Pediococcus pentosaceusB49 from human colostrum ameliorates constipation in mice

Constipation is a prevalent and burdensome gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that seriously affects the quality of human life. This study evaluated the effects of theP. pentosaceusB49 (from human colostrum) on loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation in mice. Mice were givenP. pentosaceusB49 (5 x 10(9)CFU or 5 x 10(10)CFU) by gavage daily for 14 days. The result shows thatP. pentosaceusB49 treatment relieved constipation in mice by shortening the defecation time, increasing the GI transit rate and stool production. Compared with the constipation control group, theP. pentosaceusB49-treated groups showed decreased serum levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters (vasoactive intestinal peptide and nitric oxide), increased serum levels of excitatory neurotransmitters (acetylcholinesterase, motilin, and gastrin), and elevated cecal concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Analysis of cecal microbiota reveals thatP. pentosaceusB49 was colonized in the intestine of constipated mice, and altered the cecal microbiota by increasing beneficial SCFAs-producing bacteria (i.e.,Lactobacillus,Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, andBacteroidales_S24-7) and decreasing potential pathogenic bacteria (i.e.,StaphylococcusandHelicobacter). Moreover, transcriptome analysis of the colon tissue shows thatP. pentosaceusB49 partly normalized the expression of genes related to GI peristalsis (i.e.,Ache,Chrm2,Slc18a3,Grp, andVip), water and electrolyte absorption and transport (i.e.,Aqp4,Aqp8, andAtp12a), while down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-oncogenic genes (i.e.,Lbp,Lgals2,Bcl2,Bcl2l15,Gsdmc2, andOlfm4) in constipated mice. Our findings indicate thatP. pentosaceusB49 effectively relieves constipation in mice and is a promising candidate for treating constipation.