Effects of probiotics on loperamide-induced constipation in rats

Abstract

The role of probiotics in mitigating constipation, gut immunity, and gut microbiota has not been well studied. We aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotics on loperamide (LP)-induced constipation in Sprague–Dawley rats. Altogether, 150 male Sprague–Dawley rats (age 8 weeks) were used in the experiments following a 12-day acclimatisation period and were randomly divided into three treatment groups (groups 1, 2, and 3). Spastic constipation was induced via oral LP administration (3 mg/kg) for 6 days, 1 h before administering each test compound in groups 1 and 2. A probiotic solution (4 mL/kg body weight) was orally administered once a day for 6 days in group 2. In group 1, a phosphate buffer solution was orally administered once a day for 6 days, 1 h after each LP administration. In group 3, a phosphate buffer solution was orally administered once a day for 6 days. In the probiotic group, faecal parameters improved; faecal n-butyric acid, acetic acid, and IgA concentrations were increased; intestinal transit time was shortened; and disturbance of intestinal microbiota was inhibited. Our findings suggest that this probiotic was useful in improving various symptoms caused by constipation.

Anti-diarrheal drug loperamide induces dysbiosis in zebrafish microbiota via bacterial inhibition

“…constipation or gut transit time). For example, konjac oligo-glucomannan alleviates defecation infrequency and suppressed the growth of Bacteroides in mice [70], raffino-oligosaccharide improved gastrointestinal transit rate and reduced the serum levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide in mice [71], and probiotics improved constipation by altering metabolite, amino acid, inflammatory cytokines, and/or neurotransmitter abundances in rats [20,72,73]. In all of these studies, the effect of treatment and changes in host physiology were inferred to constipation or the relevant model phenotype.…”

“…Loperamide is a prevalent medication for treating diarrhea in humans and animals that acts on µ-opioid receptors in the large intestine, decreasing intestinal peristaltic activity and increasing the absorption of fluids [15][16][17][18]. Loperamide is also used to study bowel dysfunction and constipation in animal models, including rats, mice, and zebrafish, generating a relevant model of irritable bowel syndrome or opioid-induced bowel dysfunction disorder [19][20][21]. In zebrafish, loperamide treatment was shown to cause a significant decrease in intestinal peristaltic frequency that can be restored by the presence of specific bacteria or acetylcholine [21,22].…”

Effects of Shenling Baizhu powder on pyrotinib-induced diarrhea: analysis of gut microbiota, metabonomics, and network pharmacology

“…Domestic and international clinical guidelines advocate symptomatic treatment with loperamide for TKI-induced diarrhea (Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor). However, loperamide dosage is difficult to control and has been associated with adverse effects, such as constipation [ 34 ]. Furthermore, there is still no safe and effective treatment for TKI-diarrhea, especially pyrotinib-related diarrhea.…”

Effects of Shenling Baizhu Powder on Pyrotinib-Induced Diarrhea: Analysis of Gut Microbiota, Metabonomics, and Network Pharmacology

“…Domestic and international clinical guidelines advocate symptomatic treatment with loperamide for TKIinduced diarrhea (Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor). However, loperamide dosage is di cult to control and has been associated with adverse effects, such as constipation [34]. Furthermore, there is still no safe and effective treatment for TKI-diarrhea, especially pyrotinib-related diarrhea.…”