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World J Gastroenterol. May 28, 2008; 14(20): 3254-3258
Published online May 28, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.3254
Change of intestinal mucosa barrier function in the progress of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in rats
Sheng Li, Wan-Chun Wu, Chi-Yi He, Zhen Han, Dao-You Jin, Lin Wang
Sheng Li, Wan-Chun Wu, Chi-Yi He, Zhen Han, Dao-You Jin, Lin Wang, Department of Gastroenterology, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 24l00l, Anhui Province, China
Author contributions: Li S and Wu WC designed and performed the research; He CY, Han Z and Jin DY designed the research; Wang L performed the research; Li S and Wu WC analyzed the data; Li S and Wu WC wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Wan-Chun Wu, Department of Gastroenterology, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu 241001, Anhui Province, China. wwch5182000@yahoo.com.cn
Telephone: +86-553-5739106
Fax: +86-553-5738401
Received: December 21, 2007
Revised: April 8, 2008
Accepted: April 15, 2008
Published online: May 28, 2008
Abstract

AIM: To explore the change of intestinal mucosa barrier function in the progress of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in rats.

METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group and model group. Rats in the control group were given normal diet, and rats in the model group were given fat-rich diet. Eight rats in each group were killed at end of the 8th and 12th wk, respectively. The levels of endotoxin, D-xylose, TG, TC, ALT and AST, intestinal tissue SOD and MDA as well as intestinal mucus secretory IgA (sIgA) were measured. The pathology of liver was observed by HE staining.

RESULTS: At end of the 8th wk, there was no marked difference in the levels of endotoxin, D-xylose and sIgA between the two groups. At end of the 12th wk, rats in the model group developed steatohepatitis and had a higher serum level of endotoxin (P = 0.01) and D-xylose (P = 0.00) and a lower serum level of sIgA (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION: Intestinal mucosa barrier malfunction may exist in NASH rats and may be an important promoter of NASH in rats.

Keywords: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; Intestinal mucosa barrier; Endotoxin; Secretory IgA