Dry Stool Weight Research Articles

Ghrelin Bridges DMV Neuropathology and GI Dysfunction in the Early Stages of Parkinson's Disease.

Ghrelin contributes to the communication between the brain and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Both decreased ghrelin levels and functional GI disorders are early events in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and animal models. However, the reason is not clear. Here it is found that choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)‐positive neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV), are lost in PD transgenic mice. In response to the selective damaging of DMV neurons with mu p75‐SAP, a rapid reduction both in plasma total and active ghrelin levels is observed. While by contrast, chemogenetic activation of DMV cholinergic neurons can increase the plasma ghrelin levels. Impairment of cholinergic neurons is accompanied by GI disorders, including decreased stool wet weight, stool dry weight, small intestine advancing rate, and gastric emptying rate, while exogenous ghrelin treatment can partially ameliorate GI dysfunction of A53T α‐synuclein transgenic mice. Using pseudorabies virus retrograde trace method, the existence of a direct pathway from the stomach fundus to the DMV is shown. Taken together, the findings suggest that the reduction in plasma ghrelin levels in the early stages of PD may be the result of the lesion of cholinergic neurons in the DMV, thus linking neurodegeneration and GI dysfunction in PD.

Chemical composition of Zhumeria majdae essential oil and its effects on the expression of morphine withdrawal syndrome and tolerance to the anticonvulsant effect of morphine on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice

Regarding the proven anticonvulsant effect of Zhumeria majdae essential oil (ZMEO) in previous studies we were prompted to investigate the ZMEO effects on the tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of morphine and the morphine withdrawal syndrome. Tolerance to the morphine anticonvulsant effect was induced in mice by subcutaneous injection of 2.5 mg/kg of morphine for 4 days. Subsequent doses of ZMEO (20 mg/kg) were used to study the expression and development of morphine tolerance. Clonidine was used as the standard drug to inhibit the morphine withdrawal syndrome symptoms. To study the ZMEO effect on withdrawal syndrome, mice received appropriate morphine values for 4 days and on the fifth day, 60 min before administration of naloxone. The effective dose of ZMEO was determined and the number of jumps, stands and changes in the dry stool weight, as symptoms of withdrawal syndrome were evaluated. The dose of 20 mg/kg of ZMEO decreased the tolerance in development and expression groups significantly. Counting the number of jumping, standing and defecation were assessed 30 min after morphine and 1 h after the vehicle and clonidine. The dose of 40 mg/kg ZMEO decreased all the signs of withdrawal syndrome significantly. ZMEO was analyzed by GC/MS and linalool (53.1%) and camphor (23.8%) were characterized as the main components. The results suggest that ZMEO possesses constituent(s) that have activity against tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of morphine and the morphine withdrawal symptoms.

Stool Composition and GI Tolerance in Infants Fed a Term Infant Formula with a New Lipid Blend and Lactobacillus reuteri (L.reuteri): A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Objectives Differences in dietary fat and calcium absorption between breastfed and formula-fed infants may impact gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance and stooling patterns. We hypothesized that infant formula containing L. reuteri and a new lipid blend with low levels of long-chain saturated fatty acids (LCSFAs) (<13% of triacylglycerols [TAG]) in sn-1,3 positions would result in reduced stool calcium-fatty acid (Ca-FA) soaps and improved stool consistency. Methods Healthy term infants 21–28 days (d) of age were randomized in a double-blind manner to receive intact protein cow's milk-based experimental formula (EF, n = 70) with new lipid blend and L. reuteri at 1 × 10,7 CFU/g or control formula (CF, n = 70) without probiotic and containing a lipid blend with high levels of LCSFAs (∼25% of TAG) in sn-1,3 positions until 3 months (m) of age. A breastfed (BF, n = 75) reference group was also included. Co-primary endpoints were stool consistency (via 3-day diary using validated scale from 1 = watery to 5 = hard) and stool total Ca-FA soaps (expressed as mg/g dry stool weight). Overall GI tolerance was assessed using a validated Infant Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire (IGSQ) (score range: 13 [no GI distress] - 65 [extreme GI distress]). Results Of 215 enrolled infants, 206 completed the study. Infants fed EF had softer stools vs those fed CF by age 1.5 m (stool consistency score: 2.6 ± 0.1 vs 3.0 ± 0.1, P < .0001) and similar to BF (2.7 ± 0.1, P = .089). This positive effect was sustained until age 3 m (EF vs CF, P = .0006; EF vs BF, P = .373; CF vs BF, P = .014), without increased stool frequency in EF vs CF group throughout the study (1.48 vs 1.50 stools/d, P = .884). Infants fed EF (vs CF) had lower stool total Ca-FA soaps at 3 m of age (60.3 ± 10.1 vs 207.9 ± 10.1, P < .0001), largely explained by stool palmitate soaps which was 7 times lower in EF vs CF (20.7 ± 7.0 vs 142.5 ± 6.9 for CF, P < .0001). Mean IGSQ scores remained very low in EF (≤16.2) and CF (≤15.6) groups over the study period. Incidences of parent-reported GI symptoms and physician-confirmed GI adverse events (including diarrhea) were low and similar for EF and CF groups. Conclusions Infant formula containing L. reuteri and enhanced lipid blend with reduced LCSFAs in sn-1,3 positions reduces stool soaps and promotes softer stools closely resembling the stools of breastfed infants. Funding Sources Sponsored by Nestle Nutrition.

