Evaluation of the Intervention Effect of Bifidobacterium longum on Constipation in Sleep-Deprived Mice

Background/Objectives: It remains unclear whether sleep deprivation induces constipation. This study aimed to evaluate the intervention effects of Bifidobacterium longum 151-1 and BN-BB01 on constipation induced by sleep deprivation in mice, and to explore the underlying mechanism from the perspective of the gut-brain axis, so as to provide a theoretical basis for probiotic intervention in sleep-related gastrointestinal dysfunction. Methods: A mouse model of sleep deprivation was established via the multiple platform water environment method. Through the detection and analysis of relevant indicators, the effects of sleep deprivation on intestinal function in mice were systematically investigated, and the changes in various indicators of mice after Bifidobacterium longum intervention were observed. Results: Sleep deprivation significantly impaired intestinal motility and intestinal mucosal barrier function in mice, reducing fecal water content by approximately 21.4%, prolonging the time to first black stool defecation by about 57 min, and decreasing goblet cell count by nearly 50%. In terms of gastrointestinal hormones and neurotransmitters, sleep deprivation significantly downregulated the levels of excitatory gastrointestinal hormones (MTL, GAS) and excitatory neurotransmitter SP by 22.3%, 14.8%, and 16.2%, respectively. Additionally, sleep deprivation promoted the secretion of the inhibitory neurotransmitter VIP and stress hormone CORT, with their levels increased by 53.1% and 23.8%, respectively. The levels of neurotransmitters including 5HT and GABA were reduced by 15.6% and 23.2%, which ultimately led to a decrease in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels. Intervention with Bifidobacterium longum significantly reversed the above abnormalities. It elevated SCFA levels and upregulated the expression of SCFA receptors GPR41 and GPR109A, promoted the expression of BDNF and GDNF, inhibited HDAC activity, increased the abundance of the beneficial bacterium Akkermansia, and reduced the abundance of the harmful intestinal bacterium Alistipes. Conclusions: Bifidobacterium longum can alleviate sleep deprivation-induced constipation in mice by regulating gut-brain axis function, optimizing intestinal flora structure, modulating the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones and neurotransmitters, and repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier. This study provides a solid theoretical basis for the clinical application of probiotics in the intervention of sleep-related gastrointestinal disorders.