Bacterial Cellulose Relieves Diphenoxylate-Induced Constipation in Rats

Huangqi decoction ameliorated intestinal barrier dysfunction via regulating NF-κB signaling pathway in slow transit constipation model mice

BACKGROUND

The development of slow transit constipation (STC) is associated with intestinal barrier damage. Huangqi decoction (HQD) is effective in treating STC, but mechanisms are unclear.

AIM

To investigate whether HQD alleviates STC by downregulating the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and restoring intestinal barrier function.

METHODS

KM mice were divided into control, model, and HQD treatment groups. Fresh colonic tissues were collected for single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptome sequencing. The expressions of claudin-1, mucin 2, and NF-κB P65 proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry. In vitro experiments evaluated the effects of HQD on the LS174T cell line.

RESULTS

HQD improved intestinal motility, restored mucosal epithelium function and morphology. Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptome sequencing data showed a reduction in goblet cells, decreased mucin 2 secretion, and activated apoptotic pathways in STC mice. The population of intestinal stem cells was reduced, and proliferation along with Wnt/β-catenin pathways were inhibited. STC also altered the distribution of intestinal cell states, increasing immune-associated Enterocyte_C3. Aberrant NF-κB pathway activation was noted across various cell types. After HQD treatment, NF-κB pathway activity was down-regulated, while cell proliferation pathways were up-regulated, alongside an increase in Enterocyte_C1 related to material transport. Immunocytochemical, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry analyses confirmed NF-κB pathway activation in goblet cells of STC mice, with HQD inhibiting this aberrant activation.

CONCLUSION

STC involves intestinal mucosal barrier damage. HQD may treat STC by suppressing NF-κB signaling in epithelial cells, restoring intestinal epithelial cell function, and promoting mucosal barrier repair.

Study on the Effect and Mechanism of Weichang'an Pill and Its Extract on Slow Transit Constipation

BACKGROUND

Weichang'an pill (WCA) possesses potential advantages in promoting gastrointestinal motility and treating constipation. Ethanol extract (EE) and aqueous extract (AE) of WCA were used to investigate its efficacy in treating slow transit constipation (STC) and the material basis for exerting this effect.

METHODS

The STC model was established in vivo by gavage of loperamide (Lop) in Sprague-Dawley rats, followed by gavage of WCA, EE, and AE. In vitro, norepinephrine (NE) was used to stimulate isolated ileal smooth muscle of rats to imitate the state of insufficient gastrointestinal motility during STC, and a model of excessive relaxation of isolated ileal smooth muscle was established. This model was used to observe and record the changes in contraction tension, amplitude, and frequency of ileal smooth muscle after treatment with WCA, EE, AE, and the active ingredients of WCA.

KEY RESULTS

In vivo, WCA, EE, and AE treatment increased fecal parameters, improved gastrointestinal transit time, and alleviated pathological damage to the colon in STC rats. Its mechanism might be closely related to c-kit/SCF, RhoA/ROCK/MYPT1/MLC signaling pathways. In vitro, WCA, EE, AE, and the active ingredients of WCA, including costunolide (Cos), dehydrocostus lactone (Deh), agarotetrol (Aga), muscone (Mus), gallic acid (GA), oleic acid (Oleic), linoleic acid (Lin), umbelliferone (Umb), synephrine (Syn), ferulic acid (FA), chlorogenic acid (ChA), betaine (Bet), and riboflavin (Rib), significantly inhibited the NE-induced excessive relaxation of ileal smooth muscles.

CONCLUSIONS

WCA, EE, and AE significantly improved constipation in STC rats. Moreover, the active ingredients in WCA, including Cos, Deh, Aga, Mus, GA, Oleic, Lin, Umb, Syn, FA, ChA, Bet, and Rib, might be the material basis for promoting intestinal motility.

Incremental effects of Eurotium cristatum fermentation of soybean on its nutrients, flavor profile and laxative regulation in experimental constipated rats

This study developed a probiotic Eurotium cristatum-fermented soybean powder (EFSP) and analyzed its nutrient profile, volatile components, and laxative efficacy in rats. After 8 days fermentation, polysaccharide contents significantly decreased, while total flavonoid levels initially increased in the first 6 days, and then decreased rapidly. Isoflavone glycosides were reduced, accompanied by an increase in isoflavone aglycones. Additionally, marked changes were observed in the composition and content of short-chain fatty acids, protein-based amino acids, and volatile compounds. Furthermore, EFSP demonstrated superior laxative effects to non-fermented soybean powder (NFSP) in diphenoxylate-induced constipated rats, primarily by modulating the aquaporins, mucin and enteric neuro factor levels in the colonic tissue. Metabolomics indicated that linoleic acid, primary bile acid synthesis, and taurine and sulfinic acid might be involved in constipation regulation. These findings suggested that Eurotium cristatum fermentation enhances the nutritional properties of soybean, contributing to its distinctive nutritional quality.

Restore intestinal steady-state: new advances in the clinical management of chemotherapy-associated diarrhea and constipation

Chemotherapy remains the primary therapeutic strategy for most tumors, particularly those at advanced stages with distant metastases and resistance to molecularly targeted therapy or immunotherapy. There are many manifestations of chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity (CIGT), including chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) and chemotherapy-induced constipation (CIC). Although the World Health Organisation and the International Association Against Cancer have different grading criteria and strategies for the prevention and treatment of CIGT, there are still many unanswered questions that need to be clarified. This review critically describes pathological mechanisms and clinical research, analyzing the variability in diagnostic criteria and the absence of standardization in grading severity. We identify a critical gap in understanding the molecular underpinnings of CID and CIC and suggest targeted areas for future research, including developing personalized treatment approaches based on genetic profiling. The findings suggest a comprehensive treatment approach combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to enhance life quality and treatment adherence. This review will offer a comprehensive bird-eye of pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic strategies of CIGT, thereby enriching accessible references to clinicians, and helping them to prevent and control CID and CIC.

CRISPR-guided base editor enables efficient and multiplex genome editing in bacterial cellulose-producing Komagataeibacter species

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an extracellular polysaccharide produced by bacteria that has wide applications in the food industry, tissue engineering, and battery manufacturing. Genome editing of BC-producing Komagataeibacter species is expected to optimize BC production and its properties. However, the available technology can target only one gene at a time and requires foreign DNA templates, which may present a regulatory hurdle for genetically modified organisms. In this study, we developed a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-guided base editing method for Komagataeibacter species using Cas9 nickase and cytidine deaminase. Without foreign DNA templates, C-to-T conversions were performed within an 8 bp editing window with 90% efficiency. Double- and triple-gene editing was achieved with 80%-90% efficiency. Fusing uracil-DNA glycosylase with the base editor enabled C-to-G editing. The base editor worked efficiently with various Komagataeibacter species. Finally, mannitol metabolic genes were investigated using base-editing-mediated gene inactivation. This study provides a powerful tool for multiplex genome editing of Komagataeibacter species.

IMPORTANCE

Komagataeibacter, a bacterial genus belonging to the family Acetobacteraceae, has important applications in food and material biosynthesis. However, the genome editing of Komagataeibacter relies on traditional homologous recombination methods. Therefore, only one gene can be manipulated in each round using foreign DNA templates, which may present a regulatory hurdle for genetically modified organisms when microorganisms are used in the food industry. In this study, a powerful base editing technology was developed for Komagataeibacter species. C-to-T and C-to-G base conversions were efficiently implemented at up to three loci in the Komagataeibacter genome. This base editing system is expected to accelerate basic and applied research on Komagataeibacter species.

