Clinical Trials

Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age (yr) 18 to 65
• No abdominal surgery (except appendectomy and cholecystectomy, others may be considered)

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), microscopic colitis or celiac disease.
• Use of tobacco products within the past 6 months (since nicotine may affect intestinal permeability)
• Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin within seven days of first permeability test (as NSAIDs affect intestinal permeability) and second permeability test (except those administered for the study)
• Use of oral corticosteroids within the previous 6 weeks
• Ingestion of artificial sweeteners such as Splenda® (sucralose), NutraSweet® (aspartame), lactulose or mannitol within two (2) days of each permeability test and endoscopy procedure date, e.g., foods to be avoided are sugarless gums or mints and diet soda
• Ingestion of any prescription, over the counter, or herbal medications which can affect gastrointestinal transit within 7 days each permeability test and endoscopy procedure date. This includes drugs such as serotonin (5-HT) agents, narcotics, anticholinergics, anti-nausea medications, any medications for diarrhea or constipation.
• Antibiotics within 7 days each permeability test and endoscopy procedure date
• Bleeding disorders or medications that increase risk of bleeding from mucosal biopsies.
• Score > 8 for anxiety or depression on Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale.
• Pregnancy