Effect of a Lipid Emulsion Diet Containing Medium-Chain Triglycerides on Liver Function in Septic Rats.

Abstract

We investigated the effects of an enterally administered lipid emulsion diet containing medium- and long-chain triglycerides (MCT/LCT) on liver function and liver lipid accumulation in septic male Wistar rats suffering from peritonitis. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture. One group was fed a fat-free (0%) diet, and the other groups were fed MCT/LCT or LCT as 10% of the total energy. The diets also contained casein oligopeptide, dextrin, vitamins, and trace elements (100 kcal/100 ml). Enteral feeding was ended on the 6th day. Liver dysfunction was observed in the fat-free diet group; both serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activities were about 3 or more times higher than those in the two fat-fed groups, in which no significant elevation in enzyme activities was observed. The absolute liver weight and the accumulation of liver lipid were significantly higher in the fat-free diet group than in the MCT/LCT and LCT diet groups, and no significant differences in these variables were observed between the latter two groups. The level of serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), which are an energy source in the peripheral tissue, was higher in the MCT/LCT group than in the LCT group, but there was no significant difference between the groups for serum triglycerides. These results indicate that MCT/LCT as 10% of the total energy has the same effect on liver function and lipid accumulation in septic rats as an LCT diet and prevents from enhancement of liver lipid accumulation.