Tongbian decoction inhibits cell autophagy via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to treat constipation rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tongbian Decoction (TBD) is a traditional Chinese botanical drug preparation which has been reported to improve constipation in patients. Due to the lack of a well-understood action mechanism of TBD, we examined the effects of TBD in cell autophagy via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian aimed of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway associated with constipation.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

To determine the mechanism which underlined the effects of TBD for activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to inhibit the autophagy in rat.

METHODS

In this study, we fed the rat with forage containing compound diphenoxylate 8 mg/kg/day for 120 days, to finish the establishment of a constipation rat model. Subsequently, The constipation rats from all TBD group (TBD-Low group, TBD-Medium group, TBD-High group) were intragastrically administered with different dose (TBD-L, 1.3 g/mL; TBD-M, 2.7 g/mL; TBD-H, 5.3 g/mL) for 28 days, and their general condition, fecal moisture percentage, intestinal propulsion and pathological morphology were observed. In addition, Neuropeptid and Gastrointestinal hormones were detected by ELISA, and the inspection of protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) -II/I, Beclin1, p62, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR was done with the utility of western blotting and qPCR.

RESULTS

In this study, TBD was shown to be able to improve general condition, intestinal function, and reduce inflammatory cell infiltration, whereas ELISA indicated that TBD can regulate the levels of gastrointestinal hormones, increase5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), substance P (SP) and decrease neuropeptide Y(NPY), calcitonin gene related peptide(CGRP) morphology. Meanwhile, TBD can also decrease Beclin 1 level and LC3II/I ratio, and increase p62 level, which inhibit the cell autophagy, and increase the phosphorylation level of p-PI3/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR in colon tissue.

CONCLUSION

These results found that TBD can regulate the expression of Neuropeptid and Gastrointestinal hormones to activate PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and inhibit the cell autophagy to enhance the function of intestinal transmission.

Water-insoluble dietary fiber from walnut relieves constipation through Limosilactobacillus reuteri-mediated serotonergic synapse and neuroactive ligand-receptor pathways

Dietary fiber can alleviate functional constipation (FC) by modulating the gut microbiota. To clarify the prebiotic properties of walnut insoluble dietary fiber (WIDF), we explored its structural characteristics and laxative mechanism. A galacturonic acid and glucose-rich WIDF was isolated from walnuts by using a complex enzymatic method. Animal experiments results showed that WIDF could effectively alleviate the symptoms of loperamide-induced FC in mice, including shortening the defecation time, increasing the wet weight and water content of feces, and promoting intestinal motility. WIDF might alleviate FC through activating serotonergic synapse and inhibiting the delta-opioid receptor/inducible nitric oxide synthase (Oprd/iNOS) pathways. Importantly, WIDF treatment altered the structure and composition of the gut microbiota. Correlation analysis revealed that Bacillus and its dominant ASV17, which is considered to be the key microbe for constipation alleviation, were strongly associated with constipation phenotypes. Based on pure culture and 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis, Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri), which is 100 % similar to ASV17, was isolated and identified from the feces of WIDF-treated mice. L. reuteri relieved FC by modulating serotonergic synapse and the Oprd/iNOS pathways. These results suggested that WIDF and L. reuteri treatment is a prospective strategy for the prevention of constipation.

Bacterial cellulose is a desirable biological macromolecule that can prevent obesity via modulating lipid metabolism and gut microbiota

Obesity has attracted great concern because of its undesirable effects on our life quality. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biological macromolecule that can improve gut homeostasis and lipid metabolism. However, its potential role in preventing obesity and associated mechanisms is still poorly understood. Herein, a supplement of BC was used to fully evaluate how it prevents obesity based on physio-biochemical and gut microbial analyses. Results showed that BC consumption helped decrease body and liver weight, and fat accumulation in kidney and epididymis. Correspondingly, glucose concentrations, total triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were reversed to the control levels. Consuming BC also improved liver fat metabolism and intestinal function, and alleviated ileum and epididymis inflammation. High-throughput sequencing suggested that a high-fat diet significantly decreased gut microbiota diversity, which could be reversed by consuming BC. A decreased Firmicutes and Proteobacteria and an increased Bacteroidetes following BC consumption were observed. The OTU-based analysis identified that Lachnospiraceae, Desulfovibrio, Lachnoclostridium, Blautia, Anaerotruncus, Bacteroides, Faecalibaculum, Bacteroidales S24-7 group, Prevotellaceae UCG-001 group, and Alloprevotella might be involved in obesity development or prevention. Our data suggest that BC is a good insoluble dietary fiber to prevent obesity via regulating lipid metabolism and gut microbiota.

A 28-Day Repeated Oral Administration Study of Mechanically Fibrillated Cellulose Nanofibers According to OECD TG407

The impact of oral administration of mechanically fibrillated cellulose nanofibers (fib-CNF), a commonly used nanofiber, on toxicity and health remains unclear, despite reports of the safety and beneficial effects of chitin-based nanofibers. Thus, evaluating the oral toxicity of fib-CNF in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 407 (TG407) is essential. This study aimed to assess the safety of orally administered fib-CNF through an acute toxicity study in rats, following the OECD TG407 guidelines for 4 weeks. CNF "BiNFi-s" FMa-10005, derived from mechanically fibrillated pulp cellulose, was administered via gavage to male and female Crl:CD(SD) rats at doses of 50, 150, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day for 28 days, with a control group receiving water for injection. The study evaluated the toxic effects of repeated administration, and the rats were monitored for an additional 14 days post-administration to assess recovery from any toxic effects. The results showed no mortality in either sex during the administration period, and no toxicological effects related to the test substance were observed in various assessments, including general condition and behavioral function observations, urinalysis, hematological examination, blood biochemical examination, necropsy findings, organ weights, and histopathological examination. Notably, only female rats treated with 1000 mg/kg/day of CNF exhibited a consistent reduction in body weight during the 14-day recovery period after the end of treatment. They also showed a slight decrease in pituitary and liver weights. However, hematological and blood biochemical tests did not reveal significant differences, suggesting a potential weight-suppressive effect of CNF ingestion.

Bifidobacterium longum S3 alleviates loperamide-induced constipation by modulating intestinal acetic acid and stearic acid levels in mice

Constipation is a major gastrointestinal (GI) symptom worldwide, with diverse causes of formation, and requires effective and safe therapeutic measures. In the present study, we used loperamide hydrochloride to establish a constipation model and assessed the effect of Bifidobacterium on constipation and its possible mechanism of relief. The results showed that B. longum S3 exerted a constipation-relieving effect primarily by improving the gut microbiota, enriching genera including Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-007, and decreasing the bacteria Lachnospiraceae NK4B4 group. These changes may thereby increase acetic acid and stearic acid (C18:0) levels, which significantly increase the expression levels of ZO-1 and MUC-2, repair intestinal barrier damage and reduce inflammation (IL-6). Furthermore, it also inhibited oxidative stress levels (SOD and CAT), decreased the expression of water channel proteins (AQP4 and AQP8), significantly elevated the Gas, 5-HT, PGE2, and Ach levels, and reduced nNOS and VIP levels to improve the intestinal luminal transit time and fecal water content. Collectively, these changes resulted in the alleviation of constipation.

