Indian Patents. 255383:A NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION

Title of Invention	A NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION
Abstract	The invention concerns a method for stimulating intestinal benicr integrity in upaticm infected will-. VITV hy admin-wring p said p^jont composition comprising: eicosapwiiaenoic acid (EPA\ docosaliexaenoic acitl (DHAj and orachidonic ncid i at tout two distinct

Full Text	IMPROVEMENT OF BARRIER INTEGRITY IN HIV PATIENTS FmJ> OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for improving intestinal barrier integrity of HIV patients and a composition suitable for use in such method. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The gastrointestinal epithelium normally functions as a selective barrier permitting the absorption of nutrients, electrolytes and water and preventing the exposure to dietary and microbial antigens, including food allergens. The gastrointestinal epithelium limits the passage of antigens to the systemic circulation that may be causing inflammatory reactions, e.g. allergic reactions. As the incidence of allergy, particularly food allergy, is increasing, many research groups search for (preventive) cures for these ailments. EP1272058 describes a composition containing indigestible oligosaccharides for improving tight junction to reduce intestinal permeability and reducing allergic reaction. The composition may comprise LC-PUFA's (long chain-polyuusaturated faty acids). BP 745001 describes a combination of indigestible oligosaccharides and n-3 and n-6 fatty acids for treatment ulcerative colitis. Usami et al (Clinical Nutrition 2001, 20(4): 351-359) describe the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on tight junction permeability in intestinal monolayer cells. In their hands, EPA was found to increase permeability, indicating that EPA is unsuitable to improve intestinal barrier integrity. The prior art formulations ate not optimally suited for improving barrier integrity. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a combination of selected long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA's) and selected oligosaccharides. The present combination of LC-PUFA's and oligosaccharides effectively improves barrier integrity, by syncrgistically improving intestinal permeability, mucus production, arid reducing the mucosal production of inflammatory mediators that could compromise intestinal barrier integrity. A combination of these compounds in a nutritional or pharmaceutical formulation is particularly suitable for improving intestinal integrity in HIV and AIDS patients. It was surprisingly found that selected LC-PUFA's effectively reduce epithelial paracellular permeability. In contrast to what Usaxni et al (Clinical Nutrition 2001, 20(4): 351-359) have reported, the present inventors found that G18 and C20 polyunsatoated fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachktonic acid (ARA), are capable of effectively reducing intestinal tight junction permeability. In addition to the LOPUFAs, the present composition contains oligosaccharides. The selected oligosaccharides improve the barrier integrity by stimulating the production of the mucus, which results in an increased mucus layer thickness. It is believed this effect is caused by the effects of the distinct oligosaccharides on the short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Hence, when enterally administered to a mammal, the present combination of LC-PUFA and indigestible oligosaccharides synergistically improve barrier integrity and/or synergistically reduce intestinal permeability by simultaneous reduction of tight junction permeability and stimulation of mucus production. In a further aspect, the present composition improves, the quality of the intestinal mucus layer. The mucus layer comprises mucins, Mucins are high molecular mass glycoproteins that are synthesized and secreted by goblet cells. They form a gel-like layer on the mucosal surface, thereby improving barrier integrity. The mucus layer comprises different types of mucins, e.g. acid, neutral and sulphonated mucins. An increased heterogeneity of the mucus layer is believed to improve barrier functionality. The present composition preferably comprises at least two different oligosaccharides, which influence the mucosal architecture and advantageously influence mucin heterogeneity in the mucus layer, either directly or by changing the intestinal flora. Each different selected oligosaccharide is believed to have a different effect on mucus quantity and quality. Moreover, the two distinct oligosaccharides are also able to stimulate quality of mucus as reflected by the degree of sulphation through their syncrgistic stimulation of SCFA production. It was surprisingly found by the present inventors that a mixture of two different oligosaccharides according to the present invention synerfistically stimulates acetate production. It was also found by the present inventors mucus production is dependent on acetate production. It was further found that the precursor of ARA, gamma Unoienic acid (GLA), can be advantageously combined in the present composition for the treatment of HJV patients. HIV patients often suffer from intestinal inflammatory disorders, which makes a high intake of ARA undesirable, because ARA increases inflammatory response. It was found that part of the ARA can be replaced by GLA without having a negative effect on the effectiveness of the fat blend. Hence, in a further aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising the oligosaccharides, EPA, DHA, ARA and GLA and the use thereof in the treatment and/or prevention of HIV or AIDS. The present composition is preferably further improved by providing both long- and short-chain ojigosaccharides. Hie supply of different chain lengths results in stimulation of mucus prodoction in different parts of the ileum and colon. The short chain oligosaccharides (typically with a degree of polymerisation (DP) of 2,3,4 or 5) stimulate mucin production in the proximal colon and/or distal ileum, while the oligosaccharides with longer chain lengths (preferably with a degree of polymerisation (DP) of more than 5 up to 60) are believed to stimulate mucin production in the more distal parts of the colon. Even further improvements can be achieved by providing the at least two different oligosaccharides both as short-chain and long-chain oligosaccharides, These preferred embodiments all contribute to further improved barrier integrity throughout the ileum and/or colon. Furthermore, it was surprisingly found that EPA, DHA, and ARA were able to reduce the harmful effects of interleukm 4 (IL-4) on intestinal permeability. IJL-4 is a cyrokine which is secreted in increased amounts by mucosal T-cells in certain patients and induces intestinal permeability. Hence the present invention also provides for a method for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases wherein intestinal TL-4 concentration is increased, such as allergy, particularly atopic dermatitis, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a nutritional composition comprising; a) EPA, DHA and ARA, wherein the content of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid with 20 and 22 carbon atoms does not exceed 85 wt.% of the total fat content; and b) at least two distinct oligosaccharides, wherein the two distinct oligosaccharides have a homology in monose units below 90 %. This composition can be advantageously used in a method for stimulating intestinal barrier integrity, said method comprising administering to a mammal said composition. In a further aspect the present invention provides the use of polyunsaturated fatty acids for the manufacture of a composition for use in a method for the treatment of a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), said method comprising administering to said patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) a composition comprising: a, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), wherein the content of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid with 20 and 22 carbon atoms does not exceed 85 wt.% of the total fat content; and b. at least two distinct oligosaccharides (OL1 and OL2), wherein the two distinct oligosaccharides have a homology in monose units below 90 %. A particular embodiment of the treatment of a patient infected with HFV is the nutritional treatment. Other embodiments of the present invention are the use of the composition defined above in a method for providing nutrition to patient infected with HIV, said method comprising administering to said patient infected with HIV said composition and also the use of the composition defined above in a method for stimulating intestinal barrier integrity in a patient infected with HIV, said method comprising administering to said patient infected with HIV said composition. PolvuMaturated fattv acids The present inventors surprisingly found that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, n»3) and aracludonic acid (ARA, n 6) effectively reduce intestinal tight junction permeability. QLA (n-6) also effectively reduces barrier permeability. Hence the present composition, which is particularly suitable for improving intestinal barrier integrity, comprises EPA, DHA and ARA optionally combined with GLA. The present inventors found that selected LC-PUFA's, were effective in reducing tight junction permeability (see Examples vs. Usami et al). The content of LC-PUFA with 20 and 22 carbon atoms in the present composition, preferably does not exceed S3 wt.% of the total fat content, preferably does not exceed 35 wt%, even more preferably does not exceed 15 wt.%. of the total fat content. Preferably the present composition comprises at least 0.1 wt.%, preferably at least 0,25 wt, more preferably at least 0.5 wt.%, more preferably at least 0,75 wt,%, even more preferably at leasi 5 wt.%, even more preferably at least 15 wt% and most preferably at least 25 wt.% LC-PUFA with 20 and 22 carbon atoms of the total fat content. For the same reason, the EPA content preferably does tun exceed 55 wt,% of the total fat, preferably does not exceed 35 wt.%, more preferably does not exceed 25 wt.%, but is preferably at (east 0,05 wt%, more preferably at least 0.1 wt.% and most preferably at least 1% of the total fat. The DHA content preferably does not exceed 15 wt.%, more preferably does not exceed 10 wt.%, but is at least 0,1 wt% of the total fat. As ARA was found to be particularly effective in reducing tight junction permeability, the present composition comprises relatively high amounts, preferably at least 0.1 wt.%, even more preferably at least 0.25 wt.%, most preferably at least 0.5 wt,% of the total fiat. The ARA content preferably does not exceed 15 wt%, preferably does not exceed 5 wt%, more preferably does not exceed I wt% of the total fat. In the present ARA containing entered composition, EPA and DHA are advantageously added to balance the action of ARA, e.g, reduce the poteatial proinfiinunatory action of ARA metabolites. Excess metabolites from ARA may cause inflammation. The present nutritional composition preferably also contains gamroa-linotenic acid (GLA, C18), The GLA acts as a precursor of A£A, to replace at least in part the ARA content of the composition in order to further decrease the pro-inflammatory effect of ARA. Hence, the present composition preferably comprises ARA, GLA, BPA and DHA, wherein the weight ratio (ARA+GLA)/DHA preferably is above 0.10, preferably above 0,25 and more preferably above 0.5. The ratio is preferably below 25, and most preferably below 3. The present composition preferably comprises between 5 and 75 wt.% polynnsaturated fatty acids baaed on total fat, preferably between 10 and 50 wt.