L. acidophilus/L. johnsonii ratio affects slow transit constipation in rats

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiome Research
• Metabolomics

Background:

• Slow Transit Constipation (STC) is defined by reduced colonic motility.
• The role of gut microbiota in STC pathophysiology is not fully understood.
• Specific bacterial ratios, like Lactobacillus acidophilus to Lactobacillus johnsonii (A/J), may influence gut function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between the A/J ratio and STC development in a rat model.
• To explore the impact of antibiotics and loperamide on the A/J ratio and STC.
• To identify potential microbial and metabolic biomarkers associated with STC.

Main Methods:

• Utilized four rat groups: Control (CON), Loperamide-induced STC (LOP), antibiotic-treated (ABX), and antibiotic plus Loperamide (ABX + LOP).
• Analyzed fecal samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine microbial composition.
• Examined serum metabolites via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Main Results:

• The LOP group exhibited an increased A/J ratio, correlating with STC development.
• Antibiotic treatment (ABX and ABX + LOP groups) decreased the A/J ratio, and the ABX + LOP group did not develop STC symptoms.
• Significant alterations in serum metabolites, including guanidinoacetate, glycine, L-glutamine, and others, were observed across the groups.

Conclusions:

• The A/J ratio is strongly correlated with STC development in this rat model.
• Antibiotic-induced modulation of the A/J ratio prevented STC symptoms.
• Findings suggest the gut microbiome, specifically the A/J ratio, plays a crucial role in STC and offers potential targets for novel therapies.