Lactic Acid Bacteria Producing Adenosine for Infantile Colic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for infantile colic are inadequate, as they only provide symptom relief and do not effectively address the underlying issue of melatonin deficiency, which is a major contributor to the condition, especially in infants who cannot produce sufficient melatonin from their food or intestinal bacteria.
Innovation Solution
The use of lactic acid bacteria strains capable of producing adenosine, which increases the production of arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), the rate-limiting enzyme in melatonin synthesis, to enhance melatonin production in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby treating or preventing infantile colic and other melatonin-related disorders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current treatments for infantile colic are used, then symptom relief is provided, but the underlying melatonin deficiency is not effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lactic acid bacteria as an intermediary organism that produces adenosine, which then stimulates the host's own cells to produce melatonin. This indirect approach through a microbial mediator addresses the root cause (melatonin deficiency) rather than just symptoms, while avoiding direct administration of melatonin or complex pharmacological interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment enables the infant's own body to produce melatonin through the adenosine produced by the bacteria, which activates the host's endogenous melatonin synthesis pathway. This self-service mechanism allows the body to generate its own therapeutic substance rather than relying on external administration.
2Reliability
If lactic acid bacteria strains capable of producing adenosine are used, then melatonin production is enhanced, but the complexity of strain selection and characterization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex functional assays for measuring melatonin production with a simpler genetic marker-based identification system. By targeting specific genes (such as adk for adenosine kinase) that are associated with adenosine-producing capabilities, the selection process becomes more straightforward and less resource-intensive while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection parameter from measuring actual melatonin output (complex) to detecting presence of specific genetic markers (simpler). This parameter transformation allows for easier strain identification while ensuring the selected strains possess the desired functionality through genetic predisposition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The lactic acid bacteria strains effectively increase melatonin levels in the gastrointestinal tract, providing a therapeutic solution for infantile colic and other conditions associated with melatonin deficiency, offering a more comprehensive approach than existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
increases the production of arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), the rate-limiting enzyme in melatonin synthesis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to lactic acid bacterial strains which are capable of producing or inducing the production of melatonin, for use in the production of melatonin in a subject. Preferred strains for such uses are capable of producing or inducing the production of adenosine. Therapeutic uses of such strains include the treatment or prevention of diseases associated with melatonin deficiency, for example infantile colic. Novel strains are also provided.