Effect of Probiotic on Comorbidity of Depression and Constipation

Depressive disorder, also known as depression, is a type of mood disorder characterized by persistent low mood. The incidence of depression worldwide is about 6%. The high comorbidity rate between depression and constipation indicated the role of the gut-brain axis in depression. Growing evidence suggested that the gut microbiota plays a key role in the development of depression. Probiotics can effectively improve constipation and regulate gut microbiota, and showed potential in alleviating depression. This study investigated the effect of formula probiotic (containing Lactobacillus paracasei, Bifidobacterium animals, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus plantarum) on the comorbidity of depression and constipation.

Formula probiotic contains freeze-dried Lactobacillus paracasei, Bifidobacterium animals, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus plantarum, each at a dosage of 3.0 × 10^10 colony forming unit per 2g sachet.

Placebo made with only the excipients. The placebo sachet was matched to the study probiotic products for taste, color, and size.

Depressive symptoms as measured with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. The score rangs from 0 to 53. The higher score means severer depressive symptoms.

Constipation symptoms as measured with the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptom. The score ranges from 0 to 48. The higher score means severer constipated symptoms.

Serum concentrations of tryptophan metabolites quantified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry

Stool form measured with the Bristol Stool Form Scale, which classify the form of human faeces into seven types, successively named type 1 to type 7. Types 1 and 2 indicate constipation, with 3 and 4 being the ideal stools as they are easy to defecate while not containing excess liquid, 5 indicating lack of dietary fiber, and 6 and 7 indicate diarrhoea.

Inclusion Criteria: Normal body mass index ≥ 18.5 until ≤ 29.9 Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) score not less than 8 Meet the ROME III criteria for functional constipation Agreed to intake study product during the study period Agreed to sign written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Use of systemic antibiotics or antimycotics medication in the 30 days prior to the study Investigator's uncertainty about the willingness or ability of subject to comply with the protocol requirements Persons with a milk protein allergy, lactose intolerance Pregnant or breastfeeding women Subject had other serious diseases

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