COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS USING AT LEAST ONE STRAIN OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS CARNOSUS THERAPEUTICALLY OR PROPHYLACTICALLY

Abstract

Compositions contain at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain, for example at least one of S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400. A unit dosage form of the composition contains a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount of the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain. Methods of making such compositions include adding at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain to at least one other food component. Methods of using such compositions therapeutically or prophylactically include promoting mucosal healing; regulation of gut microbiota dysbiosis; and treatment or prevention of gut inflammatory diseases such as IBD, irritable bowel syndrome, liver inflammation (NASH,NAFLD, alcohol-induced liver injury), allergy, atopy, bone inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Gougerot-Sjogren's syndrome, Reiter's syndrome, poliomyelitis, dermato-myositis, thyroiditis, Basedow, Hashimoto, type I diabetes, Addison's disease, auto-immunes hepatitis, celiac disease, Biermer's disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia, eye inflammation, obesity-associated inflammation, age-related low-grade inflammation, Blau's syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, gingivitis, paronditis, and food sensitivities.

Claims

1. A method of treating inflammation in an individual having the inflammation, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain that produces one or more of tryptamine, indole, indole propionic acid, 3-methylindole, indole-3-acetic acid or indole-3-acetaldehyde to the individual.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain comprises at least one of S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain is administered in a composition further comprising one or more additional probiotics, and the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus is a majority of a total amount of probiotics in the composition.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain is administered in a composition in which the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus is the only probiotic.

5-6. (canceled)

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the inflammation is selected from the group consisting of acute inflammation, skin inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including crohn's disease and/or ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, liver inflammation, allergy, atopy, bone inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Gougerot-Sjogren's syndrome, Reiter's syndrome, poliomyelitis, dermato-myositis, thyroiditis, Basedow, Hashimoto, type I diabetes, type II diabetes, Addison's disease, auto-immunes hepatitis, celiac disease, Biermer's disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia, eye inflammation, obesity-associated inflammation, age-related low-grade inflammation, Blau's syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, gingivitis, paronditis, and combinations thereof.

8-10. (canceled)

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain is administered in a composition further comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of a prebiotic, an amino acid, a protein, a nucleotide, a fish oil, a non-marine source of omega-3 fatty acids, a phytonutrient, an antioxidant, and mixtures thereof.

12. A method of preventing, reducing an incidence of, and/or reducing a severity of inflammation in an individual at risk of the inflammation, the method comprising administering a prophylactically effective amount of at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain that produces one or more of tryptamine, indole, indole propionic acid, 3-methylindole, indole-3-acetic acid or indole-3-acetaldehyde to the individual.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain comprises at least one of S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain is administered in a composition further comprising one or more additional probiotics, and the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus is a majority of a total amount of probiotics in the composition.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain is administered in a composition in which the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus is the only probiotic.

16-17. (canceled)

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the inflammation is selected from the group consisting of acute inflammation, skin inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including crohn's disease and/or ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, liver inflammation, allergy, atopy, bone inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Gougerot-Sjogren's syndrome, Reiter's syndrome, poliomyelitis, dermato-myositis, thyroiditis, Basedow, Hashimoto, type I diabetes, type II diabetes, Addison's disease, auto-immunes hepatitis, celiac disease, Biermer's disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia, eye inflammation, obesity-associated inflammation, age-related low-grade inflammation, Blau's syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, gingivitis, paronditis, and combinations thereof.

19-21. (canceled)

22. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain is administered in a composition further comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of a prebiotic, an amino acid, a protein, a nucleotide, a fish oil, a non-marine source of omega-3 fatty acids, a phytonutrient, an antioxidant, and mixtures thereof.

23. A method of preventing, treating or regulating microbiota dysbiosis in an individual at risk of or suffering from the microbiota dysbiosis, the method comprising administering a prophylactically effective amount of at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain that produces one or more of tryptamine, indole, indole propionic acid, 3-methylindole, indole-3-acetic acid or indole-3-acetaldehyde to the individual.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain comprises at least one of S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain is administered in a composition further comprising one or more additional probiotics, and the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus is a majority of a total amount of probiotics in the composition.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain is administered in a composition in which the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus is the only probiotic.

27-44. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a table of selected NCC S. carnosus strains in the first experimental example disclosed herein.

[0017] FIG. 3 depicts the evaluation of S. carnosus in a mouse DSS colitis model in a second experimental example disclosed herein.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows a heat map of changes in cytokine levels in colonic tissue harvested at study terminus (Day 14), with study group values depicted as relative to the DSS vehicle control (shown as 0).

[0019] FIG. 5 is a chart showing disease activity index (DAI) at peak of disease (Day 10), statistical comparisons to vehicle control, in the second experimental example disclosed herein.

[0020] FIGS. 6A and 6B present charts showing bacterial-derived tryptophan metabolites activate AHR in a dose-dependent manner in a third experimental example disclosed herein.

[0021] FIGS. 7A and 7B present charts showing bacterial-derived tryptophan metabolites demonstrate low level activation of AHR and with limited potentiation compared to TCDD in the third experimental example disclosed herein.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a chart of results from an initial test of metabolites in culture supernatants in the third experimental example disclosed herein, all analytes quantified from a single sample.

[0023] FIG. 9 shows NST-04 Mouse Colon; Mean Sum Colitis Scores. Group mean+/standard error of the mean (SEM). For mice administered DSS, distal sum colitis scores were reduced in mice treated with NCC971 or anti-p40 in comparison to the vehicle control treatment. These same reductions were not observed in the proximal colon. Comparative reductions were minimal or absent in mice treated with NCC1052 or the combination of NCC971+NCC1052 in the proximal segment and distal segment of colon.

[0024] FIG. 10 shows NST-04 Mouse Proximal Segment of Colon; Mean Histopathology Scores. Group mean+/SEM. Amongst-group trends were similar to those observed in the proximal segment sum colitis scores

[0025] FIG. 11 shows Mouse Distal Segment of Colon; Mean Histopathology Scores. Group mean+/SEM. Amongst-group trends were similar to those observed in the distal segment sum colitis scores

[0026] FIG. 12 shows NST-04 Mouse Proximal Segment of Colon; Mean Goblet Cell Abundance Scores. Group mean+/SEM. Goblet cell abundance was primarily increased. Slight reductions in the decreased and increased abundance scores were associated with anti-p40 treatment in comparison the vehicle control, but this did not translate to differences in the sum scores.