%. The LC-PUFA with 20 and 22 carbon atoms may be provided as free fatty acids, in triglyceride form, in pho&pholipid form, or as a mixture of one of more of the above, The present composition preferably comprises at least one of ARA and DHA in phospholipid form. The present nutritional composition preferably also provides omega-9 (n 9) fatty acid (preferably olflic acid, 18:1), to provide sufficient nutrition. Preferably the present composition provides at least 1 wt.% n-9 fatty acid based on the weight of the total fatty acids, more preferably at least 5 wt%, The content of n-9 fatty acids is preferably below 80 wt%. Suitable daily amount may be at least 0.1 gram EPA and 0.05 gram ARA or ARA + OLA, or between 0,1 and 5 gram EPA and between 0.05 and 2,5 gram ARA or ARA + GLA, or between 0,5 and 2.5 gram EPA and between 0,25 and 1.25 gram ARA or ARA + OLA or an amount between 0,75 and 1.5 gram EPA and between 0,37 and 0.75 gram ARA or ARA + GLA. Suitable daily amounts for DHA follow from the ratio (ARA + GLAJ/DHA \|iven above, Oil gosaccharides Suitable oligosaccharides according to the invention are saccharides which have a degree of polymerisation (DP) of at least 2 monose units, which are not or only partially digested in the intestate by the action of acids or digestive enzymes present in the human upper digestive tract (small intestine and stomach), but which are fermentable by the human intestinal flora. The term monose units refers to units having & closed ring structure, preferably hexose, e.g. the pyranose or furanuse forms. The degree of polymerisation of the oligosaccharide is typically below 60 monose units, preferably below 40, even more preferably below 20. The present composition comprises at least two different oligosaccharides, wherein the oligosaccharides have a homology in monose units below about 90%, preferably below S0%, even more preferably below 25%, even more preferably below 5%, The term "homology" as used in the present invention Is the cumulative of the percentage of same monose units in the different oligosaccharides. For example, oligosaccharide 1 (OL1) has the structure fruc-fnict-glu-gal, and thus comprises 50% true, 25% gal and 25% glu. Oligosaccharide 2 (QL2) has the structure fruc-fruc-glu, and thus comprises 66% fruc, 33% glu. The different oligosaccharides thus have a homology of 15% (50% free+ 25% gin). In a preferred embodiment, the present composition comprises galactuoligosaccharides and at least one selected from the group consisting of fructooligosaccharides and inulin. Each of the present oligosaccharides preferably comprises at least 66%, more preferably at least 90% monose units selected from the group consisting of mannose, arabinose, fructose, fucose, rhamnose, galactose, p-D-galactopyranose, ribose, glucose, xylose, uronic acid and derivatives thereof, calculated on the total number of monose units contained therein. According to a further embodiment at least one of the oligosaccharides of the present composition is selected from the group consisting of fructans, fructooligosaccharides, indigestible dextrins galactooligosaccharides (including transgalactooligosaccharides), xylooligosaccharides, arabinooligosaccharides, glucooligosaccharicles, marmooligo-saccharides, fucooligosaccharides, acidic oligosaccharides (see below, e.g. uronic acid oligosaccharides such as pectin hydrolysate) and mixtures thereof. Preferably the present composition comprises at least one, preferably at least two, of the oligosaccharides selected from (Ate group consisting of Jructooligosaceliarides or inulin, galactooligosaccharides and pectin hydrolysate. For good mucus quantity and quality, the present composition preferably comprises at least one oligosaccharide, which comprises at least 66% galatose or fructose as a monose unit. In a preferred embodiment the composition comprises at least one oligosaccharide which comprises at least 66% galatose as a monose unit and at least one oligosaccharide which comprises at least 66% fructose as a mono.se unit, In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present composition comprises gaiactooligosaccharide and an oligosaccharide selected from the group consisting of fructooligosaccharides and inulin. Fructooligosaocharides stimulate sulfomucin production in the distal colon of human flora-associated rats (Kleesscn et al, (2003) Brit J Nutr 89:597-606) and galactooiigosaccharides stimulate the acid mucin production (Moulin et al, Brit Jf.Nutr (1993), 69:903-912)). For further improvement of muaus layer thickness over the whole area of the colon, at least 10 wt.% of the oligosaccharides in the present composition has a DP of 2 to 5 (i.e. 2,3,4 and/or 5) and at least 5 wt.% has a DP of 10 to 60. Preferably at least 50 wt.%, more preferably at least 75 wt.% of the oligosaccharides have a DP of 2 to 9 (i.e. 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, and/or 9), because these are believed to work throughout the ilcum and proximal and middle parts of the colon and because the weight percentage of oligosaccharides mat needs to be incorporated in the composition to achieve the desired effect is reduced. Preferably the weight ratios: a. (oligosaccharides with DP 2 to5): (oligosaccharides with DP 6,7,8 and/or 9) > 1; and b. (oligosaccharides with DP 10 to60): (oligosaccharides with DP 6,7,8 and/or 9) > I are both above 1. Preferably both weight ratios are above 2, even more preferably above 5 For even further improvement of mucus layer thickness and quality over the whole area of the colon, preferably each of the at least two different oligosaccharides are provided in different chain lengths, preferably at least 10 wt.% of each oligosaccharide based on the total weight of the respective oligosaccharide has a DP of 2 to 5 (i .e, 2, 3,4 and/or 5) aad at least 5 wt% has a DP between 10 and 60, Preferably at least 50 wt,%, more preferably at least 75 wt.% of the oligosaccharide based on the total weight of that oligosaccharides has a DP between 2 and 10, because these are believed to work throughout in the ileum and proximal and middle parts of the colon. Acidic To further improve barrier integrity, the present composition preferably includes acidic oligosaccharides with a DP between 2 and 60. The term acid oligosaccharide refers to oligosaccharides comprising at least one acidic group selected from the group consisting of N-acetylneuraminic acid, N-glycoloylneuraminic acid, free or esterified carboxylic acid, sxjlfuric acid group and phosphoric acid group. The acidic oligosaccharide preferably comprises uronic acid units (i.e. uronic acid polymer), more preferably galacturonic acid units, The acid oligosaccharide may be a homogeneous or heterogeneous carbohydrate. Suitable examples are hydroiysates oi pectin and/or alginate, In the intestinal teact, the uronic acid polymers are hydrolysed to uronic acid monomers, which stimulate production of intestinal acetate, which in turn stimulates intestinal mucus secretion (Barcelo et al., Gut 2000; 46:218-224), Preferably the acid oligosaceharide has the structure I below, wherein the terminal hexose (left) preferably comprises a double bond. The hexose units other than the terminal hexose unit(s) are preferably uronic acid units, even inure preferably galacturonic acid units. The carboxylic acid groups on these units may be free or (partly) esterified, and preferably at least 10% is methylated (see below). wherein; Structure I: Polymeric acid oligosaccharide R is preferably selected foam the group consisting of hydrogen, hydruxy or acid group, preferably hydroxy; and at least one selected from die group consisting of Ra, R3, £4 and RS represents N-acetylneuramiiUC acid, N-glycoloylneuraminic acid, free or esterified carboxylic acid, sulftjrjc acid group and phosphoric acid group, and the remaining of R2, RS, R representing hydroxy and/or hydrogen; and n is an integer and refers to a number of hexose units (see also Degree of Polymerisation, below), which may be any hexose unit. Suitably n is art integer between 1-5000. Preferably the hexose unit(s) is a uronic acid unit. Most preferably R\|, Ri and Ra represent hydroxy, R* represent hydrogen, R5 represents carboxylic acid, n is any number between 1 and 250, preferably between 1 and 10 and the hexose unit is galacturonic acid. The detection, measurement and analyses of the preferred acid oligosaccharides as used in the present method are given in applicants earlier patent application relating to acid oligosaccharides, i.e. WO 0/160378. For stimulation improvement of mucus layer thickness over the whole area of the colon, the present composition preferably comprises at least 10 vvt.% acid oligosaccharides with a DP of 2 to 5 (i.e. 2, 3, 4 and/or 5) and at least 5 wt.% acid oligosaccharides with a DP between 10 and 60, said wt,% being based on the total weight of the oligosaccharides. The acid oligosaccharides used in the invention are preferably prepared from pectin, pectate, alginate, chondroitine, hyaluronic acids, hepwine, hepamne, bacterial carbohydrates, sialoglycans, fucoidan, fucooligosaccharides or carrageenan, more preferably from pectin and/or alginate. Content of olifosfccharide When in ready-to-foed liquid form, the present composition preferably comprises 0,1 to 100 grams indigestible oUgosaccharide per liter, more preferably between 0,5 and 50 grams per liter even more preferably between 1 and 25 grams per liter. A too high content of oligosaccharides may cause discomfort due to excessive fermentation, while a very tow content may result in an insufficient mucus layer. The weight ratio of ttw at least two different oligosaccharides is preferably between 1 and 10, more preferably between 1 and 5. These weight ratios stimulate rmicin production of different types at different sites in the intestine optimally. The oligosaccharide is preferably included in the present composition according to the invention in an amount exceeding 0.1 wt,%, preferably exceeding 0.2 wt,%, more preferably exceeding O.S wt.% and even more preferably exceeding 1 wt.% based on the total dry weight of the composition, The present composition preferably has an oligosaccharide content below 20-wt,%, more preferably below 10-wt.