This study aims to investigate the role of transcutaneous neuromodulation (TN) on the regulation of
gastrointestinal hormones and
bile acids in patients with functional
constipation (FC). Twenty FC patients were treated with TN for four weeks. The effects of TN on symptoms were evaluated by questionnaires. Plasma levels of
serotonin (5-HT),
motilin,
somatostatin, and
vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were measured by ELISA and 12 individual
bile acids assayed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results were as follows. (1) TN treatment increased the frequency of spontaneous bowel movement, improved the Bristol Stool Score, and reduced Patient Assessment of
Constipation Symptom score and Patient Assessment of
Constipation Quality of Life score. (2) FC patients showed decreased plasma levels of
5-HT,
motilin, and VIP and an increased plasma level of
somatostatin (P < 0.05). Four-week TN treatment increased plasma levels of
5-HT and
motilin and decreased the plasma level of
somatostatin in the FC patients (P < 0.05). (3) Taurocholic
deoxycholate,
taurocholic acid, and taurocholic
lithocholic acid were increased in the FC patients (P < 0.005) but reduced by TN treatment (P < 0.05). This study has suggested that the
therapy may improve the symptoms of FC by alleviating the disorders of
gastrointestinal hormones and
bile acids.