Scientific Program

Conference Series Ltd invites all the participants across the globe to attend 4th International Conference and Exhibition on Probiotics, Functional and Baby Foods Valencia, Spain.

Day 2 :

Keynote Forum

Alexander Sulakvelidze

Intralytix Inc.
USA

Keynote: Bacteriophages: From food safety to functional foods

Time : 10:00-10:30

Conference Series Probiotics 2015 International Conference Keynote Speaker Alexander Sulakvelidze photo
Biography:

Alexander Sulakvelidze is a Vice President of R&D and Chief Scientist of Intralytix. He is an internationally recognized expert in phage technology. He has published extensively on the subject of phage therapy including co-editing a major book about bacteriophages in 2005. He is the author of several issued and pending patents in the field of phage therapy and bio-control. He is currently serving as Editor-in-Chief of the scientific journal Bacteriophage and as an ad hoc Reviewer for several other journals and funding agencies.

Abstract:

Lytic bacteriophages/phages (viruses that kill bacteria) are the oldest and most ubiquitous microorganisms on Earth. Because of their potent, highly specific antibacterial activity, phages provide an all-natural, nontoxic and effective means for significantly reducing or eliminating bacterial pathogens present in various ecosystems. Several phage-based products have been recently introduced for improving food safety via direct food applications. These natural phage products, when properly applied, reduce significantly the levels of their bacterial hosts contaminating various foods without altering their flavors, aromas or appearances. Bacteriophages can also be used as new class of green, natural antimicrobials for a new series of probiotic or functional food products for gently enhancing the gut micro-flora. The approach of using lytic phages as functional foods/part of a probiotic diet is similar to that used for bacteria-based probiotics which are administered during a period of time and act by favorably conditioning the gut, mouth, skin micro-flora etc. The key difference between bacteria-based probiotics and lytic phage-based probiotics (designated “phagebiotics”) is that the former introduce non-pathogenic bacteria into the mammalian organism (in order to interfere with the ability of pathogenic bacteria to colonize and cause disease); whereas, the latter use lytic phage to kill specific pathogenic bacteria. Bacteriophages represent an emerging “green” technology that can help improve food safety and contribute to our health in a variety of other ways including through serving as the basis for a new class of functional foods/probiotics. The presentation will give the audience a current and novel perspective on the crucial technical, regulatory and human safety issues of this emerging technology.

  • Microbial Fermentation
  • Introduction to Probiotics
  • Microbes as Probiotics
  • Types of Probiotics

Session Introduction

Farhan Saeed

GC University Faisalabad
Pakistan

Title: Effect of edible coating techniques on quality attributes of desi & farmi eggs

Time : 11:00-11:25

Biography:

Farhan Saeed has completed his Doctorate in 2012 in Food Technology discipline and has been working as Assistant Professor in Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad since February, 2012. He has published 40 research and review articles in international well reputed journals having impact factor more than 80.

Abstract:

The core objective of current research work is to compare the nutritional profile of desi and farmi eggs and also observe the effects of different edible coatings on eggs for extending their shelf life. For the purpose, desi and farmi were procured from different farms. In 1st phase, nutritional profile i.e., protein content, fat contact, ash content, moisture, mineral determination of both types of eggs were determined through their respective methods. Moreover, in 2nd phase, two edible coatings i.e., shellac and chitosan were applied on egg shells. After coating, eggs were stored on normal conditions (room temperature) for four weeks and again evaluated for nutritional profile. Coatings effectively extended the shelf life of eggs when stored at room temperature by preserving its quality characteristics. Chitosan and shellac coatings minimized the weight loss and preserved the albumin and yolk quality as well as egg shell color of eggs for at least 3 week longer than those observed for non-coated eggs. Conclusively, coating materials have potential use in delaying charges in the interior quality of eggs and maintaining their shelf life.

Speaker
Biography:

Hassan A.M. El.Demerdash has completed his Ph.D. at the age of 29 years from Kiel University, Germany and postdoctoral studies from BAfM institute, Kiel, Germany. He has published more than 35 papers in reputed journals. He is the Head of Department of Food and Dairy Sciences and Technology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences SCU, ARE. The main lines of her research are food biotechnology. His research activity is in the field of food supplementation; food fermentation; genetically modified foods; food waste management.

Abstract:

The present investigation studied the effects of some date palm (date-paste) and olive oil on the viability of probiotic starter culture (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium breve) in fermented milk during manufacture and storage period. Date-paste and olive oil were added to fermented milk at different concentrations (based on a previous sensory analysis) as follows; 1, 1.5 and 2% for date-paste and 0.5, 1.5, 2.5% for olive oil respectively. Changes in chemical and viable total bacterial count of fermented milk were monitored during manufacture and storage at 4° C for 30 days. Data showed that the incubation time that was needed to reach pH 4.5 was considerably affected by the added ingredients. Also, the drop in pH or the increase in acidity of this fermented milk was dependent on the added ingredients and the percentage of supplementation. Results indicated that addition of date-paste and olive oil improved the viability of probiotic starter culture and the microbiological properties in the treated samples in comparison with control; the survival of probiotic bacteria in all treatments which were in viable counts remained at >107 cfu/g after 30 days of storage at 4° C. Moreover, addition of date palm-paste improved the viablity and stabilty of probiotic starter culutre than olive oil especially at the end of storage and the total viable counts were 7.1, 7.4, 7.7 and 7.5, 8.0 and 8.1×10-7 for olive oil and dates-paste at the end of storge, respectively. No clear difference was observed between the treatments in the effect on the fermented milk characteristics compared to the control one. Supplementation of the fermented milk with 2% date-paste and 1.5% olive oil improved the rheological properties and reduced the curd syneresis rate. Sensory evaluation showed that fermented milk fortified with 2% date-paste and 1.5% olive oil recorded the highest score and overall acceptability than the other treatments. It is suggested that the fermented milk of acceptable quality and high total probiotic bacterial count during storage can be made from milk supplemented with adjusted concentration (wt/vol) from date-paste and olive oil.

