Glutamine on the luminal microbial environment after massive small bowel resection

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Surgical Research

Background:

• Short bowel syndrome (SBS) presents challenges in nutrient absorption and gut barrier integrity.
• Bacterial translocation (BT), the movement of gut bacteria to systemic circulation, is a significant complication in SBS.
• The role of glutamine (GLN) in modulating the gut microbiome and barrier function in SBS requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of oral glutamine (GLN) on luminal microbes and bacterial translocation (BT) in a rat model of short bowel.
• To assess the impact of GLN on mucosal growth and barrier function in the context of short bowel.

Main Methods:

• Forty-five Wistar rats underwent 85% small bowel resection, divided into control (elemental diet), glycine-supplemented, and GLN-supplemented groups.
• Dietary interventions included elemental diet (EmD), EmD+2% glycine, and EmD+2% GLN.
• Microbial cultures from cecal contents, caval blood, and tissues (liver, spleen, lymph nodes) were performed, alongside histomorphometric analysis of the mucosa.

Main Results:

• Glutamine supplementation significantly increased mucosal growth compared to glycine.
• Bacterial translocation (BT) incidence was markedly reduced in the GLN group (2/15) compared to control (7/15) and glycine (8/15) groups.
• While cecal microbial counts increased more in the glycine group, GLN appeared to suppress overall microbial load in blood and tissues.

Conclusions:

• Oral glutamine (GLN) supplementation demonstrates a protective effect in short bowel by reducing bacterial translocation (BT).
• GLN enhances mucosal proliferation and barrier function, contributing to its beneficial effects in short bowel syndrome.
• Glutamine may suppress luminal microbes, thereby mitigating the risk of systemic bacterial dissemination in compromised gut states.