Lactiplantibacillus plantarum T34 alleviates constipation by enhancing intestinal barrier and modulating gut homeostasis

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal condition. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum T34 has been demonstrated efficacy in relieving loperamide-induced constipation in mice model. Oral intervention of L. plantarum T34 (1 × 10 8  CFU/mouse/day) resulted in improved defecation and enhanced intestinal morphology. Mechanistic studies revealed that L. plantarum T34 strengthend the intestinal barrier through the upregulation of tight junction protein genes, specifically Claudin-1 , as well as mucosal barrier proteins such as Muc2 and Muc3 . Additionally, L. plantarum T34 modulated gut homeostasis by influencing the expression of aquaporin genes, levels of the gut neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT), and oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, L. plantarum T34 effectively restored the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota, addressing dysbiosis linked to constipation. These findings suggested that L. plantarum T34 may serve as a promising probiotic intervention for managing constipation, offering a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments.