Bifidobacterium adolescentis Strengthens Gut Barrier in Post-Voyage Functional Constipation

Prolonged periods of sailing may contribute to the development of functional constipation, which can significantly impair an individual's work efficiency. Currently, the efficacy of <i>Bifidobacteria</i> in treating functional constipation is gaining recognition. However, since the therapeutic effects of <i>Bifidobacteria</i> are strain-specific, further research is required on strains isolated from pre-voyage fecal samples. This study examines the role of gut microbiota in post-stroke constipation, aiming to identify specific microbial biomarkers for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. <i>B. adolescentis</i> was identified through metagenomic analysis and subsequently isolated for validation. In the experimental group (EG), C57BL/6J mice received fecal suspension treatment following a 12-day navigation period, which was subsequently followed by a 12-day oral administration of <i>B. adolescentis</i>. After treatment, EG significantly improved fecal volume, intestinal motility, and goblet cells; reversed microbial ecological imbalance; reduced pathogens (<i>E. coli</i> and <i>Klebsiella</i>) by restoring arginine/bile acid metabolism, decreasing Tauro-ursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) content, 5-Hydroxytryptamine 4 Receptor (5-HT4R)/<i>Slc8a1</i> signaling, and Ca²⁺ signaling pathway; and restoring beneficial species (<i>B. adolescentis</i>, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>). This study provides new insights into probiotics in improving human intestinal health.