[0027] FIG. 13 shows NST-04 Mouse Distal Segment of Colon; Mean Goblet Cell Abundance Scores. Group mean+/SEM. Goblet cell abundance was primarily decreased. Slight reductions in the decreased and increased abundance scores were associated with NCC971 or anti-p40 treatment in comparison the vehicle control, but this translated to relatively minimal differences in sum scores.

[0028] FIG. 14 shows NST-04 Mouse Colon; Mean Sub-Cryptal Mucosal Thickness Measurements. Group mean+/SEM. For mice administered DSS, thickness measurements in the distal colon were reduced in mice treated with NCC971 or anti-p40 in comparison to the vehicle control treatment. These same reductions were not observed in the proximal colon. Comparative reductions were not observed in in mice treated with NCC1052 or the combination of NCC971+NCC1052 in the proximal segment and distal segment of colon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions

[0029] Some definitions are provided hereafter. Nevertheless, definitions may be located in the Embodiments section below, and the above header Definitions does not mean that such disclosures in the Embodiments section are not definitions.

[0030] All percentages expressed herein are by weight of the total weight of the composition unless expressed otherwise. As used herein, about, approximately and substantially are understood to refer to numbers in a range of numerals, for example the range of 10% to +10% of the referenced number, preferably 5% to +5% of the referenced number, more preferably 1% to +1% of the referenced number, most preferably 0.1% to +0.1% of the referenced number. All numerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integers, whole or fractions, within the range. Moreover, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range. For example, a disclosure of from 1 to 10 should be construed as supporting a range of from 1 to 8, from 3 to 7, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, and so forth.

[0031] As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a bacterial strain or the bacterial strain means the bacterial strain and includes two or more the bacterial strains.

[0032] The words comprise, comprises and comprising are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. Likewise, the terms include, including and or should all be construed to be inclusive, unless such a construction is clearly prohibited from the context. Nevertheless, the compositions disclosed herein may lack any element that is not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, a disclosure of an embodiment using the term comprising includes a disclosure of embodiments consisting essentially of and consisting of the components identified.

[0033] The terms at least one of and and/or used in the respective context of at least one of X or Y and X and/or Y should be interpreted as X, or Y, or X and Y. For example, at least one of S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400 should be interpreted as S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 without S. carnosus CNCM I-5400, or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400 without S. carnosus CNCM I-5398, or both S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 and S. carnosus CNCM I-5400. These strains in particular may be used alone or in combination with each other, and/or other strains of S. carnosus.

[0034] The terms at least one is to be interpreted to include one or more, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more. The terms at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain is to be interpreted to include one single Staphylococcus carnosus strain alone as well as combinations of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more strains. In the context of at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain that produces one or more of tryptamine, indole, indole propionic acid, 3-methylindole, indole-3-acetic acid or indole-3-acetaldehyde, the term is to be interpreted to include one or more strains of Staphylococcus carnosus, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more strains, wherein each strain produces one or more of tryptamine, indole, indole propionic acid, 3-methylindole, indole-3-acetic acid or indole-3-acetaldehyde. Each strain of Staphylococcus carnosus may produce one or more of tryptamine, indole, indole propionic acid, 3-methylindole, indole-3-acetic acid or indole-3-acetaldehyde. Where two or more strains are present in combination, each strain may produce the same or different metabolite and/or metabolites. For example, at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain that produces one or more of tryptamine, indole, indole propionic acid, 3-methylindole, indole-3-acetic acid or indole-3-acetaldehyde includes any combination of strains that produce any combination of the listed metabolites, wherein each strain may produce one metabolite alone or more metabolites in any combination.

[0035] Where used herein, the terms example and such as, particularly when followed by a listing of terms, are merely exemplary and illustrative and should not be deemed to be exclusive or comprehensive. As used herein, a condition associated with or linked with another condition means the conditions occur concurrently, preferably means that the conditions are caused by the same underlying condition, and most preferably means that one of the identified conditions is caused by the other identified condition.

[0036] Prevention includes reduction of risk and/or severity of a condition or disorder. The terms treatment and treat include both prophylactic or preventive treatment (that prevent and/or slow the development of a targeted pathologic condition or disorder) and curative, therapeutic or disease-modifying treatment, including therapeutic measures that cure, slow down, lessen symptoms of, and/or halt progression of a diagnosed pathologic condition or disorder; and treatment of patients at risk of contracting a disease or suspected to have contracted a disease, as well as patients who are ill or have been diagnosed as suffering from a disease or medical condition. The terms treatment and treat do not necessarily imply that a subject is treated until total recovery. The terms treatment and treat also refer to the maintenance and/or promotion of health in an individual not suffering from a disease but who may be susceptible to the development of an unhealthy condition. The terms treatment and treat are also intended to include the potentiation or otherwise enhancement of one or more primary prophylactic or therapeutic measures. As non-limiting examples, a treatment can be performed by a patient, a caregiver, a doctor, a nurse, or another healthcare professional.

[0037] As used herein, a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount is an amount that prevents a deficiency, treats a disease or medical condition in an individual, or, more generally, reduces symptoms, alters expression of biomarkers associated with a disease or condition, manages progression of the disease, or provides a nutritional, physiological, or medical benefit to the individual. The relative terms promote, improve, increase, enhance and the like refer to a level of a characteristic of the subject (e.g., intestinal mucosa function, goblet cell function or any other indicator of intestinal health) after administration of the composition disclosed herein, which comprises at least one S. carnosus strain, relative to the level of the characteristic immediately prior to the administration.

[0038] As used herein, the terms food, food product and food composition mean a product or composition that is intended for oral ingestion by a human or other mammal and comprises at least one nutrient for the human or other mammal.

