The probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 is a potent modulator of mucosal inflammation and visceral sensory function

Aims: Visceral hyperalgesia plays a central role in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome. A major risk factor is a transient mucosal inflammation (Adam et al., Pain 2006;123(1–2):179–86). The probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in patients with ulcerative colitis. We aimed to assess effects of EcN on 1) visceral sensory function, 2) mucosal inflammation and 3) systemic cytokine levels after preventive (treatment only prior to colitis induction) and/or therapeutic treatment (EcN started immediately after colitis induction) in male Lewis rats. Me…