Adhesive Bifidobacterium Induced Changes in Cecal Microbiome Alleviated Constipation in Mice

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder significantly impacting quality of life.
• The role of intestinal flora in constipation pathogenesis is increasingly recognized.
• Probiotic interventions, particularly Bifidobacteria, are being explored for constipation relief.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of Bifidobacteria with varying adhesive properties in alleviating loperamide-induced constipation in mice.
• To analyze the impact of these Bifidobacteria on fecal and cecal microbiota composition.
• To determine the relationship between microbial changes and constipation symptom improvement.

Main Methods:

• Induction of constipation in mice using loperamide.
• Administration of two groups of Bifidobacteria: CMB1 (adhesive strains) and CMB2 (non-adhesive strains).
• Assessment of fecal parameters (water content, short-chain fatty acids), gastrointestinal transit time, and analysis of fecal and cecal microbiota composition.

Main Results:

• CMB1 demonstrated superior constipation alleviation compared to CMB2, evidenced by improved fecal water, propionate, and butyrate content, and accelerated gastrointestinal transit.
• Fecal microbiota analysis revealed CMB1 increased relative abundances of genera associated with rapid bowel movements (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Prevotella).
• Cecal microbiota analysis showed CMB1 modulated specific genera linked to methane production and colonic transit, offering a comprehensive view of constipation stages.

Conclusions:

• Bifidobacteria with adhesive properties (CMB1) are effective in alleviating constipation.
• The therapeutic effect is mediated by improvements in gut transit and significant alterations in both fecal and cecal microbiota.
• Cecal microbiota changes provide a more comprehensive reflection of constipation status than fecal microbiota changes.