[0039] Nutritional compositions and nutritional products, as used herein, include any number of food ingredients and possibly optional additional ingredients based on a functional need in the product and in full compliance with all applicable regulations. The optional ingredients may include, but are not limited to, conventional food additives, for example one or more, acidulants, additional thickeners, buffers or agents for pH adjustment, chelating agents, colorants, emulsifies, excipient, flavor agent, mineral, osmotic agents, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, preservatives, stabilizers, sugar, sweeteners, texturizers, and/or vitamins. The optional ingredients can be added in any suitable amount.

[0040] Probiotic means microbial cell preparations or components of microbial cells with a beneficial effect on the health or well-being of the host. (Salminen S, Ouwehand A. Benno Y. et al Probiotics: how should they be defined Trends Food Sci. Technol. 1999:10 107-10).

[0041] The term unit dosage form, as used herein, refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for human and animal subjects, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of the composition disclosed herein in an amount sufficient to produce the desired effect, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier or vehicle. The specifications for the unit dosage form depend on the particular compounds employed, the effect to be achieved, and the pharmacodynamics associated with each compound in the host.

[0042] A subject or individual is a mammal, preferably a human.

[0043] Strains disclosed in the present application have been deposited in the depositary institution indicated in the table below (Table 1), and have received the following date of deposit and accession number:

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Depositary Accession Date of # NCC Code institution number deposit 1 846 CNCM I-5423 16 May 2019 2 971 CNCM I-5398 1 Feb. 2019 3 981 CNCM I-5399 1 Feb. 2019 4 1052 CNCM I-5400 1 Feb. 2019 5 1090 CNCM I-5401 1 Feb. 2019

[0044] CNCM refers to Collection nationale de cultures de micro-organismes, Institut Pasteur, 28, rue du Dr Roux, F-75724 Paris Cedex 15, France.

[0045] Strains 1-5 have been deposited by Nestec S.A., avenue Nestle 55, 1800 Vevey, Switzerland. Since then, Nestec S.A. has merged into Socit des Produits Nestl S.A. Accordingly, Socit des Produits Nestl S.A. is the successor in title of Nestec S.A., under article 2(ix) of the Budapest Treaty.

Embodiments

[0046] As detailed in the experimental examples later herein, in silico screening of food-grade bacterial library for genes encoding enzymes that catabolize tryptophan identified Staphylococcus carnosus strains that possess multiple genes for enzymes that are part of established tryptophan catabolic pathways. Based on the presence of multiple genes, these strains are expected to produce multiple tryptophan catabolites. These breakdown molecules are bio-active molecules that can engage the mammalian aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) to elicit a cascade of downstream effector functions.

[0047] Furthermore, targeted metabolomic screening of bacterial culture supernatants confirmed that metabolites predicted by in silico screening are indeed produced in culture. Still further, evaluation of purified metabolites in in vitro mouse and human AHR binding and activation assays demonstrated that the metabolites bind the mouse and human receptors and activate the reporter gene. The activation level was found to be higher for the human AHR receptor compared to mouse. Importantly, the level and potentiation of activation was 2,000 lower than that observed for the dioxin reference molecule, which is toxic to the host.

[0048] Moreover, evaluation of various S. carnosus strains in a mouse colitis model identified certain strains that can significantly reduce disease manifestations. Still further, evaluation of colonic tissue cytokines from the mouse colitis studies has established that a general dampening of pro-inflammatory cytokines is observed in mice administered the efficacious strains.

[0049] The identified Staphylococcus carnosus strains possess a higher number of tryptophan catabolic enzymes and likely have a higher capacity to produce these bioactive metabolites relative to other probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus strains such as L. hilgardii, L. farraginis, L. buchneri, L. fermentum, L. reuteri and L. paracasei.

[0050] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is a method of treating inflammation in an individual having the inflammation, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain that produces one or more of tryptamine, indole, indole propionic acid, 3-methylindole, indole-3-acetic acid or indole-3-acetaldehyde to the individual. For example at least one of the strains of Staphylococcus carnosus includes those strains listed in Table 1 alone or in combination, for example at least one of S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400. In a specific aspect, the strain of S. carnosus is S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400 alone or in combination. The effective amount of at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can catabolize tryptophan into metabolites that engage the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) of the individual and thereby stimulate proliferation of epithelial cells.

[0051] A further aspect of the present disclosure is a method of treating, preventing, reducing an incidence of, and/or reducing a severity of inflammation, such as a gut inflammatory disease, for example IBD, by administering a therapeutically effective or prophylactically effective amount of at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain that produces one or more of tryptamine, indole, indole propionic acid, 3-methylindole, indole-3-acetic acid or indole-3-acetaldehyde, for example at least one of the strains of Staphylococcus carnosus listed in Table 1, for example at least one of S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400. In a specific aspect, the strain of S. carnosus is S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400 alone or in combination. The effective amount of at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can catabolize tryptophan into metabolites that engage the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) of the individual and thereby stimulate proliferation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and epithelial cells.

[0052] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of promoting intestinal mucosa healing by administering a therapeutically effective or prophylactically effective amount of at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain that produces one or more of tryptamine, indole, indole propionic acid, 3-methylindole, indole-3-acetic acid or indole-3-acetaldehyde, for example at least one of the strains of Staphylococcus carnosus listed in Table 1, for example at least one of S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400. In a specific aspect, the strain of S. carnosus is S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400 alone or in combination. The effective amount of at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can catabolize tryptophan into metabolites that engage the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) of the individual and thereby stimulate proliferation of epithelial cells.

[0053] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of regulating gut microbiota dysbiosis or treating or preventing a disorder associated with microbiota dysbiosis by administering a therapeutically effective or prophylactically effective amount of at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain that produces one or more of tryptamine, indole, indole propionic acid, 3-methylindole, 3-methylindole, indole-3-acetic acid or indole-3-acetaldehyde, for example at least one of the strains of Staphylococcus carnosus listed in Table 1, for example at least one of S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400. In a specific aspect, the strain of S. carnosus is S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400.

