P494 - CONSUMPTION OF ANCIENT GRAIN FLOURS AS A NOVEL THERAPEUTIC OPTION FOR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

P494

CONSUMPTION OF ANCIENT GRAIN FLOURS AS A NOVEL THERAPEUTIC OPTION FOR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

S. Maurotti^1,*, Y. Ferro², E. Mazza¹, R. Conforto¹, A. Cerra¹, R. Russo¹, M. Moraca³, A. Placanica¹, L. Curcio¹, A. Pujia², T. Montalcini¹

¹Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, ²Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, ³UO Nutrizione Clinica Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy

Rationale: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects 11% of the global population, causing recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, significantly impacting quality of life. Despite dietary management's importance, many patients report inadequate relief. This study assesses a novel functional pasta made with Calabrian ancient grain flours on IBS symptom severity through a clinical trial and explores its anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal benefits using cellular models.

Methods: The study protocol was approved by the local Ethics Committee (n. 120/2022/CE). Forty-two IBS patients were randomized into two groups: Group 1 followed a low-FODMAP diet with traditional gluten-free pasta, while Group 2 consumed the same diet with functional pasta (FP, patent N°:102023000022521) made from emmer and rye, daily. Both groups ate 80g of pasta for 4 weeks. The IBS Scoring System (IBS-SSS) questionnaire was administered at baseline and after 4 weeks. We also evaluated the effect of functional pasta extract (FPE) on inflammatory and oxidative markers in an IBS in vitro model using TNF-α in Caco-2 and T84 cells.

Results: Patients consuming FP pasta showed a significant reduction in IBS-SSS scores compared to the control group (-153±124 vs. -83±85, p=0.044). Additionally, 83% of those on FP reported a clinically significant reduction in symptom severity (IBS-SSS score ≥100) compared to 35% in the control group (p=0.004). In Caco-2 and T84 cells, FPE has been shown to downregulate protein expression of the pErk1/2 and NF-κB signaling pathways, thereby reducing inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that consuming functional pasta made with ancient Calabrian grains could enhance gut health and alleviate symptoms of IBS by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This innovative dietary approach offers a promising natural alternative for improving the quality of life in IBS patients

Disclosure of Interest: None declared