Shereen Lotfy Nassef

Agriculture Research Center
Egypt

Title: Functional and novel foods

Time : 12:10-12:35

Speaker
Biography:

Dr. Shereen is currently Researcher at Agriculture Research Center, Department of Food Science And Technology, Egypt .She also lecturer at AUC-American University In Cairo . She was Associate Professor at, KSA King Faisal University K.S.A. Dr. Shereen earned her Ph.D. at the University of Zagazig, Egypt in the field of Food Science and Technology Department (2003 ) and did her Master at Cairo University Department of Home economics and Nutrition (1999) . She has published 10 peer reviewed research papers and one Book in Nutrition and health . Specific experience in the Nutrition work field, Attending & participation in conferences & workshops related to food science & nutrition, food and bakery free gluten & food safety. Research work in the field of food safety, food and bakery and nutrition. Ongoing project of relation of food safety awareness, food pollution & functional food (Functional bakery products). Experienced teaching activities , Postgraduate & undergraduate subjects related to nutrition food safety and general health, Lecturing in the courses held by The King Faisal University & Agriculture Research Center in topics related to Nutrition , bakery products, free gluten & food safety.

Abstract:

Functional foods began in Japan in 1980, in year 1991 which published that some foods have health benefits and it has been proved this claim. In America in 1993 it has been proven with results that it help in reducing the risk of diseases also the FDA agreed on the relationship between components of food and pathogens. The World Council food information which has cleared and defined functional food as food ingredients that improve physiological function and health in addition to their nutritional value. Novel food and is known as a type of food that does not have a significant history of consumption or a result of the method never before used in food. Some reasons for the spread of functional foods are to increase awareness of food and health, an increase in life expectancy for the elderly, the difference between each of prebiotics and probiotics, show some examples for functional and novel food and important definitions, explain the relationship of the active ingredients in food and color of food and food sources and the safety of functional and novel foods. From these, it is clear that "Functional and Novel Foods" is a sensitive issue and influential sectors of health, industry, directly and indirectly and on the other sectors, multi economically and socially as it represents a good area of scientific creativity should attract serious scholars and researchers in the field of scientific research.

Speaker
Biography:

Luis is the Manager of Strategic Projects at Biopolis S.L. in Valencia, Spain. Previously, he was a Research Associate in Universidad Complutense de Madrid and in Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa-CSIC (both in Spain) and in the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST, South Korea). His research was always focused on microbiology, development of antimicrobials and antivirals. He also served as Senior Analyst for a leading Life Sciences and MedTech strategy and operations consulting firm in Munich (Germany). He received his BSc and MSc in Biotechnology from Universidad Complutense de Madrid and a Master’s in Bioscience Enterprise from the University of Cambridge in the UK.

Abstract:

Microorganisms as drugs are not regulated consistently among EU Member States, which makes investment in R&D too risky for companies. Both the industry and regulators are interested in working on legislation together in order to enable developments in this area. Pharmabiotics/Live Biotherapeutic Products are a novel regulatory category in the European pharmaceutical landscape. Challenges in terms of the scope of the regulation, safety and efficacy standards are amongst the most important to be dealt with in these early discussions.

  • Health Benefits of Probiotics

Session Introduction

Monika Mueller

University of Vienna
Austria

Title: Prebiotic effect of fructans with different structure and polymerization degree

Time : 12:25-12:50

Speaker
Biography:

M Mueller has completed her PhD in Biotechnology from University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. She completed her Postdoctoral studies at Bio-processing Technology Institute in Singapore from 2009 to 2012. Since 2012, she is working as a University Assistant at PTB at the University of Vienna. She has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals and made oral presentations at several international conferences. Her current research focuses on prebiotics including fructans, bioactivity of traditionally used plants and stability of phytochemicals.

Abstract:

Due to their beneficial effect on health fructans as prebiotics become more and more important in the Functional Food industry. Fructose polymers are accumulated by a great variety of plants including chicory, Jerusalem artichoke or agaves. The influence of structure and polymerization degree of fructans on the prebiotic potential is not fully elucidated yet. Thus, we compared the prebiotic effect of fructans from different plant sources including chicory, Jerusalem artichoke and agave with different polymerization degree and diverse structures such as inulin-type (only ß2-1 linkages) and mixed-type (combined ß2-1 and ß2-6 linkages with branching). The influence of the fructan samples on the growth curve of seven probiotic strains was determined based on a turbidity measurement and confirmed by conventional culturing. All fructans showed a significant prebiotic effect with differences depending on the probiotic strain, the fructan type and the polymerization degree. Fructan samples with lower polymerization degree induced the growth of the probiotics faster than those with higher polymerization degree. Interestingly, fructan samples with branching had a higher and faster effect. The degradation process of the oligosaccharides by probiotics was a continuous cleavage of the oligosaccharides to disaccharides and monosaccharide. The growth is dependent on the degradation process. This study contributes to elucidate the influence of molecular structure and polymerization degree of the fructans on the prebiotic effect and the dependency of the prebiotic effect and degradation of prebiotics on different prebiotic strains; both are of high importance for the Functional Food industry and pharmaceutical applications.

Svetoslav Dimirov Todorov

Universidade Federal de Viçosa
Brazil

Title: Safety aspects of application of lactic acid bacteria

Time : 12:00-12:25

Speaker
Biography:

Svetoslav Dimirov Todorov has completed his PhD at ENITIAA, France and Sofia University, Bulgaria and Post-doctoral studies from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. In last 8 years, he was a Researcher and Invited Lecturer at University of Sao Paulo, Brazil and Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil. He has published more than 130 papers in reputed journals and serving as a Member of the Editorial Board. He is Reviewer for more than 70 international journals.

