Abstract:
The invention provides a method and composition for ameliorating or reducing the symptoms, signs, and markers and for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or gastritis in a mammal in need thereof, said method comprising administering effective amounts of a pharmaceutically acceptable composition containing at least one probiotic microorganism strain comprising  Pediococcus  for a time sufficient to ameliorate, reduce or treat at least one symptom, sign, or marker of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or gastritis.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/067,582 filed Jun. 10, 2011; and now U.S. Pat. No. 9,579,353 the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herewith. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates, in general, to novel probiotic microorganisms and their therapeutic uses. More particularly, it relates, as well as their tolerance of gastric acid and bile salts. Also, this invention relates to a prophylactic and therapeutic composition comprising the same for contributing in many probiotic ways to the host&#39;s general health and preventing and treating diseases or conditions associated with gastrointestinal diseases. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Disorders involving abnormal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract afflict large segments the world&#39;s population. The most prevalent of the functional disorder in the absence of structural abnormalities is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The most common inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases are inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, which includes Crohn&#39;s disease, ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis) and gastritis. These conditions profoundly affect the quality of life of sufferers, and incur significant economic costs (Engel &amp; Neurath, 2010; Loftus et al., 2000; Longstreth et al., 2006; Madden &amp; Hunter; Salonen et al., 2010). IBS is estimated to affect 5 million Americans. IBS is characterized by recurring symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel function in the absence of structural abnormalities. IBD affects between 2 to 6 percent of Americans. IBD is characterized by frequent and progressive symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. Gastritis is estimated to affect 4.5 million people in the United States. Gastritis involves a chronic inflammation of the stomach, leading to upper abdominal pain and nausea. Gastritis is also the main cause of acquired failure of the gastric acid barrier, which results in the development of duodenal and gastric ulcers and stomach cancer in patients with  H. pylori  infection. 
         [0004]    There is now evidence that these complex disorders have something in common: an imbalance (dysbiosis) between protective and harmful gastrointestinal organisms, even when no specific pathogen can be identified (Blaser, 1998; Bullock et al., 2004; Collins et al., 2009; Corthesy et al., 2007; Lin, 2004; Ott et al., 2004; Pimental et al., 2011; Salonen, et al., 2010). The role of dysbiosis in these diseases provides the rationale for the use of agents such as antibiotics, which alter the microbial composition of the GI tract. However, the use of antibiotics has been linked to serious side effects, complications, and bacterial resistance (Engel &amp; Neurath, 2010; Grundmann et al., 2010). Moreover, antimicrobial therapies provide inferior results compared with antimicrobial therapies for other common infectious diseases (Camilleri &amp; Tack, 2010; Rimbara et al., 2011). 
         [0005]    IBS is classified as a functional disorder because there is no sign of disease when the small intestine and colon are examined. IBS is characterized by recurring symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel function in the absence of structural abnormalities (see Brandt et al., 2009; Chang &amp; Talley, 2010; Grundman et al., 2010). According to the Rome II criteria, IBS sufferers can be grouped into three symptom subtypes based on the stool form, stool frequency and defecatory symptoms: diarrhea predominant (IBS-D), constipation predominant (IBS-C), and mixed subtype (IBS-M) with alternating episodes of both diarrhea and constipation. More recently, the Rome III criteria, which focus on the stool form over the defecation frequency, have been issued (Longstreth et al., 2006). The most important physiological aberrations in IBS include visceral hypersensitivity, abnormal gut motility and autonomous nervous system dysfunction, the interactions of which are suggested to make the bowel function susceptible to a number of exogenous and endogenous factors, such as the GI microbiota, diet and psychosocial factors. 
         [0006]    The presence of low-level inflammation in the GI mucosa of IBS patients has also been observed. Several studies have examined the fecal flora of IBS patients and found a decrease in  Escherichia coli, lactobacilli , and  bifidobacteria and  an increase in aerobic microorganisms in comparison with healthy volunteers (Jonkers &amp; Stockbrugger, 2007; Madden &amp; Hunter, 2002; Salonen et al., 2010). 
         [0007]    Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that includes Crohn&#39;s disease and ulcerative colitis (Longstreth et al., 2006; Engel &amp; Neurath, 2010; Loftus et al., 2000). The causes of IBD are not known, but a leading theory suggests that some agent, perhaps a virus or bacterium, alters the body&#39;s immune response, triggering an inflammatory reaction in the intestinal wall. Crohn&#39;s disease most commonly affects the small intestine and/or the colon, whereas ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine, primarily the sigmoid/rectal region of the large bowel. The diagnosis of IBD is suggested by the symptoms of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea. The ultimate diagnosis relies on a combination of history, endoscopic finding, histologic features, and negative stool studies for infectious agents (Silverberg et al., 2005). Cases that cannot be diagnosed as either ulcerative colitis or Crohn&#39;s disease are called indeterminate colitis. No specific microorganism has yet been described as a possible causal factor in IBD. However, a change in the bacterial composition of both the fecal and mucosal microbiota has been observed (Ott et al., 2004). 
