Pediococcus acidilactici Strains Improve Constipation Symptoms and Regulate Intestinal Flora in Mice

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Animal Models

Background:

• Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder impacting quality of life.
• Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis is linked to constipation.
• Pediococcus acidilactici strains are explored for their potential probiotic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of bacteriocin-producing and non-bacteriocin-producing Pediococcus acidilactici strains on constipation in mice.
• To evaluate changes in gut microbiota and gastrointestinal regulatory peptides.
• To understand the underlying mechanisms of constipation alleviation.

Main Methods:

• Administration of four Pediococcus acidilactici strains to constipated BALB/c mice for 14 days.
• Assessment of constipation-related indicators, including defecation time and gastrointestinal transit rate.
• Analysis of serum gastrointestinal regulatory peptides and fecal gut microbiota composition.

Main Results:

• Four Pediococcus acidilactici strains showed minor improvements in constipation symptoms.
• Significant alterations in serum peptide levels and gut microbiota composition were observed.
• Increased Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria at the phylum level.
• Bacteriocin-producing strains CCFM18 and CCFM28 upregulated Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while decreasing Bacteroides and Enterobacteriaceae.

Conclusions:

• Pediococcus acidilactici strains, particularly bacteriocin-producing ones, can modulate gut microbiota in constipated mice.
• These strains offer potential health benefits by regulating gut flora, despite limited direct symptom relief.
• Further research into bacteriocin-producing Pediococcus acidilactici strains for constipation management is warranted.