% even more preferably below 5-wt%, Addition of nucleotides and/or nucleosides to the present composition further improves gut mucosal barrier function, particularly as it inhibits and/or or reduces the incidence of bacteria] cranslocation and decreases intestinal injury. Hence, the present composition preferably also comprises between 1 and 500 mg nucleosides and/or nucleotides per 100 gram of the dry formula, even more preferably between 5 and 100 mg, ApplicationThe present composition can be advantageously used in a method for improving barrier integrity in mammals, particularly humans. The present composition can also be advantageously used in a method for the treatment or prevention of diseases associated with reduced barrier integrity, said method comprising administering to a mamma! the present composition. The present composition is preferably administered oraliv. For die ill and infants, the present composition is preferably combined with complete nutrition, including protein, carbohydrate and fat The present composition is advantageously administered to infants with the age between 0 and 2 years. The composition may be administered to patients which suffer from an impaired bamer integrity and healthy patients. The present compasition is advantageously used in a method for providing the nutritional requirements of a premature infant (an infant born before 37 weeks gestation). The present composition can also be advantageously used in a method for treatment and/or prevention of intestinal damage by administering the present composition to the patient prior to or after a medical treatment, which may cause intestinal damage. Such medical treatment may for example be surgery or entetal medicine treatment (e.g. antibiotic, analgesic, NSAID, chemotherapeutic agents etc). The present composition can also be advantageously used to treat or prevent diseases wherein intestinal barrier disruption is underlying the development of the course of the disease, e.g. in a method for the treatment or prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (fflD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ceUac disease, pancreatitis, hepatitis, arthritis or diabetes. Vurthermore, the invention can be used in a method for providing nutrition to patients tbat have undergone or are undergoing abdominal surgery and patients that experience postoperative dysfunction of the gut and/or malnourished patients. In a fUrther embodiment of die invention the present composition is advantageously administered to patients suffering from acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and/or patients which are injected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HTV), e.g. in. a method for the treatment of AIDS and/or HIV infection. Said method comprises the oral administration of the present composition, preferably combined with nutrients selected from the group consisting of carbohydrate, protein and fat. The compositions according to the invention are particularly useful for patients wich a CD4f T eel) count that is below the critical level of around 700 cells/tti blood, when generally Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) therapy is not yet needed, but when patients do already run the risk of developing or even experience one or more problems that can be related to intestinal hauler integrity, in particular dysfunction of intestinal hairier integrity. Hence, in a farther aspect the present invention provides a method for stopping or stowing down the reduction in CD4+ T cell count or improving the CD4+ T cell count in patients sufifering from HIV and/or AIDS, said method comprising administering the present composition. In one embodiment the method comprises administering the present composition to a patient, said patient being a human subject having a CD4+ T-lymphocyte cell count between 200 to 700 cells/ixl blood. In yet another embodiment the method comprises administering the present composition to a patient, said patient not being treated by Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, In a particular embodiment the patient has a CD4+ T-lymphocyce cell count between 200 to 700 cells/nl blood and is not being treated by Highly Active Antinetro viral Therapy. Furthermore, the invention can also be used to treat or prevent complications resulting from reduced barrier integrity, particularly in a method for the treatment and/or prevention of diarrhea, particularly infant diarrhea. Due to the reduced incidence in infant diarrhea, the present composition can also be advantageously used to reduce diaper rash, Administering the present composition reduces passage of dietary and microbial antigens, particularly food allergens, from the intestinal lumen into the mucosal or systemic circulation, and hence can be advantageously used in a method for the treatment or prevention of allergy and/or allergic reaction, particularly in a method for the treatment or prevention of food allergy, e.g. allergic reaction resulting from the ingestion of foodstuff. It was alsp found by the present inventors that EPA, DHA and/or ARA are capable of reducing the effects of EL-4 on intestinal permeability. Hence, one aspect of the present invention provides for a method for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases wherein intestinal HL.-4 concentration is increased (e.g. allergic diseases), said method comprising administering an LC-PUFA preferably selected from the group consisting of EPA, DHA and ARA, preferably combined with the present selected oHgosaccharides. Hence, the present composition can also be advantageously used in a method for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. The present composition is preferably provided as a packaged powder or packaged ready-to-feed formula. To prevent spoilage of the product, packaging size of ready-to-feed formula preferably does not exceed one serving, e.g. preferably dues not exceed 500 ml; and packaging size of the present composition in powder form preferably does not exceed 250 servings. Suitable packaging sizes for the powder are 2000 grams or less, preferably per 1000 grams or less. The packaged products provided with labels that explicitly or implicitly direct the consumer towards the use of said product in accordance with one or more of the above or below purposes are encompassed by the present invention. Such labels may for example make reference to the present method for preventing allergic reaction to food allergens by including wording like "reduced food sensitivity", "improving intestinal tolerability", "improved food tolerance" or similar wording, Similarly, reference to the present method for treating and/or preventing allergy may be made by incorporating terminology equivalent to "improved resistance" or "reduced sensitivity". Formula's It was found that the present composition could be advantageously applied in food, such as baby food and clinical food. Such food preferably comprises iipid, protein and carbohydrate and is preferably administered in liquid form. The term "liquid food" as used in the present invention includes dry food (e.g. powders), which are accompanied with instructions as to admix said dry food mixture with a suitable liquid (e.g. water). Hence, the present invention also relates to a nutritional composition which preferably comprises between 5 and 50 en% Iipid, between 5 and SO en% protein, between 15 and 90 ea% carbohydrate and the present combination of oligosaccharides and 1 C-PUFA's. Preferably the present nutritional composition preferably contains between 10 and 30 en% Iipid, between 7.5 and 40 en% protein and between 25 and 75 e.n% carbohydrate (en% is short for energy percentage and represents the relative amount each constituent contributes to the total caloric value of the preparation). Preferably a combination of vegetable lipids and at least one oil selected from the group consisting of fish oil and omega-3 vegetable, algae or bacterial oil is used, The proteins used in the nutritional preparation are preferably selected from the group of non-human animal proteins (such as milk proteins, meat proteins and egg proteins), vegetable proteins (such as soy protein, wheat protein, rice protein, and pea protein), free amino acids and mixtures thereof. Cow milk derived nitrogen source, particularly cow milk protein proteins such as casein and whey proteins are particularly preferred, Stool irregularities (e.g, hard stools, insufficient stool volume, diarrhoea) is a major problem in many babies and ill subjects that receive liquid foods. It was found that stool problems may be reduced by administering the present oligosaccharides in liquid food which have an osraolality between SO and 500 mOsm/kg, more preferably between 100 and 400 mOsm/kg. In view of the above, it is also important that the liquid food does not have an excessive caloric density, however still provides sufficient calories to feed the subject, Hence, the liquid food preferably has a caloric density between 0.1 and 2.5 kcal/ml, even more preferably a caloric density of between 0,5 and 1.5 kcal/ml, most preferably between 0.6 and 0.8 kcaj/ml, EXAMPLBg Example 1: Efifeet of LC-PU\|?A on barrier integrity Monolayers (MC) of intestinal epithelial cell lines T84 (American Type Culture Collection (ATTC), Manassas, USA) were cultured on transwell filters (Coming, Costar BV, The Netherlands) allowing both mucosal and serosal sampling and stimulation of human intestinal epithelial cells. Two weeks post confluency the monolayers were incubated in the luminal compartment with polyunsaturated fatty acids ARA (arachidonic acid; 5,8,ll,l4-eico3atetraenoic acid), DHA (cis-4,7,10,13,16,19 docosahexaenoic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) or control palmitic (C 16:0) acid (Palm) (Sigma, St. Louis, USA), The latter procedure was chosen to mimic the in vivo administration route of the dietary compounds Cells were incubated with ARA, DHA, EPA, GLA or palmitic acid for 0, 24, 48 and 72 hr at different concentrations (10 uM and 100 \iM). Experiments were performed to evaluate basal barrier integrity. The epithelial barrier function was determined by measuring the transepithelial resistance (TER, Q.cma) was measured by epithelial volt-ohm meter (EVOM; World Precision Instruments, Germany) and permeability for 4kD FITC dextran (paracellular permeability marker, Sigma, USA), Resistance; (. Epithelial permeability for 4 kDa FTTC-dextran was determined as follows, Prior to dextran fluxes the medium was refreshed with culture medium without phenol red for one hour Mowed by addition of 5 u4 (stock 100 rng/ml) 4 kDa PITC-dextran to the lumenal compartment. After 30 min incubation 100 f.\l sample was collected from the aerosal compartment and the fluorescent signal measured at excitation wavelength 485 nm and emission 520 nm (FLUOstar Galaxy®, BMG Labtechnologies, USA), FITC-dextran fluxes were calculated as pmol FITC-dextran/cmz/b. Statistical analyses were performed using the ANOVA (SPSS version 10). Results of the effect of fatty acids (100 \sM) on spontaneous barrier integrity after 72 hr incubation are given in Table 1. Table 1 shows that the LC-PUFA's ARA, EPA, GLA and DHA reduce the molecular flux and improve epithelial resistance In contrast the control experiments show that palmitic acid has die opposite effects, i,e, compromises barrier integrity. These results are indicative for the advantageous use of EPA, DHA , GLA and ARA, and in particularly ARA in the composition according to the present invention and for use in a method according to the present invention, e.g. in a method for improving barrier integrity. These result further support the synergistic effects of the present combination of fatty acids and indigestible oligosaccharides. Figure I shows the time and dose (lOpM and lOOfiM) dependent effects of various fetty acids (palmitic acid, DHA, GLA, and AA) on basal barrier integrity (TER). Figure I shows mat the LC-PUFA's AA, DHA, and GLA, improve the epithelial barrier integrity as reflected by increased resistance (TER). These results are indicative for the advantageous use of EPA, DHA, GLA and ARA, in particularly ARA, in the composition according to the present invention and for use in a method according to the present invention, i.e. in a method for improving barrier integrity. These results further support the synergistic effects of the present combination of fatty acids and indigestible oligosaccharides. Table 1(Table Remove) . on IL-4 mediated barrier disruption Monolayere (MC) of intestinal epithelial cell lines T84 (ATCC, USA) were cultured on transwell filters (Coming, Costar BV, The Netherlands) allowing both raueosal and serosal sampling and stimulation of human intestinal epithelial cells, Two weeks post confluency the monolayers were incubated in the presence of IL-4 (2 ng/ml, serosal compartment, Sigma, USA ) with or without polyunsaturated fatty acids ARA, DHA, GLA, EPA, or control palmitic acid (10 pM or 100 uM, mucosal compartment, Sigma, St. Louis, USA). Cells were pre-incubated with GLA, ARA, DHA, EPA, or palmitic acid for 48 hr prior to the IL-4 incubation. The co-incubation of PUFA's and palmetic acid with IL-4 was continued for another 48 hr; while culture medium and additives were changed every 24 hr. The epithelial barrier function was determined by measuring the transepithelial resistance (TER) and permeability