DIET AND THE GUT MICROBIOTA: NEW DIRECTIONS

The 2nd Workshop of the

European Network for Gastrointestinal Health Research (ENGIHR)

Research Networking Programme, European Science Foundation

Helsinki (Finland), 2nd-4th May 2012

Contents

Programme 1

List of Participants 2

List of Posters 4

Speaker Abstracts 5

Poster Abstracts 8

Personal Pro�les 16

The European Network for Gastrointestinal Health Research (ENGIHR)

The European Network for Gastrointestinal Health Research (ENGIHR) is a European Science

Foundation Research Networking Programme (RNP) which promotes interactions between

researchers interested in gut health research in Europe. This is done through a series of

scienti!c meetings organised over a four-year period. The Network has a multidisciplinary

nature, encompassing food manufacturers, food scientists, nutritionists, microbiologists, and

clinicians. It promotes the training and development of young scientists through short visits

grants, and encourages the integration of new partners.

Workshop aims: This workshop aims to build on the !rst exploratory workshop in Braga

(Portugal) by bringing together experts in the !eld as well as younger researchers to identify

needs and challenges in the Gut Health !eld with the aim of translating these !ndings into

new research proposals. The workshop will include introductory talks and will then focus on

Working Groups which will address speci!c topics related to Diet and the Gut Microbiota.

WEDNESDAY 2nd MAY

19:00 Registration, Welcome & Evening Bu!et (Raddison Blu)

FRIDAY 4th MAY

TIME TITLE

09:00 Dirk Hadrich (EU Commission): European funding in personalised medicine

09:30-12:30 Reports from Working Groups & Expert Panel Discussion

09:30-10:30 Working Groups 1&2

10:30-11:00 Co!ee Break

11:30-12:30 Working Groups 3&4

THURSDAY 3rd MAY

14:00-17:00

Parallel Working Groups

09:00 Introduction: Maria Saarela, VTT, Finland (host) Seve Pandiella, University of Manchester, UK (Chair, ENGIHR)

09:30-12:40 Introductory Seminars:

Nanotechnology for the design of novel functional foods, encapsulation of bioactives and e"cient gut delivery

Impact of host and nutrition factors on intestinal bacteria

The use of integrated in vitro models for the combined study of intestinal microbiota modulation and host response

Jose Lagaron(IATA-CSIC, Spain)

Michael Blaut(DIFE, Germany)

Regulatory interactions between gut micro#ora and the intestinal immune system

Tor Lea(UMB, Norway)

Sam Possemiers(University of Ghent, Belgium)

Development and Maintenance of the Microbiota

E!ect of the Diet on Shaping the Intestinal Microbiota

Current and Future Technologies to Investigate the Intestinal Microbiota

Bioactives: Discovery and Delivery

GROUP TITLE

1.

2.

3.

4.

17:15-18:00 Keynote Talk: Dusko Ehrlich (MetaHIT, INRA, France): Gut microbiome in health & disease assessed by the MetaHIT consortium

Evening: Workshop Dinner: Tarvaspaa Cafe and Restaurant

12:40-14:00 Lunch and Poster Session

10:50 Co!ee Break

Programme

12:30 Closing Comments and Lunch

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List of Participants

Working Group 1: Development and Maintenance of the Intestinal Microbiota

Facilitators: Caroline Karlsson University of Lund, Sweden

Julian Marchesi University of Cardi!, UK

Herbert Tilg Innsbruck University Hospital, Austria

Willem de Vos Helsinki University, Finland

Matej Oresic VTT, Finland

Annick Mercenier Nestle, Switzerland

Billy Hargis University of Arkansas, USA

Ali Oguz Buyukkileci Izmir Institute of Technology, Turkey

Maria Carmen Collado IATA-CSIC, Spain

Marie-France de la Cochetière INSERM, France

Lawrance Nyoni University of Manchester, UK

Arjan Narbad Institute of Food Research, UK

Bengt Bjorksten Karolinska Institute, Sweden

Bianca-Maria Exl-Preysch Exl-lent Nutrition Consultants, Switzerland

Nathalie Juge Institute of Food Research, UK

Ekaterina Avershina University of Life Sciences, Norway

Maria Jenmalm Linköping University, Sweden

Viola Strompfová Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia

Working Group 2: E!ect of the Diet on Shaping the Intestinal Microbiota

Facilitators: Bernhard Corfe University of She#eld, UK

Anne Salonen University of Helsinki, Finland

Johanna Maukonen VTT, Finland

Paul Ross Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Ireland

Tor Lea Norwegen University of Life Sciences, Norway

Marika Mikelsaar Universtity of Tartu, Estonia

Göran Molin University of Lund, Sweden

Marion Priebe University of Groningen, Netherlands

Bernhard Watzl Max-Ruben Institute, Germany

Harry Flint Rowett Institute, UK

Bruno Pot INSERM, France

Clara G. de los Reyes-Gavilán IPLA-CSIC, Spain

Atsushi Yokota Hokkaido University, Japan

Charles Franz Max Rubner Institute, Germany

Jean-Michele Antoine Danone, France

Catarina Simões VTT, Finland

Maria João Fraqueza UTL, Portugal

Maria Lima IASMA, Italy

Kirsi Vaali University of Helsinki, Finland

Dominika Swiatecka Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland

Minja Miettinen Valio, Finland

Tore Midtvetd Karolinska Institute, Sweden

Torkel Wadstrom University Hospital of Lund, Sweden

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List of Participants

Working Group 3: Current and Future Technologies to Investigate the

Intestinal Microbiota

Facilitators: Velitchka Gotcheva University of Food Technologies, Bulgaria

Karen Wright University of Lancaster, UK

Michael Blaut DIFE, Germany

John McLaughlin University of Manchester, UK

Reet Mändar University of Tartu, Estonia

Maria Saarela VTT, Finland

Dusko Ehrlich INRA, France

Severino Pandiella University of Manchester, UK

Koen Venema TNO, The Netherlands

Alfonso Clemente University of Granada, Spain

Sabina Leanti La Rosa UMB, Norway

Adele Costabile The University of Reading, UK

Merve Samli Izmir Institute of Technology, Turkey

Lorenza Conterno IASMA, Italy

Nick Chadwick University of Manchester, UK

Signe Adamberg Tallin University, Estonia

Baltasar Mayo IPLA-CSIC, Spain

Carolin Kolmeder University of Helsinki, Finland

Anna Lyra Danisco Sweeteners Oy, Finland

Working Group 4: Bioactives: Discovery and Delivery

Facilitators: Rachael Rigby Lancaster University, UK

Patricia Ruas-Madiedo IPLA-CSIC, Spain

Ailsa Hart Imperial College, UK

Didier Dupont INRA, France

José Maria Lagarón CSIC-IATA, Spain

José Teixeira University de Minho, Portugal

Aldona Miezeliene Kaunas technological university, Lithuania

Andrea Lauková Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia

Sam Possemiers University of Ghent, Belgium

Sebnem Harsa Izmir Institute of Technology, Turkey

Amparo López Rubio IATA-CSIC, Spain

Riitta Korpela University of Helsiki, Finland

Renáta Szabóová Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia

Ana Cristina Freitas University of Aveiro, Portugal

Catherine Stanton Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Ireland

José Carlos Andrade ISCSC, Portugal

Ana Gomes Portuguese Catholic University, Portugal

Ernesto Hernandez University of Manchester, UK

Nagendra Shah University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

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List of Posters

Signe Adamberg: Survival of probiotic cultures of Bi�dobacterium and Lactobacillus in the presence of multiple

prebiotics in vitro: a strategy to develop new synbiotics

Jose Andrade: Isolation of lactic acid bacteria strains with conjugated linoleic acid-producing ability from

Portuguese cheeses

Ekaterina Avershina: Succession and correlation-networks of Bi�dobacteria in a large unselected cohort of mothers

and their children

Marie-France de La Cochetière: A Speci!c Intestinal Microbiota Pro!le predisposes to Severe Chemotherapy-

Induced Diarrhoea

Alfonso Clemente: Monomer and linkage type of galacto-oligosaccharides a"ects their resistance to ileal digestion

and bi!dogenic e"ect in rats

Lorenza Conterno: Role of food matrix in gastrointestinal survival of probiotic microorganisms using in vitro

digestion of a model cheese

Clara de los Reyes-Gavilán: Establishment and Development of Intestinal Microbiota in Preterm Neonates. A

possible target for the probiotic action

Billy Hargis: Successes and Failures in Development of E"ective Commercialized Probiotics and Direct Fed

Microbials (DFM) for Enteric Health: A 20 Year Overview

Maria Jenmalm: Pre- and postnatal administration of Lactobacillus reuteri reduces TLR2 responses in infants

Carolin Kolmeder: E"ects of a probiotic intervention on the human intestinal metaproteome

Andrea Laukova: Can bioactive compounds (bacteriocins) play bene!cial role in health status of animals?

Amparo Lopez-Rubio: Viability enhancement of probiotics through microencapsulation in electrosprayed structures

Johanna Maukonen: Characterization of the gut microbiota of healthy adults experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort

related to cereal-based food products

Baltasar Mayo: Microbial diversity within the human stomach by culturing and culture-independent methods

Aldona Miezeliene: Probiotics and prebiotics in daily food – consumer standpoint

Marion Priebe: Anti-in#ammatory properties of short-chain fatty acids relevant for the prevention of type 2 diabetes

Patricia Ruas-Madiedo: Behaviour in real time of cellular lines in the presence of bioactive compounds: interaction of

surface components from Bi�dobacterium with colonocyte-like HT29 cells

Merve Samli: Simulation of human colon system using potential probiotic yoghurt cultures from Toros region of

Turkey

Anne Salonen: Intestinal cleansing and vegan diet as a novel modality for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Caterina Simões: Nutritional intake a"ects the gut microbiota of Finnish monozygotic twins

Viola Strompfová: Experiences with the use of a new canine-derived probiotic strain Lactobacillus fermentum AD1

(CCM 7421) in dogs

Renata Szabóová: E"ect of bioactive strain Enterococcus faecium CCM 4231 in rabbits

Koen Venema: Use of 13C labelled substrates to trace microbial metabolism in the colon; light in the tunnel

Atsushi Yokota: Bile acid is a host factor that regulates the composition of the cecal microbiota in rats

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Speaker Abstracts

Nanoencapsulation to Enhance the E�cacy of Gut Health Promoting Bioactives

Jose Maria Lagaron (Group Leader, Novel Materials and Nanotechnology for Food Applications, IATA,CSIC, Spain)

The current paper highlights some recent advances carried out within the research community, but

with special emphasis in the pioneering activities of our research group in the !eld, in which various

encapsulation applications that make use of nanofabrication techniques and of food hydrocolloids

will be reviewed, which aim to enhance bioactives stability, storability, handling, novel foods design

control, lactic bacteria viability, bioavailability and control delivery. These include examples in which

proprietary nanostructured materials have been designed by the high voltage spinning technique for

the encapsulation of bioactive food ingredients such as antioxidants, marine oils and also prebiotics

and probiotics of interest in functional foods and specially in dairy products.

Impact of host and nutrition factors on intestinal bacteria

Michael Blaut (Head of Department of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition)

There is an intricate relationship between the human host and its intestinal microbiota. Considerable

e"orts have been made to better de!ne the role of the intestinal microbiota in host physiology and to

unravel the underlying mechanisms. While the knowledge on speci!c functions of intestinal microbes in

the intestinal tract has considerably increased very little is known whether and to which extent host and

nutrition factors a"ect intestinal bacteria and possibly their reaction toward the host. To study the impact

of host factors on gut microbes a simpli!ed model of host-bacteria interaction was created by associating

germfree mice with commensal Escherichia coli.

We investigated how dietary composition in#uences bacterial activities in the intestine and how this in

turn a"ects the host. We used mice monoassociated with Escherichia coli MG1655 as a simpli!ed model

for host-microbiota interaction to investigate the in#uence of dietary factors on bacterial protein

expression in the intestine. The mice were fed three di"erent diets: a carbohydrate (lactose)-rich diet, a

protein-rich diet and a diet rich in starch. Two-dimensional di"erence gel electrophoresis followed by

electro-spray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify proteins di"erentially expressed

in E. coli cells recovered from the mouse intestinal tract. The lactose-rich diet led to an induction of

proteins involved in E. coli’s oxidative stress response (FUR, AhpCF, DPS). The corresponding genes are

under control of the OxyR transcriptional dual regulator. Luciferase reporter gene assays demonstrate

that osmotic stress activates genes of the oxyR regulon. We propose that feeding the mice the lactose

rich diet increased the intestinal osmolality which in turn triggered the upregulation of OxyR dependent

proteins, which enable intestinal E. coli to better cope with diet induced osmotic stress.

To identify Escherichia coli (E. coli) proteins involved in the adaptation to intestinal in#ammation

germfree mice were monoassociated with the colitogenic E. coli UNC (UNC) or with the probiotic E. coli

Nissle (EcN). Intestinal in#ammation was induced by treating the mice with 3.5% dextran sodium sulfate

(DSS). Di"erentially expressed proteins were identi!ed by two-dimensional di"erence gel

electrophoresis in E. coli collected from cecal contents. In both strains acute in#ammation led to a down-

regulation of pathways involved in carbohydrate breakdown and energy generation. Accordingly, DSS-

treated mice had lower concentrations of bacterial fermentation products in their cecal contents than

control mice. Di"erentially expressed proteins also included the Fe/S cluster repair protein NfuA, the

tryptophanase (TnaA). Expression of NfuA was 3-fold higher in E. coli from in#amed than control mice.

Reporter experiments con!rmed the induction of nfuA in response to superoxide stress, a condition

characteristic of in#ammation. EcN isolated from DSS and control mice had 4 to 7-fold higher levels of

TnaA than UNC. Indole resulting from the TnaA reaction was higher in control animals associated with

EcN. Because of its anti-in#ammatory functions it is hypothesized to be involved in extension of the

remission phase in ulcerative colitis described for EcN.

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Speaker Abstracts

Regulatory interactions between gut micro�ora and the intestinal immune system

Tor Lea (Institute of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences)

There is an increasing awareness of the signi!cance of the intestinal micro"ora in the modulation of

mucosal immune responses. Furthermore, in addition to in"ammatory diseases of the digestive tract,

changes in gut microbial communities are also associated with more systemic diseases like autoimmune

diseases, type I diabetes, allergy and metabolic syndrome. Thus, there is now great interest in exploring

the possible therapeutic potential of both commensal bacteria and probiotics in the treatment of a

range of immune-mediated disorders. During the last decade there has been an enormous development

in our understanding of the complexity of the indigenous microbiota. At the same time, studies of the

mucosal immune system have unraveled novel regulatory mechanisms operating between the

epithelium and cells belonging to both innate and adaptive immunity. Currently, balanced interactions

between micro"ora, epithelium and the mucosal immune system are essential to maintain homeostatic

conditions and a healthy gut. An updated view of the organization of the intestinal mucosal immune

system of will be presented. Furthermore, molecular details in the interactions between luminal bacteria

and the epithelium are described, and the functional consequences thereof. Also, the signi!cance of the

micro"ora in regulating both innate and adaptive immunity will be thorougly scrutinized.

