243 Effects of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency on growth, bone density and IGF 1 serum levels of young growing pigs – used as a model for children

Abstract

Objectives As osteoporosis is a relevant issue even in juvenile CF patients this study aimed to test effects of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) on growth and bone density (BD) in piglets – used as a model for children. Methods In 8 piglets aged 8 weeks PEI was induced by pancreatic duct ligation (PL), 4 sham operated pigs served as controls (C). 4 of the PL-pigs (PL+E) received Creon® (∼6300 IU lipase/g cfa) while PL (n = 4) received no enzymes. A complete diet was pair fed for 8 weeks, the last 3 weeks it was offered ad libitum. All animals were treated every 2nd week with 3 ml of Ursovit®, 3 ml Vitamin-B-complex and 3.3 mg vitamin K1. In week 11 post OP pigs were euthanised. Left tibia was taken and analysed by peripheral quantitative computer tomography for total bone mineral content (BMC) and cortex mineral content (CMC) at 50% of length. Results are given as mean. Results Body weight (kg) was higher in C (79.7) than in PL+E (62.9) and PL (51.3). Body length (nose to tail, cm) was highest in C (128) and shortest in PL (117). BMC (mg/cm) was significantly lower in PL (191) than in C (237). PL+E pigs were intermediate (206), not different from C or PL. CMC was significantly lower in PL (164) compared to C (211), too, while PL+E (178) did not differ from both groups. IGF 1 levels (ng/ml serum) were highest in C (473) and lowest in PL (187). Conclusion BD was reduced in PL even there were no other predisposing factors (bed rest, corticoid treatment, unbalanced diet). Although animals showed no clinical symptoms this study indicates that PEI itself is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Enzyme supplementation improved growth and BD.