Impact of a probiotic diet on well-being of healthy senior: THE PROBIOSENIOR PROJECT.

AIMS: The aim of this work was to assess the effects of a probiotic diet on well-being of healthy seniors living in boarding and private homes in Marche Region, Italy. In particular, we focused on the modulation of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP), intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). METHODS AND RESULTS: Ninety-seven healthy seniors took part in a double-blind, placebo-controlled feeding study (59 fed probiotics, 38 fed placebo) for 6 months. Each volunteer ingested daily one food product or a dietary supplement enriched with Synbio® blend (Synbiotec Srl, Camerino, Italy) or the placebo (control group). Blood and faecal samples were collected before and at the end of the intervention period to perform biochemical and microbiological analyses. The serum HsCRP difference value after 6 months of treatment was significantly higher in the probiotic group than placebo (p < 0.05). After the intervention, a significant increase in faecal lactobacilli and a bifidobacteria increase in more participants were observed in the probiotic group. The 16S NGS analysis on the probiotic group showed a decreasing trend of Proteobacteria at the end of the treatment and conversely, an increasing trend of Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia phyla, to which the increase of Akkermansiaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae contributes at the family level. Finally, total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and butyric acid were significantly higher in the probiotic group at the end of the treatment respect to the beginning. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study emphasizes the beneficial anti-inflammageing effect of a prolonged diet based on functional foods enriched with Synbio® through the modulation of the intestinal microbiota and the consequent increase in the SCFA production. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Synbio® integration in elderly daily diet may be a preventive strategy to support healthy ageing.

Six-Month Synbio® Administration Affects Nutritional and Inflammatory Parameters of Older Adults Included in the PROBIOSENIOR Project.

The physiological changes associated with ageing contribute to the incidence of diseases, morbidity, and mortality. For modern society, it is essential to find solutions to improve elderly people's health and quality of life. Among promising strategies, the PROBIOSENIOR project proposed a daily six-month supplementation with new probiotic functional foods and nutraceuticals. The aim of this work was to evaluate the modulating effects of the probiotic diet on inflammatory markers and nutritional status. Ninety-seven elderly volunteers were randomly assigned to either a placebo-diet group or a probiotic-diet group (SYNBIO®). Faeces, urine, and blood samples were collected before and after the supplementation to determine serum cytokines, biogenic amines, and inflammation markers. Comparing the results obtained before and after the intervention, probiotic supplementations significantly decreased the TNF-α circulating levels and significantly increased those of IGF-1. Biogenic-amine levels showed high variability, with significant variation only for histamine that decreased after the probiotic supplementation. The supplementation influenced the serum concentration of some crucial cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and MIP-1α) that significantly decreased in the probiotic group. In addition, the Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire revealed that the probiotic-supplemented group had a significant improvement in nutritional status. In conclusion, the PROBIOSENIOR project demonstrated how SYNBIO® supplementation may positively influence some nutritional and inflammatory parameters in the elderly.

Is there a future for clinical laboratories? Experience in the Marche Region, Italy.

The government of the Marche Region has approved an Act called the "Regional Health Plan" establishing rules for the organization and development of healthcare. The main aim of the general plan is to rationalize the activities of medical laboratories first by making up an inventory of existing facilities and tests performed, and by classifying laboratories on the basis of their specialization and the complexity of tests that they perform.Moreover, the possible role of point-of-care testing and the need for clinical advice by laboratory professionals has also been debated.