Prophylactic treatment with Lactobacillus acidophilus C4 ameliorates functional constipation in mice by enhancing intestinal peristalsis, protecting the intestinal barrier through upregulation of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin, and modulating inflammation by decreasing IL-1β while increasing IL-10.
Prophylactic treatment with L. acidophilus C4 prior to functional constipation onset significantly reduced impairment of defecation function in a mouse model.
L. acidophilus C4 treatment increased intestinal transit rate in constipated mice.
L. acidophilus C4 increased the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin, indicating a protective effect on the intestinal barrier.
L. acidophilus C4 modulated the inflammatory response by decreasing the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.
L. acidophilus C4 exhibits high compatibility with the human intestinal microenvironment, supporting its potential for clinical application.
This research suggests that a specific strain of the common probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus, called C4, which was originally isolated from a healthy child's stool, can help prevent and reduce constipation symptoms in mice. When given to mice before constipation was induced, it improved their ability to defecate and sped up the movement of food through their intestines. The researchers also found that this bacterial strain helped keep the intestinal lining intact by boosting proteins that hold intestinal cells tightly together, which is important for a healthy gut barrier. Beyond physical gut function, L. acidophilus C4 also appeared to reduce inflammation in the gut. It lowered levels of a protein that promotes inflammation (IL-1β) while raising levels of one that reduces it (IL-10), suggesting the strain helps keep the gut's immune response in balance. Together, these effects on gut movement, barrier integrity, and inflammation provide a multi-pronged explanation for how the strain may relieve constipation. This research suggests that L. acidophilus C4 could be a promising candidate for developing probiotic-based treatments for functional constipation, a condition that significantly affects quality of life and currently has limited non-pharmaceutical options. Because the strain originates from the human gut, the authors argue it is well-suited for eventual clinical testing in humans, though further research beyond this mouse model would be needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness in people.
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Upload Your LabsYan H, Jia Q, Liu J, Hua X, Cui Y, Jian W, et al.. (2026). Lactobacillus acidophilus C4 ameliorates constipation in mice.. Microbiology spectrum. https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02950-25