Bacillus subtilis Probiotics for Attenuating TNF-α in Athletes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Athletes, particularly those engaging in intense training, face immune dysregulation and increased levels of inflammatory markers like TNF-α, which can impair recovery and training adaptations, and are also susceptible to infections and physical stress due to rigorous training, travel, and academic demands.

Innovation Solution

Daily supplementation with Bacillus subtilis probiotic DE111, administered orally in doses ranging from 1×10^8 CFU to 1×10^11 CFU, in conjunction with a sound nutrition and training regimen, to attenuate circulating markers of inflammation and catabolism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If athletes engage in rigorous exercise training, then physical performance and training adaptations are improved, but immune function deteriorates and inflammatory markers increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical performanceVSAvoidimmune function

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The probiotic composition acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the stress of rigorous training and the immune system. It introduces beneficial microorganisms that modulate the immune response, reducing excessive inflammation while maintaining training adaptations. The probiotics serve as a bridge that allows athletes to sustain high-performance training without suffering from immune suppression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If athletes engage in prolonged intense training, then training adaptations are achieved, but susceptibility to infections increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining adaptationsVSAvoidsusceptibility to infections

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The probiotic composition is administered in advance and continuously during training periods to preemptively strengthen immune defenses. By establishing beneficial microorganisms in the gut before and during intense training, the immune system is prepared to resist infections that might otherwise exploit the temporary immune suppression that occurs with prolonged intense exercise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If probiotic supplementation is used to reduce inflammation, then immune health is improved, but training performance may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmune healthVSAvoidtraining performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The probiotic composition selectively modifies specific physiological parameters - it reduces harmful inflammatory markers like IL-6 and TNF-α while maintaining or enhancing performance-relevant parameters such as muscle strength, power output, and recovery capacity. This selective parameter change allows immune health improvement without compromising training performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11813296B2Bacillus subtilis probiotics and methods of use for improving immune function, hormonal status, and physical performance

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 DEERLAND ENZYMES

AI summary

Methods of using Bacillus subtilis probiotic supplementation to promote lower circulating TNF-α in resistance trained males are presented. Methods of administering Bacillus subtilis probiotic supplementation to an athletic population in conjunction with a sound nutrition and training regimen are presented herein. College athletes typically undergo periods of elevated stress both physically and mentally which may negatively affect recovery and adaptation. 12-weeks of probiotic supplementation resulted in attenuated circulating TNF-α concentrations in college athletes following offseason training.