[0054] In any and all embodiments of the invention the strains of Staphylococcus carnosus listed in Table 1 may be used alone or in any combination with other strains of Staphylococcus carnosus listed in Table 1 and/or other strains of Staphylococcus carnosus that produces one or more of tryptamine, indole, indole propionic acid, 3-methylindole, indole-3-acetic acid or indole-3-acetaldehyde but are not listed in Table 1. For example, in any and all aspects of the invention the at least one strain of S. carnosus may be S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400 alone or in combination. The invention also provides edible or food compositions comprising a therapeutically effective or prophylactically effective amount of at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain that produces one or more of tryptamine, indole, indole propionic acid, 3-methylindole, 3-methylindole, indole-3-acetic acid or indole-3-acetaldehyde, for example at least one of the strains of Staphylococcus carnosus listed in Table 1, for example at least one of S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400. In a specific aspect, the strain of S. carnosus is S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400 alone or in combination. The edible or food composition can be selected from the group consisting of a nutritionally complete product, a drink, a dietary supplement, a meal replacement, a food additive, a supplement to a food product, a powder for dissolution, an enteral nutrition product, an infant formula, and combinations thereof.

[0055] In one aspect, the invention also provides edible or food compositions comprising a therapeutically effective or prophylactically effective amount of at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain that produces one or more of tryptamine, indole, indole propionic acid, 3-methylindole, 3-methylindole, indole-3-acetic acid or indole-3-acetaldehyde for use in treating inflammation in an individual. The at least one of the strains of Staphylococcus carnosus may be strains listed in Table 1, for example at least one of S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400. In a specific aspect, the strain of S. carnosus is S. carnosus CNCM I-5398 or S. carnosus CNCM I-5400 alone or in combination.

[0056] The at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain may be administered to the individual as a daily dose of 110.sup.3 to 110.sup.12, preferably 110.sup.7 to 110.sup.11 cfu (cfu=colony forming unit). The at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain may be administered in a composition comprising between 110 3 to 110.sup.12 cfu/g of dry composition.

[0057] The at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain may be alive, fragmented, or in the form of fermentation products (e.g., supernatant) or metabolites, or a mixture of any or all of these states.

[0058] In some embodiments, the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain is administered in a composition further comprising one or more additional probiotics, and the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus is a majority of a total amount of probiotics in the composition. For example, the amount of any Lactobacillus in the composition is preferably less than the amount of the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus. In some embodiments, the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus is the only probiotic in the composition.

[0059] The at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can be administered to the individual by at least one route selected from the group consisting of oral, topical, enteral and parenteral. For example, the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can be administered in a composition selected from the group consisting of a nutritionally complete product, a drink, a dietary supplement, a meal replacement, a food additive, a supplement to a food product, a powder for dissolution, an enteral nutrition product, an infant formula, and combinations thereof.

[0060] In some embodiments, the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can be administered in an amount effective to treat, prevent, reduce an incidence of, and/or reduce a severity of inflammation. Non-limiting examples of such inflammation can be selected from the group consisting of acute inflammation, skin inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including Crohn's disease and/or ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, liver inflammation (NASH, NAFLD, alcohol-induced liver injury), allergy, atopy, bone inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Gougerot-Sjogren's syndrome, Reiter's syndrome, poliomyelitis, dermato-myositis, thyroiditis, Basedow, Hashimoto, type I diabetes, Addison's disease, auto-immunes hepatitis, celiac disease, Biermer's disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia, eye inflammation, obesity-associated inflammation, age-related low-grade inflammation, Blau's syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, gingivitis, paronditis, food sensitivities, Celiac disease, and combinations thereof.

[0061] The inflammation treated or prevented by the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can be IBD, for example Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

[0062] In some embodiments, the individual is selected from the group consisting of an infant, a child, an adolescent, an adult and an elderly person.

[0063] Preferably the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain is administered in a composition further comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of a prebiotic, an amino acid, a protein, a nucleotide, a vitamin, a fish oil, a non-marine source of omega-3 fatty acids, a phytonutrient, an antioxidant, and mixtures thereof.

[0064] Prebiotic means a food substance that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. A prebiotic is not broken down in the stomach or absorbed in the GI tract of the individual ingesting the prebiotic, but the prebiotic is fermented by the gastrointestinal microflora and/or by probiotics. The addition of a prebiotic is beneficial because the combination of the prebiotic with the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain delivers synergistic health effects. A composition comprising a combination of a prebiotic and a probiotic is commonly known as a symbiotic composition.

[0065] The prebiotics that may be used with the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain are not particularly limited and include all food substances that promote the growth of probiotics in the intestine. Preferably, the prebiotic may be selected from the group consisting of oligosaccharides, optionally containing fructose, galactose, mannose; dietary fibers, in particular soluble fibers, soy fibers; inulin; or mixtures thereof. Preferred prebiotics are fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), isomalto-oligosaccharides, xylo-oligosaccharides, oligosaccharides of soy, glycosyl sucrose (GS), lactosucrose (LS), lactulose (LA), palatinose-oligosaccharides (PAO), malto-oligosaccharides, pectins and/or hydrolysates thereof.

[0066] The composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain may be a food product, an animal food product, or a pharmaceutical composition. For example, the product may be a nutritional composition, a nutraceutical, a drink, a food additive or a medicament.

[0067] A food additive or a medicament may be in the form of tablets, capsules, pastilles, a liquid, or a powder in a sachet, for example. Food additives or medicaments are preferably provided as sustained release formulations, allowing a substantially constant supply of the at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain for prolonged times.

[0068] The composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain is preferably selected from the group consisting of milk powder based products; instant drinks; ready-to-drink formulations; nutritional powders; nutritional liquids; milk-based products, in particular yoghurts or ice cream; cereal products; beverages; water; coffee; cappuccino; malt drinks; chocolate flavoured drinks; culinary products; soups; tablets; and/or syrups.

[0069] The composition may optionally comprise any milk obtainable from animal or plant sources, such as one or more of cow's milk, human milk, sheep milk, goat milk, horse milk, camel milk, rice milk or soy milk. Additionally or alternatively, milk-derived protein fractions or colostrum may be used.

