Gastrointestinal
Nagoya University study links chronic constipation to mucus-degrading gut bacteria, suggests new treatment target
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Researchers at Nagoya University report that two common gut microbes can work together to break down the colon’s protective mucus layer, leaving stool dry and difficult to pass—an effect that standard laxatives may not address. The team also found higher levels of these bacteria in people with Parkinson’s disease, who often experience constipation decades before motor symptoms, and showed in mice that disabling a key bacterial enzyme prevented constipation.
A new genetic analysis has identified key DNA regions influencing how often people have bowel movements, with a surprising link to vitamin B1. Researchers analyzed data from over 268,000 individuals and found that higher thiamine intake correlates with more frequent stools, depending on genetic variations. The findings, published in Gut, suggest new pathways for studying gut disorders like irritable bowel syndrome.