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Is the pattern of solid-phase gastric emptying different between genders?
M Sanaka1, T Yamamoto, H Anjiki
1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicin, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan. kuyama@med.teikyo-u.ac.jp
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|August 9, 2006
Summary
Women show a distinct 13CO2 excretion curve pattern, indicating gender-specific gastric emptying (GE). This 13C-octanoate breath test reveals differences in GE patterns between men and women.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- The 13C-octanoate breath test assesses gastric emptying (GE) patterns.
- Previous studies indicate delayed solid GE in women compared to men.
- Gender-specific differences in GE patterns are hypothesized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the shape of the 13CO2 excretion curve differs between genders.
- To compare the GE patterns derived from the 13C-octanoate breath test in men and women.
Main Methods:
- A dual function y(t) = (a1.tb1 + a2.tb2)e(-K.t) was used to model the 13CO2 excretion curve.
- Breath samples were collected for 4 hours after consuming a 13C-octanoate labeled muffin.
- 31 healthy adults (15 men, 16 women) participated in the study.
Main Results:
- Both genders displayed a biphasic ascending gradient in the 13CO2 excretion curve.
- Women exhibited a steeper initial rise and a more blunted subsequent increase compared to men.
- The descending gradient showed a monotonous decay in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Women demonstrate a gender-specific 13CO2 excretion profile.
- This suggests a distinct gastric emptying pattern in women.
- Potentially stronger post-gastric feedback regulation in women may explain the observed differences.
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