         [0008]    Gastritis involves a chronic inflammation of the stomach and duodenum that is typically associated with  H. pylori  infection. Upper abdominal pain and nausea are the most common symptoms; other symptoms are indigestion, abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Gastritis may be associated with pernicious anemia. The main acute causes of gastritis are excessive alcohol consumption or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Gastritis may develop after major surgery, traumatic injury, burns, severe infections, weight loss surgery involving the banding or reconstruction of the digestive tract, chronic bile reflux, stress, and certain autoimmune disorders. Gastroscopy, a blood test, urea breath test, and/or stool test may be used to diagnose gastritis (Sepulveda &amp; Patil, 2010). 
         [0009]    The standard treatment for gastritis has been a one week “triple therapy” consisting of proton pump inhibitors and the antibiotics clarithromycin and amoxicillin, but the emergence of drug resistance has compromised the use of this regimen (Camilleri &amp; Tack, 2010; Rimbara et al., 2011). The antibiotics ciprofloxacin and metronidazole have been used to treat gastritis, but the side effects of these antibiotics limits their use (Engel &amp; Neurath, 2010; Grundman et al., 2010). A newer antibiotic, rifaximin, may be more effective than previous drugs (Pimental et al., 2010), but it is currently approved only for the treatment of traveler&#39;s diarrhea. IBD is usually treated with immunosuppressive agents. Frequently surgery is required. Therapy of IBS is directly at relieving symptoms and is often unsuccessful. 
         [0010]    Because of studies suggesting that dysbiosis is important in the etiology of these disorders, there has been interest in identifying probiotic compositions that are capable of ameliorating the symptoms of IBS, IBD, and gastritis and improving the response to conventional treatments. 
         [0011]    Additionally, it is well known that probiotics are described as “live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host” (reports of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Health Organization, Alternative Medicine 2001). Probiotics are widely applied as nutritional supplements in animals and humans. For example, yeast is used as a nutrient supplement for livestock, and yogurt with lactic acid bacteria  Lactobacillus  and/or  Bifidobacterium  is commonly used to prevent and treat diarrhea-related gastrointestinal (GI) infectious diseases. Multiple unique properties of probiotics such as anti-infectious properties, immune modulatory effects, enhanced barrier functions, metabolic effects and alternations of intestinal mobility or function make probiotics an effective type alternative medicine for animals and humans. 
         [0012]    Although probiotic products such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), cell wall peptidoglycan and short chain DNA fragments containing CpG sequences can have beneficial probiotics effects, the administration of live microorganisms to animals and humans remains the core application and focus of research studies of probiotics. In order to have the maximum effects of probiotics on animals and humans, one has to administrate live bacteria to reach gastrointestinal tracts for multiplication.  Lactobacillus  spp and  Bifidobacterium  spp are two most commonly probiotic genera described in scientific literature and in commercial products. Both  Lactobacillus  spp and  Bifidobacterium  spp are facultative or strict anaerobic bacteria. Most species (or strains) of  Lactobacillus  and  Bifidobacterium  are sensitive to the exposure of oxygen and high temperature. It is difficult to maintain the viability of  Lactobacillus  and  Bifidobacterium  at room temperature under consistent open and closure operations. Therefore, variable results are often described, especially for commercially available products that are required to have long term storage and shipping in various temperature. 
         [0013]    In sum, there is a high frequency of incomplete or absent response of IBS, IBD and gastritis to current medical therapies. Thus there has gone unmet a need for improved methods, compositions, etc. that can ameliorate one or more symptoms associated with these diseases. Effective dietary and/or pharmaceutical interventions for these conditions could have a major public health impact. The present systems and methods, etc., provide these and/or other advantages. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide probitoic compositions for treating gastroenterological medical conditions. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide methods for treating gastroenterological conditions using probitoic therapy. 
         [0016]    It is a further obj ect of the instant invention to treat irritable bowel syndrome with probiotics such as pedioccocuc. 
         [0017]    These and other objects of the present invention will more readily become apparent from the description and examples which follow. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    The instant invention provides a method for ameliorating the symptoms, reducing the symptoms and the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or gastritis in a mammal in need thereof, said method comprising administering effective amounts of a pharmaceutically acceptable composition containing at least one strain of  Pediococcus  for a time sufficient to ameliorate, reduce or treat at least one symptom of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or gastritis. 
         [0019]    The invention also provides a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising at least one strain of Pediococcus in an amount sufficient to ameliorate at least one symptom of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or gastritis in a mammal in need thereof. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    Diagnosis and Pathophysiology 