[0070] The composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain may further contain protective hydrocolloids (such as gums, proteins, modified starches), binders, film forming agents, encapsulating agents/materials, wall/shell materials, matrix compounds, coatings, emulsifiers, surface active agents, solubilizing agents (oils, fats, waxes, lecithins etc.), adsorbents, carriers, fillers, co-compounds, dispersing agents, wetting agents, processing aids (solvents), flowing agents, taste masking agents, weighting agents, jellifying agents, gel forming agents, antioxidants and antimicrobials. The composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain may also contain conventional pharmaceutical additives and adjuvants, excipients and diluents, including, but not limited to, water, gelatine of any origin, vegetable gums, ligninsulfonate, talc, sugars, starch, gum arabic, vegetable oils, polyalkylene glycols, flavouring agents, preservatives, stabilizers, emulsifying agents, buffers, lubricants, colorants, wetting agents, fillers, and the like. Further, the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain may contain an organic or inorganic carrier material suitable for oral or enteral administration as well as vitamins, minerals trace elements and other micronutrients in accordance with the recommendations of Government bodies such as the USRDA.

[0071] The composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain may optionally contain a protein source, a carbohydrate source and/or a lipid source, particularly in embodiments of the composition that are a food product.

[0072] Any suitable dietary protein may be used, for example animal proteins (such as milk proteins, meat proteins and egg proteins); vegetable proteins (such as soy protein, wheat protein, rice protein, and pea protein); mixtures of free amino acids; or combinations thereof. Milk proteins such as casein and whey, and soy proteins are particularly preferred.

[0073] If the composition includes a fat source, the fat source more preferably provides 5% to 40% of the energy of the formula; for example 20% to 30% of the energy. DHA may be added. A suitable fat profile may be obtained using a blend of canola oil, corn oil and high-oleic acid sunflower oil.

[0074] A source of carbohydrates may preferably provide between 40% to 80% of the energy of the composition. Any suitable carbohydrate may be used, for example sucrose, lactose, glucose, fructose, corn syrup solids, maltodextrins, and mixtures thereof.

[0075] The composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain may be administered to humans or animals, in particular companion animals, pets or livestock. It has beneficial effects for any age group. Preferably, the composition is formulated for administration to infants, juveniles, adults or elderly. In some embodiments, the composition be administered to mothers during pregnancy and lactation to treat the infant.

[0076] In an embodiment, the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can be administered for at least 10, 20, 24, 30, 40, 42, 50, or 60 weeks. The composition can preferably be administered between 10 and 60 weeks, between 20 and 50 weeks, between 15 and 30 weeks, or between 35 and 45 weeks.

[0077] The composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can maintain or improve the mucosa health status of an IBD patient, as indicated by the maintenance of an endoscopic-proven healthy mucosa.

[0078] The maintenance of the endoscopic-proven healthy mucosa can be assessed by the simple endoscopic score-Crohn's Disease (SES-CD). Thus, the improvement of the endoscopic-proven healthy mucosa can be indicated by a reduction in the mean SES-CD score from the onset of administration of the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain to a time point between 20 and 45 weeks, preferably 20 and 30 weeks, for example week 24, after the onset of administration of the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain (endoscopic improvement).

[0079] The maintenance of the endoscopic-proven healthy mucosa can be indicated by a maintenance of the endoscopic response, wherein an endoscopic response is indicated as effecting an SES-CD decrease of at least 3 points from the onset of administration of the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain to a time point between 20 and 45 weeks, preferably between 20 and 30 weeks, for example week 24, after the onset of administration of the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain.

[0080] The maintenance of the endoscopic-proven healthy mucosa can also be indicated by a maintenance of the clinical remission, wherein clinical remission is indicated as effecting a CDAI of less than 150 points at a time point of between 20 and 45 weeks, preferably 20 and 30 weeks, for example week 24, after the onset of administration of the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain.

[0081] The composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can prolong the time until endoscopic or clinical relapse. The composition can thereby reduce the economic impact of CD as indicated by surgery, hospitalization and CD complication rates.

[0082] The composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can improve quality of life as indicated, for example, by IBDQ, SF-36v2 and EQ-5 determined at a time point of between 20 and 45 weeks, preferably 20 and 30 weeks, for example week 24, after the onset of administration of the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain.

[0083] The composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can improve the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome.

[0084] The composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can improve non-invasive biomarkers like CRP or fecal calprotectin.

[0085] The composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can be combined with standard treatments common in the treatment of IBD. These standard treatments comprise surgery, antibiotics, immuno-suppressants and anti-inflammatory drugs. Immuno-suppressants can be selected from the group consisting of prednisone, TNF or TNFalpha inhibitors (e.g. infliximab, adalimumab), azathioprine (Imuran), methotrexate, and 6-mercaptopurine. A preferred anti-inflammatory drug is mesalamine (USAN) or 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 5-ASA).

[0086] Preferably, the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain is administered in combination with at least one TNF inhibitor or TNF inhibitor therapy. Preferably, the at least one TNF inhibitor is a TNF alpha inhibitor. Preferably the at least one TNF alpha inhibitor is infliximab or adalimumab and most preferred the TNF alpha inhibitors are a combination of infliximab and adalimumab.

[0087] Preferred is the administration of any of the above cited immuno-suppressants and anti-inflammatory drugs in combination with the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain. The combination results in a cooperative effect of the administered compounds.

[0088] The composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can be used in the treatment of IBD, the treatment of a subject in remission of IBD, or preventing or delaying a relapse of IBD in a subject, wherein the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain is administered in combination with a medicament effective against IBD. The medicament preferably is an immunosuppressant or 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). This subject could be a subject that has undergone surgery or will undergo surgery. The administration of the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can occur before, during or after the administration of the medicament.

[0089] In some embodiments, the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can promote intestinal mucosal healing. In such embodiments, the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can be administered to an individual who has damaged intestinal mucosa.

[0090] In some embodiments, the composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can regulate gut microbiota dysbiosis or treat or prevent a disorder associated with microbiota dysbiosis. Microbiota dysbiosis is a significant deviation from a balanced microbiota, in terms of global microbiota profile, metabolism or levels of particular taxa. Microbiota dysbiosis is usually associated with and increased vulnerability to disease. For example, reduced levels of Bifidobacterium are associated with increased risk of infection and other pathologies in infants.