The use of integrated in vitro models for the combined study of intestinal microbiota

modulation and host response

Sam Possemiers (Group Leader, Facility of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium)

In vitro simulation technologies o#er a useful complementary approach for human or animal studies to

study the interaction between dietary ingredients, the gut microbiota and human health. However,

typical in vitro models are limited to study either intestinal processes (gut simulation models) or host

response (cell culture/tissue models), whereas both are in reality closely linked and should be combined

to study host-related endpoints of gut microbiota activity. Gut models allow to study the intestinal fate,

metabolism and bioavailability of bioactives and their intestinal metabolites, while cell culture/tissue

models typically investigate the host response to isolated bioactives.

In this presentation, some currently existing dynamic gut models will be discussed and recent

developments will be shown which integrate expertise from di#erent disciplines to improve the

modeling capacity of such systems. By using experiments with pre- and probiotics as model dietary

interventions, the relevance will be shown of combining well-designed gut models with a mucus

environment to model bacterial adhesion to the gut lining and cell culture models to evaluate host

response to intestinal processes. Finally a novel technology will be presented which allows bi-directional

interactions between intestinal microbiota and the (simulated) gut epithelium/host response in health

and disease.

Summarized, the development of such novel integrated technologies o#ers a promising strategy to

improve the modeling capacity of in vitro systems and therefore the predictive value and !nal relevance

of the outcome of studies which aim to unravel the link between our diet and host response through

interaction with the gut microbiota.

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Speaker Abstracts

Gut microbiome in Health and Disease assessed by the MetaHIT consortium

Dusko Ehrlich (Group Leader, INRA, MICA Division, Jouy en Josas, France)

One of the major questions in human biology is the role of gut microbial communities in health and

disease. The MetaHIT consortium has developed a new approach, which we term quantitative

metagenomics, to visualise the gut microbial communities. A central element is a reference catalogue

of the intestinal microbial genes (Qin et al., Nature, 2010, on which we map a high number of short

sequences generated from total stool DNA of an individual, thus determining presence and abundance

of each catalogue gene harboured by that individual.

Use of this approach has led to detection of three gut enterotypes to which humans belong

(Amurugam et al. Nature, 2011), that are characterized by di!erent bacterial communities. This basic

feature of human biology remains to be elucidated, but the enterotypes will be crucial to stratify

individuals and assess the microbial communities associated with health and disease.

We used the approach to study obese and lean individuals or IBD patients and healthy controls and

revealed considerable di!erences in the microbial communities, in terms of overall diversity and the

prevalence of particular bacterial species. This new view opens avenues to better understanding of the

role of microbes in health and disease.

European funding in Personalised Medicine

Dirk Hadrich (Scienti"c o#cer for Personalised Medicine, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium)

Personalised medicine emerged from the problem that 90% of common drugs work in only 40% of the

patients. Apart from unsatis"ed patients causes this ine#ciency an unacceptable "nancial burden for the

health systems. Personalised medicine aims to bring more tailored medical interventions and individual

treatments based on personal characteristics. The systematic analysis of the function of all genes was one

of the "rst crucial research priorities but now more and more data on epigenetic changes, metagenomics,

protein modi"cations, biomarkers, immunomonitoring, xenobiotics etc become available and make the

health picture very complex. Very interesting ideas come from various research disciplines and promise

to bring advanced treatments. The challenge will be to use all these data in order to predict drug

reactions in di!erent individuals and to modify treatments accordingly so that the right patient is treated

at the right time. Future funding decisions will require evaluating how much research proposals could

modernise medical treatments, how close they could come to clinical outcomes and how much they

stimulate the whole innovation chain from the basic idea to the market. For this purpose it's

indispensable to join forces from a wide range of countries, partner pro"les and scienti"c disciplines.

p7

Poster Abstracts

Survival of probiotic cultures of Bi�dobacterium and Lactobacillus in the presence of multiple prebiotics in vitro:

a strategy to develop new synbiotics

Adamberg, S.(1), Sumeri, I.(2), Uusna, R.(2), Ambalam, P.(3), Kanthi Kiran, K.(3) and Wadström, T.(3)(1) Institute of Food technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia; (2) Competence Center of Food and Fermentation Technologies, Tallinn, Estonia; (3) Department of Clinical Microbiology, Lund University hospital, Lund, Sweden

A single vessel Gastro-Intestinal-Tract Simulator (GITS) was used to study the survival of multistrain probiotics containing bi�dobacteria and lactobacilli. The environmental conditions of stomach, small and large intestine were simulated during 24 hours fermentation experiments. Two di"erent substrate combinations in equal proportions (total concentration 1%) were used in the dilution medium: a) galacto-oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides and xylo-oligosaccharides, b) GOS and soluble starch. Survival of bacteria was evaluated by plate counts and the proportion of each strain was found on the basis of rep-PCR patterns. Concentrations of organic acids and ethanol in the culture medium were determined by HPLC.The strains of lactobacilli - Lactobacillus plantarum F44 and Lactobacillus paracasei F8 survived well in all experiments as shown per recovery numbers. The bi�dobacteria remained subdominant in most experiments, and only one strain - Bi�dobacterium breve 46 showed good recovery consistently. Based on the current study, the strains B. breve 46, L. plantarum F44 and L. paracasei F8 can be potential candidates for development of synbiotic formulations. The results also suggest that the population dynamics on a certain substrate can be characterized by the metabolic products. Higher content of lactate correlated with higher numbers of lactobacilli in the population while the growth of bi�dobacteria was typically accompanied with higher concentrations of acetate, formate and ethanol. Currently, the growth and carbohydrate metabolism of pure cultures on single oligosaccharide substrates is studied.The project has received funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement no 232087 (www.Qualvivo.eu)

Behaviour in real time of cellular lines in the presence of bioactive compounds: interaction of surface

components from Bi�dobacterium with colonocyte-like HT29 cells

Sánchez, B., Hidalgo, C., Margolles, A. and Ruas-Madiedo, P.Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry. Dairy Research Institute of Asturias –Spanish National Research Council (IPLA-CSIC: Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias –Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientí&cas) Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain.

The de&nition of a “healthy” human microbiota is unclear; but, it is known that a dysbiosis, or imbalance, of the microbial population inhabiting our digestive tract could be cause of, or is related to, several disorders. This indicates that the interaction between microorganisms and host is paramount to keep our wellbeing. The use of probiotics for prevention and treatment of intestinal disorders, as well as for restoration of microbiota after drastic treatments, is becoming more popular and the scienti&c evidence of e*cacy is also increasing. However, not all probiotics have the same capability to confer health bene&ts on the host. Therefore, it is crucial the use of reliable, reproducible and fast methods monitoring the host response in the presence of probiotics. We have recently implemented in our group a technique based on the use of a “Real Time Cell Analyser” apparatus to test the behaviour of cellular lines (in proliferative or in con+uent state) from human (colon) origin in the presence of di"erent Bi�dobacterium strains, extracellular polymers (exopolysaccharides) and bacterial surface extracts, among others. Preliminary results showed that, for a given bacterial compound at di"erent doses, the behaviour of the eukaryotic cells was very much time-dependent. One of the compounds tested had cytotoxic e"ect at high dose on HT29 cells; whereas, at lower doses, we have detected an initial anti-proliferative e"ect ending with cell death. Besides, this behaviour was retarded when the bacterial compound concentration decreased. This method is a valuable tool that could be extended for the screening of di"erent bioactive compounds obtained from di"erent origins.

Succession and correlation-networks of Bi�dobacteria in a large unselected cohort of mothers and their children

Avershina, E.(1,3), Storrø, O.(2), Øien, T.(2), Johnsen, R.(2), Wilson, R.(1), Egeland, T.(3) and Rudi, K.(1,3)(1) Faculty of Education and Natural Sciences, Hedmark University College, 2317 Hamar, Norway; (2) Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (3) Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway

Bi�dobacteria are a major microbial component of infant gut microbiota which is believed to promote health bene&ts for the host and stimulate the maturation of the immune system. Despite their importance, we know little about the natural development of bi�dobacteria in human populations. To address this question, we analyzed mixed Bi�dobacterium clpC gene sequences from IMPACT (The Immunology and Microbiology study in the Prevention of Allergy among Children in Trondheim study) stool samples of 83 infants and their mothers using a multivariate statistical approach. Fecal material was sampled during the pregnancy, at 3 and 10 days, 4 months, 1 and 2 years after birth. Five dominant Bi�dobacterium species were identi&ed and veri&ed by amplicon cloning, real-time PCR and culturing. Stool samples were predicted to be rich in the species B. adolescentis, B. bi�dum, B. dentium, B. breve and B. longum. Due to high variation we did not identify a clear age-related structure at the individual level. Within the population as a whole, however, there were clear age-related successions. The percentage of B. adolescentis in infant samples reached adult levels by the age of 10 days and then remained stable, regardless of the change in the amount of Bi�dobacteria. Negative correlations between the B. longum group and B. adolescentis were detected in adults and 1- and 2-year old children, whereas negative correlations between B. longum and B. breve were characteristic for newborns and 4-month-old infants. B. longum longum was detected in the majority of stool samples irrespective of age, and B. longum infantis was mostly identi&ed in 4-month-old individuals. The highly structured age-related development of and correlation-networks between bi�dobacteria during the &rst two years of life mirrors probably their di"erent biological functions in the development of a healthy gut.

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Poster Abstracts

A Speci�c Intestinal Microbiota Pro�le predisposes to Severe Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhoea

Montassier, E.(1), Batard, E.(1), Hardouin, J.B.(4), Caillon, J.(1), Le Fresne, S.(3), Carton, T.(3), Caro!, N.(1), Gastinne, T.(2), Moreau, P.(2),

Potel, G.(1), Le Vacon, F.(3) and De La Cochetière, M.F.(5)(1) Université de Nantes, EA 3826 Thérapeutiques cliniques et expérimentales des infections. Faculté de médecine, 1 Rue G Veil, 44000 Nantes, France; (2) Service d’hématologie clinique.

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, 1 Place A Ricordeau, 44000 Nantes, France; (3) Biofortis, Mérieux Nutrisciences.3 route de la Chatterie 44800 Saint Herblain, France; (4) Université

de Nantes, EA 4275 Biostatistique, recherche clinique et mesures subjectives en santé. Faculté de médecine, 1 Rue G Veil, 44000 Nantes, France; (5) INSERM, Université de Nantes,

Thérapeutiques cliniques et expérimentales des infections. Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Faculté de médecine, 1 Rue G Veil, 44000 Nantes, France.

Objectives: The role of the intestinal microbiota (IM) in the pathophysiology of chemotherapy-induced diarrhoea (CID) remains poorly

understood. The objectives of our study were to describe the IM during chemotherapy and to investigate pre-chemotherapy patterns

that could predispose to CID. Methods: Patients undergoing BEAM conditioning chemotherapy for bone marrow transplantation were

eligible. Exclusion criteria were in$ammatory bowel disease, intake of probiotics, steroids, immunosuppressants, antibiotics during 1

month prior to study or during treatment. Fecal samples were collected before (S1) and after (S2) chemotherapy. We looked for

Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Bi!dobacterium, total aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. For culture-independent

molecular analyses, total DNA was extracted using the bead-beating method coupled with QIAmp DNA stool mini kit. The V6 to V8

region of the 16S rRNA gene was ampli%ed. Puri%ed PCR products were separated by dHPLC on a DNASep®HT cartridge (Transgenomic).

Results: Eight patients were included. Signi%cant increase in bacterial counts between pre-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy were

observed for Escherichia coli (p=0.002), Streptococcus spp (p=0.02) and anaerobic bacteria (p=0.009). Using dHPLC, hierarchic cluster

analysis showed that fecal samples collected before chemotherapy clustered separately from those collected after. A Principal

Component Analysis was performed on S1 samples to investigate di!erences in pre-chemotherapy fecal samples between patients who

developed CID and patients who didn’t. The score plot showed that 2 patients with the most severe CID were separated from the 6 others.

Conclusion: IM rapidly alters in patients during BEAM conditioning chemotherapy. A speci%c initial distribution of dominant microbiota

may predispose to severe CID.

Establishment and Development of Intestinal Microbiota in Preterm Neonates. A possible target for the

probiotic action

Arboleya, S.(1), Salazar, N.(1), Fernández, N.(2), Solís, G.(3), Margolles, A.(1), Hernández-Barranco, A.(1), de los Reyes-Gavilán, C.G.(1)

and Gueimonde, M.(1)(1) Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products. Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain; (2) Paediatrics Service, Hospital de

Cabueñes, SESPA, Gijón, Asturias, Spain; (3) Paediatrics Service, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, SESPA, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain

Microbial colonization of the infant gut plays an essential role in the development of the intestine and the immune system of newborns.

The intestinal microbiota of full-term breast-fed (FTBF) infants is currently considered as the health standard for newborns. In contrast,

the immature intestine, the frequent use of antibiotics and formula milk and the long stay at hospitals jeopardize the proper microbiota

development in premature infants. The establishment of the gut microbiota in preterm neonates during the %rst three months of life

was assessed and compared with that of FTBF infants. Microbial composition was determined in faeces by qPCR, and metagenomic

analyses; short chain fatty acids (SCFA) were quanti%ed by Gas-Chromatography-Flame Injection Detector/Mass Spectrometry

(GC-FID/MS). All techniques allowed clearly di!erentiating preterm from FTBF infants. Premature infants showed higher levels of

facultative anaerobes and lower levels of anaerobes such as Bi!dobacterium, Bacteroides and Atopobium as well as lower levels of SCFA

during the %rst days of life. The deep alterations found in the process of microbiota establishment in preterm infants, indicated the need

for intervention strategies to counteract them. Then, 16 Bi!dobacterium strains were tested in fecal batch slurry cultures from preterm

babies for their ability to modulate in vitro the intestinal microbiota. Those bi!dobacteria that in fecal cultures counteracted better the

aberrancies previously found in feces of preterm babies as compared with FTBF infants, were selected. Three Bi!dobacterium bi!dum

strains from infant feces (IF23/, IF10/10, and IF10/20) as well as two Bi!dobacterium breve strains from breast milk (BM 13/14 and

BM 23/20) promoted the most suitable shift in SCFA pro%les and in the population of facultative anaerobes and anaerobes, representing

promising candidates for further in vitro and in vivo studies.

