Key role of down-regulated in adenoma (SLC26A3) chloride/bicarbonate exchanger in linaclotide-stimulated intestinal bicarbonate secretion upon loss of CFTR function (Updated April 22, 2024).

According to a preprint abstract from biorxiv.org, researchers have found that linaclotide, a medication used to treat constipation, may also stimulate duodenal bicarbonate secretion. This is important because duodenal bicarbonate secretion is critical for epithelial protection and nutrient digestion/absorption, but it is impaired in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). The study found that linaclotide increased bicarbonate secretion in both mouse and human duodenum, even in the absence of CFTR expression or function. The researchers also identified a chloride/bicarbonate exchanger called down-regulated in adenoma (DRA) that may compensate for the loss of CFTR in regulating luminal pH. These findings suggest that linaclotide may be a useful therapy for CF individuals with impaired bicarbonate secretion. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]