Activation of ASIC3/ERK pathway by paeoniflorin improves intestinal fluid metabolism and visceral sensitivity in slow transit constipated rats

Slow transit constipation (STC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in children and adults worldwide. Paeoniflorin (PF), a monoterpene glycoside compound extracted from the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora, has been found to alleviate STC, but the mechanisms of its effect remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of PF on intestinal fluid metabolism and visceral sensitization in rats with compound diphenoxylate-induced STC. Based on the evaluation of the laxative effect, the abdominal withdrawal reflex test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the visceral sensitivity, fluid metabolism-related proteins, and acid-sensitive ion channel 3/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ASIC3/ERK) pathway-related molecules. PF treatment not only attenuated compound diphenoxylate-induced constipation symptoms and colonic pathological damage in rats but also ameliorated colonic fluid metabolic disorders and visceral sensitization abnormalities, as manifested by increased colonic goblet cell counts and mucin2 protein expression, decreased aquaporin3 protein expression, improved abdominal withdrawal reflex scores, reduced visceral pain threshold, upregulated serum 5-hydroxytryptamine, and downregulated vasoactive intestinal peptide levels. Furthermore, PF activated the colonic ASIC3/ERK pathway in STC rats, and ASIC3 inhibition partially counteracted PF's modulatory effects on intestinal fluid and visceral sensation. In conclusion, PF alleviated impaired intestinal fluid metabolism and abnormal visceral sensitization in STC rats and thus relieved their symptoms through activation of the ASIC3/ERK pathway.

Caenorhabditis elegans endorse bacterial nanocellulose fibers as functional dietary Fiber reducing lipid markers

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a promising dietary fiber with potential as a functional food additive. We evaluated BNC fibers (BNCf) in the Caenorhabditis elegans model to obtain insight into the BNCf's biointeraction with its gastrointestinal tract while reducing the variables of higher complex animals. BNCf were uptaken and excreted by worms without crossing the intestinal barrier, confirming its biosafety regarding survival rate, reproduction, and aging for concentrations up to 34 μg/ml BNCf. However, a slight decrease in the worms' length was detected. A possible nutrient shortage or stress produced by BNCf was discarded by measuring stress and chemotactic response pathways. Besides, we detected a lipid-lowering effect of BNCf in N2 C. elegans in normal and high-caloric diets. Oxidative damage was computed in N2 worms and Rac1/ced-10 mutants. The GTPase Rac1 is involved in neurological diseases, where its dysregulation enhances ROS production and neuronal damage. BNCf reduced the lipid oxidative markers produced by ROS species in this worm strain. Finally, we detected that BNCf activated the genetic expression of the immunological response and lipid catabolic process. These results strengthen the use of BNCf as a functional dietary fiber and encourage the potential treatment of neurological disease by modulating diet.

The rhizomes of Atractylodes macrocephala relieve loperamide-induced constipation in rats by regulation of tryptophan metabolism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Constipation is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal tract diseases that seriously affects health-related quality of human life and requires effective treatments without side effect. The rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (Compositae), called Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (AMR), a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to relieve the clinical symptoms of patients with constipation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To reveal the dose-dependent laxative effect and potential mechanism of AMR on loperamide-induced slow transit constipation (STC) rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Loperamide-induced constipation rat model was established and the dose-dependent laxative effect of AMR was investigated. Untargeted metabolomics based on an UPLC-Q/TOF-MS technique combined with western blot analysis was used to explain the potential mechanism of AMR relieve loperamide-induced constipation in rats.

RESULTS

The results showed that medium dose of AMR (AMR-M, 4.32 g raw herb/kg) and high dose of AMR (AMR-H, 8.64 g raw herb/kg) treatments significantly increased the fecal water content, Bristol score, gastrointestinal transit rate, and recovered the damaged colon tissues of constipated rats, but low dose of AMR (AMR-L, 2.16 g raw herb/kg) did not show laxative effect. Both AMR-M and AMR-H treatments also remarkably reduced the serum levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SS) and dopamine (DA), and increased the levels of motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Urine metabolomics revealed that constipation development was mainly ascribed to the perturbed tryptophan metabolism, and AMR-M and AMR-H markedly corrected the abnormal levels of five urine tryptophan metabolites, namely 4,6-dihydroxyquinoline, indole, 4,8-dihydroxyquinoline, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and kynurenic acid. Additionally, western blot analysis confirmed that the abnormal expression of rate-limiting enzyme involving in tryptophan metabolism, including tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), monoamine oxidase (MAO) and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in the colon of constipated rats, were mediated by AMR-M and AMR-H.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide insight into the mechanisms of STC and AMR could be developed as new therapeutic agent for prevention or healing of constipation.

Structure characterization of polysaccharides from Cistanche deserticola and their neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress in slow transit constipation mice

Oxidative stress-induced enteric neuropathy is an important factor in slow transit constipation (STC). Cistanche deserticola crude polysaccharides (CDCP) are natural antioxidants with various biological activities. We prepared CDCP through water-extract and alcohol-precipitation methods. The structural characteristics of CDCP were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy and methylation analysis. The results showed that CDCP was primarily composed of (1 → 4)-linked glucans with minor amounts of pectic polysaccharides. Different doses of CDCP (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) were administered to loperamide-induced STC mice to explore the therapeutic effects of CDCP. Compared with the untreated group, CDCP treatment significantly improved constipation symptoms, relevant gut-regulating peptides levels, colonic pathological damage, and colonic myenteric nerons injury. CDCP enhanced the antioxidant capacity by decreasing Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, increasing Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity and Reduced Glutathione (GSH) content. CDCP significantly reduced oxidative stress-induced injury by preserving mitochondrial function in the colonic myenteric plexus. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of CDCP might be associated with the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway. Thus, our findings first revealed the potential of CDCP to protect the colonic myenteric plexus against oxidative stress-induced damage in STC, establishing CDCP as promising candidates for natural medicine in the clinical management of STC.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Effects of Small Intestinal Fermentation on Enhancement of Prebiotic Characteristics of Cellulose in the Large Intestine

Knowledge about the prebiotic characteristics of cellulose by in vitro fermentation is not complete due to the neglect of small intestinal fermentation. This study investigated the effects of small intestinal fermentation on the prebiotic characteristics of cellulose in the large intestine and potential mechanisms through an approach of combined in vivo small intestinal fermentation and in vitro fermentation. The structural similarity between cellulose in feces and after processing by the approach of this study confirmed the validity of the approach employed. Results showed that small intestinal fermentation of cellulose increased both acetate and propionate content and enriched Corynebacterium selectively. Compared to in vitro fermentation after in vitro digestion of cellulose, the in vitro fermentation of cellulose after in vivo small intestinal fermentation produced higher contents of acetate and propionate as well as the abundance of probiotics like Ruminococcaceae_UCG-002, Blautia, and Bifidobaterium. The changes in the structural features of cellulose after in vivo small intestinal fermentation were more obvious than those after in vitro digestion, which may account for the greater production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the abundance of probiotics. In summary, small intestinal fermentation enhanced the prebiotic characteristics of cellulose in the large intestine by predisrupting its structure.

