Fecal short-chain fatty acids associated with inflammation in cotton-top tamarin model for idiopathic colitis

This study measured fecal levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) relative to the severity of colitis in the cotton-top tamarin model of colitis and colon cancer. Severity of colitis was classified as mild, moderate, or severe by subjective scoring of colonic mucosal biopsies and quantification of inflammatory cell infiltrates in the lamina propria. SCFAs were determined by gas chromatography of SCFAs extracted from fresh feces. Tamarins with moderate or severe colitis had significantly reduced levels of fecal SCFAs. The percent dry matter of feces declined significantly in moderate and severe colitis, while total dry matter output per day increased, indicating that moderate and severe colitis in tamarins was associated with diarrhea and increased fecal water loss. In conclusion, this study found colitis in the tamarin model was associated with decreased fecal SCFA levels and progressive inflammation in a pattern similar to human colitis.