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[Intestinal permeability in alcoholic patients without liver damage]
S Hirsch1, G Cháves, M Gotteland
1Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos y Campus Central, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile.
Revista Medica De Chile
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Chronic alcoholism did not alter intestinal permeability in early abstinence. The lactulose/mannitol ratio remained similar between alcoholic patients and controls, indicating no significant changes in gut barrier function.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Toxicology
Background:
- Chronic alcoholism is suspected to increase intestinal permeability.
- Limited research exists on intestinal permeability in chronic alcohol consumers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intestinal permeability in chronic alcoholic patients without liver damage during early abstinence.
- To compare intestinal permeability in alcoholics and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- The study included 19 male alcoholics and 18 male controls.
- Intestinal permeability was assessed using the lactulose/mannitol test on the third day of abstinence in alcoholics.
- Urinary excretion of lactulose and mannitol was measured via gas chromatography after oral administration.
Main Results:
- The median lactulose/mannitol ratio was comparable between alcoholics and controls.
- Absolute urinary excretion of lactulose and mannitol was lower in the alcoholic group.
- No correlation was found between nutritional status and sugar excretion or the lactulose/mannitol ratio.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal permeability was not altered in alcoholic patients during early abstinence.
- The findings suggest that chronic alcoholism, in the absence of clinical liver damage, may not significantly affect the gut barrier function.