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Burn and starvation increase programmed cell death in small bowel epithelial cells
M G Jeschke1, M A Debroy, S E Wolf
1Shriners Hospital for Children and Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550, USA.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|March 11, 2000
Summary
Severe burn and starvation increase gut mucosal cell death (apoptosis). Early enteral feeding can help maintain gut integrity after injury, as the effects of burn and starvation are not additive.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Gut mucosal homeostasis relies on balanced cell proliferation and death.
- Severe burn and starvation compromise gut mucosal integrity.
- Understanding the combined effects on small bowel epithelium is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of burn, starvation, and their combination on small bowel epithelial apoptosis and proliferation.
- To assess the role of enteral feeding in mitigating these effects.
Main Methods:
- Adult male Fischer 344 rats underwent a 60% full-thickness scald burn.
- Animals were divided into fed and starved groups.
- Apoptosis was quantified using TUNEL staining; proliferation by BrdU incorporation at 12, 24, and 48 hours post-injury.
Main Results:
- Burn injury increased apoptosis at 12 hours post-injury in starved rats.
- Starvation significantly elevated apoptosis at 24 and 48 hours, independent of burn.
- No significant differences in mucosal epithelial cell proliferation were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Both burn and starvation independently increase small bowel mucosal apoptosis.
- The effects of burn and starvation on apoptosis are not additive.
- Early enteral feeding is vital for maintaining mucosal integrity post-injury.