Jouy En Josas

Researchers are studying the human gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem that plays a vital role in digestion, immunity, and nervous system regulation. This research focuses on butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by certain gut bacteria, which supports intestinal and metabolic health by strengthening the intestinal barrier and reducing inflammation. An imbalance in butyrate-producing bacteria has been linked to various intestinal, metabolic, and neurological disorders, making it important to find ways to increase their presence. The study aims to isolate and characterize probiotic strains that can boost butyrate production to improve gut health and microbiota balance. Participants will be selected based on age and health criteria, and the research will analyze stool samples to identify bacterial strains known to produce or stimulate butyrate production. The project seeks to develop scientifically supported probiotic products that enhance butyrate levels and investigate how these bacteria interact with the gut microbiota and overall health. Participants aged 20 to 80 in good health will be involved in stool sample collection and monitoring over a period of up to three years. The study will measure the number of butyrate-producing bacterial strains through genetic sequencing techniques. Researchers will also assess the relationship between butyrate production and positive effects on gut health. The study includes careful screening for diet, exercise habits, and medication use to ensure accurate results and safety.

Researchers are studying how the gut microbiota, which includes bacteria, viruses, and bacteriophages (phages), plays a vital role in maintaining health by defending against pathogens, regulating the immune system, and aiding digestion. This study focuses on how disturbances like antibiotic use or extreme diets can disrupt the balance of gut microbes, leading to health issues and the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The research particularly explores how phages found in foods, especially dairy products, might help restore gut microbial diversity after such disturbances. The study aims to evaluate the effects of phage-based functional foods on restoring gut balance and improving health. It uses stool samples from healthy donors to model how phages in dairy foods influence the gut microbiome and whether they support recovery from antibiotic-induced imbalances. Participants are selected based on specific diet and health criteria to provide relevant samples for this ex vivo research. Participants provide stool samples that researchers will analyze to observe changes in the microbiome caused by dairy phages and antibiotics. The study measures outcomes related to microbiome shifts over a period of up to 3 years. Throughout this time, researchers monitor the gut microbial diversity to understand the potential of phage-containing foods in promoting gut health and recovery after disruptions.

Researchers are developing a specialized infant formula aimed at babies born by cesarean section to improve their gut colonization and lipid nutrition. Cesarean delivery can alter the natural transmission of beneficial microbes from mother to baby, potentially leading to health issues both shortly after birth and later in life. This project focuses on creating a formula enriched with probiotics isolated from breast milk and infant stool of vaginally born babies, along with bioactive lipids that support immune and physiological development. The study involves isolating helpful microorganisms from breastfeeding mothers and their vaginally born infants, then formulating an enhanced milk that includes these probiotics and bioactive lipids like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alkylglycerols. These components are naturally found in breast milk but missing in current infant formulas. The formula is designed specifically for cesarean-born babies, addressing their unique needs to promote healthy gut microbiota and reduce health risks associated with cesarean births. Participants include breastfeeding mothers aged 18 and older who have breastfed for less than six months, and their vaginally born infants under six months old. The study measures the viability of probiotic microorganisms in the formula and levels of bioactive lipids up to three years. Researchers will collect breast milk and baby stool samples, monitor health and development markers, and assess safety and effectiveness over time to support improved nutrition strategies for this population.