as described in example 1. Statistical evaluation was performed as described in example 1. Results of the effect of GLA, ARA, DHA, EPA and palmitic acid (100 (j,M) on IL-4 mediated barrier disruption are given in Table 2. Table 2 shows that the LC-PUFA's GLA, ARA, DHA and EPA inhibit the increased flux caused by ILA, In contrast palmetic acid had a detrimental effect and decreased barrier disruption compared to control. These results are indicative for the advantageous use of GLA, ARA, DHA, and EPA in clinical and infant nutrition formulations to prevent or reduce IL^t mediated barrier disruption, e.g. as occurs in food or cows milk allergy. These result further support the synergistk effects of the present combination of fatty acids and indigestible oligosaccharides. Figure 2 gives the lime and dose (lO^M and lOOuM) dependent protective effects of various FA's (palmitic acid, DHA, GLA, and ARA) on IL-4 mediated barrier destruction (Flux). Figure 2 shows that ARA, DHA and GLA protect against IL-4 mediated barrier disruption as reflected by decreased 4kD dextran flux. These results are indicative for the advantageous use of GLA, ARA, DHA and EPA in clinical and infant nutrition formulations to prevent or reduce IL-4 mediated barrier disruption, e,g. as occurs in food or cows milk allergy. These results further support the synergistic effects of the present combination of fatty acids and indigestible oligosaccharides. Table 2 (Table Remove)> reduced permeability by PUFA; T= improved resistance by PUFA Micro-organisms were obtained from fresh faeces from bottle fed babies. Fresh faecal material from babies ranging 1 to 4 month of age was pooled and pin into preservative medium within 2 h. As substrate either prebiotics (TOS; TOS/inulin (HP) mixture in a 9/1 (w/w) ratio; inulin; oUgofiructose(OS)/inulin mixture in a 1/1 (w/w) ratio, or none (blanc) were used. The transgalactooUgosaccharides (TOS) were obtained from Viv'mal QOS, Borculo Domo Ingredients, Zwolle, The Netherlands and comprises as indigestible oligosaccharides! 33 wt,% disaccharides, 39 wt.% trisaccharides, IS wt.% tetrasaccharides, 7 wt.% pentasaccharides and 3 wt,% hexa-, hepta- en uctasaccliarides. The inulin (HP) Orafti active food ingredients, Tienen, Belgium, i.e. Raftiline HP®, with an average DP of 23.Media: McBain & MacFarlane medium: buffered peptone water 3.0g/l, yeast extract 2.5 g/L mucin (brush borders) 0.8 g/1, tryptone 3.0g/l, L-Cysteine-HCl 0.4 g/1, bile salts 0.05 e/1, K2HP04.3H20 2.6 g/1, NaHC03 0.2 g/1, NaCl 4.5 g/l, MgSO4.7H20 0.5 g/l, CaC12 0.228 g/l, FeS04.7H2O 0,005 g/l, Fill 500 ml Soott bottles with the medium and sterilized 15 minutes at 121 °C. Buffered medium: K2HP04.3H2) 2.6 g/l, NaHCOS 0.2 g/l, NaCl 4.5 g/l, MgS04.7H2O, 0.5 g/l, CaC12 0.228 g/l, FeSO4.7H20 0.005 g/l Adjust to pH 6,3 ± 0.1 with K2HPO4 or NaHCOS. Fill 500ml Scott bottles with the medium and sterilized 15 minutes at 121 "C. Preiervfltive medium: Buffered peptone 20.0 g/l, L-Cysteine-HCl 0.5 g/l, Sodium thioglyoollate 0.5 g/l, tesazurine tablet 1 per litre, adjust to pH 6.7 -t 0.1 with I M NaOH or HCL Boiled in microwave. Serum bottles were filled with 25 ml medium and sterilized for 15 minutes at 121 °C, Fresh faecal samples were mixed with preservative medium and stored for several hours at 4 °C. The preserved solution of faeces was centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 15 minutes, supernatant removed and faeces mixed with McBain Sc Mac Farlane medium in a weight ratio of 1:5. Of this faecal suspension 3 ml were combined with 85 mg glucose or prebiotic or with no addition (blanc) in a bottle and mixed thoroughly. A t=0 sample was withdrawn (0,5 ml). 2.5 ml of the resulting suspension is brought in a dialysis tube in a 60 ml bottle filled with 60 ml of the buffered medium. The bottle was closed well and incubated at 37°C. Samples were taken from the dialysis tube (0.2 ml) or dialysis buffer (1.0 ml) with a hypodermic syringe after 3, 24, and 48 hours and immediately put it on ice to stop fermentation. The experiment was carried out using the following samples: l)85mgTOS 2) 85 mg inulin 3) 85mg TOS/iroilin in a ratio of 9/1 (w/w) and 4) 85mg OS/inulin in a ratio of 1/1 (w/w). SCFA (acetate, propionate, butyfate) were quantitated using a Varian 3800 gas chromatograph (GC) (Varian Inc., Walnut Creek, U.S.A.) equipped with a flame ionisation detector, 0,5 ul of the sample was injected at 80 °C in the column (Stabilwax, 15 x 0.53 mm, film thickness 1.00 urn, Restek Co., U.S.A.) using helium as a carrier gas (3.0 psi). After injection of the sample, the oven was heated to 160 UC at a speed of 16 "C/min, followed by heating to 220 °C at a speed of 20 °C/min and finally maintained at 220 °C for 1.5 minutes. The temperature of the injector and detector was 200 °C. 2'ethylbytyric acid was used as an internal standard. Figure 3 depicts the absolute (Figure 3A) and relative SCFA profile (Figure 3B) resulting from fermenting the different oligosaccharides. Figure 3 A shows that a mixture of two different oligosaccharides (TOS/Inulin), wherein the two distinct oligosaccharides have a homology in raonose units below 90 and a different chain length results in a significantly and synergistically increased amount of SCFA (particularly acetate) pet gram fiber than single components, Figure 3B shows that the addition of a combination of TOS/Inulin favored a higher proportion of the beneficial acetate (B). The acetate production in vivo translates to improved mucus production by goblet cells and a measure for intestinal mucus layer thickness (see example 4). These results ate indicative for the advantageous use of the present composition.Monolayers of intestinal epithelial T84 cells (ATCC, USA) cells were cultured in 24 or 96 wells tissue culture plates (Coming B.V.). T84 were incubated with tie short chain fatty acids acetate, proprionate and bwtyrate (SCFA, Merck, USA) for 24 h in a concentration range of 0.025-4.0 mM. Supernatants and/or cells were collected and MUC-2 (mucin) expression determined. A dotblot technique was used to determine MUC-2 expression in the cell cultures, since mucins are extremely large glycoproteins (over 500 kDa) which makes them difficult to handle in western blotting techniques. The method was validated using pre-immune serum (T84 stained negative), CCD-18Co (ATCC, USA) negative control cells and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Cell samples were collected in Laemmli (protein isolation buffer) and protein determination performed using a microptotein assay (Biorad, USA) according to the manufacturers protocol. Samples (0.3-0,7-1.0 ug/2 fil) were dotted on nitrocellulose membranes (ScMeicher & Schuell, Germany). Membranes were blocked in TBST/5% Prodvar (Nutricia, The Netherlands) followed by I h incubatiop with anti-MUC-2 antibody (kindly donated by Dr, Einerhand, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands). After washing, blots were incubated with goat anti-rabbit-HRP (Santacruz Biotechnology, USA) and for substrate detection ECL (Roche Diagnostics, The Netherlands) was used. Densitometry was performed using the Lumi-Imager (Boehrittger Mannheim B.V., The Netherlands) and Ihe signal was expressed in light units,(BLU). BLU's were also expressed relative to control incubations (%BLU). To compare the stimulatory effect of SCFA on MUC-2 expression basal MUC-2 expression levels were deducted. Figure 4 shows the differential effects of SCFA (acetate, proprionatc., butyrate) on MUC-2 expression in intestinal epithelial cells (MC T84) and epithelial-mesenchymal cell co-cultures (CC T84). Figure 4 also shows th&t acetate is more potent in stimulating MUC-2 expression (mucus production) as compared to propionate and butyric. Hence, the present combination of oligosaccharides (which was shown to increase acetate production (see example 3)) is particularly useful for stimulating mucus production and can be advantageously used in a method for stimulating barrier integrity,Ingredients (per liter), energy 672 Kcal; Protein 15 g; Whey: Casein ratio 60:40; Fat 36 g; Carbohydrate 72 g; Vitamin A 750 RE; Mixed natural carotids 400 III; Vitamin D 10.6 meg; Vitamin F 7.4 mg; Vitamin K 67.0 meg; Vitamin B.sub.l (thiamin) 1000 meg; Vitamin B.sub.2 (riboflavin) 1500 meg; Vitamin B.sub.6 (pyridoxine) 600 meg; Vitamin B.sub.12 (cyanaoobalmine) 2.0 meg; Niacin 9.0 meg; Folic Acid 80 meg; Pautothenic Acid 3000 meg; Biotin 90 meg; Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 90 mg; Choline 100 mg; Inositol 33 mg; Calcium 460 Mg; Phosphorous 333 Mg; Magnesium 64 Mg; Iron 8.0 Mg ; Zinc 6.0 Mg; Manganese 50 meg; Copper 560 meg; Iodine 100 meg; Sodium 160 mg; Potassium 650 mg; Chloride 433 tng and Selenium 14 meg; wherein the fet content provides includes 3 gram fish oil and 3 grams 40% arachidonic acid oil (DSM Food Specialties, Delft, Netherlands); further comprising 4 gram transgalactooligosaccharides Elix'or™ (Borculo Domo Ingredients, Netherlands) and 4 gram Raftiline™ (Orafti Active Food Ingredients, Belgium). (Table Remove) AMENDED CLAIMS-clean 1. Use of polyunsaturated fatty acids for the manufacture of a composition for use by a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), said method comprising administering to the patient infected with human irnrmnoiienciency virus a composition comprising: a. eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosaliexaenoic acid (DHA) and .irachidonic acid (ARA), wherein the content of lon.n chain polyunsaturated fatty acid with 20 and 22 carbon atoms does not exceed S? wt.% of the total fat curitcnt; and b. at least Cwo distinct oiigosaccharides (OL1 and QL2), wherein the ivvo .:J:s;inct oligosaccharides have a hornology in rnunose units below 90 'JA>; tin,I 2. Use according to claim I wherein the composition further comprises gamma- iinolenic acid (QLA). 3. Nutritional composition comprising: a; EPA, DHA and ARA, wherein the con ten: of long chain polyunsalunr.eu ;';uty acid with 20 and 22 carbon atoms does not exceed 85 wt.% j! (he ia:a.' fat content; and b. at feast two distinct oligosaccharides (OLi and OL2), wherein the iwo distinct oligosaccharides have a homology in monose units below 90 % c. an acidic oligosaccharides, preferably an uronic acid pol>-ma with r. DP between 2 and 60, 4. Composition according to claim 3, comprising galactooligosacchande and a fructan selected from the group consisting of fructaoligosaccharidcx irrj.m and mixtures thereof. 5. Composition according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least ;0 wt.% of ihc oligosaccharide has a degree of polymerisation (DP) of 2 to 5 and at lens; 3 wi.^li has a DP of between 10 and 60. 6. Composition according to any one of claims 3-5, comprising 7,5 to 12.5 energy % protein; 40 to 55 energy % carbohydrates; and 35 to 50 energy % fjii, wherein said protein comprises a member selected from the group consisting of liydrolyzec milk protein, vegetable protein and/or amino acids. 7. Composition according to any one of claims 3-6, said composition liuvinp. a caJoric content of 0.6 to O.S kcal/ml; an osmulality of 50 to 500 mOim/kg; and a viscosity below 50 mPas. 8. Composition according to any one of claims 37, wherein the companion further comprises GLA, 9. Composition according to anyone of claims 3-8, for use as a medicament. 10. Use according to claim 1, wherein the patient is a human subject having a CM- T-lymphocytc cell count between 200 to 700 cells/nl blood and v.'hciein said subject is not being treated by Highly Active Ami retro viral Therapy 11. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 3-8 for the maiuitaciuje of a medicament for use in a method for thtt treatment or prevention of ihutrlica, said method comprising administering to a mammal the composition accoidmg '.o any one of claims 3-8.