[0091] Microbiota dysbiosis may be induced by C-section delivery, premature birth, exposure to antibiotics in utero, during delivery or after birth, parenteral feeding, hospitalization, or psychological stress, for example. Microbiota dysbiosis may also result from gastrointestinal dysfunctions (digestive disorders, motility disorders, gastrointestinal reflux, slow gastrointestinal transit, oral feeding intolerance, constipation, diarrhea), Hirschsprung's disease, short bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal infection and inflammation affecting the gastrointestinal tract (such as necrotizing enterocolitis) and obstruction pathologies.

[0092] As well as being a consequence of gastrointestinal disorders, microbiota dysbiosis may actually cause them. Thus, microbiota dysbiosis may result in, for example, digestive disorders, motility disorders, gastrointestinal reflux, slow gastrointestinal transit, oral feeding intolerance, Hirschsprung's disease, and inflammation affecting the gastrointestinal tract (such as necrotizing enterocolitis) and obstruction pathologies.

[0093] The composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus carnosus strain can prevent, or treatment of microbiota dysbiosis in a mammal at risk of or suffering from microbiota dysbiosis or prevent or treat a disorder associated with microbiota dysbiosis.

[0094] The disorders that may be treated or prevented by regulating microbiota dysbiosis include, for example, propensity to infection, allergy, type I diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, celiac disease, peripheral and central adiposity, obesity, necrotizing enterocolitis, inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and functional gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS, functional diarrhea, functional constipation, recurrent abdominal pain, and dyspepsia.

EXAMPLES

[0095] The following non-limiting examples generally embodiments according to the present disclosure. In this regard, the inventors selected strains based on genome that could produce multiple tryptophan metabolites; those strains effectively produce those metabolites (in in vitro cultures); the metabolites that are produced are effective AHR receptor agonists (and to an effective balance); when testing in animal DSS model, the strains are indeed effective, and can not only reduce diseases score but only impact pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines production.

Example 1

[0096] The objective was in silico selection of bacterial strains possessing the necessary enzymes to produce tryptophan-derived molecules enabling the activation of the AHR and production of samples for metabolomic assessment. As detailed hereafter. Bacterial strains possessing the necessary genes encoding for enzymes producing tryptophan-derived metabolites, such as tryptamine, indole, indole-3-acetaldehyde and indole-3-acetic acid, were screened in silico. Strains belonging to the Staphylococcus carnosus species, a traditional meat starter culture, were identified as promising candidates, and samples were produced for further metabolomic assessment.

[0097] Methods and Results

[0098] Publicly available protein references for enzymes catalyzing the formation of tryptamine, indole, indole-3-acetaldehyde, indole-3-acetic acid and 3-methyl-indole from tryptophan were retrieved from the publicly available Uniprot database (Table 1). No reference protein for the indole acetic acid oxidase was available in the public databases Uniprot, Swissprot, and BRENDA.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Reference genes used for the BLASTP search. ENZYME SUBSTRATE PRODUCT REF UNIPROT EC 4.1.1.28 Tryptophan Tryptamine I0DFJ0 EC 4.1.99.1 Tryptophan Indole P0A853; 0A072NP82 EC 4.1.1.43 Tryptophan Indole-3-acetaldehyde Q135I6 EC 1.2.1.3 Indole-3-acetaldehyde Indole-3-acetic acid A0A0U5JPI3; P42236; S6DAA4; INDOLE ACETIC Indole-3-acetic acid 3-methyl-indole ACID OXIDASE (NO EC)

[0099] To identify genes, which could encode for above enzymes, a sequence similarity search was performed against all coding sequences of the genomes of the Nestl Culture Collection (NCC). A total of 1,339 NCC strains from the showed hits against at least one of the enzymes. Forty-nine (49) strains showed hits against three of these enzymes.

[0100] Some of the reference proteins used for the search were issued from organisms with a relatively low phylogenetical relationship to NCC strains, hence % of identity can be relatively low. However, annotation of those genes confirmed the correct potential activity of the enzymes encoded. A summary of the best NCC species is depicted in FIG. 1.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 1, Staphylococcus carnosus strains represent an interesting diversity with regard to their potential metabolite production and differ from probiotics discovered so far, mainly belonging to Lactobacillus species. Staphylococcus carnosus strains are of particular interest as they have been extensively used in the food industry as meat starters, and industrial compatible growth media was already previously developed.

[0102] Isolates of S. carnosus within the NCC and fully sequenced were selected for further testing. All these strains were reactivated under optimal conditions. Specifically, growth in Trypticase soy yeast (TSY) broth at 37 C. for 10 hours to 48 hours at 220 rpm suited all strains. Enterococcus feacalis NCC 1978 was selected as negative control because it did not contain the necessary genes and it grew well in TSY.

[0103] Strains and their related supernatant were cultured in a homogeneous manner for further metabolomics assessment. Growth profile of each strain was therefore obtained in duplicates. Specifically, each strain was inoculated at 2% from a freshly grown culture and incubated at 37 C. with an agitation of 500 rpm.

[0104] For preparation of pellets and supernatants, each S. carnosus strain was cultured independently at 37 C. at 220 rpm, in 10 ml of TSY broth medium. Cells and supernatants were harvested three hours after their entry into the stationary phase, as determined earlier. Briefly, 10 ml of culture were centrifuged (3500 rpm, 20 min). Supernatant was collected and frozen at 80 C. upon analysis.

[0105] To assess the specific quantities of tryptophan metabolites in various matrices, targeted LC-MS methods were developed for each metabolite and validated. In summary, NCC strains possessing the necessary genes encoding for enzymes producing tryptophan-derived metabolites, such as tryptamine, indole, indole-3-acetaldehyde and indole-3-acetic acid, were screened in silico. Strains, belonging to the Staphylococcus carnosus species, a traditional meat starter culture, were identified as promising candidates and samples were produced for further metabolomic assessment.

Example 2

[0106] Probiotic strains of Staphylococcus carnosus are selected as the source of tryptophan metabolites to improve gut health in IBD patients and/or the general population. The efficacy target is AHR activation and potential reduction of inflammation in the gut. The scientific hypothesis was that tryptophan metabolites produced by S. carnosus could result in the activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) in gut epithelial cells to improve/enhance the integrity of gut epithelial cells.

