Effects of various enteral nutrition solutions on bacterial translocation and intestinal morphology during the postoperative period

Bacterial translocation is the passage of bacteria or endotoxins from the gastrointestinal tract to extraintestinal sites, such as mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and bloodstream. In this study, the investigators examined the effects of various enteral nutrients on bacterial translocation and intestinal morphology during the postoperative period. Sixty rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, each of which included 12 animals; cecal mobilization was performed in all groups. Group I rats were fed rat chow and water; group II was given standard enteral nutrients; group III, high-energy enteral nutrients; group IV, enteral nutrients supplemented with fiber; and group V, immunonutrients. Bacterial translocation was detected in mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and blood cultures. Changes in the terminal ileum were scored from 0 to 4 with the morphologic scoring system. Bacterial translocation was predominantly detected in mesenteric lymph nodes. Rats fed immunonutrients (group V) showed a significant reduction in bacterial translocation compared with other groups. Although minor morphologic alterations in the villi were observed in groups IV and V, the histologic scores of these groups were not statistically different from the scores of control group members. In the present study, investigators evaluated the effects of various enteral nutritional solutions on bacterial translocation and intestinal morphology during the postoperative period. Enteral diets supplemented with arginine, nucleotides, and ω-3 fatty acids were found to reduce bacterial translocation. The investigators concluded that this effect might be related to improvement in immune function resulting from the use of immunonutrients.