Scientists Discover Key Genes Of Probiotics That Can Effectively Help Relieve Constipation

Our proof-of-concept study also establishes generalizable principles for the rational development of customizable functional probiotics with durable therapeutic effects in various model organisms. Furthermore, the abfA gene cluster is highly prevalent in the gut microbiota, so it could be developed as a simple and powerful biomarker for gastrointestinal diseases.

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People often say that probiotics help intestinal peristalsis, but which strain and which genes play this role?

It is newly discovered that Bifidobacterium longum strains possessing the abfA gene cluster will enhance the utilization of indigestible fiber called "arabinose" in the intestines, thereby improving constipation. The relevant paper was published in Cell Host & Microbe, a publication of Cell Press, on November 22, local time.

"We established a causal link between genetic variation in the abfA gene cluster and key functional differences in Bifidobacterium longum in multiple model organisms, including mice and humans, and provided insights into how a single gene cluster affects the host gut via arabinose metabolism. Mechanisms and ecological insights into movement," said Zhai Qixiao, co-corresponding author of the paper and professor at the School of Food, Jiangnan University.

The paper "A key genetic factor governing arabinan utilization in the gut microbiome alleviates constipation" has been released. Image source: "Cell Host and Microorganisms"

It is reported that constipation is a common intestinal disease with a global prevalence of 10%-15%. Constipation is associated with intestinal microbial dysbiosis, which is characterized by a significant reduction in the abundance of beneficial microorganisms. Therefore, oral probiotics have been widely used to relieve constipation symptoms.

However, the effectiveness of different probiotics in treating constipation varies greatly. Due to elusive mechanisms, rational selection of probiotics remains a challenge for healthcare professionals and patients. Furthermore, most evidence for the beneficial effects of probiotics on intestinal motility comes primarily from studies in mouse models.

"Probiotic strains that are usually effective in animal models may fail in human clinical trials or have poor validation in humans." said Zhang Jiachao, co-corresponding author of the paper and professor at the School of Food Science and Engineering at Hainan University, "Translational Research Proof-of-concept studies based on human cohorts, combined with evidence from animal studies, are urgently needed."

Based on this, Zhai Qixiao, Zhang Jiachao, and Huang Shi, co-corresponding author of the paper and professor at the School of Dentistry of the University of Hong Kong, began to identify and systematically verify the key genetic factors of exogenous probiotics or intestinal microbiota that affect gastrointestinal motility.

Researchers isolated 185 strains of Bifidobacterium longum from 354 Chinese people aged 0-108 years old. Then, with the help of a comprehensive library of wild Bifidobacterium longum strains, they found that the regulation of the abfA gene cluster effectively alleviated constipation in mice. This key genetic factor makes full use of arabinose, which is a fiber that is difficult to digest by humans and is also normal. An inaccessible source of nutrients for gut microbes.

Further studies have shown that, in addition to Bifidobacterium longum, for other intestinal microorganisms (such as Bacteroidetes, etc.), the presence or absence of the abfA gene cluster is also related to its effect in relieving constipation. At the same time, studies have proven that the abfA gene cluster abundance in the intestinal flora of patients with functional constipation is significantly lower than that of healthy people. Transplantation of fecal bacteria with high abfA gene cluster abundance can improve the constipation symptoms of germ-free mice.

In addition, the team also found that the abundance of intestinal microbial abfA gene clusters can be used as a biomarker to predict functional constipation. This provides molecular targets for the screening of probiotic strains that alleviate functional constipation and provides new strategies and ideas for efficiently targeted breeding of functional probiotics.

"Overall, this study identifies and systematically characterizes a key genetic factor responsible for arabinose digestion, addressing an important challenge in the probiotic field, namely the broad but unknown strain specificity in probiotic therapeutic efficacy." Huang Shi said, "Our proof-of-concept study also establishes generalizable principles for the rational development of customizable functional probiotics that have durable therapeutic effects in various model organisms. In addition, the abfA gene cluster is so prevalent in the tract microbiota that they could be developed as simple and powerful biomarkers of gastrointestinal diseases.

Natural Herbal Medicine For Relieving Constipation-Cistanche 

Cistanche is a genus of parasitic plants that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. These plants are known for their medicinal properties and have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. Cistanche species are predominantly found in arid and desert regions of China, Mongolia, and other parts of Central Asia. Cistanche plants are characterized by their fleshy, yellowish stems and are highly valued for their potential health benefits. In TCM, Cistanche is believed to have tonic properties and is commonly used to nourish the kidney, enhance vitality, and support sexual function. It is also used to address aging, fatigue, and overall well-being issues. While Cistanche has a long history of use in traditional medicine, scientific research on its efficacy and safety is ongoing and limited. However, it is known to contain various bioactive compounds such as phenylethanoid glycosides, iridoids, lignans, and polysaccharides, which may contribute to its medicinal effects.

Wecistanche's cistanche powder, cistanche tablets, cistanche capsules, and other products are developed using desert cistanche as raw materials, all of which have a good effect on relieving constipation. The specific mechanism is as follows: Cistanche is believed to have potential benefits for relieving constipation based on its traditional use and certain compounds it contains. While scientific research specifically on Cistanche's effect on constipation is limited, it is thought to have multiple mechanisms that may contribute to its potential to relieve constipation. Laxative Effect: Cistanche has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a remedy for constipation. It is believed to have a mild laxative effect, which can help promote bowel movements and induce constipation. This effect may be attributed to various compounds in Cistanche, such as phenylethanoid glycosides and polysaccharides. Moistening the Intestines: Based on traditional use, Cistanche is considered to have moisturizing properties, specifically targeting the Intestines. Promoting hydration and lubrication of the Intestines, it helps soften tools and facilitate easier passage, thereby relieving constipation. Anti-inflammatory Effect: Constipation can sometimes be associated with inflammation in the digestive tract. Cistanche contains certain compounds, including phenylethanoid glycosides and lignans, that are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation in the intestines, it may help improve bowel movement regularity and relieve constipation.