Isolation of lactic acid bacteria strains with conjugated linoleic acid-producing ability from Portuguese cheeses

Ascenção, K.(1), de Marco, P.(1), Moreira, P.(2) and Andrade, J.(1)(1)Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS), Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Norte/CESPU, Rua Central de Gandra, 1317/4585-116 Gandra PRD, Portugal; (2) Faculdade de

Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid (C18:2) in which double bonds are

conjugated. Several studies realized in animal models and/or cell cultures have shown antitumor, antiobese, antiatherogenic,

antidiabetic and immunomodulatory activities. The CLA are produced through the isomerization of linoleic acid or vaccenic acid by

animal, but various studies show that they can be also synthesized by microorganisms in milk or in di!erent cultural substrates.

The aim of this study was to identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) able to synthesize CLA from cheeses commercialized in Portugal.

Seventy-two CLA-producing lactic acid bacterial strains were isolated in the study. Two of these isolates, designated OAL2 and OCL1,

have shown, on synthetic medium (MRS broth) added with free linoleic acid (LA), the highest CLA production (31.2 and 22.9 μg of

CLA mL-1 of medium, respectively). Both strains were identi%ed as Lactobacillus plantarum by API 50 CHL system and full-length 16S

rDNA sequence analysis. CLA production by these strains was assessed in di!erent conditions (microaerophilic and anaerobic) and

various LA initial concentrations in the culture medium. Under the best conditions studied, 181 and 196 μg mL-1 of CLA were obtained,

respectively by L. plantarum OAL2 and L. plantarum OCL1.

p9

Poster Abstracts

Successes and Failures in Development of E�ective Commercialized Probiotics and Direct Fed Microbials (DFM)

for Enteric Health: A 20 Year Overview

Hargis, B.M.(1), Tellez, G.I.(1), Bielke, L.R.(1), Wolfenden, R.E.(2), Wolfenden, A.D.(1), Faulkner, O.T.(1), Pumford, N.R.(1), Morgan, M.(1) and Menconi, A.(1)(1) JKS Poultry Health Laboratory, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA 72701; (2) Paci!c Vet Group USA Inc., Johnson, Arkansas, USA 72703

Increasing regulatory pressures and consumer preferences in Europe and North America are driving a marked increase in poultry production with limited or no antibiotic usage. Enteric disease and poultry-origin human food-borne pathogens are among the greatest challenges for e"cient monogastric animal production when traditional chemicals are not used. For more than 20 years, our laboratory has been highly active in development of probiotic/DFM products for improved enteric health and reduced Salmonella and Campylobacter carriage in poultry. De!ned cultures, providing that they consist of generally-recognized-as-safe (GRAS) isolates, are largely unregulated in the United States, leading to a plethora of “probiotic” products that are largely ine#ective and which also have tended to reduce the acceptance of proven technologies. Importantly, unde!ned cultures, even those that are produced from semi-de!ned and quality-controlled batch fermentations are not allowed for treatment of poultry in the United States, thus necessitating the development of highly e#ective and de!ned products, and for rigorous research proving e"cacy both in the laboratory and under !eld conditions. Our experiences with this area of research will be summarized in this presentation.

Pre- and postnatal administration of Lactobacillus reuteri reduces TLR2 responses in infants

Forsberg, A.(1,2), Abrahamsson, T.(1), Jimenez E.(1), Björkstén B.(3) and Jenmalm M.C.(1,2)(1) Division of Pediatrics, (2) Autoimmunity and Immune Regulation, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden; (3) Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Background: Mice models indicate that intact Toll like receptor (TLR) signaling may be essential for the allergy protective e#ects of diverse bacterial exposure observed in clinical and epidemiological studies. We have previously shown that supplementation with the Gram positive probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri from pregnancy week 36 and to the infant through the !rst year of life decreased the prevalence of IgE-associated eczema at two years. We explored the possibility that the supplementation a#ected innate immune responses to bacterial products and the expression of associated TLRs. Methods: Blood mononuclear cells were collected at birth, 6, 12 and 24 months from 61 infants and cultured with the ligands for TLR2, 4 and 9, i.e. lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from Gram positive and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram negative bacteria and unmethylated bacterial CpG DNA. Cytokine and chemokine secretion was determined using Luminex and mRNA expression of TLR2, 4 and 9 by real time RT-PCR.Results: Probiotic supplementation was associated with reduced LTA induced chemokine (CCL4, p<0.001, and CXCL8 p<0.05) and cytokine (IL-1β, p<0.001, and IL-6, p<0.05) responses at 12 months. The levels of CCL4 (trend, p=0.094) and IL-1β, p<0.05, were also lower in the probiotic group at 24 months of age. The TLR4 and TLR9 responsiveness and the mRNA expression of TLR2, 4 and 9 were similar in the probiotic and the placebo groups. Conclusions: Reduced responses to TLR2, which is the main receptor for LTA from Gram positive bacteria, seem to be dependent on factors downstream of TLR mRNA expression. Since L reuteri is Gram positive, the reduced LTA responsiveness in the probiotic group may re'ect induction of a tolerogenic immune response towards Lactobacillus-associated TLR ligands. Probiotic supplementation may thus be associated with an increased immunoregulatory capacity during infancy, in line with our previous !ndings showing allergen hyporesponsiveness in the L reuteri treated children.

Can bioactive compounds (bacteriocins) play bene!cial role in health status of animals?

Lauková, A.(1), Chrastinová, Ľ.(2), Strompfová, V.(1), Pogány Simonová, M.(1) and Szabóová, R.(1)(1) Institute of Animal Physiology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia; (2) Animal Production Research Centre, Nitra-Lužianky, Hlohovská 2, 949 00 Nitra, Slovakia

The last quarter of the 20th century is considered the ”golden age” of bacteriocins; each year a handful of new molecules have been discovered with the hope for a variety of applications. Not only human medicine has searched for bacteriocins. Vets and/or breeders have had an interest in maintaining good health status of animals. The animals are threatened by undesirable agents especially in after weaning period. In our work, e#ect of bacteriocins-enterocins (Ent) produced by rabbit derived and non-rabbit derived probiotic strains of Enterococcus faecium EF2019 (CCM 7420) and AL41 was studied in rabbits. E. faecium EF2019 (CCM 7420) has produced Ent 2019 and AL41 Ent M. Rabbits, Hycole/Hyplus were used, age 5 weeks, both sexes. In the experimental groups (24 in each) Ents were applied into drinking water (dosage 50 µl/animal/day, Ents activity 25600 AU/ml) during 21 days. The control group did not fed Ents. Animals also fed commercial feed and had free access to water. Stimulation of phagocytic activity (PA) was detected by both Ents; Ent M more stimulated it than Ent 2019; higher PA was measured at the end of the experiment (68.80 ± 0.006; 34.60± 1.72%). Antimicrobial activity was demonstrated by the decrease of closridiae and coagulase-postive staphylococci by both Ents; coliforms by Ent 2019; pseudomonads by Ent M. Eimeria sp. oocysts were reduced during Ents application. No oxidative stress was evoked. Bioactive compounds can be bene!cial for animal health as repeatedly con!rmed by our results. The results were !nancialy supported by the project VEGA 2/0002/11.

p10

Poster Abstracts

Role of food matrix in gastrointestinal survival of probiotic microorganisms using in vitro digestion of a model

cheese

Conterno, L.(1), De Angelis, A.(2), Franceschi, P.(1), Silvi, S.(2), Verdenelli, M.C.(2), Cresci, M.(2), Viola, R.(1) and Tuohy, K.M.(1)(1) Fondazione E.Mach-IASMA-Research and Innovation Centre, Via E. Mach 1, 38010 San Michele all’Adige (TN) Italy; (2) School of Biosciences and Biotechnologies, Laboratory of

Microbiology, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino (MC) Italy

Several kinds of cheese naturally contain live microorganisms which may also have probiotic potential. These strains must !rst survive

within the gastrointestinal environment to mediate any health promoting activity. This study aimed to examine the ability of a model

cheese to protect probiotic lactic acid bacteria from pH and bile stress in the gastrointestinal tract using an in vitro digestive model.

Nineteen bacteria strains from Trentino cheeses were tested for their capacity to inhibit the growth of important human

gastrointestinal pathogens. Nine strains showing to inhibit at least one pathogen were chosen for acid and bile tolerance tests. Two

strains were highly resistant to the pH stress and their viability changed by only one log after 2 hours at pH 2.5. Under the same

conditions, the other 7 strains showed a decreased viability of 4-6 log. Bile acid a"ected the growth rate of 5 bacteria strains at 0.2%.

while 0.4% a"ected the growth rate of 3 strains, and 1 strain appeared not a"ected by the presence of bile acids. This latter strain was

characterized by a low growth rate overall. Three strains belonging to the genus Lactobacillus were studied in vitro gastrointestinal

model both as pure culture and in cheese. The combined stress of low pH and bile acid diminished bacterial viability however the cells

survived better in the cheese matrix: their viability in the in vitro gastrointestinal model was 4 log higher in cheese compared to pure

culture after passing. This study identi!ed putative probiotics within the lactic microbiota of Trentino cheeses. Moreover, it appears

that the cheese matrix itself may aid in the survival of probiotic lactic acid bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract, suggesting that

cheese with diverse and abundant lactic microbiota may have potential as natural probiotic foods.

Viability enhancement of probiotics through microencapsulation in electrosprayed structures

Lopez-Rubio, A.(1), Sanchez, E.(2), Wilkanowicz, S.(2), Sanz, Y.(2) and Lagaron, J.M.(1)(1) Novel Materials and Nanotechnology Lab., IATA, CSIC, Avda. Agustin Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna (Valencia), Spain; (2) Microbial Eco-Physiology and Nutrition Group, IATA-CSIC,

Avda. Agustin Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna (Valencia), Spain

Oral probiotics, like bi!dobacteria, are living microorganisms that when ingested in certain numbers exert health bene!ts beyond

inherent basic nutrition (Guarner & Schaafsma, 1998). However, the high sensitivity of these bacteria to some environmental conditions

demands novel technologies, such as encapsulation, to ensure bi!dobacteria stability within foods and during passage through the

gastrointestinal system. The electrospinning technique is a novel fabrication route that can be used to produce micro- and nano-

structured systems from biopolymer solutions. These nanostructures are usually obtained in the form of !bres, which diameter can be

controlled and that are obtained by application of a strong electric !eld between a grounded or oppositely charged target and a

polymer solution that is pumped from a syringe through a small capillary ori!ce.

In this work, various encapsulation matrices (a protein and a polysaccharide) have been used to protect bi!dobacteria of the species

Bi!dobacterium animalis. The ability of the developed electrosprayed structures for the viability enhancement of the probiotics was

followed during storage at two di"erent temperatures (20ºC and 4ºC) and at various relative humidities (0%, 11%, 53% and 75%) and

in comparison with the same bacterium in liquid medium and freeze-dried. Encapsulation through electrospraying substantially

increased the viability of the bi!dobacterial strain especially at 20ºC and the protein matrix demonstrated a greater protection ability

as encapsulation material than the carbohydrate matrix as it e"ectively prolonged the survival of the cells even at high relative humidity.

Guarner, F., & Schaafsma, G. J. (1998). International Journal of Food Microbiology, 39, 237–238.

Probiotics and prebiotics in daily food – consumer standpoint

Miezeliene, A. and Alencikiene, G.Food institute of Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania

Functional food is a critical category of food products related health promoting features and various biological value components are

used for such food. The knowledge consumer attitudes contributes to a better understanding food choices and usage. It is important

step in product creation and development and can de!ne its success or failure in the market. Key objective of the work was to research

the consumer knowledge about probiotics and prebiotics such as most popular biological active ingredients commonly used for

production of functional food. Consumers attitudes towards functional food choice and purchase intent were analysed also.

374 consumers (129 men and 245 women) participated in the research. 5-point Likert scale was used for research.

Majority of consumers maintained, that it’s healthy to use the probiotics, especially in yoghurt, but a lack information concerned exact

health promoting features of probiotics and prebiotics was found. 36 % of male stated that their knowledge level is su#cient. 52 % of

women mentioned, they have su#cient information about bene!t of the probiotics and prebiotics, but over 34 % of women felt a lack

for such kind information.

There was no signi!cant in$uence of the age of the consumers on the choice or consumption of functional food in relation with some

changes in the sensory quality of these products. The senior consumers (over 60 years old) had more knowledge about functional food

compared to younger consumers.

p11

Poster Abstracts

Anti-in�ammatory properties of short-chain fatty acids relevant for the prevention of type 2 diabetes

Priebe, M.G., Roelofsen, H., Meijer, K., Al-Lahham, S. and Vonk, R.J.Centre for Medical Biomics, University Medical Centre of Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands

High-!ber diets are associated with decreased plasma in"ammatory markers. Fermentation-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), e.g. propionic acid (PA), may be responsible. Since obesity is linked to chronic low-grade in"ammation of adipose tissue we hypothesize that SCFAs may improve the in"ammatory pro!le in obese subjects. Human adipose tissue explants were incubated with 3 or 10 mM PA. Gene expression of metabolic genes was determined by real-time PCR; cytokines and chemokines were determined by multiplex-ELISA. Similar experiments were performed in THP-1 monocytic cells, di#erentiated to macrophages and stimulated with LPS in the presence or absence of 10 mM propionate. A HEK293 RE luciferase NF-κB reporter cell line was used to determine e#ects of SCFA on NF-kB transcription factor involved in cytokine production.Incubation of omental adipose tissue with 10 mM PA signi!cantly reduced secretion of in"ammatory proteins like TNF-α and RANTES, whereas expression of the metabolic genes LPL and GLUT4 was increased. Similar results were observed in THP-1 macrophages. In the NF-kB reporter cell line we observed a dose-dependent inhibition of NF-kB, by SCFA with IC50 of 78.3 μM, 370.3 μM and 3337.8 μM for butyrate, propionate and acetate, respectively. PA appears to directly reduce in"ammation in adipose tissue and to increase the expression of metabolic genes involved in lipogenesis and glucose uptake. This is at least partly caused by the e#ect on macrophages and results indicate that the transcription factor NF-kB is involved. Thus our data suggest that PA may reduce in"ammation and improve insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue of obese subjects, contributing to the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Simulation of human colon system using potential probiotic yoghurt cultures from Toros region of Turkey

Samli, M.(1), Harsa, S.(1), Okuklu, B.(1), Erkus, O.(1), Scott, K.(2) and Büyükkileci, O.(1)(1) İzmir Institute of Technology, Food Engineering Department, İzmir, TURKEY; (2) Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, GI Health Theme, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

Lactic cultures are a heterogeneous group of bacteria, containing rods and cocci, which produce lactic acid. Their growth is stimulated by providing speci!c substrates including oligo- and polysaccharides and causes an increase in their population; hence they modulate the human gut micro"ora. This microbiota plays a crucial role in protection against disease and maintenance of gut function. S.thermophilus TY25 and L. bulgaricus TY30 were isolated from traditional yogurt samples from the Toros region of Turkey. They were characterized using biochemical methods and then di#erentiated by molecular methods. Sugar fermentation pro!les, growth on di#erent salt concentrations and di#erent temperatures, and gas production from glucose were used as basic biochemical identi!cation tests. The molecular characterization was based on the ampli!cation and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Species-speci!c PCR ampli!cation and 16S sequencing were also used for justi!cation. The isolates were well identi!ed with the help of molecular techniques.The potential probiotic cultures were added to a simulation of the human colon – using a model gastrointestinal fermentor system – to assess the persistence of the introduced bacterium in the presence or absence of a prebiotic source (a synbiotic approach). The speci!c prebiotic was determined after a screening the growth of these cultures on di#erent types of prebiotics. At the same time the overall impact of the probiotic and synbiotic on the total gut microbiota was assessed analysing short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and the molecular technique; PCR-DGGE.

