Home-Based Transcutaneous Neuromodulation Improved Constipation via Modulating Gastrointestinal Hormones and Bile Acids

Zhenyang Ge, Zhijun Duan, Hang Yang, Shengai Zhang, Shuang Zhang, Lixia Wang, Dong Yang, Xiaoyu Sun, Zhifeng Zhang, Liping Su, Hong Zhu, Dongdong Zhou, Bojia Liu, Honggang Shi, Jun Yu, Hui Yang, Qingyong Chang, Nina Zhang, Dongsheng Wu, Jiande D.Z. Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the role of transcutaneous neuromodulation (TN) on the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones and bile acids in patients with functional constipation (FC). Twenty FC patients were treated with TN for four weeks. The effects of TN on symptoms were evaluated by questionnaires. Plasma levels of serotonin (5-HT), motilin, somatostatin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were measured by ELISA and 12 individual bile acids assayed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results were as follows. (1) TN treatment increased the frequency of spontaneous bowel movement, improved the Bristol Stool Score, and reduced Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptom score and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life score. (2) FC patients showed decreased plasma levels of 5-HT, motilin, and VIP and an increased plasma level of somatostatin (P<0.05). Four-week TN treatment increased plasma levels of 5-HT and motilin and decreased the plasma level of somatostatin in the FC patients (P<0.05). (3) Taurocholic deoxycholate, taurocholic acid, and taurocholic lithocholic acid were increased in the FC patients (P<0.005) but reduced by TN treatment (P<0.05). This study has suggested that the therapy may improve the symptoms of FC by alleviating the disorders of gastrointestinal hormones and bile acids.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number2086163
JournalEvidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Volume2018
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Complementary and alternative medicine

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