Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (Aug 2020)

Lactobacillus rhamnosus Strains Relieve Loperamide-Induced Constipation via Different Pathways Independent of Short-Chain Fatty Acids

  • Gang Wang,
  • Gang Wang,
  • Shurong Yang,
  • Shurong Yang,
  • Shanshan Sun,
  • Shanshan Sun,
  • Qian Si,
  • Qian Si,
  • Linlin Wang,
  • Linlin Wang,
  • Qiuxiang Zhang,
  • Qiuxiang Zhang,
  • Gaojue Wu,
  • Jianxin Zhao,
  • Jianxin Zhao,
  • Jianxin Zhao,
  • Jianxin Zhao,
  • Hao Zhang,
  • Hao Zhang,
  • Hao Zhang,
  • Hao Zhang,
  • Hao Zhang,
  • Wei Chen,
  • Wei Chen,
  • Wei Chen,
  • Wei Chen

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2020.00423
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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Increasing researches have confirmed the relationship between slow-transit constipation and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Many population and animal experiments have identified probiotics as effectors for the relief of constipation symptoms, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. In this intervention study, Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains isolated from five different sources were administered to mice with loperamide-induced constipation, and the impacts of these strains on constipation-related indicators were evaluated. All five strains of L. rhamnosus were found to improve constipation to various degrees. However, contrary to previous studies, the abilities of L. rhamnosus strains to improve constipation symptoms were not associated with the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon. The effects of different strains of L. rhamnosus on constipation relief were associated with different aspects of the GI tract, including gastrointestinal regulatory peptides, neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and gut microbiota. The findings of this study demonstrate that L. rhamnosus strains can alleviate constipation-related symptoms via different pathways independent of SCFAs regulation. This study yields a new perspective for clinical use of probiotics to better improve constipation symptoms, by combining strains with different mechanisms for alleviation of constipation.

Keywords