Inulin-induced changes in gut microbiota composition in Functional Constipation

This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial, assessing the effect of four-week daily 12 g chicory inulin intake in 39 individuals, with functional constipation according to Rome III Criteria. Fecal samples were collected at four timepoints, which were during run-in, after the first study period, during the washout and after the second study period. Gut microbiota compositional changes were assessed through 16S rRNA sequencing, to be related to other outcomes, which were stool consistency, frequency and constipation-related quality of life (PAC-QOL) and symptoms (PAC-SYM).

本研究为一项随机、双盲、安慰剂对照交叉试验，旨在评估每日摄入12g菊苣菊糖（chicory inulin）、连续4周对39名符合罗马Ⅲ诊断标准（Rome III Criteria）的功能性便秘患者的干预效应。研究共设置四个时间点采集粪便样本，分别为导入期、第一研究阶段结束时、洗脱期以及第二研究阶段结束时。通过16S核糖体RNA（16S rRNA）测序分析肠道菌群组成变化，并将其与其他结局指标进行关联分析，这些结局指标包括粪便性状、排便频率以及便秘相关生活质量（PAC-QOL）与便秘相关症状（PAC-SYM）。