Bacterial Cellulose Relieves Diphenoxylate-Induced Constipation in Rats

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Biomaterials Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder with significant impact on quality of life.
• Diphenoxylate is commonly used to induce constipation in animal models for research purposes.
• Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer with potential applications in various biomedical fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of bacterial cellulose (BC) in ameliorating diphenoxylate-induced constipation in a rat model.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which BC exerts its anti-constipation effects.

Main Methods:

• Rats were induced with constipation using diphenoxylate.
• Bacterial cellulose (BC) was administered at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight.
• Key parameters assessed included gastrointestinal transit, neurotransmitter levels, ATPase activity, and colonic histology.

Main Results:

• BC administration significantly improved carmine propulsion rate and reduced first defecation time.
• BC treatment modulated the levels of aquaporins and neurotransmitters, including reduction in inhibitory and increase in excitatory neurotransmitters.
• BC supplementation enhanced colonic mucosal and muscle thickness, increased villus cell length, and protected against smooth muscle cell apoptosis.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial cellulose (BC) demonstrates significant effectiveness in relieving constipation in rats.
• BC acts by normalizing gut motility, regulating water transport, and improving colonic structure.
• BC presents a promising natural dietary fiber for the management of constipation.