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Published on: July 27, 2022
Lactobacillus acidophilus C4 ameliorates constipation in mice
Han Yan1, Qianying Jia1, Jing Liu1
1The Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Microbiology Spectrum
|May 12, 2026
Summary
Lactobacillus acidophilus C4, a probiotic, effectively treats functional constipation in mice. It improves gut motility, strengthens the intestinal barrier, and reduces inflammation, offering a promising new therapy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Functional constipation (FC) significantly impacts patient quality of life.
- Probiotics are explored for gastrointestinal disease management, but FC efficacy needs validation.
- Novel therapeutic strategies for FC are essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the probiotic efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus C4 against functional constipation in a mouse model.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of L. acidophilus C4 in alleviating constipation.
Main Methods:
- Isolated Lactobacillus acidophilus C4 from healthy child feces.
- Administered L. acidophilus C4 prophylactically to a mouse model of functional constipation.
- Assessed defecation function, intestinal transit rate, intestinal barrier integrity (ZO-1, occludin expression), and inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-10).
Main Results:
- L. acidophilus C4 treatment significantly improved defecation and increased intestinal transit rate.
- The probiotic enhanced intestinal barrier function by upregulating ZO-1 and occludin.
- L. acidophilus C4 modulated the inflammatory response, decreasing IL-1β and increasing IL-10.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus C4 demonstrates significant probiotic efficacy against functional constipation.
- The strain improves constipation by reducing inflammation and restoring intestinal barrier function.
- L. acidophilus C4 is a potential candidate for developing novel constipation interventions.
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