Nutritional intake a!ects the gut microbiota of Finnish monozygotic twins

Simões, C.D.(1), Maukonen, J.(1), Kaprio, J.(2,3,4), Rissanen, A.(5), Pietiläinen, K.H.(2,3,5,6)* and Saarela, M.(1)*(1) VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland; (2) Department of Public Health, Hjelt Institute, University of Helsinki, Finland; (3) Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Finland; (4) Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; (5) Obesity Research Unit, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland; (6) Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland; *Equal contribution

The impact of diet in the gut microbiota has usually been assessed by subjecting a group of individuals to the same controlled diet, and thereafter following the shifts in the microbiota. In the present study, we used habitual dietary intake, clinical data, real time PCR and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis to characterize the fecal microbiota of Finnish monozygotic twins. The e#ect of the nutritional intake on the gut microbiota was described through a hierarchic mixed model considering both individual and family levels. No di#erences were found in the fecal microbiota of normal weight, overweight, or obese groups. However, the increase in energy intake, saturated fat (SFA), n-3 polyunsaturated fat (PUFA), n-6 PUFA, and soluble !ber had signi!cant e#ects on total bacterial numbers. Increased energy intake reduced abundance of Bacteroides spp. and increased the numbers of bi!dobacteria. The increased consumption of both SFA and water soluble !ber increased Bacteroides spp. and decreased bi!dobacterial numbers. In addition, our co-twins, who ingested similar amounts of SFA, had more similar Bacteroides spp. populations. Furthermore, n-3 PUFA intake increased Lactobacillus group while n-6 PUFA consumption reduced the numbers of bi!dobacteria. Our results suggest that the study of the relationship between the gut microbiota and the host’s health should not rely only in the Body Mass Index values, but also on the other variables such as the diet composition. In conclusion, our !ndings con!rm that diet plays an important role in the modulation of the intestinal microbiota, in particular Bacteroides spp. and bi!dobacteria.

p12

Poster Abstracts

Experiences with the use of a new canine-derived probiotic strain Lactobacillus fermentum AD1 (CCM 7421) in

dogs

Strompfová, V.(1), Lauková, A.(1), Gancarčíková, S.(2), Plachá, I.(1), Mudroňová, D.(2), Čobanová, K.(1), Szabóová, R.(1) and Pogány Simonová, M.(1) (1) Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (2) University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia

Currently, ear infections, skin allergies, upsets stomachs and intestinal in/ammation are commonly reported for both dogs and cats. It means poor function of immune system contributes to the development of these conditions. Commensal bacteria (so necessary to stimulate immunity) which are normally introduced to the GIT by raw food are lacking also in dogs now due to comfortable feeding by sterilized commercial diets. Overvaccination, feed additives and environmental contamination also do not help to maintain health. Our e5ort is to support gastrointestinal and immune system health through the use of probiotic bacteria or other natural substances. Lactobacillus fermentum AD1 (CCM 7421), our canine-derived probiotic strain, was tested in several experiments with di5erent designs (length of application, dose, healthy and ill dogs). Results inter alia revealed: a) numbers of lactic acid bacteria+strain CCM 7421 were increased always immediately (in few days) with the maximum already in <rst week of application (longer application is not necessary from this viewpoint), b) blood biochemistry and cellular immunity parameters to be altered required usually longer time-e.g. 2 weeks, c) a regulative e5ect of strain on blood biochemistry was frequently detected – individual approach to evaluate results is useful, d) lower dose and shorter application was similarly or more e5ective than higher dose and longer application, e) the combination of CCM 7421 strain with inulin or plant extract (Eleutherococcus senticosus) reduced e5ects observed in dogs after strain alone application. It seems saying “less is more” is actual according to our results. VEGA 2/0005/09

E!ect of bioactive strain Enterococcus faecium CCM 4231 in rabbits

Szabóová, R.(1), Lauková, A.(1), Chrastinová, Ľ.(2), Strompfová, V.(1), Pogány Simonová, M.(1), Vasilková, Z.(3), Čobanová, K.(1) and Plachá I.(1)(1) Institute of Animal Physiology of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia; (2)Animal production research Centre, Nitra-Lužianky, Hlohovská 2, 949 00 Nitra, Slovakia; (3) Parasitological Institute of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia

Well studied probiotic and bacteriocinogenic strain Enterococcus faecium CCM 4231 (our isolate but non rabbit derived) and its bacteriocin-enterocin (Ent) 4231 were administered in rabbits husbandry for 21 days to check strain colonization, antimicrobial activity in the intestinal tract, e5ect on immunological, biochemical parameters, Eimeria sp. oocysts surviving and quality of rabbits meat. The rabbits (Hy-Plus breed, male gender, age 35 days) were divided into 2 experimental groups (n=24; EG1-E.faecium CCM 4231, dose 500 µl/animal/day into water; EG2-Ent 4231, dose 50 µl/animal/day into water) and control group (CG; n=24). Additives were applied for 21 days. The experiment lasted for 42 days. The strain CCM 4231 suQciently colonized rabbits. The count of Clostridium-like sp. was decreased in faeces of EG1 and EG2 and the count of coliform bacteria was reduced in EG1 compared with CG at day 21. The number of coagulase-negative staphylococci was signi<cantly decreased (p<0.01) in EG1 compared with CG at day 42. The counts of CCM 4231 strain and other microbiota in caecum were lower than in faeces. The signi<cant increase of phagocytic activity (p<0.001) was determined in EG1 (at days 21, 42) and EG2 (at day 42) compared with CG. Eimeria sp. oocysts were reduced in EG1 and EG2. Additives did not in/uence negatively biochemical parameters and meat quality of rabbits; they did not evoke oxidative stress. In conclusion, non rabbit derived strain CCM 4231 with its Ent 4231 can bene<cialy in/uence health status of rabbits. The results were achieved in the framework of the project VEGA 2/0002/11.

Intestinal cleansing and vegan diet as a novel modality for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Salonen, A., Jarhn, B., Arslan Lied, G., Hausken, T., and de Voss, W.University of Bergen, Institute of Medicine, Dep. Gastroenterology

Background: IBS is a mild but chronic life-long GI-disorder that a5ecting 5-11 % of population, mainly women. The etiology, pathology and mechanisms of the disease are not known, although fecal microbiota has been shown to be altered.Goal: Feasibility to alter adult fecal microbiota was studied by using gut cleansing and re-colonization of the GI-tract supported with a heavily restricted diet. Methods: Four healthy volunteers and 4 IBS patients diagnosed with Rome II criteria were recruited. Diet lasted for 40 days and followed an ancient yoga diet. Throughout of the diet no meat, <sh, eggs, co5ee, tea, alcohol or cigarettes were allowed, and all the food was made from organic vegetables free from additives. The <rst 10 days no added sugars or fruits were allowed, only boiled vegetables. From day 20 on, uncooked vegetables, fruits and fermented dairy was allowed. For objective analysis we collected fecal samples for 16 S rRNA-based microchip assays (Human Intestinal Tract Chip, HITChip) analysis. The study persons kept diet and symptom diary 2 days before days 0, 21, 41, 76 and 120 and during days 1-10. Serum samples were taken on days 0, 40 and 120 for food IgE and IgG immunoglobulins analysis. Results: Both groups study persons reported to have reduced food-born symptoms. Reduced levels of IgE and IgG for soy, milk and wheat allergens were shown. Fecal HITChip analysis results are under analysis.Conclusions: The symptoms were clearly reduced but the HITChip analysis could <nally prove if microbiota was altered during the diet.

p13

Poster Abstracts

Use of 13C labelled substrates to trace microbial metabolism in the colon; light in the tunnel

Venema, K.TNO Healthy Living, P.O. Box 360, 3700 AJ Zeist

It is important to know which species in the colon are responsible for microbial activities, to elucidate dominant microbial

functionalities in the human GI-tract and ultimately their e!ect on host health. Stable-isotopes can play an important role in answering

these questions. To couple the microbial composition to metabolic activity in the colon, in situ nucleic acid-based Stable-Isotope

Probing (SIP) has been shown to be very promising. Typically, 13C-labeled carbohydrates are used for this. So far we have used

13C-labeled lactose, inulin, starch, galacto-oligosaccharides, and 6’-sialyl-lactose (a breast-milk component). Recently, we have coupled

SIP to LC-MS and NMR measurements to create the link between i) substrate, ii) microbe that is involved in fermentation of the substrate,

and iii) metabolites that are produced. These experiments were performed in a validated, computer-controlled dynamic in vitro model

of the colon (TIM-2) that accurately simulates the conditions in the human large intestine. The main 13C-labeled microbial metabolites

that were detected in these studies were SCFA, lactate, formate, ethanol and glycerol. They together accounted for a 13C recovery rate

of 90-95%. Since the exact amount and nature of microbial metabolites produced on certain 13C-labeled substrates can be determined,

the exact amount of energy harvested by the microbiota can be calculated, allowing the possibility to link composition and/or activity

of certain members of the microbiota to obesity. The combination of technologies described above has also been used in clinical trials.

The results have greatly advanced our understanding of the processes occurring in the colon.

Bile acid is a host factor that regulates the composition of the cecal microbiota in rats

Islam, K.B.M.S.(1), Fukiya, S.(1), Hagio, M.(2), Fujii, N.(2), Ishizuka, S.(2), Ooka, T.(3), Ogura, Y.(3), Hayashi, T.(3) and Yokota, A.(1)(1) Laboratory of Microbial Physiology, (2) Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan; (3) Division of Microbiology,

Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan

The gut microbiota contribute a lot to a multiple sets of functions. Recently, the idea that gut microbiota in"uence host health has

become popular. Consequently, much emphasis has been put on assessing changes in the gut microbiota associated with high-fat

diets and/or diseases and on clarifying causal relationship between gut microbiota and metabolic diseases. However, important

questions about why and how high-fat diets and/or diseases induce changes in the bacterial population remain to be elucidated.

We hypothesized that bile acids, the main component of bile, might be good candidates, because they display bactericidal activity

due to their detergent e!ects and thus seem to exert strong selective pressure on the gut microbiota. Therefore, rats were fed a basal

diet or cholic acid (CA; most abundant bile acid in biliary bile in humans) supplemented diets for 10 days. The cecal microbiota

analyzed by 16S rRNA gene clone library sequencing and "uorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed remarkable e!ects of CA on

the gut microbiota population. The alterations were phylum level and similar to what has been reported on high-fat diets; increased

Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroidetes. Some host responses were also analyzed. As bile acid excretion increases on a high-fat diet,

the overall results provide us with a new insight into the understanding of health in relation to gut microbiota population (1).

(1). Islam KBM S., et al. (2011) Bile acid is a host factor that regulates the composition of the cecal microbiota in rats. Gastroenterology 141, 1773-1781.

E!ects of a probiotic intervention on the human intestinal metaproteome

Kolmeder, C.(1), Salonen, A.(1), Salojärvi, J.(1), Kekkonen, R.A.(2), Palva, A.(1) and de Vos, W.M.(1,3)(1) Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, FIN-00014, Helsinki, Finland; (2) Research & Development, Valio Ltd, Helsinki, Finland; (3) Laboratory of

Microbiology, Wageningen University, Dreijenplein 10, 6703 HB, Wageningen, The Netherlands

Phylogenetic approaches and metagenomic sequencing e!orts revealed the species variety and enormous genetic content of our gut

symbionts. However, functional studies such as metaproteomics, which potentially can reveal the microbial activity, are scarce. In a

proof of principle study we demonstrated the potential of a metaproteomic approach, identifying characteristic functions of the

human gut microbiota, e.g. pronounced carbohydrate metabolism, assigning phylogenetic information to peptides with high precision,

and associating the abundance of speci$c proteins and microbes. In our present study our aim is to characterize the metaproteome of a

healthy cohort and studying the e!ect of a probiotic intervention.

Fecal material was obtained from healthy individuals who had consumed probiotic or placebo drinks for three weeks. Sampling took

place before, immediately after and three weeks after the end of the intervention. To describe the metaproteomes we applied a

screening method using 1DPAGE protein fractionation, high throughput LC-MS analysis, an in-house human intestinal database and

sophisticated bioinformatics. We used a phylogenetic microarray to describe the composition of the studied microbiotas. Intermediate

results suggest moderate probiotic e!ects on the microbial composition and the identi$ed proteins.

Metaproteomic and phylogenetic data is coupled to identify correlations between speci$c bacterial groups and their respective

activities. Immunological parameters are available to $nd links between microbial activity and host immune response.

We here present an application of the available metagenomic information. Our functional analysis may help understanding the

systematic e!ects of probiotics and to obtain targets for manipulation towards a healthy gut.

p14

Poster Abstracts

Microbial diversity within the human stomach by culturing and culture-independent methods

Mayo, B.(1), Delgado, S.(1), Suárez, A.(2), Cabrera, R.(3) and Mira, A.(3)(1) Departamento de Microbiología y Bioquímica de Productos Lácteos, Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Carretera de In#esto, s/n, 33300-Villaviciosa, Asturias;

(2) Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital de Cabueñes, 33394-Gijón, Asturias; (3) Laboratorio del Microbioma Oral, Centro Superior de Investigación en Salud Pública (CSISP), Avenida de Cataluña,

21, 46020-Valencia3, Spain

This study was aimed to evaluate the microbial diversity of stomach samples (mucosa and gastric juice) from healthy humans by

culturing and a phylogenetic metagenomic approach.

