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Sepsis impairs gut amino acid absorption
M Sodeyama1, K R Gardiner, M C Regan
1Department of Surgery, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Maryland 21215.
American Journal of Surgery
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Sepsis significantly impairs intestinal absorption of essential amino acids like arginine. This reduced gut absorptive function may hinder nutritional support during sepsis, potentially increasing patient mortality.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Sepsis Research
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Sepsis is known to disrupt small intestine barrier and metabolic functions, reduce blood flow, and cause damage.
- The impact of sepsis on the gut's absorptive capacity remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of sepsis on intestinal absorption of amino acids.
- To evaluate the absorptive function of the small intestine in an experimental sepsis model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in vivo and in vitro techniques to study intestinal absorption.
- Measured absorption of arginine and aminoisobutyric acid in a sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture.
- Assessed amino acid uptake using everted gut sacs.
Main Results:
- Sepsis significantly impaired the in vivo intestinal absorption of both arginine and aminoisobutyric acid at 24 and 72 hours post-induction.
- In vitro studies confirmed a significant reduction in amino acid uptake by everted gut sacs from septic animals.
- Demonstrated a decreased absorptive capacity of the small intestine during sepsis.
Conclusions:
- Sepsis markedly reduces the small intestine's ability to absorb essential amino acids.
- Impaired gut absorption during sepsis may compromise the efficacy of enteral nutrition.
- This diminished absorptive function could contribute to sepsis-related morbidity and mortality.