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Lipid peroxidation and electrogenic ion transport in the jejunum of the vitamin E deficient rat
K J Lindley1, M A Goss-Sampson, D P Muller
1Gastroenterology Unit, Institute of Child Health, London.
Insights
Vitamin E deficiency in rats increased oxidative stress and small intestinal hypersecretion. This suggests a link between antioxidant depletion, gut dysfunction, and protracted diarrhea in children.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Oxidative stress from depleted antioxidant defenses is linked to malnutrition, malabsorption, and infection, contributing to protracted diarrhea in children.
- Vitamin E is a crucial antioxidant, and its deficiency can impair cellular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic vitamin E deficiency on jejunal structure and function in a rat model.
- To explore the relationship between antioxidant depletion, oxidative stress, and small intestinal hypersecretion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a rat model of chronic vitamin E deficiency.
- Measured intestinal short-circuit current (Isc) to assess ion transport.
- Assessed lipid peroxidation indices (TBARS, MDA) and brush border membrane fluidity.
Main Results:
- Vitamin E deficient jejuna exhibited increased basal and stimulated electrogenic ion transport (Isc) in response to aminophylline and E. coli STa.
- Elevated markers of lipid peroxidation and altered membrane fluidity were observed in vitamin E deficient small intestines.
- Galactose-stimulated current was also significantly higher in deficient jejuna.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative stress resulting from compromised antioxidant defenses, like vitamin E deficiency, leads to small intestinal hypersecretion.
- This hypersecretion may predispose to or perpetuate conditions such as protracted diarrhea.
Abstract:
Increased concentrations of reactive oxygen species in children with depleted antioxidant defences have been implicated in a cycle of malnutrition, malabsorption, and infection leading to protracted diarrhoea. A rat model of chronic vitamin E deficiency has been used to study the effects of antioxidant depletion on jejunal structure and function in vitro. Basal intestinal short circuit current (Isc), a measure of net electrogenic ion movement across the intestinal epithelium, was greater in chronically vitamin E deficient jejuna than controls, as was the electrogenic secretory response to aminophylline and Escherichia coli STa but not to bethanechol. The galactose stimulated current was also greater in vitamin E deficient jejuna. Indices of lipid peroxidation (concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and malondialdehyde) were increased in the vitamin E deficient small bowel. Small intestinal brush border membranes from vitamin E deficient animals displayed changes in both static and dynamic components of membrane fluidity measured by steady state fluorescence polarography. The results of these studies support the hypothesis that oxidative stress in subjects with compromised antioxidant defences results in small intestinal hypersecretion, which could predispose to or perpetuate protracted diarrhoea.
