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Pediococcus pentosaceus B49 from human colostrum ameliorates constipation in mice
Juqing Huang1, Suyi Li2, Qi Wang1
1Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003, P.R. China. linbin591@163.com and Fujian Key Laboratory of Agricultural Product (Food) Processing, Fuzhou, 350003, P.R. China.
Food & Function
|June 12, 2020
Summary
This study shows that P. pentosaceus B49 effectively alleviates constipation in mice. It improves gut transit and microbial balance, offering a promising natural treatment for this common gastrointestinal disorder.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Constipation is a widespread gastrointestinal disorder significantly impacting quality of life.
- Loperamide-induced constipation in mice serves as a model to investigate potential therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of P. pentosaceus B49, a probiotic from human colostrum, in ameliorating loperamide-induced constipation in a murine model.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, including effects on neurotransmitters, gut microbiota, and gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered P. pentosaceus B49 (5 × 10^9 or 5 × 10^10 CFU) daily for 14 days.
- Assessment included defecation time, gastrointestinal transit rate, stool production, serum neurotransmitter levels, cecal SCFA concentrations, and microbiota analysis.
- Colon tissue transcriptome analysis was performed to examine gene expression related to gut function and inflammation.
Main Results:
- P. pentosaceus B49 treatment significantly improved constipation symptoms, increasing GI transit and stool output.
- It modulated serum neurotransmitters, increased beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria, and reduced pathogenic bacteria in the cecum.
- Gene expression analysis revealed normalization of genes involved in GI peristalsis and water transport, alongside downregulation of pro-inflammatory and pro-oncogenic genes.
Conclusions:
- P. pentosaceus B49 demonstrates significant efficacy in relieving constipation in a mouse model.
- The probiotic acts by restoring neurotransmitter balance, modulating gut microbiota composition, and regulating key gene expressions in the colon.
- P. pentosaceus B49 is identified as a promising probiotic candidate for the development of constipation treatments.