Full Text

IMPROVEMENT OF BARRIER INTEGRITY IN HIV PATIENTS
FmJ> OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for improving intestinal barrier integrity of HIV patients and a composition suitable for use in such method.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The gastrointestinal epithelium normally functions as a selective barrier permitting the absorption of nutrients, electrolytes and water and preventing the exposure to dietary and microbial antigens, including food allergens. The gastrointestinal epithelium limits the passage of antigens to the systemic circulation that may be causing inflammatory reactions, e.g. allergic reactions. As the incidence of allergy, particularly food allergy, is increasing, many research groups search for (preventive) cures for these ailments.
EP1272058 describes a composition containing indigestible oligosaccharides for improving tight junction to reduce intestinal permeability and reducing allergic reaction. The composition may comprise LC-PUFA's (long chain-polyuusaturated faty acids).
BP 745001 describes a combination of indigestible oligosaccharides and n-3 and n-6 fatty acids for treatment ulcerative colitis.
Usami et al (Clinical Nutrition 2001, 20(4): 351-359) describe the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on tight junction permeability in intestinal monolayer cells. In their hands, EPA was found to increase permeability, indicating that EPA is unsuitable to improve intestinal barrier integrity.
The prior art formulations ate not optimally suited for improving barrier integrity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a combination of selected long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA's) and selected oligosaccharides. The present combination of LC-PUFA's and oligosaccharides effectively improves barrier integrity, by
syncrgistically improving intestinal permeability, mucus production, arid reducing the mucosal production of inflammatory mediators that could compromise intestinal barrier integrity. A combination of these compounds in a nutritional or pharmaceutical formulation is particularly suitable for improving intestinal integrity in HIV and AIDS patients.
It was surprisingly found that selected LC-PUFA's effectively reduce epithelial paracellular permeability. In contrast to what Usaxni et al (Clinical Nutrition 2001, 20(4): 351-359) have reported, the present inventors found that G18 and C20 polyunsatoated fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachktonic acid (ARA), are capable of effectively reducing intestinal tight junction permeability.
In addition to the LOPUFAs, the present composition contains oligosaccharides. The selected oligosaccharides improve the barrier integrity by stimulating the production of the mucus, which results in an increased mucus layer thickness. It is believed this effect is caused by the effects of the distinct oligosaccharides on the short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Hence, when enterally administered to a mammal, the present combination of LC-PUFA and indigestible oligosaccharides synergistically improve barrier integrity and/or synergistically reduce intestinal permeability by simultaneous reduction of tight junction permeability and stimulation of mucus production.
In a further aspect, the present composition improves, the quality of the intestinal mucus layer. The mucus layer comprises mucins, Mucins are high molecular mass glycoproteins that are synthesized and secreted by goblet cells. They form a gel-like layer on the mucosal surface, thereby improving barrier integrity. The mucus layer comprises different types of mucins, e.g. acid, neutral and sulphonated mucins. An increased heterogeneity of the mucus layer is believed to improve barrier functionality.
The present composition preferably comprises at least two different oligosaccharides, which influence the mucosal architecture and advantageously influence mucin heterogeneity in the mucus layer, either directly or by changing the intestinal flora. Each different selected oligosaccharide is believed to have a different effect on mucus
quantity and quality. Moreover, the two distinct oligosaccharides are also able to stimulate quality of mucus as reflected by the degree of sulphation through their syncrgistic stimulation of SCFA production. It was surprisingly found by the present inventors that a mixture of two different oligosaccharides according to the present invention synerfistically stimulates acetate production. It was also found by the present inventors mucus production is dependent on acetate production.
It was further found that the precursor of ARA, gamma Unoienic acid (GLA), can be advantageously combined in the present composition for the treatment of HJV patients. HIV patients often suffer from intestinal inflammatory disorders, which makes a high intake of ARA undesirable, because ARA increases inflammatory response. It was found that part of the ARA can be replaced by GLA without having a negative effect on the effectiveness of the fat blend. Hence, in a further aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising the oligosaccharides, EPA, DHA, ARA and GLA and the use thereof in the treatment and/or prevention of HIV or AIDS.
The present composition is preferably further improved by providing both long- and short-chain ojigosaccharides. Hie supply of different chain lengths results in stimulation of mucus prodoction in different parts of the ileum and colon. The short chain oligosaccharides (typically with a degree of polymerisation (DP) of 2,3,4 or 5) stimulate mucin production in the proximal colon and/or distal ileum, while the oligosaccharides with longer chain lengths (preferably with a degree of polymerisation (DP) of more than 5 up to 60) are believed to stimulate mucin production in the more distal parts of the colon.
Even further improvements can be achieved by providing the at least two different oligosaccharides both as short-chain and long-chain oligosaccharides, These preferred embodiments all contribute to further improved barrier integrity throughout the ileum and/or colon.
Furthermore, it was surprisingly found that EPA, DHA, and ARA were able to reduce the harmful effects of interleukm 4 (IL-4) on intestinal permeability. IJL-4 is a cyrokine which is secreted in increased amounts by mucosal T-cells in certain patients and
induces intestinal permeability. Hence the present invention also provides for a method for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases wherein intestinal TL-4 concentration is increased, such as allergy, particularly atopic dermatitis,
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a nutritional composition comprising;
a) EPA, DHA and ARA, wherein the content of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid
with 20 and 22 carbon atoms does not exceed 85 wt.% of the total fat content; and
b) at least two distinct oligosaccharides, wherein the two distinct oligosaccharides
have a homology in monose units below 90 %.
This composition can be advantageously used in a method for stimulating intestinal barrier integrity, said method comprising administering to a mammal said composition.
In a further aspect the present invention provides the use of polyunsaturated fatty acids for the manufacture of a composition for use in a method for the treatment of a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), said method comprising administering to said patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) a composition comprising:
a, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic
acid (ARA), wherein the content of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid with
20 and 22 carbon atoms does not exceed 85 wt.% of the total fat content; and
b. at least two distinct oligosaccharides (OL1 and OL2), wherein the two distinct
oligosaccharides have a homology in monose units below 90 %.
A particular embodiment of the treatment of a patient infected with HFV is the nutritional treatment. Other embodiments of the present invention are the use of the composition defined above in a method for providing nutrition to patient infected with HIV, said method comprising administering to said patient infected with HIV said composition and also the use of the composition defined above in a method for stimulating intestinal barrier integrity in a patient infected with HIV, said method comprising administering to said patient infected with HIV said composition.
PolvuMaturated fattv acids
The present inventors surprisingly found that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, n»3) and aracludonic acid (ARA, n 6) effectively reduce intestinal tight junction permeability. QLA (n-6) also effectively reduces barrier permeability. Hence the present composition, which is particularly suitable for improving intestinal barrier integrity, comprises EPA, DHA and ARA optionally combined with GLA.
The present inventors found that selected LC-PUFA's, were effective in reducing tight junction permeability (see Examples vs. Usami et al). The content of LC-PUFA with 20 and 22 carbon atoms in the present composition, preferably does not exceed S3 wt.% of the total fat content, preferably does not exceed 35 wt%, even more preferably does not exceed 15 wt.%. of the total fat content. Preferably the present composition comprises at least 0.1 wt.%, preferably at least 0,25 wt, more preferably at least 0.5 wt.%, more preferably at least 0,75 wt,%, even more preferably at leasi 5 wt.%, even more preferably at least 15 wt% and most preferably at least 25 wt.% LC-PUFA with 20 and 22 carbon atoms of the total fat content. For the same reason, the EPA content preferably does tun exceed 55 wt,% of the total fat, preferably does not exceed 35 wt.%, more preferably does not exceed 25 wt.%, but is preferably at (east 0,05 wt%, more preferably at least 0.1 wt.% and most preferably at least 1% of the total fat. The DHA content preferably does not exceed 15 wt.%, more preferably does not exceed 10 wt.%, but is at least 0,1 wt% of the total fat. As ARA was found to be particularly effective in reducing tight junction permeability, the present composition comprises relatively high amounts, preferably at least 0.1 wt.%, even more preferably at least 0.25 wt.%, most preferably at least 0.5 wt,% of the total fiat. The ARA content preferably does not exceed 15 wt%, preferably does not exceed 5 wt%, more preferably does not exceed I wt% of the total fat. In the present ARA containing entered composition, EPA and DHA are advantageously added to balance the action of ARA, e.g, reduce the poteatial proinfiinunatory action of ARA metabolites. Excess metabolites from ARA may cause inflammation. The present nutritional composition preferably also contains gamroa-linotenic acid (GLA, C18), The GLA acts as a precursor of A£A, to replace at least in part the ARA content of the composition in order to further decrease the pro-inflammatory effect of ARA.
Hence, the present composition preferably comprises ARA, GLA, BPA and DHA, wherein the weight ratio (ARA+GLA)/DHA preferably is above 0.10, preferably above 0,25 and more preferably above 0.5. The ratio is preferably below 25, and most preferably below 3.
The present composition preferably comprises between 5 and 75 wt.% polynnsaturated fatty acids baaed on total fat, preferably between 10 and 50 wt.%.
The LC-PUFA with 20 and 22 carbon atoms may be provided as free fatty acids, in triglyceride form, in pho&pholipid form, or as a mixture of one of more of the above, The present composition preferably comprises at least one of ARA and DHA in phospholipid form.
The present nutritional composition preferably also provides omega-9 (n 9) fatty acid (preferably olflic acid, 18:1), to provide sufficient nutrition. Preferably the present composition provides at least 1 wt.% n-9 fatty acid based on the weight of the total fatty acids, more preferably at least 5 wt%, The content of n-9 fatty acids is preferably below 80 wt%.
Suitable daily amount may be at least 0.1 gram EPA and 0.05 gram ARA or ARA + OLA, or between 0,1 and 5 gram EPA and between 0.05 and 2,5 gram ARA or ARA + GLA, or between 0,5 and 2.5 gram EPA and between 0,25 and 1.25 gram ARA or ARA + OLA or an amount between 0,75 and 1.5 gram EPA and between 0,37 and 0.75 gram ARA or ARA + GLA. Suitable daily amounts for DHA follow from the ratio (ARA + GLAJ/DHA |iven above,
Oil gosaccharides
Suitable oligosaccharides according to the invention are saccharides which have a degree of polymerisation (DP) of at least 2 monose units, which are not or only partially digested in the intestate by the action of acids or digestive enzymes present in the human upper digestive tract (small intestine and stomach), but which are fermentable by the human intestinal flora. The term monose units refers to units having & closed ring structure, preferably hexose, e.g. the pyranose or furanuse forms. The
degree of polymerisation of the oligosaccharide is typically below 60 monose units, preferably below 40, even more preferably below 20.
The present composition comprises at least two different oligosaccharides, wherein the oligosaccharides have a homology in monose units below about 90%, preferably below S0%, even more preferably below 25%, even more preferably below 5%, The term "homology" as used in the present invention Is the cumulative of the percentage of same monose units in the different oligosaccharides. For example, oligosaccharide 1 (OL1) has the structure fruc-fnict-glu-gal, and thus comprises 50% true, 25% gal and 25% glu. Oligosaccharide 2 (QL2) has the structure fruc-fruc-glu, and thus comprises 66% fruc, 33% glu. The different oligosaccharides thus have a homology of 15% (50% free+ 25% gin).
In a preferred embodiment, the present composition comprises galactuoligosaccharides and at least one selected from the group consisting of fructooligosaccharides and inulin.
Each of the present oligosaccharides preferably comprises at least 66%, more preferably at least 90% monose units selected from the group consisting of mannose, arabinose, fructose, fucose, rhamnose, galactose, p-D-galactopyranose, ribose, glucose, xylose, uronic acid and derivatives thereof, calculated on the total number of monose units contained therein.
According to a further embodiment at least one of the oligosaccharides of the present composition is selected from the group consisting of fructans, fructooligosaccharides, indigestible dextrins galactooligosaccharides (including transgalactooligosaccharides), xylooligosaccharides, arabinooligosaccharides, glucooligosaccharicles, marmooligo-saccharides, fucooligosaccharides, acidic oligosaccharides (see below, e.g. uronic acid oligosaccharides such as pectin hydrolysate) and mixtures thereof. Preferably the present composition comprises at least one, preferably at least two, of the oligosaccharides selected from (Ate group consisting of Jructooligosaceliarides or inulin, galactooligosaccharides and pectin hydrolysate.
For good mucus quantity and quality, the present composition preferably comprises at least one oligosaccharide, which comprises at least 66% galatose or fructose as a monose unit. In a preferred embodiment the composition comprises at least one oligosaccharide which comprises at least 66% galatose as a monose unit and at least one oligosaccharide which comprises at least 66% fructose as a mono.se unit, In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present composition comprises gaiactooligosaccharide and an oligosaccharide selected from the group consisting of fructooligosaccharides and inulin. Fructooligosaocharides stimulate sulfomucin production in the distal colon of human flora-associated rats (Kleesscn et al, (2003) Brit J Nutr 89:597-606) and galactooiigosaccharides stimulate the acid mucin production (Moulin et al, Brit Jf.Nutr (1993), 69:903-912)).
For further improvement of muaus layer thickness over the whole area of the colon, at least 10 wt.% of the oligosaccharides in the present composition has a DP of 2 to 5 (i.e. 2,3,4 and/or 5) and at least 5 wt.% has a DP of 10 to 60. Preferably at least 50 wt.%, more preferably at least 75 wt.% of the oligosaccharides have a DP of 2 to 9 (i.e. 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, and/or 9), because these are believed to work throughout the ilcum and proximal and middle parts of the colon and because the weight percentage of oligosaccharides mat needs to be incorporated in the composition to achieve the desired effect is reduced.
Preferably the weight ratios:
a. (oligosaccharides with DP 2 to5): (oligosaccharides with DP 6,7,8 and/or 9) > 1;
and
b. (oligosaccharides with DP 10 to60): (oligosaccharides with DP 6,7,8 and/or 9) > I
are both above 1.
Preferably both weight ratios are above 2, even more preferably above 5
For even further improvement of mucus layer thickness and quality over the whole area of the colon, preferably each of the at least two different oligosaccharides are provided in different chain lengths, preferably at least 10 wt.% of each oligosaccharide based on the total weight of the respective oligosaccharide has a DP of 2 to 5 (i .e, 2, 3,4 and/or
