Improvement of loperamide-induced slow transit constipation by Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 is mediated by the correction of butyrate production and neurotransmitter profile due to improvement in dysbiosis

Abstract

A treatment option for constipation that improves the quality of life is needed since available laxatives do not effectively improve the quality of life in patients with constipation. A significant association between gut dysbiosis and constipation is recognized, suggesting that probiotics may be an important option for management of constipation. The underlying mechanism by which probiotics improve constipation remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 (BBG9-1) on loperamide-induced delayed colonic transit constipation and to elucidate its mechanism of action. First, the effect of BBG9-1 was evaluated in a rat model of constipation induced by subcutaneous administration of loperamide. BBG9-1 improved constipation parameters (number of feces, fecal water content, and fecal hardness) in constipated rats. Next, the relationship of organic acids and neurotransmitters to gut microbiota was investigated. BBG9-1 improved dysbiosis and prevented a decrease in butyric acid concentration in the gut, increased serum serotonin, and suppressed an increase in dopamine and a decrease in acetylcholine in serum. Further, an increase in the expression level of tryptophan hydroxylase 1, a 5-HT-synthetizing enzyme, was observed. These results suggest that BBG9-1 improves dysbiosis, which results in an increase in organic acids and improvement of neurotransmission. These actions may increase intestinal mobility, finally leading to alleviating constipation. The probiotic BBG9-1 may, therefore, be a potential option for the treatment of constipation.

Effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum on Clinical Characteristics and Gut Microbiota in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

“…Various strains of B. bifidum have been demonstrated to improve several physical conditions, including rhinoconjunctivitis-specific quality of life [22], reducing milk allergies in infants [23], and improving the serum cholesterol metabolism of subjects with dyslipidemia [24], irritable bowel syndrome [25], and Parkinson's disease (PD) [27]. B. bifidum G9-1 (BBG9-1) potentially improves dysbiosis, which results in modulations of organic acids and neurotransmission (including dopamine) [26]. Furthermore, neurochemical mechanisms that interfere with monoamine neurotransmitter synthesis have been implicated in ADHD pathophysiologies [46].…”

“…Furthermore, heat-inactivated B. bifidum MIMBb75 (SYN-HI-001) has been shown to substantially alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome [25]. B. bifidum G9-1 (BBG9-1) improves dysbiosis, which results in an increase in organic acids and improved neurotransmission (including dopamine) [26]. In addition, a mixture of probiotics containing Lactobacillus species and B. bifidum could improve rotational behavior, cognitive function, and neuronal damage in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) [27].…”

Amelioration effect of Lactobacillus plantarum KFY02 on low-fiber diet-induced constipation in mice by regulating gut microbiota

“…Many studies suggested that specific probiotics helped reduce bowel transit time. Recent research found that Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 ( 23 ) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains relieved loperamide-induced constipation ( 24 ). At the same time, the effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp.…”

Impact of Nutrition, Microbiota Transplant and Weight Loss Surgery on Dopaminergic Alterations in Parkinson’s Disease and Obesity

“…Similarly, some low-fat calorie sweeteners have also been associated with increased concentrations in Bifidobacterium genus. Bifidobacterium is correlated with a myriad of beneficial effects in the human host through alterations to neurotransmitter profiles, including dopamine [ 34 ], and is a common bacterial genus used in many probiotics. Additionally, foods such as kiwifruit have been shown to increase Bifidobacterium species within in-vitro fecal fermentation models, which also enhance the production of key dopamine precursor l -dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA).…”