Gut Bacteria Ruin Colon Mucus, Cause Constipation

Scientists have pinpointed two specific gut bacteria, Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, as triggers for chronic constipation. These microbes work sequentially to degrade the colon's protective mucus lining, a crucial barrier that maintains stool moisture and facilitates passage.

This degradation process leaves stool dry and hard, offering a scientific explanation for why common treatments like laxatives frequently fail. The findings are particularly relevant for individuals with treatment-resistant constipation, including those with Parkinson's disease, where constipation can precede motor symptoms by decades.

The research revealed that Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron first removes sulfate groups from mucin, which normally shield it. Akkermansia muciniphila then proceeds to break down the exposed mucin. This mechanism suggests that therapies targeting the sulfatase enzyme could offer new avenues for treatment.

Experiments with genetically modified bacteria in mice demonstrated that disabling the sulfatase enzyme prevented mucin degradation and constipation. This opens the door for medicines that block sulfatase activity to combat bacterial constipation. The study highlights the importance of protecting the colon's mucus barrier in managing chronic constipation.