Counts of were done in agar plates of non-selective rich media (Columbia Blood and Brain Heart Infusion) and in MRS with cysteine.

Cultivable microorganisms of the gastric samples from di'erent individuals ranged from 102 and 104 cfu/g. Representative isolates

were identi#ed at the species level by partial ARDRA and ampli#cation, sequencing and comparison of their 16S rRNA genes. Sixteen

bacterial species were identi#ed among the cultures, a majority of which belonged to Propionibacterium acnes, Lactobacillus gasseri, and

Staphylococcus epidermidis. Isolates would allow the selection of appropriate strains to be used as probiotics.

Total microbial DNA puri#ed from four mucosa samples was subjected to sequential nested PCR ampli#cations with 16S rDNA universal

bacterial primers; amplicons were then pyrosequenced. A total of 15,659 high-quality, partial 16S rDNA reads larger than 200 nt were

obtained. Sequence analysis grouped the reads into 59 families, 69 genera, and more than 300 OTUs (de#ned at a 97% of sequence

identity). As in the cultures, notable di'erences in microbial numbers and types were observed between the subjects. However, the

most abundant reads belonged in all four cases to Streptococcus, Propionibacterium and Lactobacillus species. Comparison of the

stomach microbiota to that present in other parts of the human gastrointestinal tract showed distinctive microbial communities, that

may be adapted to this harsh niche.

Monomer and linkage type of galacto-oligosaccharides a!ects their resistance to ileal digestion and bi"dogenic

e!ect in rats

Marín-Manzano, M.C.(1), Hernández-Hernández, O.(2), Abecia, L(1), Rubio, L.A.(1), Moreno, F.J.(3), Sanz, M.L. (2) and Clemente, A.(1)(1) Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientí#cas (CSIC), Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain; (2) Instituto de Química Orgánica General, Consejo

Superior de Investigaciones Cientí#cas (CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (3) Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, CIAL (CSIC-UAM), C/ Nicolás Cabrera, 9,

Campus de Cantoblanco - Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain

A study was performed to compare the in vivo ileal digestibility and bi#dogenic e'ect in intestinal microbiota of novel galacto-

oligosaccharides (GOS) derived from lactulose (GOS-Lu) or commercially available derived from lactose (GOS-La) in growing rats.

Animals were fed either a control diet or diets containing 1%(w/w) of GOS-Lu or GOS-La for 14 d. Quantitative analysis of carbohydrates

from dietary and ileal samples demonstrated that the trisaccharide fraction of GOS-Lu was signi#cantly more resistant to gut digestion

than that from GOS-La, according to their ileal digestibility rates (12.5 and 52.9%, respectively), whilst the disaccharide fraction of

GOS-Lu was fully resistant to the extreme environment of the upper digestive tract. The low ileal digestibility of GOS-Lu was attributed

to the great resistance of galactosyl-fructoses to mammalian digestive enzymes, highlighting the key role played by the monomer type

and linkage involved in the oligosaccharide chain. The partial digestion of GOS-La trisaccharides showed that glycosidic linkages (1>6)

and (1>2) between galactose and glucose monomers were signi#cantly more resistant to gastrointestinal digestion than the linkage

(1>4) between galactose units. The absence of GOS-La and GOS-Lu digestion-resistant oligosaccharides in fecal samples indicated that

they were readily fermented within the large intestine, enabling both GOS to have a potential prebiotic function. GOS-Lu exerted a

signi#cant bi#dogenic e'ect in intestinal samples after 14 d of treatment, derived from signi#cant changes in the pattern and

abundance of some bi#dobacteria species. These novel data support a direct relationship between patterns of resistance to digestion

and bi#dogenic properties of galacto-oligosaccharides.

Characterization of the gut microbiota of healthy adults experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort related to

cereal-based food products

Maukonen, J.(1), Lappi, J.(2), Mykkänen, H.(2), Poutanen, K.(1,2) and Saarela, M.(1)(1) VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 VTT, Finland; (2) University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland

The main external factors that can a'ect the microbial community composition in generally healthy adults include major dietary

changes and antibiotic therapy. The impact of the diet on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbiota is not completely clear, although

changes in selected bacterial groups have been observed due to controlled dietary changes. More speci#cally, changes in the type and

quantity of non-digestible carbohydrates in:uence both the metabolic products formed in the lower regions of the GI-tract and

numbers of bacterial populations detected in feces. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate how the gut microbiota of healthy adults (N=25)

who experience gastrointestinal discomfort after eating cereal-based food products – especially rye bread – and thus preferably avoid

eating such products, di'ers from the gut microbiota of non-symptomatic healthy adults (N=21). According to our results, the overall

bacterial diversity as detected with predominant bacterial DGGE, was lower (p<0.05) in the adults who experienced discomfort after

eating cereal-based products, as compared to the non-symptomatic control group. In addition, diversity of the other studied bacterial

groups, namely Eubacterium rectale – Blautia coccoides group, Clostridium leptum group, Bacteroides spp., and bi!dobacteria tended to be

lower in the symptomatic adults. Moreover, a PCA plot analysis of the Clostridium leptum group DGGE-pro#les showed that the bacterial

pro#les of the non-symptomatic control group were more similar to each other than the bacterial pro#les of the symptomatic group. In

conclusion, our results demonstrate that di'erences in the habitual intake of cereal-based products may a'ect the composition of the

gut microbiota.

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Personal Pro�les

Signe Ademberg

Institute of Food Processing, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia

Tel: 372 6202955 e-mail: signe.adamberg@gmail.com

Graduated as food technologist from Tallinn University of Technology in 1991. Subject of my PhD Thesis was identi�cation and

characterization of non-starter lactic acid bacteria from cheese (2003). Also, I have been studying nisin producing lactococci and

their use in dairy products, fermentation technologies and metabolism of lactic acid bacteria. My current research interests are:

probiotics and prebiotics, in vitro gastrointestinal tract simulator for probiotic survival studies; mixed cultures, natural fermented

food ecosystems and their impact on (gut) health.

Jose Carlos Andrade

Dep. Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde - Norte (ISCSN), R. Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra PRD, Portugal

Tel: +351-224157185 e-mail: jose.andrade@iscsn.cespu.pt

José Carlos M. Andrade is Assistant Professor of the Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde- Norte and Researcher of The Health

Sciences Research Center (CICS). He got his B.Sc. degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Porto Portugal and his

Ph.D. degree in Biotechnology from the Portuguese Catholic University. His research interests are focused on: (i) production of

value added compounds for food and pharmaceutical industries via fermentation (CLA, organic acids, butanol, 1,3-propanediol);

(ii) Use of proteins and polysaccharides for micro and nanoencapsulation; (iii) improvement of stability and functionality of

probiotics through their microencapsulation.

Jean-Michel Antoine

Danone Research. RD 128, 91767 Palaiseau Cedex, France

Tel: +33 1 6935 7220 e-mail: jean-michel.antoine@danone.com

Specialist in Internal Medicine (1979), Ph. D. in Nutrition (1982), resident and resident in chief in Tours and Nancy university

hospitals (1974-82). He joined Danone Company in 1983 to create the department of Nutrition in 1983. He ran over 150 clinical

studies, published over 90 papers dealing with post-prandial metabolism, Probiotics, Functional Foods. One of the founder of

European Nutrition Leadership Programme, and the African French Speaking NLP. Active participant in International Life Science

Institute in Europe.

Avershina Ekaternia

Laboratory of Microbial Gene Technology, Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Life Sciences, Fredrik A Dahlsvei 4,

1432 Aas, Norway

Tel: 45672180 e-mail: ekaterina.avershina@umb.no

Interested in how gut microbiota develops in infants, especially in role of Bi�dobacteria during �rst years of life and their cross-

talk with other microorganisms. Like combining Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Bioinformatics approaches in addressing

these questions.

Bengt Bjorksten

The National Institute of Environmental Medicine/IMM, Division of Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, PO Box 287, SE.17177 Stockholm, Sweden

Tel: +46 8 5248 6956 e-mail: bengt. bjorksten@ki.se

Characterisation of the gut microbiota from birth until 14 years in prospectively collected material from birth cohorts in Estonia

and Sweden and in probiotic treatment studies. We have detailed data on the relationship to the development of secretory IgA

and serum cytokines and chemokines, as well as well characterised clinical phenotypes. In the recently created Gut-Brain

Platform with a starting budget of 4 million € I will be involved in the chracterisation of the gut microbiome in Elderly and in IBS

and the consequences of treatment studies.

Michael Blaut

German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114 - 116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany

Tel: +49-33200-88-2470 e-mail: blaut@dife.de

Professor at the University of Potsdam and Head of the Department of Gastrointestinal Microbiology at the German Institute of

Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rebruecke (DIfE). Research interests: Role of intestinal bacteria in physiologic and pathologic

processes and their modulation by nutrition; formation of cancer-preventive and cancer-promoting metabolites from dietary

constituents by intestinal bacteria; contribution of intestinal bacteria to the development of the metabolic syndrome; study of

molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between nutrition, intestinal bacteria and host.

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Personal Pro�les

Ali Oguz Buyukkileci

Izmir Institute of Technology, Department of Food Engineering, 35430 Urla, Izmir, Turkey

Tel: +90 232 750 62 91 e-mail: oguzbuyukkileci@iyte.edu.tr

I am a member of the Department of Food Engineering faculty in Izmir Institute of Technology, Turkey, which is a young and

dynamic research institute. I teach biotechnology and bioprocessing courses and conduct research on food biotechnology such

as starter culture development for dairy industry. I am interested in the physiology of yogurt starters and other probiotics in

foods and in the gastrointestinal tract. My other research interest is the production of organic acids, enzymes and biofuels by

bacteria and fungi from waste materials.

Nicholas Chadwick

School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The Mill, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK

Tel: (+44) 161 306 2354 e-mail: n.chadwick@manchester.ac.uk

Graduated from the University of Durham in 1992 and Ph.D. at University College London, researching the role of viruses in

In!ammatory Bowel Disease. Postdoctoral research has included investigating the role of chemokines in IBD. Also worked in

leukaemia research before becoming the ENGIHR Network Coordinator. Roles include assisting the Chair to organise workshops

and managing the ENGIHR website.

Alfonso Clemente

Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Department of Physiology and Biochemistry of Animal Nutrition, c/Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain

Tel: +34-958-572757 ext 362 e-mail: alfonso.clemente@eez.csic.es

Research scientist of the Spanish National Research Council, working at the Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC, Granada,

Spain). From 1999-2000 he worked at the Institute of Food Research (UK); from 2001-2003 at John Innes Centre (UK) and from

2003-2004 at Sainsbury Laboratory (UK). Alfonso Clemente works in the chemopreventive properties of dietary resistant

proteins within the gastrointestinal tract; in addition, his research interest is focused in the role of prebiotics in gut health by

using an array of in vitro and in vivo model systems.

Maria Carmen Collado

IATA-CSIC, Department of Biotechnology, Unit of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Probiotics, Av. Agustin Escardino nº7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain

Tel: +34 96 390 00 22 (Ext. 2020) e-mail: mcolam@iata.csic.es

M. Carmen Collado, PhD (Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain); Ramon y Cajal Scientist at IATA-CSIC, Spain. Her research

work is multidisciplinary and includes microbiology, food science and nutrition areas. Her main research areas are probiotics,

microbiota and health and nutrition. Her research experience are basic research on molecular analysis and evaluation of health

e$ects of bene�cial bacteria and probiotics, the microbial-host interactions, microbiome and its role in human health and

diseases and the in!uence of diet (lactation) and other factors.

Lorenza Conterno

Fondazione Edmund Mach – IASMA – Research and Innovation Centre, Via E. MAch 1, 38010 San Michele all’Adige (TN), Italy

Tel: 0039 0461 615137 e-mail: lorenza.conterno@fmach.it – conternol98@gmail.com

Since September 2010 Lorenza joined the Nutrition and Nutrigenomic Group as part of “TrentinoGut” start-up team grant

awarded by the Marie-Curie/Provincia Autonoma di Trento COFUND program. The research of the group focuses on the health

promoting attributes of whole plant foods and their polyphenolic and prebiotic components, and other traditional Trentino food

products. In particular, Lorenza is working on the in vitro gut studies involving batch and gut model fermentation also using

FISH, RealTimePCR, DGGE , and will collaborate to in vivo human feeding studies to investigate the human health bene�ts

associated with gut microbial metabolism of whole plant foods.

Bernard Corfe

Molecular Gastroenterology Research Group, Department of Oncology, University of She%eld, Beech Hill Road, She%eld, S10 2RX, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 114 271 3004 e-mail: b.m.corfe@shef.ac.uk

Bernard Corfe initially trained as a microbiologist, but now works at the interface of cancer biology, gut microbiology and

nutrition in lower gut health. Primary research interests are in the roles of short chain fatty acids (butyrate, propionate etc) upon

the mucosa and the molecular mechanisms by which cell turnover, di$erentiation and neoplasia are regulated. The proteomic,

cytoskeletal, metabolic and histopathological e$ects of the SCFA on the gut wall in pre- and neoplasia are our main focus. The

degree to which gut microbiota and diet de�ne the SCFA composition of that environment and thereby modulate cancer risk are

emerging as a key research focus. Research interests extend to IBD and IBS.

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Personal Pro�les

Marie-France de La Cochetière

Thérapeutiques cliniques et expérimentales des infections, Faculté de médecine, 1 rue Gaston Veil, 44035 Nantes cedex - France

Tel: (33) 240412840 - 0687390210 e-mail: marie-france.de-la-cochetiere@inserm.fr

Dr Marie-France de La Cochetière is a chemist, PhD (Microbiology), and a group leader at the french « Institut national de la santé

et de la recherche médicale » (Inserm). She joined Professor Gilles Potel research group, Infectious Diseases Department, and is

in close connection with the department of gastroenterology, in Nantes, France. She developed a co-research group with

Biofortis (Mérieux NutriSciences Company) lined up from “omics data” analysis to personalized therapy. Currently it is focussed

on risk factors for diarrhea and on pattern recognition studies of speci�c microbiota communities in oncohematology

department and multiple trauma patients.

