The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of Pleurotus eryngii mushrooms fermentation products (FS) to counteract induced intestinal hyperpermeability in human colonic tissues in an ex vivo system.

Collection of colon biopsies through sigmoidoscopy procedure will take place and the collected biopsies will be mounted in Ussing Chambers. Already collected fermentation supernatants will be added to the mucosal side of the biopsy together with a stressor and two permeability markers, in order to investigate the effects of the fibre fractions on both paracellular and transcellular permeability.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Signed consent prior to any study related procedures
2. Age 18-65 years
3. Willing to abstain from regular consumption of prebiotics/probiotics products or medication known to alter gastrointestinal functions at least 4 weeks prior to the study visits

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Previous complicated gastrointestinal surgery
2. Presence of gastrointestinal disorder or any disorder which the principal investigator considers to affect the results of the study
3. Current diagnosis of psychiatric disease
4. Current and past diagnosis inflammatory gastrointestinal disease (e.g. Irritable Bowel Disease)
5. Systemic use of antibiotics or steroids medications in the last 3 months
6. Frequent use of NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) the last 2 months prior to study visits
7. Regular consumption of prebiotic/probiotic products for the past 4 weeks
8. Abuse of alcohol or drugs
9. Frequent use of laxatives, anti-diarrheal, anti-cholinergic within last 12 weeks prior to study visits
10. Pregnancy and breast-feeding