Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a frequent functional gastrointestinal disorder, and alterations in the gut microbiota composition contributes to symptom generation. The exact mechanisms of probiotics in the human body are not fully understood, but probiotic supplements are thought to improve IBS symptoms through manipulation of the gut microbiota. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the latest randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of probiotic supplementation on symptoms in IBS patients. A literature search was conducted in Medline (PubMed) until March 2019. RCTs published within the last five years evaluating effects of probiotic supplements on IBS symptoms were eligible. The search identified in total 35 studies, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Seven studies (63.6%) reported that supplementation with probiotics in IBS patients significantly improved symptoms compared to placebo, whereas the remaining four studies (36.4%) did not report any significant improvement in symptoms after probiotic supplementation. Of note, three studies evaluated the effect of a mono-strain supplement, whereas the remaining eight trials used a multi-strain probiotic. Overall, the beneficial effects were more distinct in the trials using multi-strain supplements with an intervention of 8 weeks or more, suggesting that multi-strain probiotics supplemented over a period of time have the potential to improve IBS symptoms.

Suppressor of cytokine signalling-2 (SOCS2) negatively regulates the signal transduction of several cytokines. Socs2(-/-) mice show increased longitudinal skeletal growth associated with deregulated GH/IGF-1 signalling. The present study examined the role of SOCS2 in endochondral ossification and trabecular and cortical bone formation, and investigated whether pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with pediatric chronic inflammatory disorders mediate their effects through SOCS2. Seven-week-old Socs2(-/-) mice were heavier (27%; P < 0.001) and longer (6%; P < 0.001) than wild-type mice. Socs2(-/-) tibiae were longer (8%; P < 0.001) and broader (18%; P < 0.001) than that of wild-type mice, and the Socs2(-/-) mice had wider growth plates (24%; P < 0.001) with wider proliferative and hypertrophic zones (10% (P < 0.05) and 14% (P < 0.001) respectively). Socs2(-/-) mice showed increased total cross-sectional bone area (16%: P < 0.001), coupled to increased total tissue area (17%; P < 0.05) compared to tibia from wild-type mice. Socs2(-/-) mice showed increased percent bone volume (101%; P < 0.001), trabecular number (82%; P < 0.001) and trabecular thickness (11%; P < 0.001), with associated decreases in trabecular separation (19%; P < 0.001). TNFalpha exposure to growth plate chondrocytes for 48 h increased SOCS2 protein expression. Growth of metatarsals from 1-day-old Socs2(-/-) and Socs2(+/+) mice, as well as expression of Aggrecan, Collagen Type II and Collagen Type X, were inhibited by TNFalpha, with no effect of genotype. Our data indicate that physiological levels of SOCS2 negatively regulate bone formation and endochondral growth. Our results further suggest that pro-inflammatory cytokines mediate their inhibitory effects on longitudinal bone growth through a mechanism that is independent of SOCS2.

The increased prevalence of lifestyle diseases, such as the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), calls for more knowledge on dietary treatments targeting the specific metabolic pathways involved in these conditions. Several studies have shown a protein preload before a meal to be effective in lowering the postprandial glycaemic response in healthy individuals and patients with T2DM. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a marine protein hydrolysate (MPH) from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) on postprandial glucose metabolism in healthy, middle-aged to elderly subjects. This double-blind cross-over trial (n 41) included two study days with 4–7 d wash-out in between. The intervention consisted of 20 mg of MPH (or casein as control) per kg body weight given before a breakfast meal. The primary outcome was postprandial response in glucose metabolism, measured by samples of serum glucose, insulin and plasma glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in 20 min intervals for 180 min. In a mixed-model regression analysis, no differences were observed between MPH and control for postprandial glucose concentration (mean difference: −0·04 (95 % CI –0·17, 0·09) mmol/l; P = 0·573) or GLP-1 concentration (mean difference between geometric means: 1·02 (95 % CI 0·99, 1·06) pmol/l; P = 0·250). The postprandial insulin concentration was significantly lower after MPH compared with control (mean difference between geometric means: 1·067 (95 % CI 1·01, 1·13) mIU/l; P = 0·032). Our findings demonstrate that a single dose of MPH before a breakfast meal reduces postprandial insulin secretion, without affecting blood glucose response or GLP-1 levels, in healthy individuals. Further studies with repeated dosing and in target groups with abnormal glucose control are warranted.

There is an increasing number of people who convert to a plant-based diet. The desire for health benefits, including weight management, is often a contributing factor behind this dietary choice. The purpose of this review was to evaluate intervention studies assessing the effects of different plant-based diets on body mass index and weight. A literature search was conducted in PubMed until December 2019. Twenty-two publications from 19 studies were included. The majority of them were randomized controlled trials comparing a low-fat vegan diet to an omnivore diet in participants with overweight, type 2 diabetes mellitus and/ or cardiovascular disease. All studies reported weight reductions, of which seven revealed significant differences, and four revealed non-significant differences between the intervention and the control groups. The results suggest that plant-based diets may improve weight status in some patient groups. Due to restrictions in fat intake in many studies, followed by reduced energy intake, the effects of the different interventions differ depending on the specific plantbased diets investigated. Future research should aim to include a representative study population and apply study diets without dietary restrictions.