Low oil Pickering emulsion gels stabilized by bacterial cellulose nanofiber/soybean protein isolate: An excellent fat replacer for ice cream

Food-grade Pickering emulsion gels with different oil phase fractions stabilized by Bacterial cellulose nanofibers/Soy protein isolate complex colloidal particles were prepared by one-step method. The properties of Pickering emulsion gels with different oil phase fractions (5 %, 10 %, 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 75 %, v/v) and their applications in ice cream were investigated in the present study. The microstructural results showed that Pickering emulsion gels with the low oil phase fractions (5 %-20 %) were an emulsion droplet-filled gel, where the oil droplets were embedded in the network structure of cross-linked polymer, while Pickering emulsion gels with higher oil phase fractions (40 %-75 %) were an emulsion droplet-aggregated gel, which formed a network structure by flocculated oil droplets. The rheology result showed that the low oil Pickering emulsion gels had the same excellent performance as the high oil Pickering emulsion gels. Furthermore, the low oil Pickering emulsion gels showed good environmental stability under harsh conditions. Consequently, Pickering emulsion gels with 5 % oil phase fraction were used as fat replacers in ice cream and ice cream with different fat replacement rates (30 %, 60 % and 90 %, w/w) was prepared in this work. The results showed the appearance and texture of the ice cream with low oil Pickering emulsion gels as fat replacers was similar to that of the ice cream with no fat replacers, and the melting rate of the ice cream with low oil Pickering emulsion gels as fat replacers showed the lowest value of 21.08 % during the 45 min of melting experiment, as the fat replacer rate in the ice cream reached to 90 %. Therefore, this study demonstrated that low oil Pickering emulsion gels were excellent fat replacers and had great potential application in low calorie food production.

Systems biology strategy through integrating metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal the mechanisms of Xiaopi Hewei Capsule improves functional dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the more common functional disorders, with a prevalence of 20-25 %. It seriously affects the quality life of patients. Xiaopi Hewei Capsule (XPHC) is a classic formula originated from the Chinese Miao minority. Clinical studies have demonstrated that XPHC can effectively alleviate the symptoms of FD, but the molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. The purpose of this work is to investigate the mechanism of XPHC on FD by integrating metabolomics and network pharmacology. The mice models of FD were established, and gastric emptying rate, small intestine propulsion rate, serum level of motilin and gastrin were evaluate to study the interventional effect of XPHC on FD. Next, a metabolomics strategy has been developed to screen differential metabolites and related metabolic pathways induced by XPHC. Then, prediction of active compounds, targets and pathways of XPHC in treating FD were carried out by commonly used network pharmacological method. Finally, two parts of the results were integrated to investigate therapeutic mechanism of XPHC on FD, which were preliminary validated based on molecular docking. Thus, twenty representative different metabolites and thirteen related pathways of XPHC in treating FD were identified. Most of these metabolites were restored using modulation after XPHC treatment. The results of the network pharmacology analysis showed ten crucial compounds and nine hub genes related to the treatment of FD with XPHC. The further integrated analysis focused on four key targets, such as albumin (ALB), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and roto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (SRC), and three representative biomarkers such as citric acid, L-leucine and eicosapentaenoic acid. Furthermore, molecular docking results showed that ten bioactive compounds from XPHC have good binding interactions with the four key genes. The functional enrichment analysis indicated that the potential mechanism of XPHC in treating FD was mainly associated with energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, inflammatory reactions and mucosal repair. Our work confirms that network pharmacology-integrated metabolomics strategyis a powerful means to reveal the therapeutic mechanisms of XPHC improves FD, which contribute its further scientific research.

Fu Brick Tea Alleviates Constipation via Regulating the Aquaporins-Mediated Water Transport System in Association with Gut Microbiota

This study aimed to investigate the amendatory effects of Fu brick tea aqueous extract (FTE) on constipation and its underlying molecular mechanism. The administration of FTE by oral gavage (100 and 400 mg/kg·bw) for 5 weeks significantly increased fecal water content, improved difficult defecation, and enhanced intestinal propulsion in loperamide (LOP)-induced constipated mice. FTE also reduced colonic inflammatory factors, maintained the intestinal tight junction structure, and inhibited colonic Aquaporins (AQPs) expression, thus normalizing the intestinal barrier and colonic water transport system of constipated mice. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis results indicated that two doses of FTE increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio at the phylum level and increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus from 5.6 ± 1.3 to 21.5 ± 3.4% and 28.5 ± 4.3% at the genus level, subsequently resulting in a significant elevation of colonic contents short-chain fatty acids levels. The metabolomic analysis demonstrated that FTE improved levels of 25 metabolites associated with constipation. These findings suggest that Fu brick tea has the potential to alleviate constipation by regulating gut microbiota and its metabolites, thereby improving the intestinal barrier and AQPs-mediated water transport system in mice.

Soluble dietary fiber and cellulose from Saccharina japonica by-product ameliorate Loperamide-induced constipation via modulating enteric neurotransmitters, short-chain fatty acids and gut microbiota

The effects of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and cellulose (IDF) from Saccharina japonica by-product and their differences in improving constipation were further clarified in the present study. We demonstrated that SDF was mainly made up of d-mannuronic acid and d-mannose while IDF consisted of d-glucose , which is different from other reported dietary fibers of terrestrial plants. In this research, both SDF and IDF improved fecal-related indicators, gastrointestinal transit rate and histological morphology in Lop-induced mice. Moreover, they could increase the level of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH-Px), restore the expression of enteric neurotransmitters, and maintain the function of ZO-1, JAM-1 as well as Occludin. Interestingly, SDF and IDF had a significant up-regulated effect on the proportion of Muribaculacea, Prevotellaceaen and Lachnospiraceae, which are critical to preserving intestinal immune homeostasis. Besides, they promoted the biosynthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The overall index showed that SDF is more effective for constipation due to its better water retention capacity. Thus, they can be used as a safe dietary supplement for the treatment of chronic or occasional constipation in humans.

Characterization of bacterial cellulose nanofibers/soy protein isolate complex particles for Pickering emulsion gels: The effect of protein structure changes induced by pH

In this work, the influence of soy protein isolated at different pH values (1-9) on the self-assembly behaviors of bacterial cellulose nanofibers/soy protein isolate (BCNs/SPI) colloidal particles via anti-solvent precipitation were investigated. The results showed that the formation of BCNs/SPI at pH values of 1-5 was mainly driven by electrostatic interaction, while the formation of those at pH values of 5-9 was driven by weak molecular interactions including hydrogen bonding and steric-hindrance effect. The FTIR demonstrated that the conformation of protein involved a transition from order to disorder at the level of secondary structure as pH values were away from the isoelectric point. The fluorescence spectroscopy and UV-vis adsorption spectroscopy indicated that hydrophobic region of SPI at pH value of 5 displayed more exposed as compared with that at pH values away from the isoelectric point. The changes in structure conformation of SPI induced by pH values led to the changes in properties of the BCNs/SPI colloidal particles including particle size, microstructure, crystallinity, hydrophily, thermal stability, and rheological properties. Furthermore, the structures of BCNs/SPI colloidal particles at different pH values significantly affected the stability of Pickering emulsion gels stabilized by the corresponding complex colloidal particles. This study provided a theoretical basis for the design of food-grade Pickering emulsion gels stabilized by BCNs/SPI complex colloidal particles.

Strain-specific effect of Limosilactobacillus fermentum with distinct genetic lineages on loperamide-induced constipation in mice: attributing effects to certain genes

In 2013, Limosilactobacillus fermentum was regarded as a "generally recognized as safe" organism by the US Food and Drug Administration, and emerging evidence showed that it can exert beneficial health effects on humans. In this study, five L. fermentum strains from different phylogroups of a phylogenetic tree containing 224 L. fermentum strains were chosen, and their protective effects against loperamide-induced constipation in mice were studied. Animal experiments showed that L. fermentum YN54 significantly alleviated weight loss, increased fecal moisture, accelerated intestinal peristalsis, and increased the small intestinal transit rate in mice with constipation by regulating gastrointestinal peptides and increasing the amount of intestinal short-chain fatty acids. However, the other four L. fermentum strains (XJ61, CECT5716, WX115, and GD121) did not relieve constipation in mice treated with loperamide. A comparative genomic analysis of these strains was conducted and "L. fermentum YN54 only" genes were functionally annotated and validated with the other three L. fermentum strains (FJ12, GX51, and ZH1010) that had different functional genes. Finally, the genes involved in the synthesis of fatty acid hydrase, polysaccharides, and cell membranes were identified to be associated with the probiotic effect of L. fermentum on mice with constipation through preliminary experiments in this study.

