Gut Microbiota and SCFA Alterations Identified in IBS-C Patients
Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder with unclear biological mechanisms. A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology reports distinct alterations in gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism among patients with IBS-C in China, offering insights into potential pathogenic pathways and therapeutic targets.
Study Findings
Researchers from the First Hospital of Tsinghua University in Beijing conducted a case-control study to characterize gut microbial and metabolic profiles in IBS-C. The study enrolled 22 adults with IBS-C and 22 healthy controls between January and December 2023. Stool samples underwent integrated metagenomic sequencing and metabolomic analysis.
Overall gut microbial diversity did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). However, 6 bacterial species showed differential abundance. Notably, individuals with IBS-C had significantly lower levels of Megasphaera elsdenii, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Alistipes inops compared with controls (all p < 0.05). These taxa are generally considered beneficial and have been associated with gut health and anti-inflammatory effects.
Metabolomic profiling revealed that most differential metabolites were enriched in pathways related to SCFA metabolism. Levels of key SCFAs—including acetate, propionate, and butyrate—were significantly reduced in the IBS-C group. In parallel, investigators observed a trend toward increased concentrations of leukotriene D5, a metabolite linked to proinflammatory activity, suggesting possible low-grade inflammation.
Clinical Implications
These findings are clinically relevant for gastroenterologists and other health care professionals managing IBS-C. SCFAs play a central role in colonic motility, epithelial barrier integrity, and immune regulation. Reduced SCFA levels may contribute to constipation, visceral hypersensitivity, and dysregulated gut–brain signaling seen in IBS-C.
The reduced abundance of Bifidobacterium bifidum and other beneficial taxa also supports a role for targeted microbiota modulation. Dietary interventions, prebiotics, probiotics, or postbiotic strategies aimed at restoring SCFA production may represent rational adjunctive approaches to symptom management.
Additionally, the observed trend toward increased proinflammatory metabolites aligns with emerging evidence that IBS-C may involve subtle inflammatory processes rather than being purely functional. This may help explain variable patient responses to conventional laxatives and highlights the need for more personalized treatment strategies.
By linking reduced beneficial bacteria and SCFAs with possible inflammatory signaling, the findings may inform future microbiota-targeted therapies for IBS-C.
Reference
Wang YL, Xu XQ, Long YY, Cheng YL. Characterization of gut microbiota and metabolites in individuals with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Front Microbiol. 2025;16:1617288. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1617288© 2026 HMP Global. All Rights Reserved.
