Therapeutic effect of compound Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets on constipation and its impact on intestinal flora in mice

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of compound Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets on constipation and its impact on intestinal flora in mice by animal experiments and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Methods In a mouse model of constipation induced by treatment with compound diphenoxylate tablets, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of compound Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets in comparison with the positive control drug phenolphthalein tablets by examining small intestinal motility, fecal water content, and colon pathologies. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to investigate the effect of the treatment on intestinal flora of the mice. Results Treatment with compound Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets and phenolphthalein both significantly accelerated the rate of carbon ink advancement and increased fecal water content in mice with constipation. Pathological examination of the colon sections revealed severe colon injury in the model group, which was improved by treatment with the 2 test drugs. The results of 16S rRNA sequencing showed that in mice with constipation, the species richness in the intestinal flora was increased significantly as compared with that in normal mice, with significant changes in 7 genera and in 2 phyla (Bacteroides and Firmicutes). Treatment with compound Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets ameliorated these changes in intestinal flora, while phenolphthalein tablets produced no such regulatory effect. Conclusion Compound Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets have obvious therapeutic effects on constipation and show regulatory effects on intestinal flora in mice

Keywords

• constipation
• compound lactobacillus acidophilus tablets
• phenolphthalein tablets
• intestinal flora
• high-throughput sequencing