Clara G. de los Reyes-Gavilán

IPLA-CSIC, Carretera de In�esto s/n, 33300 Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain

Tel: 34 985 893335 e-mail: greyes_gavilan@ipla.csic.es

Sta# Research Scientist, PhD. Probiotics and prebiotics. The activity is mainly, but not exclusively, oriented to the

microorganisms of the genus Bi�dobacterium : cell adaptation mechanisms to the gastrointestinal stressing factors,

metabolism of prebiotic substrates including exopolysaccharides produced by probiotic bacteria, interaction with the intestinal

microbiota and with eukaryotic cells of the human host. Probiotics oriented to speci�c groups of age. Technological and

functional properties of bi�dobacteria included in yoghurts and fermented milks.

Willem de Vos

Bacteriology & Immunology, Veterinary Biosciences and Microbiology, Helsinki and Wageningen University Finland & The Netherlands

Tel: + 31653735635 e-mail: willem.devos@helsinki.�

Willem M. de Vos has been Professor of Bacterial Genetics at Wageningen University and Finland Distinguished Professor at

Helsinki University. At both organizations he now serves as Professor of Microbiology and Academy Professor, respectively. He

received various prizes and awards, including the Spinoza Award of the Netherlands Organization for Scien�ric Research and an

Advanced Grant of the European Research Council. His research aims to understand and exploit microbes using molecular,

(meta)genomics and systems approaches. His current interest is focused on the human intestinal tract microbiota and its relation

with health and disease.

Didier Dupont

INRA – Agrocampus Ouest – UMR 1253 STLO, 65 rue de St Brieuc, 35000 Rennes, France

Tel: +33-2-23-48-57-44 e-mail: Didier.dupont@rennes.inra.fr

Senior scientist at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research which is the second largest institute in the world in this

�eld. Didier Dupont is leading a research group interested in the mechanisms of disintegration of dairy and egg products in the

gastro-intestinal tract. He has developed both in vitro and in vivo models (pigs/piglets) to study food digestion, tracking the

dietary peptides released in the gut with immunochemical (ELISA, immunosensors, antibody arrays…) and mass spectrometry

techniques. Didier Dupont is the scienti�c coordinator of the INFOGEST COST Action, an international network of research

institutions working on Food Digestion (2011-2015).

Dusko Ehrlich

INRA, Domaine de Vilvert, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France

Tel: 33 1 34 65 25 10 e-mail: dusko.ehrlich@jouy.inra.fr

Research Director Microbial Genetics Research Unit, Department of Microbiology and the Food Chain, INRA Centre of Jouy-en-

Josas. Dusko Ehrlich received his Ph.D. from Université Paris VII in 1973 and was a research associate of Prof. Joshua Lederberg,

Nobel prize winner, at Stanford University Medical school, from 1973 till 1977. Since 2005, Dusko Ehrlich has been behind a vast

international project to sequence the genome of human intestinal bacteria, a project with invaluable consequences for health

research. Hi work involves researching the metagenomics of the human intestinal tract, microbes of the human gut, and the role

of the gut microbiota in health and disease.

Bianca-Maria Exl-Preysch

Niederwies 12, CH 8363 Bichelsee, Switzerland

Tel: 0041-71-971 1233 e-mail: biancamariaexlpreysch@yahoo.com

I was working for 25 years as scienti�c consultant in various positions with Nestlé, mainly in infant nutrition (allergy prevention)

and probiotics. Probiotics was my main topic not only for infants but also for elderlies and animals. Now, I am on my own and

working as a consultant for another company in probiotics again. I am also a consultant for the health authorities in Switzerland

in terms of probiotics. As such, it could be really interesting to discuss those tops together. Research Interest: Allergy.

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Personal Pro�les

Harry Flint

Microbiology Group, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, United Kingdom

Tel: 01224 716651 e-mail: H.Flint@abdn.ac.uk

Harry Flint and his group are interested in the microbial ecology of the mammalian gut, in particular the human large intestine.

His work focuses on the degradation of dietary non-digestible carbohydrates including resistant starch and plant cell wall

polymers, making use of anaerobic culturing, genomics, molecular detection methodologies and both theoretical and lab-based

modelling. The group has also made progress in understanding the microbiology of short chain fatty acid formation in the colon,

especially with regard to butyrate formation and lactate utilization, and the responsiveness of microbial communities to dietary

change.

Charles Franz

Max Rubner-Institute, Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Haid-und-Neu-Str. 9; D-76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.

Tel: +49 721 6625 225 e-mail: Charles.Franz@mri.bund.de

My research focuses on biodiversity studies of food fermentations with emphasis on African food fermentations, and lately also

the functional diversity of the human gastrointestinal tract. Current research interests focus on the gut bacterial metabolism of

health-related nutrients, particularly secondary plant compounds. Experiences in taxonomy, lactic acid bacteria genetics and

physiology, as well as functional characterization of probiotic bacteria and starter cultures for food fermentations. Member of the

International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology, Subcommittee on the Taxonomy of Bi�dobacterium, Lactobacillus and

related bacteria.

Maria João Fraqueza

Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Av. da Universidade Técnica, Pólo Universitário Alto da Ajuda, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal

Tel: 00351 213652884 e-mail: mjoaofraqueza@fmv.utl.pt

Maria João Fraqueza is an Auxiliar Professor of Animal Products Technology, Hygiene and Food Safety at Faculty of Veterinary

Medicine from UTLisbon. She is an expert and Technical Auditor of quality management systems according to ISO 9001:2008,

ISO 22000:2005 and HACCPsystem codex recommendations. Her main research interests are related to microbiology and safety

of traditional meat products, poultry products and meat quality, selection of starter %ora. She is author and co-author of several

articles in scienti�c impacted journals and author of book chapters related to the subject HACCP in meat fermented products

and HACCP in meat processed products.

Anna Cristina Freitas

ISEIT/Viseu – Instituto Piaget, Estrada do Alto do Gaio, Galifonge, 3510-776 Lordosa/Viseu, Portugal

Tel: 914703542 e-mail: afreitas@viseu.ipiaget.org

Food engineer, graduated from Escola Superior de Biotecnologia/Portuguese Catholic University in 1991. PhD graduation in

Biotechnology (1999; Portuguese Catholic University ). From 1999, Assistant professor at the Instituto Piaget/Viseu, continuing

research in the food area (dairy products/functional foods). Since 2002, involved in several �nanced research projects involving

teams from several Portuguese Universities. Since 2011, developing research in CESAM from Aveiro University. Published more

than 45 papers and was involved in research projects on microencapsulation technology for probiotic bacteria. Involved in

research on new functional foods with ingredients from marine and mushrooms sources.

Ana Gomes

Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal

Tel: + 351 225 580 084 e-mail: amgomes@esb.ucp.pt

Assistant Professor at College of Biotechnology, Portuguese Catholic University (UCP) and Researcher of CBQF – INTERFACE A4

(State Associated Laboratory). Ph.D. in Biotechnology from UCP, in 1999. Research interests: (i) probiotics (ii) study of compatible

food matrices for incorporation of probiotics; (iii) microencapsulation of bioactive compounds (including probiotics); (iv) dairy

science and traditional dairy products; (v) functional ingredients and functional foods; (vi) use of probiotics/lactic acid bacteria as

cell factories for nutraceuticals; (vii) valorization of by-products from food industry. Coordinated or co-coordinated externally

funded research and development projects in these areas.

Velitchka Gotcheva

Department of Biotechnology, University of Food Technologies, 26 Maritza Blvd., 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Tel: +359 32 603 645 e-mail: gotcheva_v@uft-bio.com

Earned PhD in Biotechnology in 2003, currently a lecturer at the University of Food Technologies, Bulgaria. Major scienti�c

expertise: food microbiology and biotechnology, fermentations and microbial products, functional food development (selection

of probiotic strains and applications in various food matrices, natural sources of prebiotics and antioxidants), food authenticity,

food quality and safety. Professional experience includes development and auditing of food quality and safety management

systems for the food industry. Current research is focused on selection of amylolytic probiotic strains, molecular characterization

and survival mechanisms of lactic acid bacteria in probiotic products, and application of rapid analytical methods in food analysis.

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Personal Pro�les

Dirk Hadrich European Commission, DG Research & Innovation, 1049 Brussels, Belgium Tel: 32 2 29 93120 e-mail: dirk.hadrich@ec.europa.eu

EU funding of research projects to understand disease mechanisms, to get e!ective medical interventions and to treat the right patient at the right time: "Personalised Medicine"! Looking at projects in the area of metagenome links to health/diseases, tailored cancer therapies, diagnostics, prognostics, immunomonitoring, biomarkers, patient strati�cation.

Billy Hargis Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701 USA. Tel:US 479-466-8678 e-mail: bhargis@uark.edu

Supervises approximately 20 scientists, students, and technicians involved in necrotic enteritis, coccidiosis, campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis, and in$uenza research. Areas of expertise include probiotic/Direct Fed Microbials and novel recombinant vaccine platforms.

Sebnem Harsa

İzmir İnstitute of Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Food Engineering Department, Gulbahce, Urla, 35430, İzmir, Turkey Tel: +90 232 750 62 91 e-mail: sebnemharsa@iyte.edu.tr

Research areas: Fermentation technology; downstream processing design, scale-up and economics; adsorption and desorption processes; chromatographic techniques; protein puri�cation; biomaterials; production and puri�cation of value-added bioproducts (such as enzymes, organic acids, antimicrobials and antioxidants); and also proteomics. She is currently directing the projects on production of cheese and yogurt starter cultures; especially probiotics; production, puri�cation and immobilization of lactase enzyme preparations for dairy industry; traditional and modern solutions against lactose and gluten intolerance; preparation and characterization of whey protein nanotubes and bioactive peptides.

Ailsa Hart St Mark's Hospital, Northwick Park, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3UJ, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 8235 4000 e-mail Ailsa.Hart@nwlh.nhs.uk

Trained in medicine at Oxford University (1992). Membership of the Royal College of Physicians in 1998. Awarded PhD in 2005 with Imperial College, London. Appointed Consultant Gastroenterologist and Clinical Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London in 2008. She is Lead of St Mark’s In$ammatory Bowel Disease Unit. Research interests: Intestinal immunology and bacteriology aiming to further our understanding of the pathogenesis of in$ammatory intestinal disorders. Published over 60 papers, written several book chapters and presented at over 100 national and international meetings.

Ernesto Hernandez

School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, C76/The Mill, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK Tel: +44 161 306 4418 e-mail: Ernesto.hernandez@manchester.ac.uk

Life scientist and chemical engineer. Started out his career as a distinguished electromechanic technician. He studies the complex interplay between living and inert matter during the digestion of organic molecules such as polyphenols –claimed to be healthy and found in some foodstu!, e.g. green tea, olive oil & red wine. Looks for answers to questions such as How healthy is the mixed foodstu! we eat during its digestion? Does the dose make the poison? Interested in studying the transport phenomena & reaction mechanisms involved in the complex interplay of genes, RNA, proteins, metabolites and inert matter & how this determines the activity and responses to environmental stimuli of microbes during digestion.

Maria Jenmalm

Dept of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden Tel: +46 10 103 41 01 e-mail: maria.jenmalm@liu.se

My research focuses on childhood immune and allergy development in relation to maternal immunity, epigenetic regulation and microbial exposure, particularly the gut microbiota. I am an immunologist collaborating with paediatric allergologists, obstetricians, clinical immunologists and microbiologists. Our research is translational, combining advanced laboratory methodology with careful, long-term, clinical follow-up during pregnancy and childhood with excellent compliance rates, also in randomised placebo-controlled probiotic intervention studies. http://www.hu.liu.se/ike/forskning/klinisk-immunologi/jenmalm-maria?l=en&sc=true

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Personal Pro�les

Nathalie Juge

Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UA, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1603 255 000 e-mail: nathalie.juge@ifr.ac.uk

Dr Nathalie Juge is a Research Leader at the Institute of Food Research (IFR, UK, Norwich). The main focus of her research is in understanding the molecular mechanisms of protein-carbohydrate interactions. Her background is on the structure and function of carbohydrate-active enzymes. She is Deputy Head of the “Integrated Biology of the Gastrointestinal Tract” Institute Strategic Programm (ISP) at IFR and leads a Group investigating the molecular mechanisms of interaction between gut bacteria with the host. The main activity within her group currently is on de�ning the molecular basis for mucin recognition and degradation by gut bacteria and the impact of mucus in the cross-talk between gut bacteria and the host.

Carloline Karlsson

Food Hygiene/Applied Nutrition & Food Chemistry, Dept. of Food Tech., Engineering & Nutrition, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 LUND, Sweden Tel: +46 46 222 8326, +46 46 222 4766 e-mail: caroline.karlsson@appliednutrition.lth.se

Microbiologist with a MSc in Molecular Biology and a PhD in Food Hygiene. The doctoral thesis focused on the gut bacterial !ora with special reference to early in life (Lund University, 2011). Currently a post-doc at the division of Applied Nutrition at the technical faculty of Lund University. Research focus on the gut microbial ecosystem and how that is a"ected by e.g. dietary intake, health and disease. Identi�cation of potential probiotic bacteria and evaluation of its physiological and microbiological e"ects. The microbial work is based on molecular genetic methodologies and both human trails and animal models are used to gain further knowledge. The research is interdisciplinary and collaborations with other professions are extensive.

Carolin Kolmeder

Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Agnes Sjöberginkatu 2 (B.O. Box 66), FIN-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland Tel: +358919157013 e-mail: carolin.kolmeder@helsinki.�

Carolin Kolmeder is a doctoral student at the University of Helsinki and gained both BSc and MSc in nutrition science in Germany. Since the master thesis project her main used approach is proteomics. As part of the PhD project a metaproteomic pipeline has been developed to easily access the proteins contained in fecal material, characterizing the functionality of the intestinal microbes. Research interests are the development of proteomic methods and applying these methods to study the activity of the intestinal microbiota in infants and adults, in health and disease and upon dietary intervention. A further research interest are bioinformatics applications.

Riitta Korpela

Medical Nutrition Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland Tel: (+358)9 191 25354 riitta.korpela@helsinki.�

Riitta Korpela chairs the professorship in Medical Nutrition Physiology at the Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki since 2008, but has been part of the Institute since 1997. She has supervised 13 PhD theses and 27 MSc theses and published 165 original papers and a number of reviews and other articles. She is a member of The European Joint Programming Initiative A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life”. Her group is regarded as one of the frontier groups in the area of functional foods. The group uses both in vitro and animal models and has a long experience in clinical trials. They work with gastrointestinal research models and have established & validated methods for di"erentiated intestinal cell cultures, e.g. measurement of epithelial barrier integrity.

