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Short chain fatty acid in intestinal obstruction
The Japanese Journal of Surgery
|March 1, 1983
Summary
Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bacteria were measured in patients with intestinal obstruction. Elevated SCFA levels correlated with bowel distention, suggesting a role in fluid absorption inhibition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency.
- The role of enteric bacteria and their metabolites in intestinal obstruction is not fully understood.
- Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are bacterial fermentation products with known physiological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concentration of SCFAs and the presence of SCFA-producing bacteria in the enteric fluid of patients with non-strangulated intestinal obstruction.
- To explore the relationship between SCFA levels, bacterial load, and clinical parameters.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of enteric fluid samples from 26 patients with non-strangulated intestinal obstruction.
- Quantification of SCFAs (acetic, propionic, lactic acid) using chromatography.
- Bacterial cultures to determine the concentration of SCFA-producing bacteria.
Main Results:
- SCFAs were detected in all samples, ranging from 16 to 905 mg/L, with acetic, propionic, and lactic acids being predominant.
- SCFA concentrations peaked around the time of surgery and decreased with clinical improvement.
- High concentrations of SCFA-producing bacteria (10(4-11)/ml) were identified in enteric samples.
Conclusions:
- Elevated SCFA levels in intestinal obstruction may contribute to the inhibition of water and electrolyte absorption.
- SCFAs and associated bacteria are implicated in the pathogenesis of bowel distention in intestinal obstruction.