Randomised clinical trial: faecal microbiota transplantation versus autologous placebo administered via colonoscopy in irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been associated with microbial dysbiosis. To investigate the efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in the treatment of IBS. Forty-nine IBS patients were randomised to receive autologous or allogenic FMT via colonoscopy. The primary endpoint was a sustained, minimum of 50-point, reduction in the IBS Symptom Severity Score. The secondary outcomes were levels of anxiety and depression, changes in quality of life, gut microbiota and faecal water content as assessed with validated questionnaires, intestinal microbiota composition and stool dry weight. The primary endpoint was not achieved in either group. However, there was a transient reduction in the mean IBS Symptom Severity Score in the FMT group at 12weeks after treatment as compared to baseline (P=0.01). The groups did not differ in the number of patients achieving clinical response at 12weeks. In the FMT-treated patients, microbial composition had changed to resemble that of the donor and the stool water content decreased significantly compared to baseline. The depression score decreased in patients with a reduction in IBS symptoms after FMT, but not in those placebo-treated patients who experienced a reduction in IBS symptoms. FMT provided only a transient relief of symptoms, although it induced a sustained alteration in the microbiota of IBS patients. Therefore, FMT delivered by a single infusion via colonoscopy cannot be recommended as a treatment for IBS in clinical practice. ClinicalTrials.Org, Trial registration number: NCT03561519.

Utilization of banana ( Musa paradisiaca L.) peel as pectin source as antidiarrheal on castor oil-induced diarrheal Wistar rats model

Banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) peel, locally name pisang raja, contains a high concentration of pectin which is used as antidiarrheal to absorb irritants and increase stool consistency. However, it’s use to increase the stool consistency has not been studied, yet. The study aimed to investigate the effect banana peel extract (BPE) administration on stool consistency of diarrheal rat model. It was an experimental study with a post-test only control group design. Thirty male Wistar rats were induced diarrhea with castor oil and then randomized into five groups. Group I as positive control group was given attapulgite at dose of 124 mg/kg BW. Group II as negative control was given 0.5 mL of 1% tween 80. Group III, IV and V as treatment group were give BPE at different doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW, respectively.T he stool consistency was measured every hour for 4 h by weighing fresh and dry stool weight and then the water content was calculated. Data analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA and LSD post hoc test. Significantly different in stool consistency between Group III, IV, and V compared to Group II (p<0.05) and between groups Group III and IV compare to Group I (p<0.05) were observed. However, there was no significantly different between group V compared to Group I (p=0.149).In conclusion, BPE can increase the stool consistency of castor oil-induced diarrhea rats. The BPE at the dose of 400 mg/kg BW has similar effect to attapulgite.

Improvement Effect of Dewaxed Brown Rice on Constipation in Antibiotic-treated Mice.

A decrease in gastrointestinal motility causing weakened lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - toll-like receptor (TLR)4 signaling along with a decline in the number of enteric bacteria is known to be a cause of constipation due to the administration of antibiotics. A new type of brown rice with its wax layer removed, resulting in quick-cooking and tasty product, contains 100-times more LPS than polished white rice. In this study, the improvement effect on constipation due to intake of dewaxed brown rice was examined. Dewaxed brown rice was prepared at Toyo Rice from brown rice. Mice were given powdered feed to which powdered rice containing 0-50% of dewaxed brown rice was added. Antibiotics were administered for 10 or 27 days in drinking water containing vancomycin, metronidazole and neomycin. LPS, used as a control, was freely provided in drinking water. The defecation frequency, stool weight per hour and body weight were determined on the last day. Although the 10-day administration of antibiotics reduced the stool weight per hour to half, the dewaxed brown rice and LPS groups showed a trend towards improvement at a level comparable to the group receiving no antibiotics. The body weight significantly decreased after the 27-day administration of antibiotics but was improved in the 50% dewaxed brown rice group at a level comparable to the group receiving no antibiotics. Though the defecation frequency and wet and dry stool weights per hour were reduced by as much as 50% in the group receiving antibiotics, a significant improvement in constipation was observed in the 50% dewaxed brown rice group. As the improvement effect of dewaxed brown rice on body weight loss and constipation caused by the long-term administration of antibiotics has been confirmed in animal experimentation, the introduction of dewaxed brown rice as a staple food to patients under long-term antibiotic treatment may improve constipation.