Nanocrystalline Cellulose Cures Constipation via Gut Microbiota Metabolism

Constipation can seriously affect the quality of life and increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The present strategies for constipation therapy have adverse effects, such as causing irreversible intestinal damage and affecting the absorption of nutrients. Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), which is from natural plants, has good biocompatibility and high safety. Herein, we used NCC to treat constipation assessed by the black stool, intestinal tissue sections, and serum biomarkers. We studied the effect of NCC on gut microbiota and discussed the correlation of gut microbiota and metabolites. We evaluated the long-term biosafety of NCC. NCC could effectively treat constipation through gut microbiota metabolism, which required a small dosage and did not affect the organs and intestines. NCC could be used as an alternative to medications and dietary fiber for constipation therapy.

Mechanistic Prediction of Chinese Herb Compound (Zhi Zhu Ma Ren Pill) in the Treatment of Constipation Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Background: Constipation is one of the most prevalent chronic gastrointestinal diseases. Notably, previous studies have demonstrated that Chinese herbal compounds may exert effects on constipation. The present study aimed to predict the mechanisms underlying the effects of Zhi Zhu Ma Ren Pill (ZZMRP), which includes Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Fructus Cannabis, Paeonia lactiflora and Radix Asteris in the treatment of constipation, using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods: The components and target information of ZZMRP were accessed using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and analysis platform, and the associated targets of constipation were obtained from the GeneCards, Disgenet, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, DrugBANK and Therapeutic Target Database databases. The major targets were subsequently selected using a Venn diagram and network topology analysis, which was followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Molecular docking was performed to authenticate the binding activity between active components and core targets. Results: A total of 44 active components, 249 targets of ZZMRP and 1501 targets associated with constipation were acquired. A total of 122 intersection targets were discovered between ZZMRP and constipation. Subsequently, 18 key targets were authenticated, including tumor protein 53, RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase, JUN and caspase-3. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that mitogen-activated protein kinase, tumor necrosis factor, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathways may be involved in the treatment of constipation using ZZMRP. Molecular docking suggested that quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin exhibited high binding affinities with several of the primary targets. Conclusions: The active components, core targets, and signaling pathways of ZZMRP in the treatment of constipation were predicted, which may be applicable to the development of treatments for constipation and application of ZZMRP.

Alteration of intestinal microflora by the intake of millet porridge improves gastrointestinal motility

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) has a long history of treating gastrointestinal ailments in China; however, little is known about the functional mechanism driving its therapeutic effects. The primary edible form of millet is porridge. This study investigates the effects of millet porridge on diphenoxylate-induced constipation and intestinal microflora in mice. Fifty mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group, constipation model group, and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose millet porridge groups. After 14 days of millet porridge gavage, constipation was induced and measured. The results showed that millet porridge prevented constipation by increasing the water content of feces, shortened the time of the first melena defecation, promoted gastric emptying, and improved the rate of gastrointestinal propulsion. Millet porridge also dose-dependently increased levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and decreased levels of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, and Bacteroides in the intestine. These results show that millet porridge could accelerate intestinal motility and change the proportions of intestinal flora and that it has a potent prebiotic effect.

Bacterial cellulose: A promising biopolymer with interesting properties and applications

The ever-increasing demands for materials with desirable properties led to the development of materials that impose unfavorable influences on the environment and the ecosystem. Developing a low-cost, durable, and eco-friendly functional material with biological origins has become necessary to avoid these consequences. Bacterial cellulose generated by bacteria dispenses excellent structural and functional properties and satisfies these requirements. BC and BC-derived materials are essential in developing pure and environmentally safe functional materials. This review offers a detailed understanding of the biosynthesis of BC, properties, various functionalization methods, and applicability in biomedical, water treatment, food storage, energy conversion, and energy storage applications.

Consumption of Wheat Peptides Improves Functional Constipation: A Translational Study in Humans and Mice

SCOPE

Wheat peptides (WP) are rich in glutamic acid, glutamine, and other bioactive compounds that may benefit gut function and health. This study aims to evaluate the effects of regular consumption of WP on constipation-induced complications and gut microbiota in humans and mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A randomized trial of 49 functional constipation participants was conducted. The weekly amount of spontaneous bowel movements (SBM) increased by 2.09 per week after WP treatment, and by 0.40 per week among the placebo group (PL). Concomitantly, the secondary outcomes showed significant improvements in the quality of life-related to constipation, constipation severity, and satisfaction with the intervention. In the animal study, WP effectively alleviated constipation symptoms and affected the secretion of intestinal mobility-related neurotransmitters and gastrointestinal hormones in loperamide-induced constipation mice. Additionally, WP regulated the gene and protein expression levels of water-electrolyte metabolism and intestinal mobility. Furthermore, WP treatment decreased the abundance of several gut microbiota positively correlated to constipation (Turicibacter, Bacteroides_f_Bacteroidaceae, and Streptococcus) in mice.

CONCLUSION

WP ameliorated constipation in humans and mice, which could be partly explained by improving water-electrolyte metabolism, boosting intestinal motility, and reshaping gut microbiota. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

An Unexpected Alteration Colonic Mucus Appearance in the Constipation Model via an Intestinal Microenvironment

Due to the lack of research between the inner layers in the structure of colonic mucous and the metabolism of fatty acid in the constipation model, we aim to determine the changes in the mucous phenotype of the colonic glycocalyx and the microbial community structure following treatment with Rhubarb extract in our research. The constipation and treatment models are generated using adult male C57BL/6N mice. We perform light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to detect a Muc2-rich inner mucus layer attached to mice colon under different conditions. In addition, 16S rDNA sequencing is performed to examine the intestinal flora. According to TEM images, we demonstrate that Rhubarb can promote mucin secretion and find direct evidence of dendritic structure-linked mucus structures with its assembly into a lamellar network in a pore size distribution in the isolated colon section. Moreover, the diversity of intestinal flora has noticeable changes in constipated mice. The present study characterizes a dendritic structure and persistent cross-links have significant changes accompanied by the alteration of intestinal flora in feces in models of constipation and pretreatment with Rhubarb extract.

Pharbitis nil extract ameliorates functional constipation and intestinal microflora disorder induced by loperamide in rats

BACKGROUND

Semen pharbitidis can be used for the treatment of constipation; however, the specific pharmacological effect and mechanism of its main pharmacological active ingredient pharbitis nil extract (PN) on functional constipation (FC) are still not clear.

AIM

To investigate the regulatory effect of PN on constipation symptoms, intestinal motility, colonic myoelectric activity, colonic tissue morphology, intestinal microflora and neurotransmitters in FC rats.

METHODS

A rat model of FC was established by intragastric administ-ration of loperamide (Lop) and then treated with PN. The number of fecal pellets within 6 h, fecal water content, intestinal transit rate, and colonic myoelectric activity were observed and recorded. The alteration of intestinal flora was measured by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to detect the morphological changes of colon tissues. The expression levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), substance P (SP), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

PN could significantly increase the fecal pellet count and water content within 6 h, accelerate the intestinal ink propelling rate, and decrease the frequency and amplitude variation of colon myoelectric activity in FC rats. H&E staining showed that PN improved the colon histological changes induced by Lop. PCR-DGGE demonstrated that PN rectified the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia and increased the abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae in FC rats. ELISA showed that PN significantly increased the SP and 5-HT expression and decreased the expression of VIP in colon tissues of FC rats.

