Clinical Research Directory

Milk Beta Caseins on Digestive Discomfort, Gastric Emptying

A1 and A2 β-casein are genetic variants of β-casein in cow's milk that differ by a single amino acid at position 67. Digestion of A1 β-casein may result in greater release of beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7), an opioid peptide that may influence gastrointestinal function. Previous work from our group in lactose maldigesters found differences in gastric emptying following consumption of A1/A2 milk compared with A1 protein-free (A1PF) milk. This randomized, masked, crossover study evaluated whether opioid receptor blockade with oral naloxone influenced gastric emptying following consumption of A1/A2 milk compared with A1PF milk in lactose maldigesters. Participants consumed each milk treatment with 2 mg oral naloxone during separate study visits. Gastric volume was measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over 120 minutes, and gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed. The study was designed to investigate whether opioid receptor signaling contributes to differences in gastric emptying between A1/A2 milk and A1PF milk.

Proper Dietary Management, Follow-up, and Lactase Enzyme Supplementation for Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance (LI) is considered the clinical syndrome caused by lactose malabsorption (LM). It is possible to identify four causes of lactase deficiency defining four different types of LM: primary (genetic), secondary (acquired), congenital (alactasia), and developmental (in premature infants, so reversible). The aim of this protocol is to investigate through an anonymous online survey the knowledge of the Italian population on clinical, pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic issues of lactose intolerance. Data collected will be divulgated through a publication for both people with IL and nutritionists, enriched with tables and flow charts, to improve the knowledge on lactose intolerance and to support people suffering from this condition. The results of this survey will guide subjects suspected of suffering from lactose intolerance towards a correct diagnosis and a better management.

The Role of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Lactose Intolerance (LION)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disease. There is no well-defined pharmacological treatment. This clinical trial is a prospective, double-blind, two-armed randomized controlled, single-center trial. It is created to examine the role of IBS in patients with lactose intolerance. IBS patients undergo lactose H2 breath test (LHBT) and lactose tolerance test (LTT). Those with positive LTT and LHBT will be randomized into two groups: alverine-citrate + simethicone and lactase group (1) or alverin-citrate + simethicone with the placebo group (2). The goal of this study is to compare the lactase enzyme with placebo in IBS patients with lactose intolerance.