Abstract:

In last decades lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been subject of intensive research in isolation and identification with aim of their application as producer of antimicrobial peptides and beneficial properties. It is well known that many LAB’ are capable of producing a variety of antimicrobial compounds which may contribute to their colonization of habitats and their competitive advantage over other bacteria. Besides production of lactic acid which causes a drop in pH enough to inhibit certain strains as its non-dissociated form triggers a lowering of the internal pH in sensitive bacteria that causes a collapse in the electrochemical proton gradient resulting in a bacterio-static or bactericidal effect, LAB can produce other organic acids, diacetyl, hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins. Currently, the LAB group includes a large number of cocci and bacilli, such as species of the genera Carnobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Oenococcus, Pediococcus, Streptococcus, Tetragenococcus, Vagococcus, Weissella, etc. From a historical point of view, LAB has been used since ancient times in food fermentation processes and preservation. Due to their lack of pathogenicity, most LAB species have received the GRAS. Besides all beneficial properties studied for various LAB, a special attention need to be pay on the possible presence of virulence factors, production of biogenic amines and antibiotic resistance. This virulence determinants have been well detected and studied in Enterococci and Streptococci, however, in last few years report on presence of virulence factors in otherwise GRAS Lactobacilli have been showing the potential upcoming problems. Horizontal gene transfer of virulence factors between pathogenic and LAB including probiotics is a highly possible scenario in case of uncontrolled application of probiotics.

Cristina Stewart Bogsan

University of Sao Paulo
Brazil

Title: Kefir intake as adjuvant onto glycemic control in diabetic rats

Time : 12:50-13:15

Speaker
Biography:

Cristina Stewart Bogsan is an Assistant Professor of Food Technology, Department of Biochemistry Pharmaceutical Technology of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo. She is a Graduate in Pharmacy and Biochemistry from Universidade Paulista in 1999 and obtained her Master’s degree in Immunology and Microbiology, Federal University of São Paulo in 2002 and she was awarded Doctorate from the University of São Paulo in 2012. She has experience in Food Science and Technology, Microbiology and Immunology, focusing on Immunology and Food Science and Technology with emphasis on Science and Technology, dairy functional food, acting on the following topics: Fermented milk probiotic, interaction matrix-probiotic-mucosa, B-1 cells and mucosal immune modulation.

Abstract:

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders that has in common hyperglycemia. Kefir (K), classified as probiotic fermented milk showed beneficial effects as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer and antifungal. Animal studies showed evidence that Kefir has beneficial effects on intestinal micro-biota and immune system modulation as well as contribute to the reduction of oxidative stress and blood glucose control in diabetics, but there are few published studies in animals and humans to support this claim. Furthermore, probiotics have demonstrated the ability to adhere to mucosal surfaces and inhibit the attachment of other pathogenic bacteria contributing to the barrier integrity by modulating the immune cells. DM, when compared to CTL, showed an increase in water intake, food intake, diuresis and glycemia while DMK group all these metabolic parameters were decreased. DMK group was also presenting increase of body mass and insulin levels compared to DM. The lipid profile of the diabetic groups showed the tendency to increase compared to the respective controls. Concluding that the hypoglycemic effect promoted by kefir intake could be used as a tool to glycemic control, reducing or delaying the complications associated with this disease.

  • Probiotics and Paediatric Nutrition

Session Introduction

Miralimova Shakhlo

Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan

Title: Antiulcer activity of new probiotic preparation consisting of lactic acid bacteria and propolis

Time : 10:30-10:55

Speaker
Biography:

Shakhlo Miralimova has earned his PhD in 2009 at the Institute of Microbiology of Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In 2011 through the IDB Merit Fellowship grant she has performed her Post doctoral research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has been working as the Head of the Department at the Institute of Microbiology and Invited Lecturer in the Tashkent Pharmaceutical Institute. Her area of research interest is in development of functional food containing probiotics, bacteriocins of lactic acid bacteria. She has more then 30 publications in the referred journals and has been serving as an External Editorial Board Member for IDB.

Abstract:

Introduction: In the proposed research the antiulcer activity of the new probiotic preparation consisting of microbial association of Lactobacillus rhamnosus 925ak, Propionibacterium avidum 1 and alcohol extract of propolis had been investigated. The drug form is lyophilized preparation in vials. The preparation had been gavaged to rats before initiation of ulcer with 96o alcohol. The most effective concentration of propolis in the preparation had been evaluated as well.
Methods: Preparation with three different contents was included in the study: Containing 0.5%, 1% and 2.5% of propolis extract. Animal models were rats of both genders with weight of 180-250 g. The ulceration was induced with 96% alcohol calculated as equal to 5 ml/kg. Animals were divided to 3 groups, 5 rats in each. The content of each vial was dissolved in 4.5 ml of distilled water. One group of animals were gavaged with 1.5 ml of preparation containing 0.5% of propolis extract, the second group with same amount of preparation containing 1% of propolis extract, the third group with preparation containing 2.5% of propolis extract and the fourth, control group of animals were gavaged with 1.5 ml of distilled water. In 60 min the experimental ulcer had been induced with 96% alcohol. In 60 min after alcohol introduction rats were decapitated and the stomach was examined for ulceration, the size and amount of ulcers.
Results: In the first group of rats (treated with 2.5% propolis in preparation), 4 rat’s stomach have mild hyperemia of mucosa and 1 stomach has more significant hyperemia and 2 small ulcers. In the second group (treated with 1% propolis in preparation) 3 rat’s stomachs have mild hyperemia of mucosa, 1 more significant hyperemia and 1 severe hyperemia and 5 small ulcers. In the group of animals which intake preparation with 0.5% of propolis no rat had an ulcer, 2 of 5 had mild hyperemia and 2 with more significant hyperemia. In the control group of animals the severe mucosal hyperemia had been observed in all rats, 3 of them had multiple ulcers and 1 has died during the experiment.
Conclusion: The results of the study shows that all the probiotic preparations containing different concentration of propolis (0.5%, 15 and 2.5%) are demonstrated significant antiulcer activity when introduced prior to ulcer induction (preventive treatment) and more effective was the preparation containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus 925ak, Propionibacterium avidum 1 and 0.5% of propolis dry extract.

Speaker
Biography:

Cormac G M Gahan has graduated in 1996 with a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from University College Cork, Ireland. He has published over 110 papers and his H-index is currently 40. He Co-Leads the Bile Research Group with Dr. Susan Joyce within the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre in University College Cork with a focus upon the impact of bacteria-derived bile acid signatures in host physiology.

