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薬理と治療
- Authors: Hiroyuki Bito1, et al.
Abstract
Resistant glucan mixture(RGM), a synthetic form of dietary fiber, has been reported to have a laxative effect in humans. In this study, we determined the mechanism of this effect in rats. Rats were fed a control diet or one containing 2.5% or 5.0% RGM for 32 d and feces collected at 5-6 d(1 wk)and 26-27 d(4 wk). A reduction in gastrointestinal transit time was observed in the 5.0% RGM group. Ingestion of 5.0% RGM increased fecal number, wet weight, and water content at both time-points. There was similar fecal recovery of RGM at both time-points(25% and 31% at 1 wk and 19% and 23% at 4 wk for the 2.5% and 5.0% RGM groups, respectively), suggesting that RGM contributes to increased fecal water content by exerting an osmotic effect in the gut lumen. Because of the resistance of RGM to digestion and fermentation, it increased fecal water content, softened the feces, and enhanced ease of defecation, regardless of the period of ingestion. The numbers of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the cecum were greater in the 5.0% RGM group, without any increase in total bacterial numbers. Ingestion of 5.0% RGM lowered the cecal concentration of p-cresol andindole, which are mutagens. In conclusion, ingestion of RGM improved laxation passing intact through the large bowel and increasing fecal water content. In addition, RGM exerted a useful effect on the intestinal environment by stimulating the proliferation of lactic acid︱producing bacteria and reducing putrefactive products.
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