Modulation of gut microbiota ecosystem by a glucan-rich snail mucin heteropolysaccharide attenuates loperamide-induced constipation

Lactitol Alleviates Loperamide-Induced Constipation in Sprague Dawley Rats by Regulating Serotonin, Short-Chain Fatty Acids, and Gut Microbiota

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of lactitol on constipation caused by loperamide in Sprague Dawley rats, with a particular emphasis on its underlying mechanisms and potential health advantages. The lactitol effectively improved fecal parameters, intestinal tissue structure, and the expression of constipation-related gene expression and proteins. Lactitol alleviated fecal weight and water content altered by loperamide and enhanced gastrointestinal transit. The administration also restored mucosal and muscular layer thickness. Mechanistically, lactitol upregulated the mRNA expression and/or protein levels of mucins (MUC2 and MUC4), occludin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens, indicating improved intestinal barrier function. Lactitol positively regulated the composition of cecal microbiota, leading to an increased relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Romboutsia. Conversely, lactitol decreased the relative abundance of Prevotella, Aerococcus, Muribaculum, Blautia, and Ruminococcus. This study demonstrated the potential of lactitol to relieve constipation by modulating the gut microbiota. These findings suggest that lactitol is an alternative to traditional laxatives and has potential as a health-promoting food sweetener.

Snail extract for skin: A review of uses, projections, and limitations

BACKGROUND

Snail mucin is becoming increasingly popular for its wide range of ingredients and potential benefits. Snail extract's widespread appearance in cosmetic formulations encourages an investigation into the medical and cosmetic benefits.

AIMS

This study aims to explore current literature on the variety of snail mucin applications. Specifically, we present a review of the uses, global market estimates and projects, and limitations to snail mucin.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted on PubMed reviewing snail mucin and their application in medical and dermatologic fields examining their uses. Economic reports were also investigated for Global Market estimates.

RESULTS

The therapeutic use of snail mucin in medical fields has been studied as antimicrobial agents, drug delivery vehicles, antitumor agents, wound healing agents, and biomaterial coatings among others. Additionally, the use in cosmetic fields includes antiaging, hydrating, anti-acne, scarring, and hyperpigmentation treatments. It is important to highlight that most studies conducted were preclinical or small clinical studies, stressing the need for additional large-scale clinical trials to support these claims. Investigations into the global market found estimates ranging from $457 million to $1.2 billion with upward projections in the upcoming decade. Limitations include ethical habitats for collection, allergy investigation, and missing clinical studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings presented here emphasize the expanding uses of snail mucin and its ingredients alongside a growing market cosmetic industry should consider. We also emphasize the need for appropriate clinical trials into the stated benefits of snail mucin to ensure consumer safety and ethical extraction of mucin.