Abstract:

Bile acids act as key signaling molecules that have the capacity to alter systemic endocrine functions in the host. Individual bile acids are capable of interacting with host cell receptors (including FXR and TGR5 receptors) to induce cellular responses in the intestine and other tissues (including the liver and adipose tissue). As gut microorganisms have the capacity to significantly alter the signaling properties of bile acids we, and others, have investigated the impact of altered microbial bile acid signatures upon host physiological processes. In particular we have focused upon microbial bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity as a gut microbial activity that has the capacity to profoundly alter both local (gastrointestinal) and systemic (hepatic) host functions. Using a functional metagenomics approach we demonstrated that BSH activity is widely distributed amongst gut bacteria and may contribute to microbial colonization in the gut. Using both germ free and conventionally-raised mouse models we showed that gastrointestinal expression of BSH results in local bile acid de-conjugation with concomitant alterations in lipid and cholesterol metabolism, signaling functions and weight gain. Key mediators of cholesterol homeostasis (Abcg5/8), gut homeostasis (RegIII) and circadian rhythm (Dbp) were influenced by elevated BSH in our study. The implications of this work for the rational development of probiotics with the potential to modulate host weight gain will be discussed.

Speaker
Biography:

Franco Vicariotto, Medicine Doctor specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is now senior consultant of San PIO X Hospital of Milan. He has been deputy head of division of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Niguarda Hospital of Milan for almost 20 years where he had conducted important researches in the field of Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is one of the founders and Vice-president of the scientific society Esidog Italia (European Society for Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynaecology) and the member of the National board of S.I.C. (Italian society of Contraception). He is author of many publications and recognized moderator-spokesman in specialized conferences in Italy and abroad.

Abstract:

The human vaginal microbiota plays an important role in the maintenance of a woman’s health, as well as of her partner and newborns. When this predominantly Lactobacillus community is disrupted or decreased in abundance, Vaginitis may occur. Of the millions of cases of vaginitis each year, most are caused by bacterial vaginosis (BV), followed by vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The dominance of lactobacilli in healthy vaginal microbiota and its depletion in BV and VVC has given rise to the concept of oral or vaginal use of probiotic Lactobacillus strains for treatment and prevention of vaginitis. Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host are considered a valid and novel alternative for the prevention and treatment of female urogenital tract infections. Probiotics are well known for their ability to lower intravaginal pH, thus establishing a barrier effect against many pathogens. Some strains are also able to create additional and more focused antagonistic activities mediated by specific molecules such as hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins. In any case, despite some undeniable positive evidence, other intervention studies have at least partially failed to highlight a statistically significant alleviation of BV and VVC symptoms. This is most likely attributable to the lack of a specific inhibitory activity of the strains used towards the bacteria commonly causing BV such as G. vaginalis and E. coli and VVC such as C. albicans. Herein we present in vitro and clinical data to assess the effectiveness of specific probiotic strains in slow release vaginal tablet for the topical treatment of BV and VVC and the prevention of recurrences.

Shugui Wang

Danone Nutricia Research
Singapore

Title: Will probiotics benefit brain development during the first 1000 days?

Time : 10:55-11:20

Speaker
Biography:

Shugui Wang has completed her PhD at National University of Singapore. She worked as a Post-doctoral Researcher at Genome Institute of Singapore working closely with Martin Hibberd. Her research focus was on gut micro-biota in relation to host’s health and infection. Thereafter at the National Cancer Centre Singapore, she continued her research passion with Sven Pettersson on gut-brain axis focusing on gut micro-biota and brain functions. She is currently working at Danone Nutricia Research.

Abstract:

The acquisition of intestinal micro-biota after birth has a defining impact on the development and function of immune and metabolic systems integral to health and homeostasis. During first 1000 days of life, the gut micro-biota of infants quickly becomes remarkably diverse and rich. Interestingly, the neurodevelopmental window is paralleled with the major shifts in the infant micro-biota. Disruptions in evolving gut micro-biota during this critical period can impact postnatal brain development. Probiotics are believed to balance gut micro-biota and benefit the host’s health. They have been found to relieve mental disorders, possibly through lowering levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the host and decreasing stress-induced corticosterone production, whilst concurrently increasing bacterial metabolites such as tryptophan. It has been recently suggested that probiotic supplementation during the first six months of life may reduce the risk of development of neuropsychiatric disorders in later life. There is increasing evidence that probiotics contribute to brain development and especially during the first 1000 days of life. However, the mechanisms how probiotics benefit brain development still need further investigation.

  • Dairy Technology

Session Introduction

Amalesh Samanta

Jadavpur University
India

Title: Gum odina: A novel prebiotic, immune booster and vehicle for colon targeted probiotic delivery

Time : 12:05-12:30

Speaker
Biography:

Amalesh Samanta has completed all his degrees from Jadavpur University, India including PhD in Pharmacy. Along with research, he is also engaged in teaching undergraduate and graduate students. He has supervised ten Doctoral and thirteen Master’s degree (MPharm) fellows. He has 61 publications in peer reviewed journals.

Abstract:

The use of prebiotic to fortify certain gut flora is current aspect of research for the control and prevention of colon cancer. In the present study we evaluated the efficacy of a natural gum (Gum odina) as prebiotic which is obtained from bark of Odina wodier (Anacardiaceae). The gum is polysaccharide in nature, chemically galactopyranose associated with arabinose side chain. Gum odina not only supports growth of probiotics but its incorporation into feed of mice also boosts immune system by increasing sIgA, IFN-γ in the gut environment and suppressing acute inflammatory reactions. In vitro studies using Simulator for Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME) show that natural gum upon fermentation by microbes liberates short chain fatty acids (SCFA) which possess colon cancer preventing properties and slows down the overall tumor genesis process. In our previous study we also developed a novel Polyelectrolyte Complex (PEC) of chitosan and gum odina (Ch-GO) as potential candidate for colon targeting. Recently we have prepared microcapsule of probiotics using this novel polymer (Ch-GO) for colon targeted delivery. This approach reduces viability losses and offers good protection from gastric and intestinal fluids of host. Thus the multi-functionalities of this natural gum especially as prebiotics, immune booster and colorectal cancer preventive and also matrix forming capabilities (micro-particles) for probiotic delivery in colon are enlightened in this research.