         [0021]    In one aspect the compositions, methods, systems, etc., herein are directed to providing probiotic compositions that are capable of reducing one or more signs or symptoms of IBS, IBD, and gastritis in individuals in need thereof. 
         [0022]    The signs and symptoms of gastritis, which can be reduced by the methods, compositions, etc. of the present invention, include: a gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in the upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating; nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; belching or bloating; a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating; weight loss; gastric ulcer; duodenal ulcer; inflammation of the stomach lining; a positive test for urease in the stool; a positive urea breath test. 
         [0023]    The signs and symptoms of IBS, which can be reduced by the methods, compositions, etc. of the present invention include: abdominal pain or cramping; a bloated feeling; gas (flatulence); diarrhea or constipation; a change in frequency of bowel movements; a change in appearance of bowel movements; feelings of uncontrollable urgency to have a bowel movement; and mucus in the stool. 
         [0024]    The signs and symptoms of IBD (Crohn&#39;s disease, ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis) that can be reduced by the methods, compositions, etc. of the present invention include: abdominal pain; fever; loss of appetite; pain with passing stool; diarrhea; unintentional weight loss; constipation; rectal bleeding; bloody stools; intestinal inflammation, abscesses and fistulas; and inflammation of the ileal pouch (pouchitis). 
         [0025]    It is not necessary that individuals have been diagnosed with a microbial infection in order to benefit from the compositions, methods, systems, etc., herein. 
         [0026]    The compositions, formulations, methods, etc., can be used as dietary supplements or as food additives or as pharmaceutical agents or otherwise as desired to reduce symptoms of IBS, IBD and gastritis. The methods herein include methods, kits, labels, systems, etc., directed to labeling, marketing and otherwise providing the compositions to health care professionals and/or to consumers for use in reducing symptoms of IBS, IBD and gastritis. 
         [0027]    The inclusion of at least one strain of  Pediococcus  in the composition is essential for this invention. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the composition is comprised of a mixture of a first microbial organism comprising at least one strain of  Pediococcus  and at least one second microbial organism having a beneficial health effect in humans, wherein the second microbial organism is at least one of a bacterium or fungus. Typically, at least one additional microbial organism is selected from the group comprising  Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus , or  Saccharomyces.    
         [0029]    In a further embodiment, the compositions are provided in capsules or other suitable administration formats, and a single capsule provides a full serving. In one example, each capsule comprises at least about 1 million and up to 150 billion Colony Forming Units (CFU) of the  Pediococcus  per 1 capsule serving and at least about 1 million CFU of the additional microorganism per 1 capsule serving. In another embodiment, the yield is about 150 billion CFU per gram of material. Other yields can also be used as desired. 
         [0030]    In a further embodiment, the  Pediococcus  strain is one or more of  Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Pediococcus damnosus, Pediococcus dextrinicus, Pediococcus cerevisiae , or  Pediococcus parvulus.    
         [0031]    In one preferred embodiment,  Pediococcus acidilactici  is used. 
         [0032]    In another embodiment, the selected species of  Pediococcus  is combined with one or more further probiotics. The additional probiotic may be any microorganism that has a beneficial health effect in humans. Typically, the additional probiotic is one or more of:  Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. brevis, L. bulgaricus, L. casei, L. crispatus, L. curvatus, L. fermentum, L. gasseri, L. helveticus, L. johnsonii, L. paracasei, L. paraplantarum, L. pentosus, L. plantarum, L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus, L. salivarius, L. sakei, Lactococcus lactis, Leuconostoc lactis, Ln. pseudomesenteroides, Ln. mesenteroides, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, B. animalis, B. bifidum, B. breve, B. lactis, B. longum, B. infantis, Streptococcus thermophilus, Saccharomyces boulardii, Saccharomyces cereviseae, Bacillus subtilis, B. coagulans  (frequently mislabeled as  Lactobacillus sporogenes ),  B. licheniformis, B. cereus, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli  Nessle 1917,  Proprionibacterium acidipropionici, P. freudenreichii, P. jensenii, and P. thoenii.    
         [0033]    In a further embodiment, none of the probiotic organisms in the composition have been or are propagated or grown in media containing casein or gluten. 
         [0034]    In another further embodiment, the composition such as a dietary supplement is a dried powder, a tablet, or a gelatin capsule. Exemplary methods for encapsulation of probiotics can be found, e.g., in U.S. patent application No. 2007/0122397 and in the scientific literature. 
         [0035]    In one further embodiment, the composition is supplied along with an ingestible support material for human consumption. Exemplary ingestible support materials include a cereal based product, rice cake, soy cake, food bar product, cold formed food bar product, custard, pudding, gelatin, rice milk, soy milk, yogurt, kefir, mashed fruit product, candy, candy bar, and applesauce. Numerous methods for formulation of ingestible support materials with probiotics are known in the literature. 