5) aad at least 5 wt% has a DP between 10 and 60, Preferably at least 50 wt,%, more preferably at least 75 wt.% of the oligosaccharide based on the total weight of that oligosaccharides has a DP between 2 and 10, because these are believed to work throughout in the ileum and proximal and middle parts of the colon.
Acidic
To further improve barrier integrity, the present composition preferably includes acidic oligosaccharides with a DP between 2 and 60. The term acid oligosaccharide refers to oligosaccharides comprising at least one acidic group selected from the group consisting of N-acetylneuraminic acid, N-glycoloylneuraminic acid, free or esterified carboxylic acid, sxjlfuric acid group and phosphoric acid group. The acidic oligosaccharide preferably comprises uronic acid units (i.e. uronic acid polymer), more preferably galacturonic acid units, The acid oligosaccharide may be a homogeneous or heterogeneous carbohydrate. Suitable examples are hydroiysates oi pectin and/or alginate, In the intestinal teact, the uronic acid polymers are hydrolysed to uronic acid monomers, which stimulate production of intestinal acetate, which in turn stimulates intestinal mucus secretion (Barcelo et al., Gut 2000; 46:218-224), Preferably the acid oligosaceharide has the structure I below, wherein the terminal hexose (left) preferably comprises a double bond. The hexose units other than the terminal hexose unit(s) are preferably uronic acid units, even inure preferably galacturonic acid units. The carboxylic acid groups on these units may be free or (partly) esterified, and preferably at least 10% is methylated (see below).
wherein;
Structure I: Polymeric acid oligosaccharide
R is preferably selected foam the group consisting of hydrogen, hydruxy or acid group, preferably hydroxy; and
at least one selected from die group consisting of Ra, R3, £4 and RS represents N-acetylneuramiiUC acid, N-glycoloylneuraminic acid, free or esterified carboxylic acid, sulftjrjc acid group and phosphoric acid group, and the remaining of R2, RS, R representing hydroxy and/or hydrogen; and
n is an integer and refers to a number of hexose units (see also Degree of Polymerisation, below), which may be any hexose unit. Suitably n is art integer between 1-5000. Preferably the hexose unit(s) is a uronic acid unit. Most preferably R|, Ri and Ra represent hydroxy, R* represent hydrogen, R5 represents carboxylic acid, n is any number between 1 and 250, preferably between 1 and 10 and the hexose unit is galacturonic acid.
The detection, measurement and analyses of the preferred acid oligosaccharides as used in the present method are given in applicants earlier patent application relating to acid oligosaccharides, i.e. WO 0/160378.
For stimulation improvement of mucus layer thickness over the whole area of the colon, the present composition preferably comprises at least 10 vvt.% acid oligosaccharides with a DP of 2 to 5 (i.e. 2, 3, 4 and/or 5) and at least 5 wt.% acid oligosaccharides with a DP between 10 and 60, said wt,% being based on the total weight of the oligosaccharides.
The acid oligosaccharides used in the invention are preferably prepared from pectin, pectate, alginate, chondroitine, hyaluronic acids, hepwine, hepamne, bacterial carbohydrates, sialoglycans, fucoidan, fucooligosaccharides or carrageenan, more preferably from pectin and/or alginate.
Content of olifosfccharide
When in ready-to-foed liquid form, the present composition preferably comprises 0,1 to
100 grams indigestible oUgosaccharide per liter, more preferably between 0,5 and 50
grams per liter even more preferably between 1 and 25 grams per liter. A too high
content of oligosaccharides may cause discomfort due to excessive fermentation, while
a very tow content may result in an insufficient mucus layer.
The weight ratio of ttw at least two different oligosaccharides is preferably between 1
and 10, more preferably between 1 and 5. These weight ratios stimulate rmicin
production of different types at different sites in the intestine optimally.
The oligosaccharide is preferably included in the present composition according to the invention in an amount exceeding 0.1 wt,%, preferably exceeding 0.2 wt,%, more preferably exceeding O.S wt.% and even more preferably exceeding 1 wt.% based on the total dry weight of the composition, The present composition preferably has an oligosaccharide content below 20-wt,%, more preferably below 10-wt.% even more preferably below 5-wt%,
Addition of nucleotides and/or nucleosides to the present composition further improves gut mucosal barrier function, particularly as it inhibits and/or or reduces the incidence of bacteria] cranslocation and decreases intestinal injury. Hence, the present composition preferably also comprises between 1 and 500 mg nucleosides and/or nucleotides per 100 gram of the dry formula, even more preferably between 5 and 100 mg,
ApplicationThe present composition can be advantageously used in a method for improving barrier integrity in mammals, particularly humans. The present composition can also be advantageously used in a method for the treatment or prevention of diseases associated with reduced barrier integrity, said method comprising administering to a mamma! the present composition. The present composition is preferably administered oraliv.
For die ill and infants, the present composition is preferably combined with complete nutrition, including protein, carbohydrate and fat The present composition is advantageously administered to infants with the age between 0 and 2 years. The composition may be administered to patients which suffer from an impaired bamer integrity and healthy patients. The present compasition is advantageously used in a method for providing the nutritional requirements of a premature infant (an infant born before 37 weeks gestation).
The present composition can also be advantageously used in a method for treatment and/or prevention of intestinal damage by administering the present composition to the patient prior to or after a medical treatment, which may cause intestinal damage. Such medical treatment may for example be surgery or entetal medicine treatment (e.g. antibiotic, analgesic, NSAID, chemotherapeutic agents etc).
The present composition can also be advantageously used to treat or prevent diseases wherein intestinal barrier disruption is underlying the development of the course of the disease, e.g. in a method for the treatment or prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (fflD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ceUac disease, pancreatitis, hepatitis, arthritis or diabetes. Vurthermore, the invention can be used in a method for providing nutrition to patients tbat have undergone or are undergoing abdominal surgery and patients that experience postoperative dysfunction of the gut and/or malnourished patients.
In a fUrther embodiment of die invention the present composition is advantageously administered to patients suffering from acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and/or patients which are injected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HTV), e.g. in. a method for the treatment of AIDS and/or HIV infection. Said method comprises the oral administration of the present composition, preferably combined with nutrients selected from the group consisting of carbohydrate, protein and fat. The compositions according to the invention are particularly useful for patients wich a CD4f T eel) count that is below the critical level of around 700 cells/tti blood, when generally Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) therapy is not yet needed, but when patients do already run the risk of developing or even experience one or more problems that can
be related to intestinal hauler integrity, in particular dysfunction of intestinal hairier integrity. Hence, in a farther aspect the present invention provides a method for stopping or stowing down the reduction in CD4+ T cell count or improving the CD4+ T cell count in patients sufifering from HIV and/or AIDS, said method comprising administering the present composition. In one embodiment the method comprises administering the present composition to a patient, said patient being a human subject having a CD4+ T-lymphocyte cell count between 200 to 700 cells/ixl blood. In yet another embodiment the method comprises administering the present composition to a patient, said patient not being treated by Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, In a particular embodiment the patient has a CD4+ T-lymphocyce cell count between 200 to 700 cells/nl blood and is not being treated by Highly Active Antinetro viral Therapy.
Furthermore, the invention can also be used to treat or prevent complications resulting from reduced barrier integrity, particularly in a method for the treatment and/or prevention of diarrhea, particularly infant diarrhea. Due to the reduced incidence in infant diarrhea, the present composition can also be advantageously used to reduce diaper rash,
Administering the present composition reduces passage of dietary and microbial antigens, particularly food allergens, from the intestinal lumen into the mucosal or systemic circulation, and hence can be advantageously used in a method for the treatment or prevention of allergy and/or allergic reaction, particularly in a method for the treatment or prevention of food allergy, e.g. allergic reaction resulting from the ingestion of foodstuff.
It was alsp found by the present inventors that EPA, DHA and/or ARA are capable of reducing the effects of EL-4 on intestinal permeability. Hence, one aspect of the present invention provides for a method for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases wherein intestinal HL.-4 concentration is increased (e.g. allergic diseases), said method comprising administering an LC-PUFA preferably selected from the group consisting of EPA, DHA and ARA, preferably combined with the present selected oHgosaccharides. Hence, the present composition can also be advantageously used in a method for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
The present composition is preferably provided as a packaged powder or packaged ready-to-feed formula. To prevent spoilage of the product, packaging size of ready-to-feed formula preferably does not exceed one serving, e.g. preferably dues not exceed 500 ml; and packaging size of the present composition in powder form preferably does not exceed 250 servings. Suitable packaging sizes for the powder are 2000 grams or less, preferably per 1000 grams or less.
The packaged products provided with labels that explicitly or implicitly direct the consumer towards the use of said product in accordance with one or more of the above or below purposes are encompassed by the present invention. Such labels may for example make reference to the present method for preventing allergic reaction to food allergens by including wording like "reduced food sensitivity", "improving intestinal tolerability", "improved food tolerance" or similar wording, Similarly, reference to the present method for treating and/or preventing allergy may be made by incorporating terminology equivalent to "improved resistance" or "reduced sensitivity".
Formula's
It was found that the present composition could be advantageously applied in food, such as baby food and clinical food. Such food preferably comprises iipid, protein and carbohydrate and is preferably administered in liquid form. The term "liquid food" as used in the present invention includes dry food (e.g. powders), which are accompanied with instructions as to admix said dry food mixture with a suitable liquid (e.g. water).
Hence, the present invention also relates to a nutritional composition which preferably comprises between 5 and 50 en% Iipid, between 5 and SO en% protein, between 15 and 90 ea% carbohydrate and the present combination of oligosaccharides and 1 C-PUFA's. Preferably the present nutritional composition preferably contains between 10 and 30 en% Iipid, between 7.5 and 40 en% protein and between 25 and 75 e.n% carbohydrate (en% is short for energy percentage and represents the relative amount each constituent contributes to the total caloric value of the preparation).
Preferably a combination of vegetable lipids and at least one oil selected from the group consisting of fish oil and omega-3 vegetable, algae or bacterial oil is used,
The proteins used in the nutritional preparation are preferably selected from the group of non-human animal proteins (such as milk proteins, meat proteins and egg proteins), vegetable proteins (such as soy protein, wheat protein, rice protein, and pea protein), free amino acids and mixtures thereof. Cow milk derived nitrogen source, particularly cow milk protein proteins such as casein and whey proteins are particularly preferred,
Stool irregularities (e.g, hard stools, insufficient stool volume, diarrhoea) is a major problem in many babies and ill subjects that receive liquid foods. It was found that stool problems may be reduced by administering the present oligosaccharides in liquid food which have an osraolality between SO and 500 mOsm/kg, more preferably between 100 and 400 mOsm/kg.
In view of the above, it is also important that the liquid food does not have an excessive caloric density, however still provides sufficient calories to feed the subject, Hence, the liquid food preferably has a caloric density between 0.1 and 2.5 kcal/ml, even more preferably a caloric density of between 0,5 and 1.5 kcal/ml, most preferably between 0.6 and 0.8 kcaj/ml,
EXAMPLBg
Example 1: Efifeet of LC-PU|?A on barrier integrity
Monolayers (MC) of intestinal epithelial cell lines T84 (American Type Culture Collection (ATTC), Manassas, USA) were cultured on transwell filters (Coming, Costar BV, The Netherlands) allowing both mucosal and serosal sampling and stimulation of human intestinal epithelial cells. Two weeks post confluency the monolayers were incubated in the luminal compartment with polyunsaturated fatty acids ARA (arachidonic acid; 5,8,ll,l4-eico3atetraenoic acid), DHA (cis-4,7,10,13,16,19 docosahexaenoic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) or control palmitic (C 16:0) acid (Palm) (Sigma, St. Louis, USA), The latter procedure was
chosen to mimic the in vivo administration route of the dietary compounds Cells were incubated with ARA, DHA, EPA, GLA or palmitic acid for 0, 24, 48 and 72 hr at different concentrations (10 uM and 100 \iM). Experiments were performed to evaluate basal barrier integrity. The epithelial barrier function was determined by measuring the transepithelial resistance (TER, Q.cma) was measured by epithelial volt-ohm meter (EVOM; World Precision Instruments, Germany) and permeability for 4kD FITC dextran (paracellular permeability marker, Sigma, USA), Resistance; (. Epithelial permeability for 4 kDa FTTC-dextran was determined as follows, Prior to dextran fluxes the medium was refreshed with culture medium without phenol red for one hour Mowed by addition of 5 u4 (stock 100 rng/ml) 4 kDa PITC-dextran to the lumenal compartment. After 30 min incubation 100 f.\l sample was collected from the aerosal compartment and the fluorescent signal measured at excitation wavelength 485 nm and emission 520 nm (FLUOstar Galaxy®, BMG Labtechnologies, USA), FITC-dextran fluxes were calculated as pmol FITC-dextran/cmz/b. Statistical analyses were performed using the ANOVA (SPSS version 10).
Results of the effect of fatty acids (100 \sM) on spontaneous barrier integrity after 72 hr incubation are given in Table 1. Table 1 shows that the LC-PUFA's ARA, EPA, GLA and DHA reduce the molecular flux and improve epithelial resistance In contrast the control experiments show that palmitic acid has die opposite effects, i,e, compromises barrier integrity. These results are indicative for the advantageous use of EPA, DHA , GLA and ARA, and in particularly ARA in the composition according to the present invention and for use in a method according to the present invention, e.g. in a method for improving barrier integrity. These result further support the synergistic effects of the present combination of fatty acids and indigestible oligosaccharides. Figure I shows the time and dose (lOpM and lOOfiM) dependent effects of various fetty acids (palmitic acid, DHA, GLA, and AA) on basal barrier integrity (TER). Figure I shows mat the LC-PUFA's AA, DHA, and GLA, improve the epithelial barrier integrity as reflected by increased resistance (TER). These results are indicative for the advantageous use of EPA, DHA, GLA and ARA, in particularly ARA, in the composition according to the present invention and for use in a method according to the present invention, i.e. in a method for improving barrier integrity. These results further support the synergistic effects of the present combination of fatty acids and indigestible oligosaccharides.
Table 1(Table Remove)

