High-protein diet improves postoperative weight gain after massive small-bowel resection

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Nutrition
• Animal Models

Background:

• Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a severe condition following massive small-bowel resection (SBR), leading to significant post-operative weight loss.
• Understanding nutritional strategies to mitigate weight loss and improve recovery after SBR is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a high-protein diet (HPD) on weight gain and body composition in a mouse model of SBR.
• To compare the efficacy of HPD versus a standard liquid diet (LD) in promoting recovery after SBR.

Main Methods:

• C57BL/6 mice underwent 50% proximal SBR and were randomized to receive either a standard liquid diet (LD) or an isocaloric high-protein diet (HPD) for 28 days.
• Daily weight measurements and weekly body composition analyses were performed.
• Statistical significance was determined using Student's t test (p < 0.05).

Main Results:

• Mice on HPD regained baseline weight by postoperative day (POD) 8, compared to POD 22 for mice on LD.
• Significantly greater total fat mass and lean mass were observed in the HPD group by POD 14.
• Both dietary groups exhibited normal intestinal structural adaptation.

Conclusions:

• A high-protein diet promotes accelerated weight gain and enhanced body composition in mice following SBR.
• These findings suggest that HPD could be a valuable therapeutic strategy to improve recovery and potentially shorten the duration of parenteral nutrition in patients with SBS.