         [0036]    In another embodiment the product can be a kit or system wherein the compositions, capsules, etc., herein are contained in a pharmaceutically acceptable container and a written description, brochure, information sheet, catalog, or label explaining the product can reduce one or more symptoms of IBS, IBD or gastritis, and/or the product is free of casein and gluten and/or hypoallergenic. Further, the product can be marketed together with the written description, brochure, information sheet, catalog, or label explaining the product can reduce one or more symptoms of IBS, IBD or gastritis/gastric ulcer, and/or the product is free of casein and gluten. In an additional embodiment the product is marketed together with a written description, brochure, information sheet, catalog, or label explaining that the product is hypoallergenic. 
         [0037]    Probiotic Ingredients and Compositions 
         [0038]    “Probiotics” within the context of the present invention is used in accord with its usual meaning, for example as selected, viable microbial dietary supplements that, when introduced in sufficient quantities, beneficially affect the human organism via their effects in the gastrointestinal tract (Holzapfel et al., 2001; Holzapfel &amp; Schillinger, 2002). The FAO/WHO has adopted the definition of probiotics as “Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”(FAO/WHO guidelines, 2002). These beneficial bacteria may be found for example in milk or in milk processing factories, living or decaying plants, and also in the intestines of man and animals. 
         [0039]    Currently, the best-studied probiotics are the lactic acid bacteria, particularly  Lactobacillus  spp and  Bifidobacterium  spp.  Lactobacillus  is a genus of Gram-positive facultative anaerobic bacteria. The genus  Lactobacillus  currently comprises over 100 species and encompasses a wide variety of organisms. They are common and usually benign. In humans they are present in the vagina and the gastrointestinal tract, where they are symbiotic and make up a small portion of the gut flora (Tannock, 1999). Studies in humans have been done with  L. acidophilus, L. salivarius, L. johnsonii, L. casei, L. lactis, L. reuteri, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. brevis, L. gasseri , and other species and subspecies. The use of  Lactobacillus  species in human studies has been extensively reviewed in the scientific literature, including the references provided herein. 
         [0040]      Bifidobacterium  is a genus of Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria, currently comprised of 31 characterized species, 11 of which have been detected in human feces (Tannock, 1999).  Bifidobacteria  are Gram-positive, irregular or branched rod-shaped bacteria that are commonly found in the intestines of humans and most animals and insects. While  B. infantis, B. brevi , and  B. longum  are the largest group of bacteria in the intestine of infants,  Bifidobacteria  are said to be only the 3rd or 4th largest group in adults (and comprise only 3-6% of adult fecal flora).  Bifidobacteria  inhibit the growth of  Candida albicans, E. coli , and other pathogenic bacteria.  B. infantis  has been shown to dramatically reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (Whorwell et al., 2006). 
         [0041]      Lactobacilli  and  Bifidobacteria  have been examined for their effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of a diverse spectrum of gastrointestinal disorders. Among other benefits, these organisms are thought to restore and maintain immune system function and gastrointestinal barrier function, and to reduce inflammation (Corthesy et al., 2007; Parvez et al., 2006). 
         [0042]    The effects of  Lactobacillus  and  Bifidobacterium  in humans have been reviewed by Jonkers &amp; Stockbruegger, 2007; Lesbros-Pantoflickova; Moayyedi et al., 2010; Gareau et al., 2010; Parvez et al., 2006; Lesbros-Pantoflickova D, et al. 2007). Midolo et al. (1995) reported that six strains of  L. acidophilus  and one strain of  L. casei  subsp.  rhamnosus  inhibited the growth of  H. pylori  growth in vitro. The administration of  Lactobacillus  and  Bifidobacteria  improves gastritis; the effect is statistically significant but weak (Lesbros-Pantoflickova D, et al. 2007). One product, known as VSL#3, has been shown to reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and pouchitis (inflammation of the ileal pouch; reviewed by Corthesy et al., 2007). A probiotic/prebiotic mixture known as Synbiotic 2000 had no effect on the postoperative recurrence of Crohn&#39;s disease (Chermesh, 2007). 
         [0043]      Saccharomyces boulardii  is a transient yeast probiotic long used to treat various types of diarrhea. It is a hardy, acid-resistant, temperature tolerant microorganism that is not affected by antibiotics.  S. boulardii  has been reported to have beneficial effects in patients with Crohn&#39;s disease, IBS, and gastritis (Guslandi et al., 2000; Choi et al., 2011; Szajewska et al., 2010). 
         [0044]      Pediococcus  can be described as “the only acidophilic, homofermentative, lactic acid bacteria that divide alternatively in two perpendicular directions to form tetrads”(Simpson and Taguchi, 1995). Phylogenetically,  Pediococcus  and  Lactobacillus  form a super-cluster that can be divided in to two sub-clusters. All species of  Pediococcus  fall within the  Lactobacillus casei—Pediococcus  sub-cluster. Morphologically,  pediococci  ( cocci ; 0.6-1.0 mm in diameter) and  lactobacilli  (rods) are distinct. Five species currently belong to the genus  Pediococcus: Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus damnosus, Pediococcus dextrinicus, Pediococcus parvulus , and  Pediococcus pentosaceus.    
         [0045]      P. pentosaceus  is used as an acid producing starter culture in sausage fermentations, cucumber and green bean fermentations, soya milk fermentations, and silage, and is a typical component of the microflora of most cheese varieties during ripening.  Pediococcus  species have been used as probiotics in the livestock and pet industries (U.S. Patent Appl. 20060008511 and 20070020328) and are generally recognized as safe for human consumption (GRAS) (Ishibashi &amp; Yamazaki, 2001). One strain of  P. acidilactici  (LMG P-21927) has been isolated from human feces (Speelmans et al; U.S. Patent Appl. No. 2006/0165661; WO2004/110466). 