. on IL-4 mediated barrier disruption Monolayere (MC) of intestinal epithelial cell lines T84 (ATCC, USA) were cultured on transwell filters (Coming, Costar BV, The Netherlands) allowing both raueosal and serosal sampling and stimulation of human intestinal epithelial cells, Two weeks post confluency the monolayers were incubated in the presence of IL-4 (2 ng/ml, serosal compartment, Sigma, USA ) with or without polyunsaturated fatty acids ARA, DHA, GLA, EPA, or control palmitic acid (10 pM or 100 uM, mucosal compartment, Sigma, St. Louis, USA). Cells were pre-incubated with GLA, ARA, DHA, EPA, or palmitic acid for 48 hr prior to the IL-4 incubation. The co-incubation of PUFA's and palmetic acid with IL-4 was continued for another 48 hr; while culture medium and additives were changed every 24 hr. The epithelial barrier function was determined by measuring the transepithelial resistance (TER) and permeability as described in example 1. Statistical evaluation was performed as described in example 1. Results of the effect of GLA, ARA, DHA, EPA and palmitic acid (100 (j,M) on IL-4 mediated barrier disruption are given in Table 2. Table 2 shows that the LC-PUFA's GLA, ARA, DHA and EPA inhibit the increased flux caused by ILA, In contrast palmetic acid had a detrimental effect and decreased barrier disruption compared to control. These results are indicative for the advantageous use of GLA, ARA, DHA, and EPA in clinical and infant nutrition formulations to prevent or reduce IL^t mediated barrier disruption, e.g. as occurs in food or cows milk allergy. These result further support the synergistk effects of the present combination of fatty acids and indigestible oligosaccharides.
Figure 2 gives the lime and dose (lO^M and lOOuM) dependent protective effects of various FA's (palmitic acid, DHA, GLA, and ARA) on IL-4 mediated barrier destruction (Flux). Figure 2 shows that ARA, DHA and GLA protect against IL-4 mediated barrier disruption as reflected by decreased 4kD dextran flux. These results are indicative for the advantageous use of GLA, ARA, DHA and EPA in clinical and infant nutrition formulations to prevent or reduce IL-4 mediated barrier disruption, e,g. as occurs in food or cows milk allergy. These results further support the synergistic effects of the present combination of fatty acids and indigestible oligosaccharides.
Table 2

