Metagenome Analysis of Gut Microbiota in CC Patients

1. Chronic constipation according to Rome III criteria;
2. Age ≥ 18 years;
3. BMI: 18.5-25kg/m2;

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Bowel constipation due to innate factor (e.g. megacolon) or secondary interventions (e.g. drugs, endocrine, metabolic, neurologic or psychologic disorders);
2. History or evidence of gastrointestinal diseases (e.g. cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases);
3. Previous abdominal surgery, except cholecystectomy, appendicectomy, tubal ligation and cesarean section;
4. Previous proctological or perianal surgery;
5. Rectal prolapse and/or grade 3-4 internal hemorrhoids according to AGA classification;
6. A constipation condition meeting the Rome III criteria for IBS or functional abdominal pain syndrome;
7. Pregnant or breast-feeding women;
8. Infection with enteric pathogen;
9. Usage of probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics or PPIs within the last month;
10. Smoking or alcohol addiction within the last 3 months;
11. Uncontrolled hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, respiratory or psychiatric disease;
12. Disease or therapy with drugs (e.g. antidepressants, opioid narcotic analgesics, anticholinergics, calcium antagonists, nitrates, antimuscarinics) that, in the opinion of the investigator, could affect intestinal transit and microbiota.