Patent ID: 8216563
Filing Date: 2012-07-10
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An in vitro method of screening compositions for efficacy of a probiotic in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome comprising the steps of: a) providing a biological sample comprising at least one gut-derived cell type; b) treating said biological sample with the composition in vitro; c) measuring the level of at least one anti-inflammatory cytokine selected from the group consisting of interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-13, and combinations thereof and at least one pro-inflammatory cytokine selected from the group consisting of interleukin-12, tumour necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin-2, and combinations thereof in the biological sample at a time following treatment with the composition; d) determining the ratio of the at least one anti-inflammatory cytokine to the at least one pro-inflammatory cytokine in the biological sample at a time following treatment with the composition; characterised in that a ratio as determined in step (d) from the treated biological sample greater than the same ratio determined in an untreated control biological sample tested concurrently is indicative of the composition being an effective composition in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, and a ratio as determined in (d) is the same as or less than the untreated control biological sample ratio is indicative of the composition not being an effective composition in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.