Minor digestive symptoms and their impact in the general population: a cluster analysis approach

Background: The classification and treatment of patients who do not meet the criteria for a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder has not been well established. This study aimed to record the prevalence of minor digestive symptoms (MDSs) in the general population attempting to divide them into symptom clusters as well as trying to assess their impact and the way sufferers cope with them. Methods: Following face-to-face interviews, a web-based, self-administered questionnaire was designed to capture a range of GI sensations using 34 questions and 12 images depicting abdominal symptoms. A randomly selected sample of 1515 women and 409 men representing the general population in France was studied. Cluster analysis was used to identify groups of respondents with naturally co-occurring symptoms. Data were also collected on other factors such as exacerbating and relieving strategies. Results: MDSs were reported at least every 2 months in 66.5% of women and 47.7% of men. A total of 11 symptom clusters were identified: constipation-like, flatulence, abdominal pressure, abdominal swelling, acid reflux, diarrhoea-like, intestinal heaviness, intestinal pain, gurgling, burning and gastric pain. Despite being minor, these problems had a major impact on vitality and self-image as well as emotional, social and physical well-being. Respondents considered lifestyle, food and disordered function as the main factors responsible for MDSs. Physical measures and dietary modification were the most frequent strategies adopted to obtain relief. Conclusions: MDSs are common and improved methods of recognition are needed so that better management strategies can be developed for individuals with these symptoms. The definition of symptom clusters may offer one way of achieving this goal

Recovery of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 in Vaginal Samples of Healthy Women after Oral Administration

Bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis are common causes of impaired health and quality of life for women. Although antimicrobial agents remain the main strategy for the treatment of vaginal infections, their repeated use involves high rates of resistance and recurrence. Alternative approaches such as probiotics are studied. Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 already demonstrated beneficial effects in experimental models of vaginal infections. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was performed to evaluate the recovery of S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 in vaginal samples in healthy women after oral consumption. Sixty healthy women were randomized to receive a daily dose of S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 or a placebo for 4 weeks. Subcultures and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to detect the strain in vaginal and stool samples. A safety assessment was carried out throughout the study. Fifty-seven women completed the study. Over the 4-week supplementation phase, S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 has been detected in the vaginal samples of 21% of women (n = 4/19) in the 500 mg Probiotic group and 16% of women (n = 3/19) in the 1000 mg Probiotic group. The strain was detected in the faeces of 90% of women consuming the probiotic. This is the first clinical study demonstrating the migration of yeast from intestine to vagina where it may exert its benefits

Genome Sequence of the Probiotic Strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CNCM I-2494

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CNCM I-2494 is part of a commercialized fermented dairy product with documented health benefits revealed by multiple randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials. Here we report the complete genome sequence of this strain, which has a circular genome of 1,943,113 bp with 1,660 open reading frames and 4 ribosomal operons

Comparing technology and regulatory landscape of probiotics as food, dietary supplements and live biotherapeutics

Abstract: Application of beneficial microorganisms as probiotics targets a broad range of intended uses, from maintaining health and supporting normal bodily functions to curing and preventing diseases. Currently, three main regulatory fields of probiotic products can be defined depending on their intended use: the more similar probiotic foods and probiotic dietary supplements, and live biotherapeutic products. However, it is not always straightforward to classify a probiotic product into one of these categories. The regulatory nuances of developing, manufacturing, investigating and applying each category of probiotic products are not universal, and not always apparent to those unfamiliar with the various global probiotic regulatory guidelines. Various global markets can be significantly different regarding legislation, possible claims, market value and quality requirements for the development and commercialization of probiotic products. Furthermore, different probiotic product categories are also linked with variable costs at different stages of product development. This review outlines the current landscape comparing probiotic foods, probiotic dietary supplements, and live biotherapeutics as probiotic products from a regulatory lens, focusing on product development, manufacturing and production, and clinical research agenda. The aim is to inform and promote a better understanding among stakeholders by outlining the expectations and performance for each probiotic product category, depending on their intended use and targeted geographical region

Lactococcus lactis CNCM I‐5388 versus NCDO2118 by its GABA hyperproduction ability, counteracts faster stress‐induced intestinal hypersensitivity in rats

International audienceIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by its main symptom, visceral hypersensitivity (VH), which is aggravated by stress. Gut–brain interactions and gut bacteria may alleviate IBS symptoms, including VH. γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA), produced notably by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), shows promising result in IBS symptoms treatment. In bacteria, GABA is generated through glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) metabolism of L‐glutamic acid, maintaining intracellular pH. In mammals, GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, modulating pain, stress, and anxiety. Therefore, utilizing GABA‐producing LAB as a therapeutic approach might be beneficial. Our previous work showed that a GABA‐producing Lactococcus lactis strain, NCDO2118, reduced VH induced by acute stress in rats after a 10‐day oral treatment. Here, we identified the strain CNCM I‐5388, with a four‐fold higher GABA production rate under the same conditions as NCDO2118. Both strains shared 99.1% identical GAD amino acid sequences and in vitro analyses revealed the same optimal pH for GAD activity; however, CNCM I‐5388 exhibited 17 times higher intracellular GAD activity and increased resistance to acidic pH. Additionally, in vivo experiments have demonstrated that CNCM I‐5388 has faster anti‐VH properties in rats compared with NCDO2118, starting from the fifth day of treatment. Finally, CNCM I‐5388 anti‐VH effects partially persisted after 5‐day treatment interruption and after a single oral treatment. These findings highlight CNCM I‐5388 as a potential therapeutic agent for managing VH in IBS patients