Luminal solutions protect mucosal barrier during extended preservation

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Transplantation Biology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Intestinal preservation (IP) injury increases infection risk.
• Luminal amino acids and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) may enhance preservation.
• This study investigates glutamine and PEG's effect on mucosal injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of intraluminal polyethylene glycol (PEG) and L-glutamine on mucosal injury during rat intestinal preservation.
• To assess the preservation of mucosal barrier integrity and tight-junction proteins.

Main Methods:

• Rat intestines were preserved using Viaspan-University of Wisconsin solution.
• Intraluminal solutions of PEG 3350, with or without L-glutamine, were administered.
• Histology, goblet cell counts, tight-junction protein analysis, and enzyme activity were assessed.

Main Results:

• Luminal PEG and glutamine (group 2) significantly improved mucosal integrity compared to PEG alone (group 1) and controls (group 3).
• Group 2 showed preserved mucosa after 24 hours, reduced caspase-3 activity, and maintained zonula occludens-1 expression.
• Controls exhibited significant subepithelial edema and goblet cell depletion.

Conclusions:

• Luminal polyethylene glycol (PEG) and glutamine effectively delay epithelial breakdown during extended intestinal preservation.
• These agents preserve critical mucosal features, offering a promising strategy for improving organ preservation outcomes.