Based on our in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of gastrointestinal diseases, Ace Therapeutics is able to provide researchers with professional research solutions for diarrhea-related disease research projects and to advance the development of laxatives.
Introduction to Laxatives
Laxatives are a class of drugs that are widely used in the adjuvant treatment of constipation and certain gastrointestinal diseases by promoting defecation, increasing the rate of elimination of intestinal contents, or improving the nature of feces. According to their mechanism of action, laxatives can be categorized into different types, which are suitable for special purposes such as defecation disorders caused by functional or organic etiology, and preoperative bowel cleansing.
- For Functional Constipation
Functional constipation, usually due to impaired bowel motility, delayed colonic transit, or outlet obstruction, can be ameliorated by volumetric laxatives for chronic constipation or osmotic laxatives to soften the stool. For persistent constipation, laxatives that promote secretion and microecological agents can be used in combination.
- For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C)
IBS-C (constipation type) is characterized by difficulty defecation and abdominal distension. In the clinic, pro-secretory laxatives or osmotic laxatives can be used to improve bowel movement and defecation and relieve symptoms. Microecological agents can also be used to regulate the flora and assist in relieving constipation and bloating.
Figure 1. Interacting pathways between microbiota, prebiotics, dietary fibre, gut and brain affecting constipation. (Erhardt R., et al. 2023)
Types of Laxatives We Can Develop
Laxatives are a large group of medications that stimulate bowel movements and promote defecation. For different types of laxatives as follows, we can provide customized drug development and preclinical efficacy study services.
- Volumetric laxatives
- Osmotic Laxatives
- Stimulant Laxatives
- Lubricating Laxatives
- Pro-secretory Laxatives
What Can We Do for the Development of Laxatives
In Vitro Studies
We utilize isolated intestinal tissues, cellular models, or artificial simulation systems to study the effects of laxatives on intestinal motility, fluid secretion, and ion permeability.
- Ex Vivo Intestinal Smooth Muscle Contraction Assays
Remove intestinal segments from rats or guinea pigs, place the intestinal segments in an organic bath, maintain 37℃ and oxygenated conditions, add different concentrations of laxatives, and observe the effect of laxatives on intestinal smooth muscle contractions.
- Ion Transport and Intestinal Secretion Assays
Study the effect of laxatives on short circuit current changes and ion transport properties of intestinal epithelial cells.
Study the effect of laxatives on sodium, chloride or calcium ion channels.
Evaluate the effects of laxatives on ion transport and fluid secretion in intestinal epithelial cells.
In Vivo Studies
We conduct in vivo experiments to assess the effect of laxatives on promoting defecation, softening feces, and ameliorating constipation by establishing animal models.
- Bowel Movement Volume and Frequency Measurement
Collect feces over a fixed period of time, measure its weight and volume, and assess the direct effect of laxatives on promoting bowel movements.
- Stool Moisture Content Measurement
Dry the stools and weigh them to calculate the water content and test the effect of the laxative on softening the stools.
- Electrolyte and Water Transport Analysis
Collect samples of intestinal contents and blood to determine sodium, potassium, chloride, and water concentrations to test the effect of laxatives on water and electrolyte transport in the intestine.
By providing comprehensive in vitro and in vivo evaluation services, Ace Therapeutics helps pharmaceutical companies and research organizations develop novel laxatives for the treatment of diseases such as functional constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. If you are interested in our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Reference
- Erhardt, R.; et al. Functional constipation and the effect of prebiotics on the gut microbiota: a review. Br J Nutr. 2023, 130(6):1015-1023.
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