         [0046]    The antimicrobial effects of  Pediococcus  on foodborne pathogens such as  Listeria  have been determined. The antibacterial properties of  Pediococcus  are due to bactericidal peptides known as pediocins, which are of great interest as food biopreservatives. Several studies have been done to examine the effects of pediocins on  H. pylori . Kim et al. (2003) reported that purified pediocin PO2 had weak activity against  H. pylori , but Midolo and coworkers (1995) found no effect of live  Pediococcus  on  H. pylori . None of the studies contemplate the use of live  Pediococcus  for the treatment of gastritis, IBS or IBD in humans. 
         [0047]    We previously disclosed compositions and methods comprising  Pediococcus  for use in humans (U.S. published application No. 2011/0091431 whose contents are incorporated by reference herein). The present invention specifies the use of these compositions and methods for reducing the signs and/or symptoms of gastritis, IBS and IBD in persons in need thereof. 
         [0048]    Although not necessary to an understanding of the compositions, methods, etc., herein the beneficial effects of our compositions in reducing symptoms of IBS, IBD and gastritis may result from an effect of  Pediococcus  as an immune modulator, which reduces inflammation and enhances the host response against disease. The dosage of  Pediococcus  is also important for successful colonization of the gastrointestinal tract. Without being bound by theory, these properties may allow the  Pedioccoccus  compositions herein to confer or restore a more normal neurogastrointestinal and immunological function in individuals with IBS, IBD and gastritis. Therefore, individuals that have been diagnosed with IBS, IBD or gastritis may benefit from the new compositions. 
         [0049]    The compositions discussed herein may be administered, for example, as dietary supplements, food and beverage additives, food and beverage ingredients, and pharmaceutical agents. Any suitable administration route can be used, typically alimentary/orally. 
         [0050]    The compositions discussed herein can include or be used in combination with compositions comprising digestive enzymes. For example, the compositions can be used in combination with a formulated combination of digestive enzymes known as EnzymAid™ (Kirkman Labs, Oregon) and a wide variety of other formulations. Typically, the digestive enzymes will be administered as a separate tablet or capsule or powder. A digestive enzyme formulation may if desired be given to a patient for a proscribed period of time prior to the initiation of treatment, for example for a period of 1-3 days to 1-4 weeks prior to initiation of treatment with the compositions described herein. Examples of digestive enzyme formulations that are suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, the products from ProThera Inc. and Klaire Labs, Inc. (Reno, Nev.), known as VitalZymes™ Complete; VitalZymes™ Forte; VitalZymes™ Chewables; and SerenAid®, and any of the ingredients therein. 
         [0051]    The compositions described herein may be used subsequent to treatment with antibiotic or antifungal agents, or concomitantly with such treatments. 
         [0052]    The compositions discussed herein may be used in conjunction with a gluten-free and casein-free diet. Thus, the methods and compositions of the present invention can be used in conjunction with any of the methods and compositions in Houston (U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,772) and/or Wilkinson (U.S. Pat. No. 6,251,391) including the SerenAid® brand enzyme product from ProThera, Inc. 
         [0053]    The compositions herein are preferably comprised of the following ingredients (% by relative CFU content):
     Pediococcus acidilactici  1% to 99%     Pediococcus pentosaceus  1% to 99%     Pediococcus damnosus  1% to 99%     Pediococcus dextrinicus  1% to 99%     Pediococcus parvulus  1% to 99%     Bifidobacterium lactis  1% to 99%     Bifidobacterium animalis  0% to 99%     Bifidobacterium adolescentis  0% to 98%     Bifidobacterium bifidum  0% to 98%     Bifidobacterium breve  0% to 98%     Bifidobacterium infantis  0% to 98%     Bifidobacterium longum  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus acidophilus  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus brevis  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus bulgaricus  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus casei  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus crispatus  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus curvatus  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus fermentum  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus gasseri  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus helveticus  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus johnsonii  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus paracasei  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus paraplantarum  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus pentosus  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus plantarum  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus reuteri  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus rhamnosus  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus sakei  0% to 98%     Lactobacillus salivarius  0% to 98%     Lactococcus lactis  0% to 98%     Leuconostoc lactis  0% to 98%     Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides  0% to 98%     Leuconostoc mesenteroides  0% to 98%     Saccharomyces boulardii  0% to 98%     Saccharomyces cereviseae  0% to 98%     Streptococcus thermophilus  0% to 98%     Bacillus subtilis  0% to 98%     Bacillus coagulans  0% to 98%     Bacillus licheniformis  0% to 98%     Bacillus cereus  0% to 98%     Enterococcus faecium  0% to 98%     Escherichia coli  Nessle 1917 0% to 98%     Proprionibacterium acidipropionic  0% to 98%     Proprionibacterium freudenreichii  0% to 98%     Proprionibacterium jensenii  0% to 98%     Proprionibacterium thoenii  0% to 98%   
 