Muhammad Afzaal

Government College University Faisalabad
Pakistan

Title: Exploring the effect of encapsulation on viability of probioic in yoghurt

Time : 12:30-12:55

Biography:

Abstract:

Probiotic bacteria have many health benefits that include antibiotic therapy, improve symptoms of lactose intolerance provide resistant against cancer, healthy substitute of good bacteria in the intestinal tract, reduce incidence of diarrhea in humans and help in lowering cholesterol. A laboratory trial was carried out to evaluate the stability of Lactic acid bacteria (Probiotic) in the yoghurt with and without encapsulation. Probiotic yoghurt was compared with control (traditional) yoghurt regarding chemical, physical, microbial and sensory point of view over a period of 15 days of storage. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete design (CRD). Yoghurt was prepared with free lactic acid bacteria and with encapsulated bacteria and was stored at 4o C. Yoghurt was subjected to physiochemical and microbial analysis. Sensory evaluation was also carried. The addition of the probiotic bacteria in the yoghurt samples either in encapsulated or without encapsulation significantly affected the results for the pH, lactose, acidity, viscosity, synersis and TPC. But, the addition of the culture of probiotic ether in free or encapsulated form did not show distinct difference regarding the color, flavor and taste over the 15 days of storage period.

Biography:

Abstract:

Oil was extracted from Chrysophyllum albidum seed using petroleum ether as solvent. The yield of the oil was found to be 4.98%. The result of characterization of the oil extract showed that it has iodine value of 163.3 mg, Saponification value of 90.71 mg, acid value of 19.70 mg, percentage free fatty acid of 9.90% and dirt content of 0.23%. The specific gravity of the oil at 25o C and its content was found to be 0.8269 and 10.00% respectively. The color analysis gave Red, Yellow, Blue and Neutral to be 1.1, 2.2, 2.1 and 0.0 respectively. Thus the oil was found to be a drying oil. The fatty acid profile of the oil was also determined with the aid of gas liquid chromatography used fatty acids in methyl esters and was found to have Oleic Acid (C18:1) as the predominant fatty acid having an area of 40.10125%. It was also found to contain Alpha Linoleic Acid (omega-3) and Linoleic Acid (omega-6) which are essential to the human body but cannot be synthesized by its metabolic processes.

  • Probiotics in Aquaculture Practices

Session Introduction

Ascensión Marcos

Institute of Food Science, Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN), Spain

Title: Effects of the consumption of Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 strain on the immune response and intestinal function of healthy adults.

Time : 14:25-14:50

Biography:

Abstract:

Background: Among the various health-promoting functions of probiotics, much attention has been paid to their immunological function, specifically the prevention of infections, which seems to be related with their capability to modulate de intestinal microbiota.
Objective: Since effects of probiotics are strain-dependent, the main objective of this study was to assess the effect of Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 (Lc) on both immune response and intestinal function of healthy adults during 6 weeks of treatment in a Hepatitis A vaccine model.
Methods: One hundred twenty three volunteers were randomized into 1) Placebo group (n=40), which received a daily capsule containing maltodextrin, 2) Probiotic group (n=41), which received a daily capsule of Lc (109 cfu/day) and 3) Mixed group (n=42), which received Lc for 2wk (prior to vaccination) and then placebo. Blood and stool samples were taken in 3 visits (V): at the beginning (V1), after two weeks of treatment just before the vaccination (V2) and at the end of the study (V3). At each V, lymphocyte subset counts, phagocytic capacity, natural killer activity, serum cytokine levels and microbiota composition by qPCR were analysed, whereas specific HAV antibodies were measured just before and after the vaccine by ELISA tests (at the beginning and at the end of the study). Intestinal habits (bowel movements and stool consistency with the Bristol scale: types 1-2 hard, types 3, 4 and 5 normal, types 6-7 soft watery) were evaluated by a dairy record, and the intestinal symptoms appearance (nausea, borborigms, bloating, intestinal pain and flatulence) weekly in a single specific day. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests and lineal mixed models were performed for normally-distributed variables and Kruskal-Wallis with Mann-Whitney U test, Friedman’s 2-way ANOVA and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance for non-parametric variables. Chi square test was used to evaluate the frequency of intestinal symptoms between groups of treatments and visits. Results: specific HAV antibodies were significantly higher in the Mixed group compared to the Control group (P=0.017). Memory T-helper lymphocytes increased in V3 vs. V1 (P=0.032) in the Probiotic group. No differences were found in innate immunity parameters and cytokine concentrations, as well as in the intestinal microbiota composition, bowel movements and stool consistency. However, a trend to a lower appearance of total symptoms were observed in the last 4 weeks of intervention in the Probiotic and Mixed groups compared to the Placebo group (82,9% y 80,9 % vs 97,5%) (P=0,054).
Conclusion: These results suggest that Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 could improve vaccine efficiency by enhancing increasing antibody response and perhaps immunological memory. There were no remarkable effects on the intestinal function probably because they are healthy adults with a very low appearance of intestinal disorder symptoms. Even so, the intervention with this strain led to a lower tendency of symptoms appearance compared to the Placebo group.

