Effects of Probiotic VSL#3 on Expression of Small Intestinal Renin-angiotensin System

Effects of Probiotic VSL#3 on Expression of Small Intestinal Mucosal Renin-angiotensin System and Glucose Absorption in Man - a Doubleblind, Randomized Parallel Arm Placebo Controlled Exploratory Study in Healthy Volunteers

Probiotics have become very popular and are by WHO defined as "Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host". For example, probiotics have been shown to contribute to improvements of abdominal discomfort and intestinal inflammation. The main hypothesis behind the present study is that probiotics influences mucosal regulatory systems, particularly the actions of the hormone Angiotensin II locally in the intestinal mucosa.

Inclusion Criteria:

• healthy volunteers of both sexes
• between 18 and 65 years of age.
• BMI between 18-25 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any drug abuse
• Use of prescription medication within the previous 14 days (with the exception of contraceptives)
• Pregnant or breast feeding woman or woman of childbearing potential not using adequate birth control (e.g. IUD, barrier method, oral contraceptive, abstinence)
• In the investigator's judgement, clinically significant abnormalities at the screening examination or in the laboratory test results.