Influences of transcutaneous neuromodulation on fecal microbiota and short chain fatty acids in patients with functional constipation

Jan 22, 2026BMC gastroenterology

Effects of non-invasive nerve stimulation on gut bacteria and digestive acids in people with constipation

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Abstract

Fourteen patients with experienced symptom improvement and increased plasma 5-HT levels after four weeks of treatment.

  • Fecal microbiota richness and diversity were increased in patients with functional constipation before treatment.
  • Baseline fecal metabolomic analysis showed elevated branched-chain in functional constipation patients compared to healthy controls.
  • Transcutaneous neuromodulation treatment did not significantly change short chain fatty acid levels.
  • A correlation between the gut bacteria Blautia and serotonin was observed in functional constipation patients but disappeared after treatment.

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Key numbers

1.5 to 3.0
Increase in Bristol Stool Score
Median score before and after 4-week treatment
~29.2 ng/ml
Increase in plasma 5-HT levels
Plasma 5-HT levels before and after treatment
30.65% vs. 6.85%
Higher abundance of Bacteroidetes
Relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in vs. healthy control group

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