Abstract

This study aims to investigate the role of transcutaneous neuromodulation (TN) on the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones and bile acids in patients with functional constipation (FC). Twenty FC patients were treated with TN for four weeks. The effects of TN on symptoms were evaluated by questionnaires. Plasma levels of serotonin (5-HT), motilin, somatostatin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were measured by ELISA and 12 individual bile acids assayed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results were as follows. (1) TN treatment increased the frequency of spontaneous bowel movement, improved the Bristol Stool Score, and reduced Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptom score and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life score. (2) FC patients showed decreased plasma levels of 5-HT, motilin, and VIP and an increased plasma level of somatostatin (P < 0.05). Four-week TN treatment increased plasma levels of 5-HT and motilin and decreased the plasma level of somatostatin in the FC patients (P < 0.05). (3) Taurocholic deoxycholate, taurocholic acid, and taurocholic lithocholic acid were increased in the FC patients (P < 0.005) but reduced by TN treatment (P < 0.05). This study has suggested that the therapy may improve the symptoms of FC by alleviating the disorders of gastrointestinal hormones and bile acids.

Highlights

  • Functional constipation (FC) is mainly characterized by a low defecation frequency, defecation difficulty, and incomplete defecation

  • Demonstrated by questionnaires of Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptom (PAC-SYM) and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) transcutaneous neuromodulation (TN) treatment significant improved constipation symptoms and life qualities, which is consistent with the previous study [7]

  • Plasma levels of taurocholic deoxycholate (TDCA), taurocholic acid (TCA), and taurocholic lithocholic acid (TLCA) were downregulated by TN

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Summary

Introduction

Functional constipation (FC) is mainly characterized by a low defecation frequency, defecation difficulty, and incomplete defecation. The prevalence of FC has been high in female and elderly [1]. FC is classified as follows: Slow Transit Constipation (STC), Defecatory Disorder (DD), and Normal Transit Constipation (NTC) [2]. Traditional treatment is mainly focused on drugs such as leavening agent, osmotic laxatives, stimulant laxatives, prosecretory agents, and prokinetic agents [3]. The bile acid regulator has become a widely applied medical. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine therapy [4].

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