly reduced histological damage, with an efficacy comparable to that of omeprazole, but superior to alginates. Inflammatory markers were significantly reduced by XP, with superior efficacy compared with alginates at day 7. Interestingly, XP was also able to significantly increase gastric pH. This study demonstrated that XP restored gastric homeostasis, improved esophageal integrity, and decreased inflammation and pain with a similar efficacy to omeprazole and greater than alginates.

Effect of a Product Containing Xyloglucan and Pea Protein on a Murine Model of Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, characterized by dryness and more or less severe itching. The etiology of AD is complex and has not been fully clarified, involving genetic susceptibility, immunological abnormalities, epidermal barrier dysfunction, and environmental factors. Xyloglucan (XG) and pea protein (PP) are two compounds of natural origin characterized by the ability to create a physical barrier that protects mucosae membranes, reducing inflammation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of XG + PP in both a mouse model of AD and Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) infection- associated AD. Mice were topically treated with 200 µL of 0.5% oxazolone on the dorsal skin three times a week for AD induction. Mice received XG and PP by topical administration 1 h before oxazolone treatment. In S. aureus infection-associated AD, to induce a superficial superinfection of the skin, mice were also treated with 5 µL of 108 of a culture of S. aureus for 2 weeks; mice superinfected received XG and PP by topical administration 1 h before oxazolone + S. aureus. Four weeks later, the skin was removed for histological and biochemical analysis. Our results demonstrated the protective barrier effects of XG and PP characterized by a reduction in histological tissue changes, mastocyte degranulation, and tight junction permeability in the skin following oxazolone treatment. Moreover, XG + PP was able to preserve filaggrin expression, a hallmark of AD. Our data also support the effectiveness of XG + PP to reduce the damage by superinfection post AD induced by S. aureus. In conclusion, a future product containing XG and PP could be considered as a potentially interesting approach for the treatment of AD.

Efficacy and safety of Gelsectan for diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: A randomised, crossover clinical trial.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is highly prevalent and presents a clinical challenge. Gelsectan is a medical device containing xyloglucan (XG), pea protein and tannins (PPT) from grape seed extract, and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), which act together to protect and reinforce the intestinal barrier. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of XG + PPT + XOS in patients with diarrhoea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). Methods: In this double-blind study, 60 patients were randomly assigned to receive XG + PPT + XOS or placebo for 28 days, then crossed over to the alternative treatment. Patients were followed for 60 days. Results: At Day 28, a significantly higher proportion of patients starting treatment with XG + PPT + XOS than placebo (87 vs 0%; p = 0.0019) presented normal stools (Bristol Stool Form Scale type 3-4). At Day 56, a significantly higher proportion of patients who crossed over to XG + PPT + XOS than placebo (93% vs 23%; p = 0.0001) presented normal stools. In the group allocated to receive XG + PPT + XOS after placebo, benefits of XG + PPT + XOS were maintained during follow-up. Subjective assessments of abdominal pain, bloating, quality of life and general health indicated significant improvement with XG + PPT + XOS over placebo. There were no related adverse events. Conclusion: XG + PPT + XOS effectively controlled diarrhoea and alleviated clinical symptoms in patients with IBS-D, and was well tolerated.