         [0101]      Enterococcus faecium  0% to 98% 
         [0102]    The above ingredients can also be present, for example, at ranges of more than 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or less than 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%. 
         [0103]    In one embodiment, the compositions contain the following amounts of ingredients per 1 capsule serving size, where CFU means a Colony Forming Unit:
     Pediococcus acidilactici  1.5 billion CFU (6.0%)     Bifidobacterium breve  0.5 billion CFU (2.0%)     Bifidobacterium infantis  0.5 billion CFU (2.0%)     Lactobacillus paracasei  0.5 billion CFU (2.0%)     Lactobacillus salivarius  0.5 billion CFU (2.0%)     Bifidobacterium lactis  1.0 billion CFU (4.0%)     Bifidobacterium longum  1.0 billion CFU (4.0%)     Streptococcus thermophilus  1.0 billion CFU (4.0%)     Lactobacillus bulgaricus  1.0 billion CFU (4.0%)     Lactobacillus casei  2.5 billion CFU (10.0%)     Lactobacillus plantarum  2.5 billion CFU (10.0%)     Lactobacillus acidophilus  3.0 billion CFU (12.0%)     Bifidobacterium bifidum  3.5 billion CFU (14.0%)     Lactobacillus rhamnosus  6.0 billion CFU (24.0%)   
 
