Probiotic Strains Targeting Enteric Nervous System for Gut Motility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation do not effectively target the enteric nervous system (ENS) for improvement, and existing probiotic strains are selected based on immune system or intestinal microbiota effects rather than ENS function.
Innovation Solution
A new model system is developed to screen and select strains of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria that enhance the expression of vaso-active intestinal peptide (VIP) and Choline AcetylTransferase (ChAT) in the ENS, improving intestinal motility and epithelial barrier function, with specific strains identified for constipation and IBS treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing probiotic strains are selected based on immune system or intestinal microbiota effects, then those strains can provide general probiotic benefits, but they do not effectively target or improve enteric nervous system function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameter for probiotic strains from general immune system or microbiota effects to specific ENS function effects. This is achieved by developing a new in vitro co-culture model that measures VIP and ChAT levels, allowing selection of strains that specifically improve ENS function rather than relying on general probiotic benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system (the co-culture model with T84 cells and enteric neurons) that mediates between the probiotic strain and the ENS. This model allows indirect assessment of ENS function improvement by measuring neurotransmitter levels (VIP and ChAT) in a controlled in vitro system before in vivo application.
2Measurement precision
If a new model system is developed to screen and select strains based on ENS function, then strains can be selected for specific ENS improvement, but the complexity of the screening process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex ENS assessment into a manageable in vitro co-culture model. By separating the measurement of VIP and ChAT levels from direct in vivo ENS assessment, the system divides the complex problem into measurable components that can be evaluated in a controlled laboratory setting using standard assays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or model of the ENS environment in vitro using T84 intestinal epithelial cells and primary enteric neurons. This artificial but controlled system replicates key ENS functions and allows high-throughput screening of multiple probiotic strains without the complexity of direct in vivo testing.
3Reliability
If probiotic strains are selected for their effect on improving ENS function through VIP and ChAT expression, then therapeutic efficacy for IBS and constipation is improved, but the specificity of strain selection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameter from general probiotic properties to specific molecular markers (VIP and ChAT expression levels). By measuring these specific neurotransmitter-related parameters in the co-culture model, the patent identifies strains with proven ability to improve ENS function, thereby increasing therapeutic efficacy for ENS-related disorders.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the use of lactic acid bacteria, for use in modifying the enteric nervous system and more particularly in treating and/or preventing intestinal disorders such as constipation and/or irritable bowel disease.