title: Role of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei LMGP22043 carried by artichokes in influencing faecal bacteria and biochemical parameters in human subjects.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the positive influence of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei LMGP22043 carried by artichokes into the human gut with special reference to faecal bacterial balance, short-chain fatty acid concentrations and enzyme activities in a randomized, double-blind human trial in comparison with probiotic-free artichokes (control).
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty subjects were randomized into two groups, which consumed daily 180 g of the artichoke product (probiotic or control) during two 15-day study periods (periods 1 and 2) separated by a 15-day washout in a crossover manner. Faecal samples were subjected to microbiological and biochemical analyses, and a strain-specific PCR was performed to monitor the probiotic strain.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The probiotic strain, transported by the vegetable matrix, transiently colonized the gut of 17/20 subjects (median 6·87 log CFU g⁻¹ faeces), antagonized Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. and increased the genetic diversity of lactic population based on REP-PCR profiles, mainly after period 1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The probiotic L. paracasei LMGP22043 successfully colonized the human gut and positively influenced faecal bacteria and biochemical parameters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The association of the probiotic L. paracasei with a food carrier rich in fibre can represent a new strategy for favouring a daily supply of probiotics and attracting more consumers to vegetable food fortified with probiotic strains.
authors: Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Bari, Italy.
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Valerio
authors: S
authors: S
authors: de Candia
authors: S L
authors: SL
authors: Lonigro
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Russo
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Riezzo
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Orlando
authors: P
authors: P
authors: De Bellis
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Sisto
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Lavermicocca
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D031943:Cynara scolymus / Q000382:microbiology*; D004032:Diet; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile / Q000032:analysis; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry / Q000201:enzymology / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007778:Lactobacillus; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019936:Probiotics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile