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Inhibition of bacterial translocation in obstructive jaundice by muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine in the
J W Ding1, R Andersson, V L Soltesz
1Department of Surgery, Lund University Hospital, Sweden.
Abstract:
Obstructive jaundice is frequently associated with septic complications and enteric bacteria have been isolated from both the infectious focus and bile in jaundiced patients. The present study aimed to evaluate bacterial translocation and the influence of a macrophage-stimulant (muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine) on bacterial translocation in obstructive jaundice. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to sham operation (n = 10) or common bile-duct ligation and transection (n = 35). Two weeks later, jaundiced animals received either physiological saline (n = 15), muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine liposomes (n = 10) or placebo (empty) liposomes (n = 10) orally, while sham-operated rats received physiological saline, 48 h prior to evaluation of enteric bacterial translocation. Blood, bile and caecal contents were collected and cultured aerobically and anaerobically, as were tissue samples from the liver, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. Positive mesenteric lymph node cultures in animals with jaundice + saline (7/15; 47%) and jaundice + placebo liposomes (4/10; 40%) significantly differed (p < 0.05) from sham-operated animals (1/10; 10%) and muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine treated animals (0/10). Caecal counts (CFU/g) of Escherichia coli, Lactobacilli and aerobic and microaerobic bacteria did not differ statistically among the groups, although the number of E. coli tended to be higher in jaundiced animals. Thus, liposomal muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine inhibits bacterial translocation, probably by activating mucosal macrophages and enhancing reticuloendothelial system function in rats with biliary obstruction.
Insights
Bacterial translocation in obstructive jaundice was reduced by muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (MTPE). This macrophage stimulant likely enhances immune function, preventing gut bacteria from entering the bloodstream in jaundiced rats.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Sepsis Research
Background:
- Obstructive jaundice often leads to septic complications.
- Enteric bacteria are frequently found in the bile and infection sites of jaundiced patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bacterial translocation in obstructive jaundice.
- To assess the effect of muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (MTPE) on bacterial translocation.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent bile-duct ligation to induce jaundice or a sham operation.
- Jaundiced rats received saline, MTPE liposomes, or placebo liposomes orally.
- Bacterial translocation was evaluated by culturing blood, bile, and tissues.
Main Results:
- Mesenteric lymph node cultures were positive in 47% of jaundiced rats receiving saline and 40% receiving placebo liposomes.
- No positive mesenteric lymph node cultures were observed in rats treated with MTPE liposomes.
- MTPE treatment significantly reduced bacterial translocation compared to controls (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Liposomal MTPE effectively inhibits bacterial translocation in rats with biliary obstruction.
- MTPE likely enhances mucosal macrophage activity and reticuloendothelial system function.
- This suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing sepsis in obstructive jaundice.