Jose Maria Lagaron (ENGIHR Steering Committee) IATA,CSIC, Av. Agustin Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna, Spain Tel: + 34 627337247 e-mail: lagaron@iata.csic.es

Currently Group Leader and Founder of the group Novel Materials and Nanotechnology for Food Applications at the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA) of the Spanish Council for Scienti�c Research (CSIC) located in Valencia, Spain. He is also Lecturer of Materials Science at the University Jaume I in Castellón, Spain and Founder of the nanobiotech SME NanoBioMatters Industries S.L.. His topic of research in gastrointestinal health is related to the micro and nanoencapsulation of bioactive food ingredients to, among others, increase the bioavailability, product stability and controlled delivery of these.

Andrea Laukova (ENGIHR Steering Committee) Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6,Košice, Slovakia Tel:+421-(0)55-7922964, 6330283 e-mail:laukova@saske.sk

I have worked in the task of bacteriocin-producing strains with probiotic character more than for 20 years. Their application is connected with food/feed and animal husbandry to protect diseases or to improve health status. My citation index is more than 540, publications in impacted journals 166+, author of 3 chapters in books. I‘m superviser of post doc and diploma students, I was and I‘m the head, co-researcher of many national, bilateral and 2 EU projects), ther member of scienti�c commissions. I‘m author and co-author of utility product, patent. Regularly, I am active participant or invited speaker at international or national conferences and I have wide international collaboration.

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Personal Pro�les

Tor Lea

Institute of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432 Ås, Norway Tel: (+47) 6496 6241 e-mail: tor.lea@umb.no

My scienti�c background and primary research �eld is basic immunology having worked with topics of both humoral and cellular immunity. I have a special interest in ligand-receptor interactions, intracellular signalling mechanisms and the regulation of gene expression. During the last years my focus has shifted towards innate and mucosal immunology, microbe-host interactions in chronic in"ammatory disorders, mucosal stroma cells and stem cells, and mechanisms involved in homeostasis regulation in the intestinal mucosa. My experimental approach is based on in vitro co-culture systems of select bacteria, epithelial and di#erent immune cells, as well as relevant animal experimental models.

Sabina Leanti La Rosa

Norwegian University of Life Sciences , Postboks 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway Tel: (+47) 93692778 e-mail: sabina.leantilarosa@umb.no

I am a PhD student in Molecular Microbiology at the Laboratory for Microbial Gene Technology at the Norwegian University for Life Science. The aim of my research is to elucidate di#erences in virulence potential that exist between probiotic, commensal and nosocomial Enterococcus faecalis isolates. I am using genomics and transcriptomics combined with infection model systems in order to establish traits in the genetic make-up of E.faecalis that enhance its ability to cause disease.

Maria Lima

Fondazione Edmund Mach – IASMA – Research and Innovation Centre, Via E. MAch 1, 38010 San Michele all’Adige (TN), Italy Tel: 0039 0461 615595 e-mail: marialima@fmach.it, lima80in@yahoo.co.in

Maria has started her postdoctoral research programme recently at the institute of Fondazione Edmund Mach pursuing her interests in Nutrition and gut health. Investigation and chemical characterization of the e#ect of food components such as dietary �bre and phenolics on the pro�le of colonic bacteria and their metabolites using fermentation models of the intestinal microbiota is my main interest. Quanti�cation of these metabolites and their fate before and after digestion in the upper gut is another interest. The e#ect of Bacteria or their metabolites with regards to an immune response in the body is another area I would like to explore.

Amapro Lopez-Rubio

IATA,CSIC, Avenida Agustin Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna (Valencia), Spain Tel: +34 963900022 (ext. 2514) e-mail: amparo.lopez@iata.csic.es

Food and polymer scientist with broad experience in material’s characterization. Most of my research work has dealt with the study of the relationship between structure and functionality both in food packaging materials and in functional ingredients (resistant starch). Currently, I am involved in the development of novel encapsulation structures for the protection of functional ingredients like probiotics (I have worked with di#erent bi�dobacterial strains). This involves the selection of the best encapsulating materials depending on the expected outcomes (i.e. protection during storage and/or digestion, controlled release of ingredients, etc.).

Anna Lyra

Danisco Sweeteners Oy, Active Nutrition, Sokeritehtaantie 20, 02460 Kantvik, Finland Tel: +358408241732 e-mail: anna.lyra@danisco.com

Since spring 2010 I have worked as a senior scientist at Dupont Active Nutrition in Kantvik, Finland, focusing on pro- and prebiotic intervention studies and gut microbiota analyses. Prior to joining Dupont, my research focused on irritable bowel syndrome –related alterations in the gut microbiota.

Reet Mandar (ENGIHR Steering Committee) Department of Microbiology, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, Tartu 50411, Estonia Tel: +372 7 374 178 e-mail: reet.mandar@ut.ee

Employment: Department of Microbiology, University of Tartu - associate professor. Competence Centre on Reproductive Medicine and Biology (CCRMB) – head of the strategic development area (Microecological approaches for human reproductive biomedicine). Current research �elds: genital tract microbiota in women, men and couples in health and disease; etiopathogenesis of prostatitis; development of vaginal probiotics; etiopathogenesis of apical periodontitis; human lacto"ora and its properties.

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Personal Pro�les

Julian Marchesi

School of Biosciences, Museum Avenue, Cardi! University, Cardi!, CF10 3AT, UK

Tel: +44 (0)29 208 74188 Email: marchesijr@cardi!.ac.uk

My research uses taxonomics, metagenomics and metabonomics to determine the role that gut microbes or the microbiome

play in in"uencing the host, in particular, how they modify host synthesised molecules such as bile and how this modi�cation

alters the host’s metabolism. We were the �rst group to establish that the enzymes involved in processing bile are a core function

in the gut and are variable between individuals (Jones et al., 2008 PNAS). Research Interests: Metagenomics,taxonomics.

Johanna Maukonen

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, P.O. Box 1000, 02044 VTT, Finland

Tel: +358-20-7227183 e-mail: johanna.maukonen@vtt.�

Johanna Maukonen has worked at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland for 15 years and during that time she has

participated in numerous research projects involving various �elds of microbiology; e.g. bio�lms, anaerobic microbiology and

molecular microbiology. During the latest eight years her research has mainly focused on human oro-gastrointestinal microbiota

and especially on method development for clostridia and related bacteria (both culture-based and molecular techniques) and on

the e!ect of diet and various diseases and/or disorders on the gut microbiota.

Baltasar Mayo

Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Carretera de In�esto, s/n, 33300-Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain

Tel: +34985893345 e-mail: baltasar.mayo@ipla.csic.es

Sta! researcher at the IPLA-CSIC, Villaviciosa, Spain. Our group has been working in human gastrointestinal microbiology for

more than twelve years now. Past activities involved the microbial characterization of feaces and intestinal mucosa from healthy

Spaniards, as well as the microbial characterization of the human gastric mucosa. At present, we are studying the metabolism of

soy iso"avones, used to treat menopause symptoms, by the intestinal microbiota of climateric women. The main aim of our

research activities is the selection of appropriate, robust lactic acid bacteria and bi�dobacteria strains that could serve as

probiotics.

John McLaughlin

In"ammation Sciences Group, School of Translational Medicine, Room 1.704 Stopford Building, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, UK

Tel: (044) 161 275 1819 e-mail: John.Mclaughlin@manchester.ac.uk

John McLaughlin is Professor of Gastroenterology in the School of Translational Medicine, University of Manchester. His research

interests are gastrointestinal physiology in health and disease particularly the interactions between nutrients and the gut

epithelium, gut in"ammation, and gut-to-brain signalling. Spending 50% of his time as a Consultant Gastroenterologist he

manages the clinical GI physiology service at Salford Royal University (Hope) Hospital, and leads the Comprehensive Local

Research Network for Gastroenterology in Greater Manchester.

Annick Mercenier

Nutrition & Health Department, Nestlé Research Center, PO Box 44, CH-1000 Lausanne 26 - Switzerland

Tel: (+ 41) 21 785 8250 e-mail: annick.mercenier@rdls.nestle.com

Obtained her PhD degree in Sciences at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (BE) in 1980. In 1996, she joined the Institut Pasteur de

Lille (FR) to set up the Department of Microbiology of Ecosystems. Since 2002, she has been a Group Leader in the Nutrition and

Health Department of the Nestlé Research Center in Lausanne (CH). She has set up the Allergy group. In close interaction with the

business, the Allergy group has established a pipeline for screening of potential anti-allergy ingredients. Dr. A. Mercenier remains

integrated in academic networks. Member of the ILSI Probiotic Task Force and the LABIP (Lactic acid bacteria) industrial platform.

Authored of over 78 peer-reviewed publications and co-authored book chapters and reviews.

Tore Midtvedt

Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institute, Nobelsv¨16, S 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden

Tel: +46-852486720 e-mail: tore.midtvedti.se

MD, 1958, University of Bergen, Norway. Thesis Karolinska Iinstitue 1968: Microbial bile acid transformation. 1983-2000: Head of

Department of Medical Microbial Ecology, KI. Main research interest: Gastrointestinal microbial functions and host/microbe

interactions. Some hundreds publications in Pub-Med. Editor-in-Chief Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease.

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Personal Pro�les

Minja Miettinen

Valio Ltd, R&D, Meijeritie 4, 00370 Helsinki, FINLAND

Tel: +358 50 398 7204 e-mail: minja.miettinen@valio.�

Senior researcher, Valio. PhD in immunology and MSc in microbiology, expertise in the area of probiotics and their e!ects on

innate immunity, interest in the e!ects of probiotics and nutrients on microbiota and gut health.

Aldona Miezeliene (ENGIHR Steering Committee)

Sensory laboratory, Food institute of Kaunas Technological University, Taikos av. 92, LT 51180, Kaunas, Lithuania

Tel: 8607 312587 e-mail: aldonam@lmai.lt

Dr. Miezeliene Aldona is a head of the sensory analysis laboratory of Kaunas Technological university (KTU) Food institute. She is

responsible for the creation and development of the sensory analysis system in Lithuania. Her research is focused on the

application of the biotechnological tools with the view of creation and supplying added value food products with high nutrition

and sensory quality, investigation of functionality of the biologically active ingredients and their impact on food model systems

and possibility to use such ingredients in development of fuctional food.

Marika Mikelsaar

Department of Microbiology, University of Tartu, Biomedicum, Ravila 19, Tartu 50411, Estonia

Tel: +372 7374179 e-mail: marika.mikelsaar@ut.ee

Graduated from University of Tartu with MD and got her Ph.D in Microbiology (1969, University of Tartu). D.Sc (2003, University of

Tartu) and professorship and head of Department of Medical Microbiology (University of Tartu). Currently professor emeritus and

extraordinary lead researcher in the department. Leader of biotechnology program in probiotics at Bio-Competence Centre of

Healthy Dairy Products. Belongs to American Society of Microbiology and Society for Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease

(President 2010- 2012). Research interests: human microbial ecology, interrelations between lactobacilli and humans in di!erent

age groups; persistent infections, animal models, prevention and adjunct therapy with probiotics.

Göran Molin

Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Lund University, PO Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden

Tel: +46 46 2228327 e-mail: goran.molin@appliednutrition.lth.se

My professional base is food microbiology, with a predilection for bacterial taxonomy. Since the late 1980s this, the focus has

been on probiotics and the bacterial #ora of the gastro-intestinal tract. The intentions have been to clarify health bene�cial

e!ects of probiotics and to correlate di!erent taxa of the gut microbiota with physiological and physiopathological course of

events. The work has from the start been performed in close cooperation with physicians, and in both humans and in animal

models. E!orts have been made to enhance health bene�cial e!ects of probiotics by combining the probiotics (Lactobacillus

plantarum) with dietary sources of polyphenols.

Arjan Narbad

Integrated Biology of GI Tract Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney NR4 7UA, Norwich, UK

Tel: +44(0)1603 255131 e-mail: arjan.narbad@bbsrc.ac.uk

Arjan Narbad is a Research Leader with expertise in analysis of the composition and metabolic activity of the complex gut

microbiota. His current research is focused on the characterisation of probiotic lactic acid bacteria for exclusion of gut

pathogens including C. perfringens and C. di$cile, with emphasis on the molecular interactions between commensals and the

pathogens within the host gut. His research gr oup is also engaged in understanding the role of gut bacteria in the development

of GI tract disorders and application gut commesals for delivery of bioactive compounds.

Lawrance Nyoni

James Paget NHS University Hospital, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Lowestoft Road, Gorleston ,NR316LA , UK

Tel: 0044 1493 452 452 Ext Biochemistry e-mail: lorenzo.nyoni@gmail.com

I am a part-time MSc student (Immunology and Immunogenetics) in the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Manchester

(UK). I am a practising Biomedical Scientist currently working in the department of Clinical Biochemistry at the James Paget NHS

hospital in England. My MSc project is entitled: “Animal models of in#ammatory bowel diseases: similarities and di!erences to the

human disease.” I am planning to specialise in Computational Biology and its applications in Gut Immunology.

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Personal Pro�les

Matej Oresic

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Tietotie 2, P.O. Box 1000, FIN-02044 VTT, Espoo, Finland

Tel: +358 20 722 4491 e-mail: matej.oresic@vtt.�

Prof. Matej Orešič: PhD in biophysics (Cornell University). Since 2003 he leads the research in domains of quantitative biology and

bioinformatics at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (Espoo, Finland), where he is a Research Professor in Systems Biology

and Bioinformatics. Director of the newly established Finnish Centre of Excellence in Molecular Systems Immunology and

Physiology Research (2012-2017). Co-founder and board member of Zora Biosciences, Oy. (Espoo, Finland), current board

member of the Metabolomics Society. Main research areas are metabolomics applications in biomedical research and integrative

bioinformatics.

Severino Pandiella (Chair, ENGIHR)

School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL. UK

Tel +44 (0)161 306 4429 email: s.pandiella@manchester.ac.uk

He has nearly 20 years experience in fermentation technologies for food production using yeast, bacteria and fungi, both in

submerged culture and solid state. In the last 14 years the use of probiotics and prebiotics to improve gastrointestinal health has

become his main area of research. His recent work includes the production of cereal-based probiotic formulations, #avour

development in probiotic fermentations, extraction of prebiotic ingredients from cereal substrates, and the use of natural or

induced enzymatic hydrolysis to enhance the functionality of foods. He has also conducted in vitro and animal studies of newly

developed prebiotic ingredients.