(Table Remove)> reduced permeability by PUFA; T= improved resistance by PUFA
Micro-organisms were obtained from fresh faeces from bottle fed babies. Fresh faecal material from babies ranging 1 to 4 month of age was pooled and pin into preservative medium within 2 h. As substrate either prebiotics (TOS; TOS/inulin (HP) mixture in a 9/1 (w/w) ratio; inulin; oUgofiructose(OS)/inulin mixture in a 1/1 (w/w) ratio, or none (blanc) were used. The transgalactooUgosaccharides (TOS) were obtained from Viv'mal QOS, Borculo Domo Ingredients, Zwolle, The Netherlands and comprises as indigestible oligosaccharides! 33 wt,% disaccharides, 39 wt.% trisaccharides, IS wt.% tetrasaccharides, 7 wt.% pentasaccharides and 3 wt,% hexa-, hepta- en uctasaccliarides. The inulin (HP) Orafti active food ingredients, Tienen, Belgium, i.e. Raftiline HP®, with an average DP of 23.Media: McBain & MacFarlane medium: buffered peptone water 3.0g/l, yeast extract 2.5 g/L mucin (brush borders) 0.8 g/1, tryptone 3.0g/l, L-Cysteine-HCl 0.4 g/1, bile salts 0.05 e/1, K2HP04.3H20 2.6 g/1, NaHC03 0.2 g/1, NaCl
4.5 g/l, MgSO4.7H20 0.5 g/l, CaC12 0.228 g/l, FeS04.7H2O 0,005 g/l, Fill 500 ml Soott bottles with the medium and sterilized 15 minutes at 121 °C. Buffered medium: K2HP04.3H2) 2.6 g/l, NaHCOS 0.2 g/l, NaCl 4.5 g/l, MgS04.7H2O, 0.5 g/l, CaC12 0.228 g/l, FeSO4.7H20 0.005 g/l Adjust to pH 6,3 ± 0.1 with K2HPO4 or NaHCOS. Fill 500ml Scott bottles with the medium and sterilized 15 minutes at 121 "C. Preiervfltive medium: Buffered peptone 20.0 g/l, L-Cysteine-HCl 0.5 g/l, Sodium thioglyoollate 0.5 g/l, tesazurine tablet 1 per litre, adjust to pH 6.7 -t 0.1 with I M NaOH or HCL Boiled in microwave. Serum bottles were filled with 25 ml medium and sterilized for 15 minutes at 121 °C,
Fresh faecal samples were mixed with preservative medium and stored for several hours at 4 °C. The preserved solution of faeces was centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 15 minutes, supernatant removed and faeces mixed with McBain Sc Mac Farlane medium in a weight ratio of 1:5. Of this faecal suspension 3 ml were combined with 85 mg glucose or prebiotic or with no addition (blanc) in a bottle and mixed thoroughly. A t=0 sample was withdrawn (0,5 ml). 2.5 ml of the resulting suspension is brought in a dialysis tube in a 60 ml bottle filled with 60 ml of the buffered medium. The bottle was closed well and incubated at 37°C. Samples were taken from the dialysis tube (0.2 ml) or dialysis buffer (1.0 ml) with a hypodermic syringe after 3, 24, and 48 hours and immediately put it on ice to stop fermentation. The experiment was carried out using the following samples: l)85mgTOS
2) 85 mg inulin
3) 85mg TOS/iroilin in a ratio of 9/1 (w/w) and
4) 85mg OS/inulin in a ratio of 1/1 (w/w).
SCFA (acetate, propionate, butyfate) were quantitated using a Varian 3800 gas chromatograph (GC) (Varian Inc., Walnut Creek, U.S.A.) equipped with a flame ionisation detector, 0,5 ul of the sample was injected at 80 °C in the column (Stabilwax,
15 x 0.53 mm, film thickness 1.00 urn, Restek Co., U.S.A.) using helium as a carrier
gas (3.0 psi). After injection of the sample, the oven was heated to 160 UC at a speed of
16 "C/min, followed by heating to 220 °C at a speed of 20 °C/min and finally
maintained at 220 °C for 1.5 minutes. The temperature of the injector and detector was
200 °C. 2'ethylbytyric acid was used as an internal standard.
Figure 3 depicts the absolute (Figure 3A) and relative SCFA profile (Figure 3B) resulting from fermenting the different oligosaccharides. Figure 3 A shows that a mixture of two different oligosaccharides (TOS/Inulin), wherein the two distinct oligosaccharides have a homology in raonose units below 90 and a different chain length results in a significantly and synergistically increased amount of SCFA (particularly acetate) pet gram fiber than single components, Figure 3B shows that the addition of a combination of TOS/Inulin favored a higher proportion of the beneficial acetate (B). The acetate production in vivo translates to improved mucus production by goblet cells and a measure for intestinal mucus layer thickness (see example 4). These results ate indicative for the advantageous use of the present composition.Monolayers of intestinal epithelial T84 cells (ATCC, USA) cells were cultured in 24 or 96 wells tissue culture plates (Coming B.V.). T84 were incubated with tie short chain fatty acids acetate, proprionate and bwtyrate (SCFA, Merck, USA) for 24 h in a concentration range of 0.025-4.0 mM. Supernatants and/or cells were collected and MUC-2 (mucin) expression determined. A dotblot technique was used to determine MUC-2 expression in the cell cultures, since mucins are extremely large glycoproteins (over 500 kDa) which makes them difficult to handle in western blotting techniques. The method was validated using pre-immune serum (T84 stained negative), CCD-18Co (ATCC, USA) negative control cells and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Cell samples were collected in Laemmli (protein isolation buffer) and protein determination performed using a microptotein assay (Biorad, USA) according to the manufacturers protocol. Samples (0.3-0,7-1.0 ug/2 fil) were dotted on nitrocellulose membranes (ScMeicher & Schuell, Germany). Membranes were blocked in TBST/5% Prodvar (Nutricia, The Netherlands) followed by I h incubatiop with anti-MUC-2 antibody (kindly donated by Dr, Einerhand, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands). After washing, blots were incubated with goat anti-rabbit-HRP (Santacruz Biotechnology, USA) and for substrate detection ECL (Roche Diagnostics, The Netherlands) was used. Densitometry was performed using the Lumi-Imager (Boehrittger Mannheim B.V., The Netherlands) and Ihe signal was expressed in light units,(BLU). BLU's were also expressed relative to control incubations (%BLU). To
compare the stimulatory effect of SCFA on MUC-2 expression basal MUC-2 expression levels were deducted.
Figure 4 shows the differential effects of SCFA (acetate, proprionatc., butyrate) on MUC-2 expression in intestinal epithelial cells (MC T84) and epithelial-mesenchymal cell co-cultures (CC T84). Figure 4 also shows th&t acetate is more potent in stimulating MUC-2 expression (mucus production) as compared to propionate and butyric. Hence, the present combination of oligosaccharides (which was shown to increase acetate production (see example 3)) is particularly useful for stimulating mucus production and can be advantageously used in a method for stimulating barrier integrity,Ingredients (per liter), energy 672 Kcal; Protein 15 g; Whey: Casein ratio 60:40; Fat 36 g; Carbohydrate 72 g; Vitamin A 750 RE; Mixed natural carotids 400 III; Vitamin D 10.6 meg; Vitamin F 7.4 mg; Vitamin K 67.0 meg; Vitamin B.sub.l (thiamin) 1000 meg; Vitamin B.sub.2 (riboflavin) 1500 meg; Vitamin B.sub.6 (pyridoxine) 600 meg; Vitamin B.sub.12 (cyanaoobalmine) 2.0 meg; Niacin 9.0 meg; Folic Acid 80 meg; Pautothenic Acid 3000 meg; Biotin 90 meg; Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 90 mg; Choline 100 mg; Inositol 33 mg; Calcium 460 Mg; Phosphorous 333 Mg; Magnesium 64 Mg; Iron 8.0 Mg ; Zinc 6.0 Mg; Manganese 50 meg; Copper 560 meg; Iodine 100 meg; Sodium 160 mg; Potassium 650 mg; Chloride 433 tng and Selenium 14 meg; wherein the fet content provides includes 3 gram fish oil and 3 grams 40% arachidonic acid oil (DSM Food Specialties, Delft, Netherlands); further comprising 4 gram transgalactooligosaccharides Elix'or™ (Borculo Domo Ingredients, Netherlands) and 4 gram Raftiline™ (Orafti Active Food Ingredients, Belgium).
(Table Remove)

AMENDED CLAIMS-clean
1. Use of polyunsaturated fatty acids for the manufacture of a composition for use
by a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), said method
comprising administering to the patient infected with human irnrmnoiienciency
virus a composition comprising:
a. eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosaliexaenoic acid (DHA) and .irachidonic
acid (ARA), wherein the content of lon.n chain polyunsaturated fatty acid with
20 and 22 carbon atoms does not exceed S? wt.% of the total fat curitcnt; and
b. at least Cwo distinct oiigosaccharides (OL1 and QL2), wherein the ivvo .:J:s;inct
oligosaccharides have a hornology in rnunose units below 90 'JA>; tin,I
2. Use according to claim I wherein the composition further comprises gamma-
iinolenic acid (QLA).
3. Nutritional composition comprising:
a; EPA, DHA and ARA, wherein the con ten: of long chain polyunsalunr.eu ;';uty acid with 20 and 22 carbon atoms does not exceed 85 wt.% j! (he ia:a.' fat content; and
b. at feast two distinct oligosaccharides (OLi and OL2), wherein the iwo distinct
oligosaccharides have a homology in monose units below 90 %
c. an acidic oligosaccharides, preferably an uronic acid pol>-ma with r. DP
between 2 and 60,
4. Composition according to claim 3, comprising galactooligosacchande and a
fructan selected from the group consisting of fructaoligosaccharidcx irrj.m and
mixtures thereof.
5. Composition according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least ;0 wt.% of ihc
oligosaccharide has a degree of polymerisation (DP) of 2 to 5 and at lens; 3 wi.^li
has a DP of between 10 and 60.
6. Composition according to any one of claims 3-5, comprising 7,5 to 12.5 energy %
protein; 40 to 55 energy % carbohydrates; and 35 to 50 energy % fjii, wherein said
protein comprises a member selected from the group consisting of liydrolyzec
milk protein, vegetable protein and/or amino acids.
7. Composition according to any one of claims 3-6, said composition liuvinp. a
caJoric content of 0.6 to O.S kcal/ml; an osmulality of 50 to 500 mOim/kg; and a
viscosity below 50 mPas.
8. Composition according to any one of claims 37, wherein the companion further
comprises GLA,
9. Composition according to anyone of claims 3-8, for use as a medicament.
10. Use according to claim 1, wherein the patient is a human subject having a CM-
T-lymphocytc cell count between 200 to 700 cells/nl blood and v.'hciein said
subject is not being treated by Highly Active Ami retro viral Therapy
11. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 3-8 for the maiuitaciuje of a
medicament for use in a method for thtt treatment or prevention of ihutrlica, said
method comprising administering to a mammal the composition accoidmg '.o any
one of claims 3-8.

Documents:

7557-delnp-2006-Abstract-(12-09-2012).pdf

7557-delnp-2006-abstract.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-Claims-(12-09-2012).pdf

7557-delnp-2006-claims.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-Correspondence Others-(02-06-2008).pdf

7557-delnp-2006-Correspondence Others-(12-09-2012).pdf

7557-delnp-2006-correspondence-others.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-description (complete).pdf

7557-delnp-2006-Descritpion (Complete)-(12-09-2012).pdf

7557-delnp-2006-drawings.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-Form-1-(12-09-2012).pdf

7557-DELNP-2006-Form-1.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-Form-18-(02-06-2008).pdf

7557-delnp-2006-Form-2-(12-09-2012).pdf

7557-delnp-2006-form-2.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-Form-3-(12-09-2012).pdf

7557-DELNP-2006-Form-3.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-form-5.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-gpa.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-pct-220.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-pct-304.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-pct-306.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-pct-409.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-pct-416.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-pct-request form.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-pct-search report.pdf

7557-delnp-2006-Petition 137-(12-09-2012).pdf

« Previous Patent

Next Patent »

Patent Number

255383

Indian Patent Application Number

7557/DELNP/2006

PG Journal Number

08/2013

Publication Date

22-Feb-2013

Grant Date

16-Feb-2013

Date of Filing

13-Dec-2006

Name of Patentee

N.V.NUTRICIA

Applicant Address

EERSTE STATIONSSTRAAT 186,NL-2712 HM ZOETERMEER,THE NETHERLANDS

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	WILLEMSEN LINETTE EUSTACHIA MARIA	CROESESTRAAT 94,NL-3522 AJ UTRCHT,THE NETHERLANDS
2	KOETSIER MARLEEN ANTOINETTE	ABRAHAM KUIJPERSTRAAT 3,NL-8161 DW,THE NETHERLANDS
3	VAN TOL ERIC ALEXANDER FRANCISCUS	ROEMER VISSCHERSTRAAT 62,NL-6824 MZ ARNHEM,THE NETHERLANDS
4	BEERMANN CHRISTOPHER	BAHNSTRASSE 120A,D-61267 NEU-ANSPACH,GERMANY
5	STAHL BERND	BRESLAUER STRASSE 77,61191 ROSBACH,GERMANY

PCT International Classification Number

A23L 1/30

PCT International Application Number

PCT/NL2005/000451

PCT International Filing date

2005-06-22

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	05103257.1	2005-04-22	EUROPEAN UNION
2	PCT/NL2004/000444	2004-06-22	EUROPEAN UNION
3	05103260.5	2005-04-21	EUROPEAN UNION