Ratha Mahendran

National University of Singapore
Singapore

Title: Bladder cancer immunotherapy with Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG

Time : 14:00-14:25

Speaker
Biography:

Ratha Mahendran has obtained her PhD from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1990. She is presently working as Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Surgery, National University of Singapore. Her primary interest is in developing new therapies for bladder cancer; understanding the reasons for therapeutic failure to BCG immunotherapy and the use of Lactobacillus for cancer therapy. She has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Bladder cancer is characterized by frequent recurrences which may progress to muscle invasive disease. Current immunotherapy with Mycobacterium bovis, Bacillus Calmette-Géurin (BCG) has serious side-effects and some subjects do not respond. This failure to respond has been attributed to an inability to mount an effective immune response. In a murine model of bladder cancer intra-vesical Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG (LGG) instillations were as effective as BCG. Dose and time dependant effects of LGG on immune activation were analyzed using murine bone marrow derived DC or neutrophils stimulated with LGG at ratios of 5:1, 10:1 and 100:1 (LGG: Cells). DC maturation and cytokine production was examined after 2 hours and 18 hours co-culture and their ability to activate T cells were also determined. A 2 hours exposure to a 100:1 or an18 hours to a 5:1 or 10:1 ratio of LGG: Cells induced the highest production of IL-12 and up regulation of CD40, CD80, CD86 and MHC II on DC. T cell production of IFN-g and IL-2 was significantly greater when stimulated with DC activated with 10:1 LGG to cells, either directly or indirectly via neutrophils. DC or DC activated by neutrophils exposed to a low dose of LGG generally induce greater Th1 polarization in T cells compared to a high LGG dose and could potentially exert stronger anti-tumor effects.

Speaker
Biography:

Praveen Rishi has completed her PhD from Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), India. Presently, she is the Chairperson of the Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, India. She has more than 100 publications in journals of repute and a patent to her credit. She is a Fellow of Association of Microbiologists of India (FAMI) and Fellow of Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists (FABMS). She is also a recipient of Dr. Y.S. Narayana Rao Oration Award, conferred by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). She is serving as an Editorial Board Member of various journals of repute.

Abstract:

Alcohol abuse can cause substantial liver insufficiencies leading to significant mortality worldwide, regardless of the available therapeutic options. Recently, we have evaluated the use of alternative agents like Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and L. plantarum to control ALD. The prebiotic property of EGCG for enhancing the growth of L. plantarum was evaluated. Based on this property a coupled formulation consisting of both EGCG and L. plantarum was developed by encapsulating these agents in Ca-alginate beads to achieve enhanced biological effects. The formulation was extensively characterized and evaluated for its enhanced in vivo efficiency. Effect of EGCG to enhance the growth of L. plantarum was significantly better than inulin. Combination beads lowered serum transaminases and blood alcohol levels. Alcohol fed rats elicited raised plasma endotoxin levels, attributable to the disrupted intestinal permeability, confirmed by lactulose-mannitol test using HPTLC. Transcription studies for TLR-4 receptor mediated signaling molecules (MyD88, CD14, MD2) revealed modulation in the expression of these molecules resulting in the down-regulation of NF-κB in rats treated with combination beads. Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines i.e., TNF-α, and IL-12β/40 subunit, COX-2 in addition to the levels of antioxidants, oxidants and micronuclei formation also assumed normal levels. Histo-architecture depicted normal liver and intestine in rats treated with co-encapsulated beads whereas severely distorted histology was observed for respective tissues in alcoholic rats. Thus, the formulation of L. plantarum with EGCG in a synbox can be a promising therapeutic option ensuring enhanced bio-performance against ALD. To the best of our knowledge, these findings are being reported for the first time.

Speaker
Biography:

Richard R E Uwiera has completed his DVM and PhD at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. He has practiced as a mixed animal Veterinary Practitioner prior to becoming the University of Alberta Veterinary Pathologist and Associate Professor within the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences at University of Alberta, Canada. He has published more than 40 manuscripts and 2 book chapters and serves as an Editorial Board Member for an international agricultural journal.

Abstract:

Antimicrobial growth promoters are characterized by the addition of low-level, sub-therapeutic concentrations of antimicrobials in animal feed to increase the growth and performance of livestock animals; a strategy that has been successfully used for decades. Unfortunately, the use of these products has led to an increase in numbers of antimicrobial resistant pathogens within the environment and a subsequent ban on the administration of antimicrobials to enhance livestock growth in Europe and also recently in North America. Although it is generally believed that sub-therapeutic concentrations of antimicrobials enhance growth by affecting the intestinal microbiota (microbiota modulation hypotheses), research has shown the antimicrobials have anti-inflammatory properties and at low concentration, these antimicrobials may improve intestinal physiological-inflammatory processes (physiologic inflammation hypotheses) and subsequent performance. The effects of sub-therapeutic levels of two commonly used anti-microbial growth promoter (chlortetracycline and tylosin) on inflammatory responses, immune function and physiological responses were investigated in two animal model studies. Mouse model: C57BL/6J mice treated with chlortetracycline demonstrated that chlortetracycline enhanced growth, induced changes in T cell helper responses and attenuated intestinal inflammation. Swine model: Landrace-Duroc commercial pigs were treated with either chlortetracycline or tylosin and preliminary results demonstrated these antimicrobial growth promoters improved the intestinal epithelial barrier, altered mucous and antimicrobial peptide production and improved meat quality. Collectively, these results demonstrate that sub-therapeutic administration of antimicrobials effect intestinal inflammatory responses and intestinal immune and physiological function.

Speaker
Biography:

Mapitsi S Thantsha has completed her PhD from University of Pretoria, South Africa. She is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria. She is an alumnus of the Fulbright Scholarship Program, having spent time as a Visiting Scholar in the Department of Food Science, Purdue University, USA. She has published 14 papers in reputed journals, 2 book chapters and has presented at national and international conferences. She has been involved in human capacity development in terms of both undergraduate and postgraduate students’ training.

Abstract:

Recombinant Lactobacillus casei expressing LAP reduces L. monocytogenes adhesion to, invasion into and translocation across Caco-2 cells. However, it is not known how this strain will affect pathogenicity of L. monocytogenes and other enteric pathogens in simulated intestinal fluids (SIF) under anaerobic conditions. This study investigated the effect of LAP-expressing L. casei on L. monocytogenes and S. Typhimurium in SIF under anaerobic conditions. Mammalian cells were grown to confluence, pre-treated with probiotics before exposure to pathogens suspended in SIF followed by incubation under anaerobic conditions. Adhesion and invasion of pathogens were analyzed in vitro using Caco-2 and HCT-8 cell models and their translocation was determined using trans-well model pre-seeded with Caco-2 cells. Recombinant Lb. casei inhibited adhesion of L. monocytogenes to invasion into and translocation across intestinal cells under the test conditions and reduced its cytotoxicity onto the epithelial cells. Tight junction integrity analysis using dextran fluorescein isothiocyane (DextranFITC) indicated that lower percentage of DextranFITC was recovered from basolateral chamber for Caco-2 cells pre-treated with recombinant L. casei prior to L. monocytogenes exposure. Furthermore, trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) analysis revealed lower TEER reduction for cells pre-treated with recombinant probiotic. Recombinant Lb. casei protected the Caco-2 cells from damaging effects of L. monocytogenes. However, all the infection steps and intestinal cells’ structural parameters were not affected for S. Typhimurium in the presence of recombinant Lb. casei. Thus, recombinant Lb. casei shows potential specificity against L. monocytogenes without enhanced cross protection against other enteric pathogens, specifically S. Typhimuriumvar Copenhagen.

