Effect of dietary fiber on morphine-induced constipation in rats

Takashi Niwa, Makoto Nakao, Seiko Hoshi, Kiyofumi Yamada, Kazuhiro Inagaki, Mikio Nishida, Toshitaka Nabeshima

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Morphine is used to alleviate chronic cancer pain. However, constipation is a major adverse effect that often detracts from the patient's quality of life. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of dietary fiber on morphine-induced constipation. Rats were fed on a normal diet or one containing either 10% or 20% apple fiber for two weeks before morphine was administered. In the control diet group, the fecal number and dry weight were decreased by treating with morphine in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the motility of the small and large intestines was reduced. The fecal number and weight were increased and the colon motility was promoted by dietary fiber, regardless of whether morphine was being administered. The dietary fiber increased the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecum. These results suggest that dietary fiber has a preventative effect on morphine-induced constipation by increasing SCFAs in the cecum, and thereby promoting colon motility in rats.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1233-1240
Number of pages8
JournalBioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry
Volume66
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01-01-2002
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine

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