Sam Possemiers

Fac. Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Tel: +32 9 264 59 78 e-mail: sam.possemiers@ugent.be

Sam Possemiers obtained a PhD at Ghent University (LabMET) on the production of phytoestrogens from hops by intestinal

bacteria. Since 2007 he works as a postdoctoral researcher at LabMET. His main research interest is the use of in vitro gut models

to study the interaction between intestinal bacteria and human health. This includes pro- and prebiotics, bioavailability of

bioactives and the relation between intestinal bacteria and obesity/immune health. In 2008, he also founded the spin-o$

company ProDigest, which uses a unique in vitro technology platform to provide services in the �eld of gastrointestinal transit,

bioavailability and metabolism, to the operators in the food and pharmaceutical sector.

Bruno Pot

Centre Infection et Immunité Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 1, Rue du Prof. Calmette, 59019 Lille cedex, France

Tel: +33-320-871187 e-mail: bruno.pot@ibl.fr

Bruno Pot performed a PhD at the University of Gent and is currently Research Director of the laboratory Lactic Acid Bacteria and

Mucosal Immunity at the Pasteur Institute in Lille, France, guest professor at the Free University Brussels (VUB) and Director of

Business Development at the bioinformatics company Applied Maths, Belgium. Current research interests include functional

foods, probiotics in particular, with special interest in the mechanisms of action as well as the legal issues (EFSA). Professional

interests include food safety (courses at the VUB) and data management, particularly polyphasic data analysis for data from a

variety of origins (Applied Maths).

Marion Priebe

University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Medical Biomics, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands

Tel: 00 31 50 361 9386 e-mail: m.g.priebe@umcg.nl

As a nutritional scientist I explore the underlying mechanisms of the protective e$ects of foods rich in bioactive compounds

and/or non-digestible carbohydrates on the development of type 2 diabetes. One of my research interests is to examine how

colonic fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates a$ects low-grade in#ammation and insulin sensitivity. For that means I

conduct human intervention trials as well as challenge studies and develop metabolomics techniques. The e$ect of products of

fermentation (short-chain fatty acids) is investigated in in vitro experiments with human adipose tissue and speci�c cell lines.

Rachael Rigby

School of Health and Medicine, Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Bailrigg Campus, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK

Tel: 01524 593420 e-mail: rachael.rigby@lancaster.ac.uk

My research interests lie in mechanisms of repair and renewal of the intestinal epithelium. During diseases such as colon cancer

and in#ammatory bowel disease (IBD), epithelial repair homeostasis is disrupted. My research focuses on the interplay between

luminal bacteria and the epithelium through a family of proteins termed suppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS) which are

important mediators of cancer and in#ammation. SOCS3 is silenced in many tumour types and in#uences growth of intestinal

epithelial cells (IEC). We are currently exploring factors which in#uence turnover of IEC, focusing on the e$ects of luminal bacteria

and helminths.

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Personal Pro�les

Paul Ross Teagasc, Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork, IRELAND Tel: +353 25 42229 e-mail: paul.ross@teagasc.ie

R. Paul Ross graduated from University College Cork with B.Sc and Ph.D in Microbiology, and received D.Sc from The National University of Ireland (2009). He was Assistant Professor at Wake Forest University Medical Center NC, and subsequently leader of the Biotechnology & Food Programmes at Teagasc Ireland. He has been awarded “The William C. Haines Dairy Science Award” by California Dairy Research Foundation (2007), the‘Lifescience & Food Commercialisation Award Winner (2008) by Enterprise Ireland and the Elie Metchniko! Prize in Microbiology (2010), and was elected member of The Royal Irish Academy (RIA) in 2010 in recognition of his academic achievement.

Patricia Ruas-Madiedo IPLA-CSIC, Carreterera de In�esto s/n, 33300 Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain el: +34 985892131 / +34 985893420 (direct) e-mail: ruas-madiedo@ipla.csic.es

Ph.D. Biology in 1999, postdoctoral at NIZO Food Research (The Netherlands, 1999-2002) and currently working in the Dairy Research Institute of Asturias belonging to the Spanish National Research Council (IPLA-CSIC) since 2003, being Sta! Scientist in 2006. The keywords describing my research lines are microbiology, exopolysaccharides, probiotics, prebiotics, functional foods and, recently, probiotic-host interactions and immunology. I was working in several research projects from the Spanish Ministry of Science, acting as project leader in two of them. In the last 10 years, I was co-author of more than 30 articles published in SCI journals of the Microbiology and Food Technology research areas.

Maria Saarela (ENGIHR Steering Committee) VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, PO Box 1000 (Tietotie 2), 02044 VTT, Espoo, Finland Tel: +358 405 760 913 e-mail: maria.saarela@vtt.�

Chief Research Scientist in Microbiology at VTT Biotechnology. PhD thesis on oral microbiology in 1993 at the University of Helsinki. Dr. Saarela's current research area involves studies on probiotics, e.g. their characterization, viability and stability. She has 81 original articles published or in press in international refereed journals, 30 reviews or chapters in books and 83 abstracts in international meetings. She has supervised or reviewed several doctoral thesis works at the University of Helsinki. Dr. Saarela is the leader of the research team involved with studies on health-bene�ting microbes. She has been involved in lactic acid bacterial and human gut microbiota research for 10 years.

Anne Salonen Dept. Veterinary Biosciences, Veterinary Microbiology and Epidemiology, Agnes Sjöberginkatu 2 (B.O. Box 66), FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland Tel: + 358 405059831 e-mail: anne.salonen@helsinki.�

Anne Salonen is a research scientist at University of Helsinki, Finland. She has multidisciplinary training in biosciences and PhD in microbiology. Several years research experience in molecular microbiology and microbial ecology. Research activities are focused on the composition and activity of the intestinal microbiota in health and disease (MetS, IBS, IBD) with links to nutrition and biomedicine. Main research methodology is phylogenetic microarray (HITChip), also involved in metaproteomic work. Co-organizer of the yearly Finnish Gut Day seminar.

Merve Samli

Izmir Institute of High Technology, Food Engineering Department, Urla TR-35430, İzmir , TURKEY Tel: +905555638835 e-mail: mervesamli@iyte.edu.tr or mervesamli@gmail.com

I am a research assistant in Izmir Institute of Technology. I am continuing my post graduate education; I am studying about probiotics & prebiotics and/or models for human gastrointestinal system/microbioata. Educational Background: BSc in Food engineering from Ege University;MSc In Biotechnology from İzmir Institute of High Technology. Experimental skills and research areas; Probiotics & prebiotics and human gastrointestinal system/microbioata. Olive oil and its analyses, Antioxidant compounds, Silk Fibroin, medical plants and methods for their extraction, cyclodextrin and their complexes, egg, �lms and their usage in food and drug industry, controlled drug delivery; sensory analyses (esp. for olive oil, cheese); thermal characterization.

Nagendra Shah Room 5S-14, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2299 0836 e-mail: npshah@hku.hk

B.V.Sc. & A.H. (Honours) from Rajendra Agricultural University, India, M.Sc. in Dairy Technology from South Dakota State University, USA. Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from the University of Alberta, Canada. A$liated with Victoria University for the past 21 years. Currently a full Professor in Food Science and Technology. Publications include 175 refereed research papers, 15 full papers in proceedings, 18 book chapters, and 136 abstracts. Co-editor of a special issue of British Journal of Nutrition (2000), a principal guest editor of a special issue of International Dairy Journal (Nov. 2007), co-editor of Dairy Products and Quality Control (2008) and principal editor of Probiotic and Prebiotic Foods: Technology, Stability and Bene�ts to Human Health (2010).

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Personal Pro�les

Catherine Stanton Teagasc, Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork, IRELAND Tel: +353 (0)25 4260 e-mail: catherine.stanton@teagasc

Catherine Stanton graduated from University College Cork with B.Sc and M.Sc. degrees in Nutrition and Food Chemistry, and Ph.D in Biochemistry from Bournemouth University, UK, and D.Sc from The National University of Ireland in 2009. She worked with Johnson & Johnson UK, and Wake Forest University Medical Center USA and is currently with Teagasc Moorepark, as Principal Research O!cer and is Principal Investigator in the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Cork. Her research interests include functional foods, with emphasis on nutrition/health aspects of dairy foods, probiotics and dietary modulation of gut microbiota. She received the Elie Metchniko" Prize in Microbiology (2010).

Viola Strompfová

Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, Košice, Slovakia Tel: +421-(0)55-7922971 e-mail: strompfv@saske.sk

Researcher at the Institute of Animal Physiology SAS (Laboratory of Animal Microbiology) dealing with the isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria as potential probiotics, production of bacteriocin substances and in vivo assesment of promising strains. Dogs are dominant area of interest from the viewpoint to prevent their current medical problems through the application of natural substances (probiotics, prebiotics, plants). Has been involved in solution of EU project, author of Utility model and probiotic product for dogs commercialy produced.

Dominika Swiatecka Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Food Research Division, Polish Academy of Sciences, Ul. Tuwima 10, 10-747 Olsztyn, Poland Tel: +48 89 523 46 57 e-mail: d.swiatecka@pan.olsztyn.pl

My area of interest concerns the impact of food proteins modi�ed by processes naturally occurring in vivo, such as glycation and hydrolysis, on the human intestinal ecosystem. My research involve the estimation of alterations of gut bacterial biodiversity of healthy individuals and ones su"ering from various intestinal disorders, changes of their metabolic activity, adhesive potential as well as their ability to translocate the intestinal barrier.

Renáta Szabóová Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic Tel: + 421 55 792 2971 e-mail: szaboova@saske.sk

have studied and specialized in animal physiology and microbiology for 4 years, in the study of natural substances, such as bacteriocin-producing bacteria with probiotic character, to study e"ect of herbal essentials in vitro as well as in vivo (especially in rabbits husbandry), detail studies of bacteriocins produced by Enterococcus faecium strains of di"erent origin.

José Teixeira (ENGIHR Steering Committe) Department of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal Tel: +351253604406 e-mail: jateixeira@deb.uminho.pt

José Teixeira graduated in Chemical Engineering at University of Porto, where he also concluded his PhD. Currently, is Full Professor at Department of Biological Engineering, University of Minho. His research activities have been focused on two main areas: bioreactors (fermentation processes) and food technology. Currently, he has been involved in the production and extraction of bioactive compounds for food and biomedical applications.

Herbert Tilg (ENGIHR Steering Committe) Department of Medicine, Krankenhaus Hall in Tirol, Milserstrasse 10, 6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria Tel: +43 5223 502 33631 e-mail: Herbert.tilg@i-med.ac.at

My major research interests are cytokines, in*ammation and innate immunity. In this context, our studies currently focus on the role of the microbiota in intestinal in*ammation and diseases such as Crohn´s disease or ulcerative colitis. Another research interest is the role of our microbiota in metabolic in*ammation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. I am a gastroenterologist and currently Head of Department of Medicine, Krankenhaus Hall in Tirol. Furthermore, I am Head of the Christian Doppler Research Laboratory for Gut In*ammation. I am also an Associate Editor of GUT, a leading Journal in gastrointestinal diseases.

p27

Personal Pro�les

Kirsi Vaali

Haartman Institute, PO BOX 21, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel: +358-50-550 1331 e-mail: kirsi.vaali@med.uib.no

Holistic research on GI-tract: I have done a food allergy model and shown how diarrhea is dependent on small intestinal

mastosytosis and high IgE. Degranulating mast cells release mediators which permeabilize gut walls leading to altered smooth

muscle response and a!ecting motility. By using this model the development of IBS could be studied. I am also interested on the

strong allergens that have trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibition activity. When the digestive enzymes cascade will not be initiated

by these �rst enzymes, the food cannot be absorbed but taken promptly to colon where it feeds pathogenic microbiota.

Koen Venema

TNO Healthy Living, P.O. Box 360, 3700 AJ Zeist, The Netherlands

Tel: +31 888661886 e-mail: koen.venema@tno.nl

Koen Venema is an expert in gut microbiology. Primarily he studies the e!ect of food (constituents) on the activity and

composition of the gut microbiota in relation to health and disease. In addition, he studies the e!ect of pro- and prebiotics on

gut health using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies. He focuses special attention on the molecular interaction of pro- and

prebiotics with the host. Koen is program manager Gut Health within TNO and works with the TNO computer-controlled,

dynamic in vitro models of the GI tract (nick-named TIM).

Torkel Wadstrom

Laboratory Medicine, Dept Bacteriology, University Hospital of Lund, Sölvegatan 23, SE 22362 Lund, Sweden

Tel: +46-46173240 or +46768785061 e-mail: torkel.wadstrom@med.lu.se

Torkel Wadström, MD PhD Prof of Bacteriology. Research: Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria as possible probiotics. Utilization

of prebiotic substances by probiotic strains. Development of a symbiotic composition. Works in EU-Qualvivo project. Editor of

“Lactobacillus Molecular Biology”, Horizon Press, 2009.

Bernhard Watzl (ENGIHR Steering Committee)

Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Haid-und-Neu-Str. 9, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany

Phone: +49-721-6625-410 bernhard.watzl@mri.bund.de

PhD in human nutrition; in 1993 he joined the Federal Research Centre for Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany as head of the

working group „Nutritional Immunology“. From and since 2004 he is Acting-Head of the Department of Physiology and

Biochemistry of Nutrition at the Max Rubner-Institut, the Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food in Germany. He is an

adjunct professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. His main areas of research relate to the health-promoting e!ects of

foods and food constituents with a special focus on dietary modulation of immune functions.

Karen Wright

Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Biology Building, Lancaster University, LA1 4YQ, UK

Tel: 01524 593 548 e-mail: karen.wright@lancaster.ac.uk

Dr Wright's research spans the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the cannabinoid system in gastrointestinal epithelium to

the translational aspects of realising the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in diseases such as Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative

Colitis and colorectal cancer. Existing projects include microbial interactions, intestinal barrier and permeability studies. She is

currently developing a new model of human intestinal tissue culture that takes into account physiological levels of oxygen and

energy sources. This work is in partnership with GI physicians, surgeons and pathologists at the Royal Lancaster In�rmary and

involves patients and human volunteers. Research Interests: Ex vivo tissue modelling.

Atsushi Yokota

Laboratory of Microbial Physiology, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita9 Nishi9, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8589, Japan

Tel: +81-11-706-2501 e-mail: yokota@chem.agr.hokudai.ac.jp

I have graduated from Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University in 1979. In 1984, I �nalized Graduate School of Agriculture,

Hokkaido University (Ph.D.). Then, I worked for Ajinomoto Co., Ltd., before returning to Hokkaido University in 1989. From 1996 to

1997, I was working at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. I have been a full Professor in Microbial Physiology since

2000. My research interest in intestinal microbiology is focused on the interaction of bacteria with bile acid (stress response in

probiotics; metabolism by intestinal bacteria; control of gut microbiota composition). Editor, FEMS Microbiology Letters

(2001-2010).

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