  • Novel Applications of Probiotics
Speaker
Biography:

Abstract:

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) and being widely used as probiotics. Pedicoccus acidilactici is a LAB with advantage of being facultative anaerobe, non pathogenic and of dairy origin. In vitro studies confirmed the essential basic probiotic properties viz., bile salt tolerance and percent hydrophobicity. Antioxidant activity, wide spectrum of proteolytic activities and β-galactosidase activity are promising for conferring health benefits. Its resistance to lysozyme suggests it to be a useful strain for infants and newborns being fed on mother’s milk. β-galactosidase activity and lactic acid production by P. acidilactici also confer industrial significance to the strain in addition to probiotic attributes. Genome studies of P. acidilactici revealed about 60 unidentified peptidase or protease. Protease, particularly membrane proteases are implicated in bacterial host interaction. Two high molecular weight membranes bound metallo-exopeptidases viz., DPP-III and aminopeptidases were purified from P. acidilactici. DPP-III hydrolyzed Arg-Arg-4mβNA and aminopeptidase B hydrolyzed Arg-4 mβNA. DPP-III worked optimally at pH 8.5 and 37o C. It was tetrameric with different subunits (Mol wt. 120.24 kDa). It was serine protease, activated by Co2+ and exhibited micromolar affinity (Km 9.1 µM) for its substrate. Aminopeptidase B worked optimally at pH 7.5 and 40o C. It was a heterotrimer of 101.36 kDa. It also exhibited micromolar affinity with Km 26 µM for Arg-4mβNA. It was a thiol protease. Both enzymes are expected to generate bioactive peptides, an important contribution by probiotic bacteria. Extracellular enzymes of probiotic bacteria help host as well as bacteria itself. One extracellular casein hydrolyzing endoprotease was purified from P. acidilactici which had sequence similarity to DING proteins. This enzyme was a monomer of 38.9 kDa and also possessed phosphatase activity. This enzyme was a thiol protease, inhibited by EDTA and stable up to pH 12.0 and 50o C and it was resistant to organic solvents. These studies suggest P. acidilactici to be a potential probiotic for human. Further studies of enzymes will be useful in gaining insight in mechanism of action of this bacteria and thus therapeutic significance. Further studies are in progress for biochemical and molecular characterization of strain.

Biography:

K B M Saiful Islam has obtained his PhD and MS in Applied Bioscience (Microbiology) from Hokkaido University, Japan, Diploma in Avian Medicine from KVL, Denmark, MS (Medicine) and DVM from Bangladesh. He has more than 10 years of research and teaching experience and has published 10 research papers in different peer reviewed high impact journals. He has attended several scientific meetings in home and abroad and presented/published 25 proceedings papers. In 2011 and 2014, he has received the prestigious ‘Asian Young LAB Scientist Award-2011’ and ‘Young Researcher Award-2014’, respectively. He is the Chairman and Assistant Professor at the Department of Medicine and Public Health and Center-in-Charge, Zoonotic Diseases Research & Information Center (ZDRIC) of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh. He has been serving as an Editorial Board Member and Reviewer of several peer reviewed journals.

Abstract:

The use of imported probiotics in poultry is gradually being increased in Bangladesh. But surprisingly, despite the existence of scavenging native poultry that are apparently more resistant to GIT infection and other diseases as potential source, no probiotic has been developed yet in Bangladesh. Therefore, the study was undertaken to isolate, identify and characterize potential probiotic bacteria from Bangladeshi indigenous poultry and to evaluate their suitability to use in local poultry industry. A total 300 isolates belonging to the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria were identified following physical, biochemical and molecular methods from the crop and cecal samples of 61 healthy indigenous birds. Based on the auto-aggregation test, 12 lactobacilli and 7 bifidobacteria isolates were selected for antibacterial activity, resistance to low pH, resistance to bile extract, ability to produce H2O2, cell surface hydrophobicity and adhesion activities on crop epithelial cells to evaluate their probiotic potentials. Under the in vitro conditions and with respects to the probiotic traits, Lactobacillus salivarius, L. crispatus, L. johnsonii, Bifidobacterium thermophilum and B. bifidum were found to be potential probiotic strains. The probiotic isolates were found to tolerate stresses like acid, bile salt, lysozyme and NaCl thus indicating their persistence under in vivo conditions. The study findings seem to be highly motivating since they unveil the potentials of Bangladeshi isolates as probiotics. If the proposed strains could be used as probiotics in poultry, it is expected that the local probiotics would be more beneficial and would save the huge foreign currency that Bangladesh spends every year for the importation of such materials from abroad.

  • Probiotics in Control of Diseases

Session Introduction

Yazdi M H

Pasteur Institute of Iran
Iran

Title: Lactobacillus acidophilus stimulated Th1 cytokine production in BALB/c mice bearing breast cancer

Time : 15:40-16:05

Speaker
Biography:

Mohammad Hossein Yazdi graduated in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology as a PhD from Tehran University of Medical Sciences at 2013 and now is an academic member of Pasteur Institute of Iran and Biotechnology Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. He pursues his interest in vaccine and immunotherapy both in cancer and infectious disease. He also has near the 10 years of experience in the field of Probiotics and their effect on immune responses in cancer and infectious disease. At present, he is trying to translate the results of laboratory works in this field to the area of human health.

