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Lactitol Alleviates Loperamide-Induced Constipation in Sprague Dawley Rats by Regulating Serotonin, Short-Chain Fatty
Joo Hyun Jang1,2, Sang Min Kim1,2, Hyung Joo Suh1,2
1Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 13, 2024
Summary
Lactitol effectively relieved loperamide-induced constipation in rats by improving gut barrier function and modulating gut microbiota. This suggests lactitol is a promising alternative to traditional laxatives and a beneficial food sweetener.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Loperamide-induced constipation is a common issue.
- Understanding the mechanisms of constipation relief is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of lactitol on loperamide-induced constipation in Sprague Dawley rats.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of lactitol's action.
- To explore the potential health benefits of lactitol as a sweetener.
Main Methods:
- Rats were induced with constipation using loperamide.
- Lactitol was administered to assess its impact on fecal parameters and gastrointestinal transit.
- Intestinal tissue structure, gene/protein expression related to constipation, and cecal microbiota composition were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Lactitol improved fecal parameters, restored intestinal tissue structure, and enhanced gastrointestinal transit.
- Lactitol upregulated genes and proteins associated with intestinal barrier function (e.g., MUC2, MUC4, occludin).
- Lactitol modulated cecal microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) and decreasing harmful bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Lactitol effectively alleviates constipation by enhancing intestinal barrier function and positively regulating gut microbiota composition.
- Lactitol shows potential as a safe and effective alternative to traditional laxatives.
- Lactitol may serve as a health-promoting food sweetener.
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