Are you constipated? This may happen because of these two bacteria

A pair of gut bacteria can cause constipation

By Jackie Flynn Mogensen Edited by Claire Cameron

It’s a disease as unfortunate as it is ubiquitous: At some point in our lives, we will become constipated. Our gut is a delicate flower, and sometimes it can’t withstand even Even the slightest change in our diet or environment: Low water intake, lack of adequate dietary fiber, a sedentary lifestyle, medications, and more can keep you from “going.”

Gut bacteria are important for ensuring healthy digestion and bowel movements. But two species of bacteria can also cause constipation: according to a new study, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron And akkermansia muciniphila They appear to work together to break down colonic mucin, which is the sticky layer in our colon that helps our stool move through. Too little mucin means a drier and more constipation-prone colon.

“What excites me most about this study is that we have identified a specific mechanism by which gut bacteria can cause constipation,” says Tomonari Hamaguchi, a lecturer at Nagoya University in Japan and lead author of the study. He noted that constipation occurs due to certain reasons 2.5 million Doctor visits every year in America

On supporting science journalism

If you enjoyed this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism Subscribing By purchasing a subscription, you are helping ensure a future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

“Yet for many patients, current treatments provide only temporary relief because the underlying cause remains unknown,” he says.

In the study, which was published this week intestinal microorganisms, Researchers modified a bacteria, B. thetaiotaomicron To prevent it from breaking down the mucin. Then they transplanted it and other bacteria, A. muciniphila, In rats.

Interestingly, the colon mucin of the mice remained intact. And the animals remained regular, with no signs of constipation. The findings indicate that both bacteria together pose a threat to mucin, rather than just one or the other.

It’s not clear how widespread these bacteria are in people, but the results could open the door to new treatments for chronic constipation, especially for people who aren’t getting any relief from drugs and treatments already on the market. according to a guessAs many as one in five people in North America may have chronic constipation, and it is more common in women and older people.

“Not all constipation has the same cause, and if we can identify patients with this bacterial mechanism – for example, by measuring stool akkermansia levels as biomarkers – we may be able to move toward personalized treatment strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all solution,” Hamaguchi says.

It’s time to stand up for science

If you enjoyed this article, I would like to ask for your support. scientific American He has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most important moment in that two-century history.

i have been one scientific American I’ve been a member since I was 12, and it’s helped shape the way I see the world. Science Always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does the same for you.

if you agree scientific AmericanYou help ensure that our coverage focuses on meaningful research and discovery; We have the resources to report on decisions that put laboratories across America at risk; And that we support both emerging and working scientists at a time when the value of science is too often recognised.

In return, you get the news you need, Captivating podcasts, great infographics, Don’t miss the newsletter, be sure to watch the video, Challenging games, and the best writing and reporting from the world of science. you can even Gift a membership to someone.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you will support us in that mission.