Abstract:

Background & Aims: The immunomodulation effect of Lactobacillus acidophillus as a probiotic was under evaluation in present work. We have studied the effect of oral administration of L. acidophilus on the immune responses and pattern of cytokine production in BALB/c mices bearing breast cancer.
Methods: 6-8-week-old in-bred BALB/c mice, each weighing 25-30 g were obtained from Pasture Institute Iran .They were divided in 2 groups and each experimental group consisted of 9 mice while 9 mice were used as controls in each assay. The L. acidophilus ATCC4356 strain has been used in this study. L. acidophilus was inoculated in MRS broth and cultivated for a day at 37° C under anaerobic conditions, collected by centrifugation and re-suspended in PBS. After preparation of proper amount of this suspension it was orally administered to the, control mice received an equal volume of PBS in the same manner.
Results: Result of this study showed that oral administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus as a potent immune-stimulator agent can motivated the proliferation of immune cells and increased the production of IFnγ instead of decrease in IL4 and TGFβ concentration which known as Th2 cytokine in spleen cell culture in addition as a most important point survival time of L. acidophilus treated mice have increased in comparison to control.
Conclusion: Our result suggested that daily use of Lactobacillus acidophilus can promoted immune responses with Th1 bias and may be increased the anti-tumour response and consumption of this probiotic strain maybe helpful for breast cancer patient but further studies is needed to investigate the other mechanisms of this effect.

Adriane Elisabete Antunes de Moraes

State University of Campinas
Brazil

Title: Probiotic, prebiotic and symbiotic food development

Time : 16:25-16:50

Speaker
Biography:

Adriane Elisabete Antunes de Moraes has completed her PhD at the State University of Campinas and her Post-doctoral studies at the Institute of Food Technology (Ital, Brazil). She is the Director of the Nutrition Course at the School of Applied Sciences (FCA) of the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP). She has published more than 15 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

The market for functional foods and more specifically for products containing added probiotics, prebiotics or both (symbiotic) is expanding in many countries. A growing amount of scientific evidence has indicated numerous benefits for the regular consumption of probiotics and prebiotics. The addition of probiotics to products results in technological challenges because their viability and metabolic activity must be maintained in all steps of the food processing operation during the product shelf life and during intestinal transit. Also one must guarantee no negative influence on the sensory acceptance of the probiotic products. Microencapsulation has been considered a promising technique to improve the viability of probiotics. Important prebiotic properties that should be considered in product development are: Solubility, Viscosity increase, prebiotic resistance to thermal treatments and low pH, sweetness intensity given by the prebiotic and synergy with sweeteners. It is important to emphasize that the intake of prebiotics can result in a mild laxative effect, so there is a limit to the daily consumption of prebiotics. Yogurts and fermented milks are the main vehicle for prebiotic and or probiotic cultures, however new products are being introduced onto the international market such as powdered milk for newborn infants, butter, mayonnaise, fermented foods of vegetable origin, fermented meat products, bakery products, cereal bars, functional jams, baby foods and others. The results of 15 years of studies with the development of probiotic or symbiotic products will be presented in this lecture, including results from the development of yogurt, buttermilk, ice cream, smoothies and unfermented micro filtered milk and fruit juices with micro-encapsulated probiotics.

  • Probiotics role in Veterinary Medicine
Speaker
Biography:

Jorge Ernesto Guevara Vasquez has completed his PhD from the National University Agraria La Molina. Peru. He is currently a Teacher and a Member of the Research Group on Animal Nutrition (GINA) of the National University Mayor de San Marcos. He has published articles in various journals in the area of nutrition and animal production.

Abstract:

Producing innocuous meat of guinea pigs supplemented with natural flora probiotic and commercial probioitc was the objective of this research work. 100 weaned male guinea pigs were used. A completely randomized design with 4 treatments, 5 replications and 5 animals per replicate was used. The treatments were: T1: Control diet (without probiotics), T2: Control diet+natural flora probiotic, T3: Control diet+commercial probiotic and T4: Control diet+natural flora probiotic+commercial probiotic lasted 28 days. Feed intake was higher in guinea pigs fed of natural probiotic diet with 1330 g and the lower consumption guinea pigs treatment natural probiotic+commercial probiotic with 1298.3 g without statistical difference between treatments. The greater weight gain obtained guinea pigs of the control diet without probiotic with 493.0 g followed by guinea pigs treatment with natural flora probiotic with 492.1 g and the lower weight recorded guinea pigs fed the diet with commercial probiotic with 432.7 g showed statistically significant differences between treatments. Feed conversion was better in the guinea pigs of control treatment without probiotic and with natural flora probiotic treatment with 2.8 and 2.9 respectively without statistical difference between treatments. The highest carcass yield showed the guinea pigs of commercial probiotic treatment with 69.7% after of guinea pigs control treatment without probiotic with 68.0% and the lowest carcass yield showed of guinea pigs natural flora probiotic treatment with 67.7% showed no statistical difference between treatments. Also no guinea pigs were recorded in the presence of diseases or deaths guinea pigs.

Biography:

Abstract:

This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of an oral treatment involving a newly isolated probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum TN8 strain on 2-4-6-trinitrobenzen sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in Wistar rats. The performance and effects of the probiotic treatment was evaluated using a series of histological, biophysical and biochemical analyses. The results showed that the treatment with the L. plantarum TN8 strain reduced weight loss (25% increases in body weight gain), diarrhea, colonic mucosal inflammation and colon shortening. The treated rats were also noted to undergo a significant decrease in total cholesterol from 1.86-1.3 mmol/l (for control rats) and triglyceride (TG) from 2.09-1.23 mmol/l (for control rats). Furthermore, the findings showed that the high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol underwent an increase from 0.95 to 1.02 mmol/l. The findings from histological studies showed that the architecture of the liver and kidney tissues of the TN8-treated rats was restored back to the normal status observed for the control groups. Overall, the results suggest that the L. plantarum TN8 could open new promising opportunities for the development of efficient, safe and cost-effective agents for the prevention or alleviation of several intestinal pathologies.