Rothia mucilaginosa alleviates constipation through gut microbiota remodeling and neuroactive pathway activation

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Metabolomics

Background:

• Constipation affects 15% of the global population, with gut microbiota dysbiosis as a key factor.
• Rothia mucilaginosa, known for anti-inflammatory effects, was unexplored for intestinal function.
• This study investigated Rothia mucilaginosa's therapeutic potential in a constipation model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Rothia mucilaginosa's efficacy in alleviating constipation.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying its effects using multiomics.

Main Methods:

• A loperamide-induced constipation mouse model was used.
• Mice were treated with Rothia mucilaginosa (2 × 10⁸ CFU/day).
• Therapeutic effects were assessed via fecal output, 16S rRNA sequencing, genome sequencing, transcriptomics, and metabolomics.

Main Results:

• Rothia mucilaginosa significantly improved fecal output in constipated mice.
• Microbiota analysis showed enrichment of beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia muciniphila, Alistipes finegoldii) and reduction of pathobionts (Escherichia coli).
• Multiomics revealed activation of neuroactive pathways, upregulation of serotonin receptor Htr1b, and significant metabolic changes.

Conclusions:

• Rothia mucilaginosa alleviates constipation by remodeling the gut microbiota.
• Neuroactive pathway activation is a key mechanism of action.
• Rothia mucilaginosa shows promise as a probiotic candidate for clinical constipation treatment.