[0107] The target population is either for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients or the general population, with intended daily intake of S. carnosus.

[0108] Methods and Results

[0109] The NCC genome database was screened for enzymes that catabolize tryptophan and related substrates. After in vitro growth and recovery studies, nine (9) strains were selected for further in vivo screening studies. The nine (9) strains selected were NCC836, NCC846, NCC888; NCC 971, NCC981, NCC1052, NCC1084, NCC1090, NCC1109 and NCC1978. After an animal study in a DSS model in mice, two strains (NCC971 and NCC1052) were chosen due to their high recovery rate in weight gain compared to other strains in the animal model. Strain NCC971 is also known as CNCM I-5398, strain NCC1053 is also known as CNCM I-5400, strain NCC846 is also known as CNCM I-5423, strain NCC982 is also known as CNCM I-5399, and strain NCC1090 is also known as CNCM I-5401.

[0110] In silico screenings for virulence factors and antibiotic resistance potential were internally assessed as below.

[0111] None of the genes for SE toxinsStaphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs), hemolysins, exfoliative toxin A (ETA), and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1were identified in the NCC1052 and NCC971 strains (CNCM I-5400 and CNCM I-5398 respectively).

[0112] Whole genome sequences are available for all tested S. carnosus NCC strains. These additional S. carnosus NCC strains were screened in silico for the presence of the sequences of the five (5) above-mentioned enzymes found in NCC1052 and NCC971 strains (CNCM I-5400 and CNCM I-5398 respectively), using the same similarity search tool with same filtering thresholds. Most strains (16/18) were found positive for these five proteins.

[0113] Antibiotic resistance in silico screening for the 19 whole genome sequenced S. carnosus NCC strains including NCC1052 and NCC971 (CNCM I-5400 and CNCM I-5398 respectively) was performed using a reference database. Screening was done using strict and loose predictions. Since the confidence with loose predictions is lower, those hits were further filtered keeping all with % identity>70%. Most of the strains including NCC1052 and NCC971 have no hit with strict prediction. Using the loose predictions, hits were found with less than ten CARD database proteins linked with potential antibiotic resistance. For strains of NCC1052 and NCC971, in silico prediction did not identify any antibiotic resistance with strict prediction.

[0114] In order to screen the best candidates from nine (9) S. carnosus strains for improving gut health, a mouse model of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) with DSS (Dextran Sodium Sulphate) was employed (FIG. 3). Mice were pretreated with 10.sup.9 CFU of each strain daily for 7 days (D-7) via gavage, followed by treatment of DSS (3%) for 5 days along with the strains, then each strain only for another 9 days (D14). Readouts were daily weight change, daily composite Disease Activity Index (DAI), endoscopy and colon weight:length ratio score (FIG. 4). DAI is a composite score of weight loss, diarrhea, blood in stool, and activity level.

[0115] Composite DAI scores of NCC971 and NCC1052 (CNCM I-5398 and CNCM I-5400, respectively) were significantly lower than those of DSS control group at Day 10 (FIG. 5). No overt specific adverse effect or death was reported in this study.

Example 3

[0116] An in vitro AHR binding assay with a reporter gene readout was employed for characterization of the relative binding activities of tryptophan derived metabolites shown to be produced by S. carnosus and were compared to known toxic ligands. Both human and mouse AHR assays were utilized. Dioxin (TCDD) and Indirubin were used as reference compounds with strong binding and activation profiles. Commercially available metabolites were analyzed in dose response studies. Bacterial-derived tryptophan metabolites activate AHR in a dose-dependent manner (FIGS. 6A and 6B).

[0117] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, tryptophan-derived metabolites, shown to be produced by S. carnosus, demonstrate low-level activation of AHR and with limited potentiation compared to TDD (2000 less active than TCDD (Dioxin))

[0118] FIG. 8 is a chart of results from an initial test of metabolites in culture supernatants.

Example 4

[0119] This example relates to histopathology of mouse proximal and distal colon samples in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced model of colitis, and to assess efficacy of treatment with NCC971 or NCC1052 (CNCM I-5400 and CNCM I-5398 respectivelyalone or in combination) in the reduction of lesion severity; vehicle treatment was used as a negative control and anti-p40 treatment was used a positive control for test article comparison.

Materials and Methods

[0120] Mice were administered 3% DSS on Days 0-5 and sacrifice was performed on Day 19. Treatments were given according to the experimental design below; animal numbers in parentheses indicate the number of animals submitted for histopathology evaluation if different from the number of animals in the study.

[0121] Experimental Design

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 No Group Animals Disease Treatment Dose Schedule Route 1 6 No DSS 2 20 3% DSS Vehicle QD PO 3 20 Days 0 to 5 NCC971 1 10.sup.9 CFU/strain Days 7 to 19 4 20 (19) NCC1052 0.15 mL/mouse 5 20 NCC971 + NCC1052 6 12 (11) Anti-p40 10 mg/kg Q3D IP 0.1 mL/20 g Days 6 to 19

[0122] Histology Methods

[0123] Following sacrifice, colon samples were collected by the sponsor or designee according to the following protocol: the entire colon was rinsed and the most distal 5 cm portion was collected; of this 5 cm portion, the most proximal 2 cm and most distal 2 cm segments were isolated and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Colon segments from 96 mice were submitted to Inotiv Boulder. The most proximal and most distal segments of collected colon were trimmed into three cross sections per segment and both proximal and distal segments were embedded in the same block. Blocks were sectioned at approximately 5 m and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS).

[0124] Pathology Methods

[0125] H&E-PAS-stained glass slides were evaluated by a board-certified veterinary pathologist using light microscopy. Colitis lesions (inflammation, gland necrosis/loss, erosion, hyperplasia, and edema) were given a severity score 0-5 (0=not present/normal, 1=minimal, 2=mild, 3=moderate, 4=marked, 5=severe). Individual histopathology scores were added together to determine a sum colitis score for each sample (range 0-25).

[0126] H&E-PAS slides were also scored for goblet cell abundance. This feature was scored in the remaining colonic glands (i.e. areas without colonic glands were excluded; that feature was assessed with gland loss, see above). The abundance of goblet cells was scored in comparison to the nave samples (score 0); increased goblet cells were scored in the positive range and decreased goblet cells were scored in the negative range; a sum score was also provided (decreased goblet cell score+increased goblet cell score). [0127] 3=Diffuse loss of goblet cells [0128] 2=Multifocal loss of goblet cells [0129] 1=Focal loss of goblet cells [0130] 0=Goblet cell abundance approximately that of the naive control samples [0131] 1=Focal increase in goblet cells [0132] 2=Multifocal increase in goblet cells [0133] 3=Diffuse increase in goblet cells

[0134] Sub-cryptal mucosal measurements were performed in 3 representative areas per cross section (3 cross sections per proximal and distal segment=9 measurements per colon segment; 6 total cross sections per animal=18 measurements per animal). Mucosal measurements (m) were collected by measuring the distance between the basement membrane of the mucosal crypts and the inner margin of the muscularis mucosae (sub-cryptal space). Areas that completely lacked epithelium (areas of gland loss/erosion) were not measured. Areas where the glandular epithelium had been replaced by stratified squamous epithelium (squamous metaplasia) were avoided, if possible. In cross sections where most or all of the epithelium was replaced by squamous epithelium, measurements were collected between the basement membrane of the squamous basal layer and the inner margin of the muscularis mucosae.

[0135] Statistical Analysis

[0136] Data are presented as meansstandard error of the mean (SEM). Semi-quantitative severity scores were analyzed by a non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test with pairwise Mann-Whitney exact tests. Two-tailed tests were utilized and significance was set at p0.05 for all tests.

Results and Discussion

[0137] Morphological Findings

[0138] Administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to mice produced expected histologic lesions. These included subacute inflammation of the mucosa/submucosa, mucosal necrosis/gland loss, erosion, submucosal edema, and epithelial hyperplasia. Subacute inflammation was characterized by infiltration and aggregation of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages. Mucosal necrosis was characterized by damage to, necrosis of, or complete loss of colonic glands. Erosions were characterized by necrosis or loss of surface epithelium superficial to the muscularis mucosae. Submucosal edema was characterized by expansion of the submucosa by clear space or pale eosinophilic fluid, variably accompanied by dilation of lymphatic vessels and similar edematous expansion of the lamina propria. Epithelial hyperplasia was characterized by elongation of colonic glands, crypt and gland branching/arborization, epithelial cell basophilia, and increased numbers of epithelial mitotic figures. Some distal colon samples also exhibited squamous metaplasia, characterized by replacement of the glandular epithelium with stratified squamous epithelium.

[0139] Both increased and decreased numbers of goblet cells were seen in this study. In general, decreased numbers of goblet cells were seen in glands directly adjacent to or within regions of gland loss and erosion, whereas increased numbers of goblet cells were associated with some regions of hyperplasia.

[0140] Many of the proximal segments submitted for histopathologic evaluation included regions of either proximal colon (segments of colon with mucosal folds) and/or middle colon (lacking mucosal folds). Therefore, results pertaining to proximal segments of colon represent some combination of proximal and middle colon (see Table 1 for P:M ratio).

[0141] Results

[0142] In both proximal colon and distal colon segments, lesions of colitis were absent in animals not receiving DSS (Group 1).

[0143] Sum scores (FIG. 9) were generally higher in distal colon segments than proximal colon segments. In comparison to the vehicle control (Group 2), statistically significant reductions in distal sum colitis scores were observed in mice treated with NCC971 (Group 3; p-value=0.050) or anti-p40 (Group 6; p-value=0.033). These reductions were not observed in the proximal colon (p-value>0.2; see Discussion). No statistically significant reductions were associated with NCC1052 (Group 4) treatment or the combination of NCC971+NCC1052 (Group 5) treatment in the proximal segment (p-value>0.5) or distal segment (p-value>0.3) of colon.

[0144] Similar amongst-group trends were observed in the component histopathology scores for the proximal segment (FIG. 10) and distal segment (FIG. 11) of colon.

[0145] DSS-associated goblet cell abundance was primarily increased in the proximal colon (FIG. 12) and decreased in the distal colon (FIG. 13). No statistically significant differences were observed between the vehicle control (Group 2) and treatment groups (Groups 3-6) for sum abundance scores in either segment of colon (p-value>0.15).

[0146] Sub-cryptal mucosal measurements (FIG. 14) were significantly larger in DSS-administered mice (Groups 2-6) compared to naive mice (Group 1) in both the proximal (p-value=0.009) and distal segments (p-value<0.001). Amongst-group trends generally mirrored those seen with the sum colitis scores (FIG. 9). In comparison to the vehicle control (Group 2), statistically significant reductions in distal thickness measurements were observed in mice treated with NCC971 (Group 3; p-value=0.011). These reductions were not observed in the proximal colon (p-value>0.2). Treatment with the control compound, anti-p40 (Group 6), also yielded reduced sub-cryptal thickness measurements, but differences were not statistically significant (p-value=0.414). No reductions were associated with NCC1052 (Group 4) treatment or the combination of NCC971+NCC1052 (Group 5) treatment in the proximal segment or distal segment of colon.

[0147] Discussion

[0148] DSS administration in mice is known to cause greater disease severity the more distal the region of colon (i.e. colitis severity: proximal<middle<distal colon)..sub.3 In this study, the proximal segment of colon was composed of varying ratios of true proximal and middle colon. The ratio of proximal to middle colon sections (P:M ratio) could have an effect on the overall severity scores observed for the proximal segment. Typically, the higher the P:M ratio (more proximal than middle colon), the lower the overall severity scores.

Conclusions

[0149] DSS administration effectively induced expected histologic lesions. Test article results varied between the proximal and distal colon segments. NCC971 and anti-p40 treatment exhibited statistically significant reductions in colitis severity in the distal colon, but not the proximal colon. Treatment with NCC1052 or the combination of NCC971+NCC1052 did not generally alter colitis severity in comparison to the vehicle control in either colon segment.

[0150] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.