The Usefulness of the Low-FODMAP Diet with Limited Tryptophan Intake in the Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome

(1) Background: A low-FODMAP diet is often recommended in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, but it does not improve abdominal symptoms in all patients, and an alternative diet is desirable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a low-FODMAP diet with a concomitant reduction in tryptophan (TRP) intake in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea predominance (IBS-D) in relation to its metabolism via the serotonin and kynurenine pathways. (2) Methods: 40 healthy people (Group I, Controls) and 80 patients with IBS-D were included in the study. IBS-D patients were randomly divided into two groups of 40 each (Groups IIA and IIB). In Group IIA, the low-FODMAP diet was recommended, while in Group IIB, the same diet was recommended but with limited TRP intake for 8 weeks. The TRP intake was analyzed with the use of the nutritional calculator. Abdominal complaints were assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS-IBS), and psychological status was simultaneously determined using two scales: the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D). TRP and its metabolites: 5-hydoxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), and quinolinic acid (QA) were measured in urine using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). (3) Results: The consumption of TRP per mg/kg/b.w./24 h has decreased in Group IIA from 20.9 ± 2.39 to 17.45 ± 2.41 (16.5%) and in Group IIB from 21.3 ± 2.33 to 14.32 (34.4%). Significantly greater improvement was found after nutritional treatment in patients in Group IIB as compared to Group IIA (GSRS score: 38.1% vs. 49.8%; HAM-A: 38.7% vs. 49.9%; HAM-D: 13.8% vs. 35.0%; p < 0.01). Reducing TRP intake showed a negative correlation with the degree of improvement in the GSRS score. (4) Conclusions: Lowering the TRP content in a low-FODMAP diet may be useful in treating IBS-D.

Thermische Zersetzung und Lösungskalorimetrie von Ammoniumeuropiumchloriden / Thermal Decomposition and Solution Calorimetry of Ammonium Europium Chlorides

The thermal decomposition equilibria of ammonium europium chlorides (NH4)3EuCl6, (NH4)2EuCl5 and NH4Eu2Cl7 have been investigated by total pressure measurements in a membrane zero manometer. The thermodynamic data of these solid phases have been derived from the decomposition functions. The standard enthalpies of solution in 4n HCl (aq.) of (NH4)3EuCl6, (NH4)2EuCl5, NH4Eu2Cl7, EuCl3 and Eu2O3 were measured. On the basis of these values and tabulated data, the standard enthalpies at 298 K of the ammonium europium chlorides were derived and compared with the obtained results from the total pressure measurements.

Tryptophan Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women with Functional Constipation

Constipation belongs to conditions commonly reported by postmenopausal women, but the mechanism behind this association is not fully known. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between some metabolites of tryptophan (TRP) and the occurrence and severity of abdominal symptoms (Rome IV) in postmenopausal women with functional constipation (FC, n = 40) as compared with age-adjusted postmenopausal women without FC. All women controlled their TRP intake in their daily diet. Urinary levels of TRP and its metabolites, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), kynurenine (KYN), and 3-indoxyl sulfate (indican, 3-IS), were determined by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Dysbiosis was assessed by a hydrogen-methane breath test. Women with FC consumed less TRP and had a lower urinary level of 5-HIAA, but higher levels of KYN and 3-IS compared with controls. The severity of symptoms showed a negative correlation with the 5-HIAA level, and a positive correlation with the 3-IS level. In conclusion, changes in TRP metabolism may contribute to FC in postmenopausal women, and dysbiosis may underlie this contribution.

Effects of fluoxetine and melatonin on mood, sleep quality and body mass index in postmenopausal women

Frequent mood and sleep disorders and increased appetite leading to obesity are observed in postmenopausal women. Due to the limitations of hormone replacement therapy the researchers look for other treatment regimes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of fluoxetine and melatonin in the treatment of these disorders. The study included 64 overweight postmenopausal women, aged 54 - 65 years, with increased appetite. They were randomly assigned in 2 groups. In group I (n = 30) fluoxetine (20 mg in the morning) and placebo (in the evening) were administered for 24 weeks. Group II (n = 34) received fluoxetine (20 mg in the morning) and melatonin (5 mg in the evening) in the same period of time. Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HARS), Beck depression scale (BDI), the insomnia severity index (ISI) and body mass index (BMI) were used to assess the health status and the treatment efficacy. After 24 weeks, comparable and statistically significant reduction in the level of anxiety and depression was obtained in both groups. In group I, the ISI decreased from 14.9 ± 2.5 points to 10.9 ± 1.9 points (P < 0.05) and in group II from 15.8 ± 2.4 points to 7.7 ± 1.5 points (P < 0.001). In group I no reduction in BMI was achieved whereas in group II this index decreased from 30.9 ± 3.1 to 26.3 ± 3.2 (P < 0.05). We conclude that combined administration of fluoxetine and melatonin was useful option to treat mood, sleep and appetite disorders in postmenopausal women.