These results are the first to show that intake of EPA+DHA for 26 wk can alter the gene expression profiles of PBMCs to a more antiinflammatory and antiatherogenic status. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00124852.

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multi-system genetic disorder affecting > 72,0 0 0 people worldwide. Most CF patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms and can develop complications. However, the mechanisms of CF gut disease are not well understood. We evaluated gut function and transit in CF using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We hypothesised oro-caecal transit time (OCTT) is longer in CF; with lower small bowel water content (SBWC).Methods: Twelve CF patients aged 12-40 years and 12 age and sex-matched controls underwent serial MRIs over 1 day with standardised meals. The primary endpoint was OCTT, assessed by the appearance of a food bolus in the caecum. Other measures included corrected SBWC and corrected colonic volume (both area under the curve, AUC), gastric half-emptying time and gastrointestinal symptoms.Results: OCTT was longer in CF (CF 330 mins [270, > 360] vs. controls 210 mins [173, 315], p = 0.04), with no difference in gastric half-emptying times. Corrected SBWC was higher in CF (CF 62 L.min/m 2 [36, 80] vs. controls 34 L.min/m 2 [28, 41], p = 0.021); minimal postprandial decrease between T240 and T300 (CF 13 mL/m 2 [-13, 57] vs. controls 102 mL/m 2 [67, 108], p = 0.002) suggests impaired ileal emptying. Corrected colonic volumes were higher in CF (CF 186 L.min/m 2 [167, 206] vs. controls 123 L.min/m 2 [89, 146], p = 0.012). There were no differences in gastrointestinal symptoms.Conclusions: MRI provides novel insights into CF pathophysiology. Sub-clinical ileal obstruction may be more prevalent than previously thought. Gastrointestinal MRI shows promise as an investigational tool in CF.

Summary Background Chronic constipation affects approximately 17% of the population worldwide and remains an important unmet need since patients are often dissatisfied with treatment. Kiwifruit may offer an alternative to traditional laxatives and have been shown to increase stool volume, frequency and improve consistency. Aims Using non‐invasive MRI techniques, we assessed the effect of ingestion of kiwifruit on fluid distribution in the intestines and bowel function. Methods Two period crossover trial of kiwifruit vs control in healthy adults. Intervention: two kiwifruits twice daily vs isocaloric control (maltodextrin) twice daily, consumed for a total of 3 days. Subjects underwent MRI scanning fasted and at hourly intervals for 7 hours on the third day. Primary outcome: T1 relaxation time of ascending colon (T1AC) using MRI. Secondary outcomes: Small bowel water content (SBWC), colonic volume, gut transit time, T1 of descending colon, stool frequency and form. Results Fourteen volunteers completed the study. T1AC was higher after kiwifruit ingestion (P = 0.029) during the second half of the day (when meal residue would be expected to reach the AC, AUC T1 T240‐420 minutes; mean (SD) 137 (39) s*minute with kiwifruit versus 108 (40) s*minute with control. SBWC (P < 0.001), colon volumes (P = 0.004), as well as stool frequency (1.46 ± 0.66 with kiwifruit vs 1.14 ± 0.46 stools per day with control; P = 0.034) and stool form score (Bristol Stool Chart score 4.1 (0.9) with kiwifruit versus 3.4 (0.7) with control; P = 0.011) were markedly increased in participants consuming kiwifruit compared to control. Conclusion Consumption of kiwifruit in healthy volunteers increases water retention in the small bowel and ascending colon and increases total colonic volume. The data may explain the observed increase in stool frequency and looser stool consistencies, suggesting that kiwifruit could be used as a dietary alternative to laxatives in mild constipation.