Esophageal capsaïcin Infusion and Mucosal Integrity

Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC)

Status

Completed

Conditions

Esophagus

Microscopy, Electron

Electric Impedance

Intracellular Space

Pain Measurement

Capsaicin

TRPV1 Protein, Human

Treatments

Other: Capsaicin

Other: Placebo

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT02603783

METC 152005

Details and patient eligibility

About

Reflux is common, especially after large meals. In general, this can do no harm. However, if reflux occurs often and causes troublesome symptoms and or complications, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Long exposure to gastric acid causes the mucosa of the esophagus to loose its integrity, which is thought to lead to the symptom of heartburn. Several food products can also impair the esophageal mucosa integrity and thereby influence reflux symptoms. One of these products is capsaicin, the pungent ingredient of red peppers. Use of capsaicin often leads to worsening of complaints in patients with GERD and can cause symptoms in healthy volunteers, possibly due to its effect on the mucosal integrity.

In this study the investigators want to investigate the effect of capsaicin infusion on mucosal integrity. The investigators will evaluate mucosal impedance and the histology of the esophageal mucosa. In addition, the investigators also aim to assess the involvement of the TRPV1 receptor by evaluating the possible release of neuropeptides in the esophageal mucosa.

Enrollment

13 patients

Sex

All

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

No history of gastrointestinal disease, especially gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
BMI = 18-25 kg/m²
Caucasian race
Subject signed the informed consent form and is able to adhere to study protocol

Exclusion criteria

Age <18 years
Erosive esophagitis or gastric ulceration during endoscopy on PPI in the past or during the experiment
Use of regular (> 1 x per week) dietary capsaïcin (in additives as Tabasco/sambal/chili sauce or Indian, Mexican or Thai food dishes)
Allergy to capsaïcin
Use of medication affecting GI function (prokinetics) or antisecretory medication (PPI) within 3 days prior to endoscopy.
Multisystem diseases (including severe cardiopulmonary disease, collagen diseases, coagulation disorders)
Esophageal motility disorders
Previous esophageal or gastric surgery
Use of anticoagulants or a history of coagulopathy
Pregnancy
History of alcohol abuse or current excessive alcohol consumption (> 2 alcoholic beverages per day or > 14 alcoholic beverages per week)