CONCLUSION

PN alleviates FC caused by Lop and improves intestinal microflora and intestinal nervous system.

Bamboo shavings derived O-acetylated xylan alleviates loperamide-induced constipation in mice

BSH-1 is an O-acetylated xylan obtained from bamboo shavings. This study determined the protective effects of BSH-1 against loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation in mice. Mice received BSH-1 by gavage daily for 14 days. In constipated mice, BSH-1 significantly shortened the defecation time and raised the gastrointestinal (GI) transit rate, stool production, and cecal concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). BSH-1 regulated the serum levels of gut hormones and neurotransmitters. BSH-1 also significantly altered the cecal microbiota of the constipated mice by increasing the abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus, Roseburia, and Bacteroidales_S24-7) and decreasing potentially pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Alloprevotella and Staphylococcus). Furthermore, colonic transcriptome analysis revealed that BSH-1 significantly reversed the expression changes of genes related to intestinal motility, water and ion transport, inflammation and cancer in constipated mice. Our findings indicated that BSH-1 effectively relieved Lop-induced constipation in mice and could be potentially used for constipation treatment.

Therapeutic effect of Moringa oleifera leaves on constipation mice based on pharmacodynamics and serum metabonomics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Moringa oleifera is native to India, and has been introduced to China in recent years. Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL), as Ayurvedic medicine, has efficacy of Pachana karma (digestive) and Virechana karma (purgative). Folium Sennae (FS), Rhubarb (RB), Aloe vera (AV), Hemp seed (HS) are commonly used as laxatives in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which have different characteristics. However, the intensity of the diarrheal effect of MOL and its mechanism of action are unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The methods of pharmacology and omics were used to compare the purgative effects of MOL and FS, RB, AV, HS, and their effects on metabolomics, to analyze the purgative characteristics and related mechanisms of MOL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C57BL/6J mouse model of constipation was established by feeding low-fiber food. Feces parameters and colon pathology were used to evaluate the effect of FS, RB, AV, HS and MOL. And mass spectrometry-based serum metabolomics was performed. The differential metabolites of these herbs in the treatment of constipation were obtained by OPLS-DA analysis. Furthermore, pathway analysis was conducted based on different metabolites.

RESULTS

Moringa leaves can adjust the stool number, wet fecal weight and fecal water content to varying degrees to achieve laxative effects, and recover colon muscle thickness and mucus. Analysis of metabolomics results showed that 71 metabolites from LC-MS datasets between model group and control group were obtained. 29, 12, 44, 29 and 20 metabolites were significantly reversed by FS, RB, AV, HS, MOL compared with model group respectively. According to the metabolic pathways, RB and AV may be clustered into a similar category, and MOL, FS and HS showed similarity of metabolic characteristics.

CONCLUSION

The purgative effect of MOL is inferior to that of FS, and stronger than that of AV, RB and HS. The metabolic pathway for constipation is more similar to that of FS. MOL has a long-lasting and mild effect of laxative, increasing defecation volume and water content of feces, and may become a fewer side effects medicine to treat constipation.

Comparative effects of different enzymatic hydrolysates of konjac glucomannan on gut flora and constipation rats

This study aimed to compare the effects of different hydrolysates (named GKOS and MKOS) on constipated rats, which were degraded to obtain from konjac glucomannan by β-glucanase and β-mannanase, respectively....

Effect of bacterial cellulose nanofibers incorporation on acid-induced casein gels: microstructures and rheological properties

In this study, the effect of bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNF) incorporation on the structural and rheological properties of casein gels was investigated, where the mixed BCNF and casein gels were prepared by adding gluconic acid δ-lactone (GDL) to acidify the mixed polymer solutions at 3.0% casein concentration (w/v) and varying BCNF concentrations (0–0.5%, w/v). By changing the addition amount of GDL, the mechanical and structural properties of the mixed gels were studied at above, near and below the electric point (pI) of the casein. At pH above the pI of the casein, the introduction of BCNF initially increased the gel strength, but further addition of BCNF weakened the mixed gels. At near and below the pI of the casein, the incorporation of BCNF continuously increased the gel strength. Besides, all gels showed good structural homogeneity, without macroscopic phase separation occurring, which indicated good compatibility of BCNF with the casein gels.

Inulin and isomalto-oligosaccharide alleviate constipation and improve reproductive performance by modulating motility-related hormones, short-chain fatty acids, and feces microflora in pregnant sows

Constipation in gestating and lactating sows is common and the inclusion of dietary fiber may help to alleviate this problem. We investigated the effects of inulin (INU) and isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO), two sources of soluble dietary fiber, on gastrointestinal motility-related hormones, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), fecal microflora, and reproductive performance in pregnant sows. On day 64 of gestation, 30 sows were randomly divided into three groups and fed as follows: a basal diet, a basal diet with 0.5% INU, and a basal diet with 0.5% IMO. We found that INU and IMO significantly modulated the levels of gastrointestinal motility-related hormones, as evidenced by an increase in substance P (P < 0.05), and a decrease in the vasoactive intestinal peptide concentrations (P < 0.05), indicating the capacity of INU and IMO to alleviate constipation. Furthermore, IMO enhanced the concentrations of acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, and valeric acids in the feces (P < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing showed that IMO and INU increased the fecal microflora α- and β-diversity (P < 0.05). Methanobrevibacter was more abundant (P < 0.05), whereas the richness of Turicibacter was lower in the INU and IMO groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, IMO significantly increased litter size (P < 0.05). Overall, our findings indicate that INU and IMO can relieve constipation, optimize intestinal flora, and promote reproductive performance in pregnant sows.

Fabrication of Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers/Soy Protein Isolate Colloidal Particles for the Stabilization of High Internal Phase Pickering Emulsions by Anti-solvent Precipitation and Their Application in the Delivery of Curcumin

In this study, the anti-solvent precipitation and a simple complex method were applied for the preparation of bacterial cellulose nanofiber/soy protein isolate (BCNs/SPI) colloidal particles. Fourier transform IR (FT-IR) showed that hydrogen bonds generated in BCNs/SPI colloidal particles via the anti-solvent precipitation were stronger than those generated in BCNs/SPI colloidal particles self-assembled by a simple complex method. Meanwhile, the crystallinity, thermal stability, and contact angle of BCNs/SPI colloidal particles via the anti-solvent precipitation show an improvement in comparison with those of BCNs/SPI colloidal particles via a simple complex method. BCNs/SPI colloidal particles via the anti-solvent precipitation showed enhanced gel viscoelasticity, which was confirmed by dynamic oscillatory measurements. Furthermore, high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPEs) were additionally stable due to their stabilization by BCNs/SPI colloidal particles via the anti-solvent precipitation. Since then, HIPEs stabilized by BCNs/SPI colloidal particles via the anti-solvent precipitation were used for the delivery of curcumin. The curcumin-loaded HIPEs showed a good encapsulation efficiency and high 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) removal efficiency. Additionally, the bioaccessibility of curcumin was significantly increased to 30.54% after the encapsulation using the prepared HIPEs. Therefore, it can be concluded that the anti-solvent precipitation is an effective way to assemble the polysaccharide/protein complex particles for the stabilization of HIPEs, and the prepared stable HIPEs showed a potential application in the delivery of curcumin.