         [0118]    It will be understood that a variety of different mixtures of  Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Sachharomyces, Lactococcus , and other probiotic organisms can be combined with  Pediococcus  in various % compositions and doses that produce efficacious results; the invention is not limited to the exact formulation described above. 
         [0119]    Methods for formulation and encapsulation of bacteria have been reported, and such methods may be used in conjunction with this invention (e.g. U.S. Pat. Appl. 2004/247580). 
         [0120]    In addition, the compositions, methods, etc., herein can be formulated, made or used to include prebiotic agents that promote the growth of probiotic organisms in the gastrointestinal tract. Suitable prebiotic agents include, but are not limited to, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, lactulose, β-glucan, inulin, pectin and resistant starch (see, e.g., Paul et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,983). 
         [0121]    The probiotic compositions of the invention are also formulated with other therapeutic agents such proton pump inhibitors selected from the group consisting of Omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole and esomeprazole and H2-receptor antagonists selected from the group consisting of Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine and Nizatidine. 
       EXAMPLE 1 
       [0122]    A 38 year-old male patient with severe abdominal distention is treated daily with a capsule containing 200 million CFU of  Pedioccocus acidilactici . The patient is evaluated on a weekly basis and the patient reports improvement of the symptoms of abdominal distention. 
       EXAMPLE 2 
       [0123]    An 8 year-old boy with daily gas, abdominal craps, and constipation is treated by administering 2 capsules twice daily, each capsule containing a probiotic formulation containing  Pediococcus acidilactici  1.5 billion colony forming units (CFU),  Bifidobacterium breve  0.5 billion CFU,  Bifidobacterium infantis  0.5 billion CFU,  Lactobacillus paracasei  0.5 billion CFU,  Lactobacillus salivarius  0.5 billion CFU,  Bifidobacterium lactis  1.0 billion CFU,  Bifidobacterium longum  1.0 billion CFU,  Streptococcus thermophilus  1.0 billion CFU,  Lactobacillus bulgaricus  1.0 billion CFU,  Lactobacillus casei  2.5 billion CFU,  Lactobacillus plantarum  2.5 billion CFU,  Lactobacillus acidophilus  3.0 billion CFU,  Bifidobacterium bifidum  3.5 billion CFU, and  Lactobacillus rhamnosus  6.0 billion CFU and experiences complete resolution of symptoms after 3 weeks. 
         [0124]    The entire contents including the references cited therein of the references cited above and the following patents, published applications including all their foreign equivalents and journal publications are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual patent, patent application or publication were so individually denoted. 
       U.S. Patent Documents 
       [0125]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 
                 Date 
                 Inventor 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 5,705,152 
                 January, 1998 
                 Plummer 
               
