title: Comparative analysis of intestinal tract models.
abstract: The human gut is a complex ecosystem occupied by a diverse microbial community. Modulation of this microbiota impacts health and disease. The definitive way to investigate the impact of dietary intervention on the gut microbiota is a human trial. However, human trials are expensive and can be difficult to control; thus, initial screening is desirable. Utilization of a range of in vitro and in vivo models means that useful information can be gathered prior to the necessity for human intervention. This review discusses the benefits and limitations of these approaches.
authors.affiliation: Cultech, Baglan Industrial Park, Port Talbot, West Glamorgan SA12 7BZ, United Kingdom; email: williamscf@cf.ac.uk , leij@cultech.co.uk , suep@cultech.co.uk , ivetag@cultech.co.uk.
authors.forename: C F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Walton
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Plummer
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Garaiova
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007422:Intestines / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000382:microbiology; D064307:Microbiota; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D023421:Models, Animal
keywords: gut microbiome; intervention studies; intestinal models