CLINICAL RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS
Please note: All posters will be displayed in Salons 10-12.

THURSDAY, 5:30-6:15 PM


Berman S, Eichelsdorf P, Yim D, Elmer G, Wenner C.

A four species delayed release probiotic supplement enhances phagocytosis by monocytes and neutrophils in a healthy, nonelderly adult population.

Bastyr University sberman@bastyr.edu

In this pilot study we investigated whether ingestion of a delayed release four species probiotic supplement over an eight-week period would alter one or more immune parameters in a healthy, nonelderly adult population. We chose three immune parameters to examine in a population of ten adults between the ages of 24 and 54 (five men and five women); natural killer cell activity, phagocytic activity in neutrophils and monocytes and salivary secretory IgA.

A repeated measures design was used in which immune parameters were measured at baseline and three on-treatment time points. Two baseline measures (day -7 and day 0) were assessed for natural killer cell activity and secretory IgA levels, and one baseline measure (day 0) was assessed for the phagocytosis endpoints. On-treatment measures were taken at 3, 5 and 8 weeks.

Natural killer activity and phagocytic activity were analyzed immediately after each collection on site. Salivary secretory IgA samples were frozen upon collection at Ð80 degrees centigrade and then sent together to Salimetrics Laboratory in State College, Pennsylvania for enzyme immunoassay (EIA). There was a statistically significant increase in the percent of phagocytosing monocytes (p=0.003) and neutrophils (PMNs) (p= 0.020) over the eight-week treatment period, compared to baseline.

There was no evidence of enhanced efficiency of phagocytosis, NK cell activity or salivary secretory IgA over the eight-week period.

 

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