An Unexpected Alteration Colonic Mucus Appearance in the Constipation Model via an Intestinal Microenvironment.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Limited research exists on colonic mucus layers and fatty acid metabolism in constipation.
• Understanding the colonic glycocalyx and microbial community is crucial for constipation research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in colonic mucus phenotype and microbial structure in a constipation model.
• To evaluate the effects of Rhubarb extract on colonic mucus and gut flora.

Main Methods:

• Constipation and Rhubarb treatment models were established in male C57BL/6N mice.
• Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyze the colonic mucus layer (Muc2-rich inner layer).
• 16S rDNA sequencing analyzed the intestinal microbial community structure.

Main Results:

• TEM revealed Rhubarb promotes mucin secretion and identified dendritic mucus structures forming a lamellar network.
• Constipated mice showed significant alterations in intestinal flora diversity.
• Changes in dendritic structures, cross-links, and gut microbiota were observed in constipation and Rhubarb-treated models.

Conclusions:

• Rhubarb extract influences colonic mucus structure and promotes mucin secretion.
• Alterations in colonic mucus phenotype are associated with changes in the gut microbial community in constipation.
• This study provides evidence for a link between colonic mucus structure, its assembly, and the intestinal flora in constipation.