Long-Term Administration of Anthraquinone Rhein on Induction of Constipation in Sprague-Dawley Rats via SCF/c-Kit Signaling Pathways

Background and Study Aims. It has been shown that abuse of laxatives is becoming a serious problem; therefore, a comprehensive understanding of its effect and possible mechanism on colon motility is essential to select effective treatments and avoid their abuse. Herein, we aimed to investigate the long-term stimulation of rhein on induction of constipation in rats and its underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods. After establishing rat models of constipation, the rats were randomly divided into two equal subgroups and administered daily with normal saline (model control group) or 10 ml/kg PEG4,000 (PEG-treated group). Simultaneously, normal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were administered with normal saline (normal group). Physiological and fecal parameters were calculated, and intestinal transmission function was evaluated. After scarification, colonic tissues were freshly prepared for histological localization detected by immunohistochemical analysis and for the expression of stem cell factor (SCF) and c-kit proteins determined by western blot assay. Results. Following the initiation of rhein-induced rat constipation, body weight was lost slightly, the first time of black stool discharge was obviously longer, and the fecal moisture and number of fecal pellets decreased distinctly as compared with normal group. A decreased expression of SCF and c-kit was detected in model control group in comparison with normal group. Notably, compared with model control group, neither the alterations of fecal parameters and intestinal transmission function were effectively restored, nor the expression of SCF and c-kit was markedly elevated after administration of PEG4,000 for 30 d. Conclusion. Long-term stimulation of rhein can develop the constipation via SCF/c-kit signaling pathway, yet the symptoms of constipation and colon power cannot be alleviated or restored by PEG4,000. Collectively, these findings strongly suggest that long-term use of anthraquinone laxatives should be avoided for clinical treatment of constipation.

Effect of konjac glucomannan on metabolites in the stomach, small intestine and large intestine of constipated mice and prediction of the KEGG pathway

The occurrence of constipation involves the whole gastrointestinal tract. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) has been clinically proven to alleviate constipation, but its mechanism has not been fully understood. The present study aimed to investigate the excretion-promoting effect of KGM on constipated mice and the underlying molecular mechanism. In this study, the UHPLC-QE orbitrap/MS method was used to determine the metabolic phenotypes of total gastrointestinal segments (i.e., the stomach {St}, small intestine {S}, and large intestine {L}) in constipated mice treated with KGM. The results showed that KGM improved the fecal water content, body weight growth rate, and serum gastrointestinal regulation related peptide levels. The metabolomics results revealed the decreased levels of amino acids, cholines, deoxycholic acid, arachidonic acid, thiamine and the increased levels of indoxyl sulfate, histamine, linoelaidic acid etc. The KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the relaxation effect of KGM supplementation was most likely driven by modulating the expression levels of various key factors involved in biosynthesis of amino acid (i.e., phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan), linoleic acid metabolism, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and arachidonic acid metabolism signalling pathways. The results indicated that KGM alleviates constipation by regulating potential metabolite markers and metabolic pathways in different gastrointestinal segments.

Aquaporin: targets for dietary nutrients to regulate intestinal health

Aquaporins (AQP) are a class of water channel membrane proteins that are widely expressed in the gut. The biological functions of aquaporins, which regulate the absorption and secretion of water molecules and small solutes, maintain the stable state of the intestine, regulate cell proliferation and migration, participate in the process of intestinal inflammation, and mediate tumorigenesis, demonstrate the physiological significance of these channels in intestinal health. The pathology of many intestinal diseases is associated with changes in the location and expression of aquaporins, such as intestinal infection, which can change the expression and distribution of AQPs in intestinal tissues/cells by affecting cytokines and chemokines. This can lead to various intestinal diseases such as diarrhoea, which also suggests the importance of aquaporins in the prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases. This review summarizes the relationship between aquaporins and intestinal physiology and diseases and focuses on drugs (such as plant extracts) or diets that can regulate intestinal health by regulating aquaporins. It provides a basis for establishing aquaporins as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for intestinal health.

The different effects of Chinese Herb Solid Drink and lactulose on gut microbiota in rats with slow transit constipation induced by compound diphenoxylate

Slow transit constipation (STC) has become an epidemic medical problem. There are several kinds of drugs for constipation; however, each drug has its limitations. The gut microbiota has a close relationship with STC. Lactulose is an effective drug for constipation because it is a kind of bulking laxative and microbioecologic, and it relieves the syndromes of STC. We found that the Chinese Herb Solid Drink (CHSD), which contains medicine food homologous materials such as psyllium husk, sweetalmond, semen sesami nigrum, and hemp seed, has a similar effect on relieving constipation as lactulose, although it has different effects on the gut microbiota. We investigated the mechanisms of CHSD in rats with STC, induced by diphenoxylate, via constipation index and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses using serum and 16S rDNA amplicon and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). CHSD enhanced the relative abundance of some types of gut microbiota, such as Blautia, Ruminococcus, Roseburia, Coprococcus, Lachnospira, and Phascolarctobacterium, while lactulose enhanced the relative abundance of Blautia, Phascolarctobacterium, Eubacterium, and Akkernansia in diphenoxylate-induced STC rats. Both CHSD and lactulose enhanced the level of short-chain fatty acids in the faeces of rats; however, the composition of those were different between the two drugs. From the perspective of the gut neuroendocrine system, both CHSD and lactulose could elevate neurotransmitters, such as motilin (MTL) and substance P (SP), which promote intestinal peristalsis and reduce the expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide, which inhibits intestinal peristalsis in the serum of STC rats. CHSD could elevate gastrin expression, which also promoted intestinal peristalsis in serum, while lactulose did not have this effect. Our findings suggest that CHSD may be an effective and safe therapeutic choice for STC.

Synbiotic yogurt containing konjac mannan oligosaccharides and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB12 alleviates constipation in mice by modulating the stem cell factor (SCF)/c-Kit pathway and gut microbiota

Synbiotic dietary supplements, as an effective means of regulating the gut microbiota, may have a beneficial effect on constipation. This study evaluated the effects of synbiotic yogurt containing konjac mannan oligosaccharides (KMOS) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB12 (BB12) on constipated Kunming mice (the model group). Following administration of yogurt containing 2.0% KMOS and BB12 (YBK2.0), black fecal weight and number and gastrointestinal transit rate increased by 97.5, 106.3, and 55.7%, respectively, compared with the model group. Serum levels of excitability neurotransmitters (motilin, substance P, and acetylcholine) in the YBK2.0 group were increased by 139.7, 120.4, and 91.8%, respectively, and serum levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters (vasoactive intestinal peptide, nitric oxide, and acetylcholine) were decreased. Moreover, synbiotic yogurt supplementation significantly downregulated the expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 1 (VIPR1) and upregulated the expression of serotonin receptor 4 (5-HT4) in the colon, and enhanced the expression of the stem cell factor (SCF)/c-Kit pathway. Additionally, YBK2.0 treatment significantly regulated the community composition and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of gut microbiota, which were positively correlated with physiological parameters of constipation. Thus, supplementation with synbiotic yogurt composed of KMOS and BB12 could facilitate fecal excretion by regulating related pathways and the gut microbiota. These findings demonstrated that the synbiotic yogurt can be considered a functional food for alleviating constipation.