               
                 5,501,857 
                 March, 1996 
                 Zimmer 
               
               
                 6,080,401 
                 June, 2000 
                 Reddy, et al. 
               
               
                 6,241,983 
                 June, 2001 
                 Paul et al. 
               
               
                 6,251,391 
                 June, 2001 
                 Wilkinson, et al. 
               
               
                 7,241,441 
                 July, 2007 
                 Choi, et al. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       U.S. Patent Applications 
       [0126]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 US Patent Application 
                 Publication Date 
                 Inventor 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 2004/0247580 
                 Dec. 9, 2004 
                 Chung et al. 
               
               
                 2006/0165661 
                 Jul. 27, 2006 
                 Speelmans, et al. 
               
               
                 2007/0286916 
                 Dec. 13, 2007 
                 Bengmark 
               
               
                 2010/0196323 
                 Aug. 5, 2010 
                 Plail, et al. 
               
               
                 2009/0263366 
                 Oct. 22, 2009 
                 Lin 
               
               
                 2005/0186188 
                 Aug. 25, 2005 
                 Guo 
               
               
                 2006/0251633 
                 Nov. 9, 2006 
                 Salvadori, et al. 
               
               
                 2006/0008511 
                 Jan. 12, 2006 
                 Lin &amp; Lin 
               
               
                 2007/0020328 
                 Jan. 25, 2007 
                 Lin 
               
               
                 2010/0278975 
                 Nov. 4, 2010 
                 Chung, et al. 
               
               
                 Docket No. 1776-004-02 
                 Oct. 9, 2009 
                 Olmstead 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       World Patent Documents 
       [0127]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 WO2004/103083 
                 Dec. 2, 2004 
                 Ljungh-Wadstrom 
               
               
                 WO2004/110466 
                 Dec. 23, 2004 
                 Speelmans G, et al. 
               
               
                 WO 2010/002054. 
                 Jan. 7, 2010 
                 Chung Myung Jun et al. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
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         [0167]    Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific details of certain embodiments thereof, it is not intended that such detail should be regarded as limitations upon the scope of the invention, except as and to the extent that they are included in the accompanying claims.