Orogastric benefiber enhances intestinal adaptation in a rat model of short bowel syndrome

Background / aims: Short Bowel Syndrome is a clinical condition which occurs after significant length of small intestinal resection, and mainly characterized by malnutrition, diarrhea, nutrient deficiency, and weight loss. After massive small intestinal resection gross and microscopically changes begins immediately in the remnant small intestine called intestinal adaptation. Although many experimental and clinical studies have been performed for enhancing intestinal adaptation, results are controversial. Benefiber® is a partially hydrolyzed guar gum compound which consists of polysaccharide fiber. High dietary fiber stimulates intestinal mucosal proliferation by activating peptide hormones. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of orogastric Benefiber supplementation on intestinal adaptation in a rat model of SBS.Materials and methods: Twenty-seven male Wistar rats (213-300 g) were randomly divided into 3 groups: Sham group rats (n=7) underwent bowel transection and reanastomosis; Control group rats (n=10) underwent 80% small bowel resection; Benefiber group rats (n=10) underwent 80% small bowel resection and were treated with orogastric Benefiber (0.125 g/day) for 13 days. The intestinal adaptation was quantified with morphological (mucosal thickness, villous height and crypt depth) and biochemical analysis (mucosal and intestinal protein levels), and blood samples were collected for serum albumin and total protein levels.Results: Throughout the experiment, there was no significant difference in body weight changes between the Control group and the Benefiber group. Benefiber treatment significantly increased intestinal villous height and mucosal thickness (P=0.014 and P=0.031, respectively). There was no significant difference between Control group and Benefiber group in terms of crypt depth, goblet cell count and intestinal length. Mucosal protein and intestinal protein levels were also higher in Benefiber group than in Control group (P=0.002 and P=0.019, respectively). On day 14, serum albumin and total protein levels were significantly higher in Sham group compared to Control and Benefiber groups (P=0.038and P=0.041, respectively); which were similar in Control and Benefiber groups.Conclusion: These findings suggest a benefit of enteral Benefiber supplementation on intestinal adaptation in a rat model of short bowel syndrome.