CircORC2 is involved in the pathogenesis of slow transit constipation via modulating the signalling of miR-19a and neurotensin/motilin

In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of circORC2 in modulating miR‐19a and its downstream signalling during the pathogenesis of STC. In this study, three groups of patients, that is healthy control (HC) group, normal transit constipation (NTC) group (N = 42) and slow transit constipation (STC) group, were, respectively, recruited. RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis were exploited to investigate the changes in the expression levels of miR‐19a and circORC2 in these patients, so as to establish a circORC2/miR‐19a signalling pathway. The basic information of the patients showed no significant differences among different patient groups. Compared with the HC group, concentrations of neurotensin (NST) and motilin (MLN) were both significantly reduced in the NTC and STC groups, especially in the STC group. Also, miR‐19a level was highest, whereas circORC2 level was lowest in the STC group. Furthermore, circORC2 was validated to sponge the expression of miR‐19a, and the transfection of circORC2 reduced the expression of miR‐19a. Meanwhile, MLN and NST mRNAs were both targeted by miR‐19a, and the transfection of circORC2 dramatically up‐regulated the expression of MLN and NST. On the contrary, the transfection of circORC2 siRNA into SMCs and VSMCs exhibited the opposite effect of circORC2. Collectively, the results of this study established a regulatory relationship among circORC2, miR‐19a and neurotensin/motilin, which indicated that the overexpression of circORC2 could up‐regulate the levels of neurotensin and motilin, thus exerting a beneficial effect during the treatment of STC.

Deciphering the correlations between aging and constipation by metabolomics and network pharmacology

From the points of view of phenomena and experience, aging and constipation are inextricably correlated. However, experimental support and underlying mechanisms are still lacking. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships between aging and constipation from the perspectives of fecal metabolites and network pharmacology. The behavioral analyses of aging and constipation were carried out on both aging rats and constipation rats. We found that aging rats exhibited not only significant aging behaviors but also significant constipation behaviors, while constipation rats exhibited both significant constipation and aging behaviors. Additionally, fecal metabolomics was carried out and found that 23 metabolites were aging-related and 22 metabolites were constipation-related. Among them, there were 16 differential metabolites in common with 11 metabolic pathways. Network pharmacology was applied to construct the target-pathway network of aging and constipation, revealing that pathway in cancer was the most associated signaling pathway. The current findings will provide not only a novel perspective for understanding aging and constipation, but a theoretical association and understanding the traditional Chinese medicine theory and the Western medicine theory about aging and constipation, as well as support for the clinical research and development of medicine related to constipation in the elderly.

1H NMR-Based Fecal Metabolomics Reveals Changes in Gastrointestinal Function of Aging Rats Induced by d-Galactose

d-galactose (d-gal) is widely used to induce aging. However, it is still unclear whether long-term injection of d-gal affects the gastrointestinal functions of aging rats, and how. In this study, we investigated the effects of d-gal on the gastrointestinal functions of aging rats, especially from the perspective of fecal metabolomics. Biochemical and behavioral analyses were performed. Besides, a ¹H NMR-based metabolomics approach was built and applied in combination with multivariate data analysis including principal components analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA). Regarding gastrointestinal functions, d-gal significantly decreased the small intestine propulsion rates and prolonged gastrointestinal transit time. In addition, d-gal significantly increased the oxidative damages. PCA results showed that d-gal interrupted the metabolic profiles of endogenous small molecules in aging rats. Furthermore, OPLS-DA showed that 40 metabolites were screened and identified to be involved in the disruption of gastrointestinal functions in aging rats. Accordingly, seven metabolic pathways were recognized as the most influenced pathways associated with gastrointestinal functions of aging rats induced by d-gal, including amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, intestinal flora metabolism, and metabolism of short chain fatty acids. It is the first report to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of d-gal on gastrointestinal functions of aging rats from the perspective of fecal metabolomics. The current results are conducive to further comprehensively understand d-gal-induced aging and will expand the applications of d-gal in pharmacological researches.

Laxative Metabolites from the Leaves of Moringa oleifera

Three new flavonoids, quercetin-3-O-6-[methyl-(S)-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaroyl(1→6]-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), kaempferol-3-O-[methyl-(S)-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaroyl(1→6)]-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), and quercetin-3-O-6-[(E)-4-methoxy-5-methylhexa-2,4-dienoatyl(1→6)]-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), and two new alkaloids, 5-dehydroxymethyl-pyrrolemarumine 4″-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (4) and N¹-methyl-N²-((4-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside)benzyl) oxalamide (5), together with 45 known compounds (6-50) were isolated from the leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam. Among those compounds, 1-octacosanol (50), a straight-chain 28-carbon alcohol, exhibited good activity against diphenoxylate-induced constipation in mice, which is obtained as a laxative constituent from the plant for the first time. In order to have an accurate understanding of the content of compound 50, a quantification with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was carried out. The anti-inflammatory and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of some compounds also was assessed.

Bacterial cellulose in food industry: Current research and future prospects

Bacterial cellulose, a pure exocellular polysaccharide produced by microorganisms, has many excellent properties as compared with plant-derived cellulose, including high water holding capability, high surface area, rheological properties, biocompatibility. Due to its suspending, thickening, water holding, stabilizing, bulking and fluid properties, BC has been demonstrated as a promising low calorie bulking ingredient for the development of novel rich functional foods of different forms such as powder gelatinous or shred foams, which facilitate its application in food industry. In this review, the recent reports on the biosynthesis, structure and general application of bacterial cellulose in food industry have been summarized and discussed. The main application of bacterial cellulose in current food industry includes raw food materials, additive ingredients, packing materials, delivery system, enzyme and cell immobilizers. In addition, we also propose the potential challenges and explore the solution of expanding the application of BC in various fields.

Current progress on the production, modification, and applications of bacterial cellulose

Adoption of biomass for the development of biobased products has become a routine agenda in evolutionary metabolic engineering. Cellulose produced by bacteria is a "rising star" for this sustainable development. Unlike plant cellulose, bacterial cellulose (BC) shows several unique properties like a high degree of crystallinity, high purity, high water retention, high mechanical strength, and enhanced biocompatibility. Favored with those extraordinary properties, BC could serve as ideal biomass for the development of various industrial products. However, a low yield and the requirement for large growth media have been a persistent challenge in mass production of BC. A significant number of techniques has been developed in achieving efficient BC production. This includes the modification of bioreactors, fermentation parameters, and growth media. In this article, we summarize progress in metabolic engineering in order to solve BC growth limitation. This article emphasizes current engineered BC production by using various bioreactors, as well as highlighting the structure of BC fermented by different types of engineered-bioreactors. The comprehensive overview of the future applications of BC, aims to provide readers with insight into new economic opportunities of BC and their modifiable properties for various industrial applications. Modifications in chemical composition, structure, and genetic regulation, which preceded the advancement of BC applications, were also emphasized.

The Constipation-Relieving Property of d-Tagatose by Modulating the Composition of Gut Microbiota

d-tagatose, a monosaccharide as well as a dietary supplement, has been reported as having a wide range of applicability in the food industry, however, the prebiotic activity, anticonstipation effects, and related mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, using the loperamide-induced constipation Kunming mice as the animal model, the effects of d-tagatose for the prevention of constipation were evaluated by gastrointestinal transit experiment and defecation experiment. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism was clarified by evaluating the change of the biochemical indicators and analyzing 16S rRNA amplicon of gut microbiota among the different mice groups. The results showed that the gastrointestinal transit rate, fecal number, and weight in six hours were significantly enhanced after the administration of d-tagatose. In addition, d-tagatose significantly increased the serum levels of acetylcholine (Ach) and substance P (SP), whereas the serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) were significantly decreased. Moreover, the 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that the changes in the gut microbiota caused by constipation were restored by d-tagatose treatment. In conclusion, this study indicated that the administration of d-tagatose as a dietary supplement can effectively prevent and relieve constipation in Kunming mice, and it is a promising prebiotic candidate with constipation-relieving properties.