Metabolic effects of eradicating breath methane using antibiotics in prediabetic subjects with obesity.

Methanogens colonizing the human gut produce methane and influence host metabolism. This study examined metabolic parameters in methane-producing subjects before and after antibiotic treatment. Eleven prediabetic methane-positive subjects (9F, 2M) with obesity (BMI 35.17 ± 7.71 kg/m(2) ) aged 47 ± 9 years were recruited. Subjects underwent breath testing, symptom questionnaire, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), lipid profile, and stool Methanobrevibacter smithii levels, gastric transit, and energy utilization analyses. After a 10-day antibiotic therapy (neomycin 500 mg bid/rifaximin 550 mg tid), all testing was repeated. Baseline stool M. smithii levels correlated with breath methane (R = 0.7, P = 0.05). Eight subjects (73%) eradicated breath methane and showed reduced stool M. smithii (P = 0.16). After therapy, methane-eradicated subjects showed significant improvements in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = 0.028), total cholesterol (P = 0.01), and insulin levels on OGTT (P = 0.05 at 120 minutes), lower blood glucose levels on OGTT (P = 0.054 at 90 minutes), significant reductions in bloating (P = 0.018) and straining (P = 0.059), and a trend toward lower stool dry weight. No changes were detected in gastric emptying time or energy harvest. Breath methane eradication and M. smithii reduction are associated with significant improvements in total cholesterol, LDL, and insulin levels and with lower glucose levels in prediabetic subjects with obesity. The underlying mechanisms require further elucidation.

SN2-Palmitate Reduces Fatty Acid Excretion in Chinese Formula-fed Infants.

Palmitic acid (PA) comprises 17% to 25% of human milk fatty acids, of which 70% to 75% are esterified to the SN2 position of the triglyceride (SN2-palmitate). In vegetable oils, which are commonly used in infant formulas, palmitate is primarily esterified to other positions, resulting in reduced calcium and fat absorption and hard stools. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of SN2-palmitate on nutrient excretion. In total, 171 Chinese infants were included (within 14 days of birth) in this multicenter study. Formula-fed infants were randomly assigned to receive either SN2-palmitate formula (INFAT, n = 57) or control formula (n = 57). The formulas (Biostime, China) differed only in their SN2 PA proportions. Stool was collected at 6 postnatal weeks. The stool dry weight and fat content of the SN2-palmitate group were lower compared with the control group (dry weight 4.25 g vs 7.28 g, P < 0.05; fat 0.8 g vs 1.2 g, P < 0.05). The lipid component was also significantly lower for the SN2-palmitate group (0.79 g vs 1.19 g, P < 0.05). PA, representing ∼50% of the saponified fatty acids, was significantly lower in the SN2-palmitate group compared with the control group (0.3 g vs 0.7 g, P < 0.01). Breast-fed infants had a significantly lower stool dry weight, fat content, and saponified fat excretion compared with formula-fed infants (P < 0.01). Similar to breast milk, the SN2-palmitate infant formula primarily reduced calcium-saponified fat excretion. The results of this study further emphasize the nutritional importance of SN2-palmitate structured fat for infants.

Effects of cereal fiber on bowel function: A systematic review of intervention trials.

To comprehensively review and quantitatively summarize results from intervention studies that examined the effects of intact cereal dietary fiber on parameters of bowel function. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE. Supplementary literature searches included screening reference lists from relevant studies and reviews. Eligible outcomes were stool wet and dry weight, percentage water in stools, stool frequency and consistency, and total transit time. Weighted regression analyses generated mean change (± SD) in these measures per g/d of dietary fiber. Sixty-five intervention studies among generally healthy populations were identified. A quantitative examination of the effects of non-wheat sources of intact cereal dietary fibers was not possible due to an insufficient number of studies. Weighted regression analyses demonstrated that each extra g/d of wheat fiber increased total stool weight by 3.7 ± 0.09 g/d (P < 0.0001; 95%CI: 3.50-3.84), dry stool weight by 0.75 ± 0.03 g/d (P < 0.0001; 95%CI: 0.69-0.82), and stool frequency by 0.004 ± 0.002 times/d (P = 0.0346; 95%CI: 0.0003-0.0078). Transit time decreased by 0.78 ± 0.13 h per additional g/d (P < 0.0001; 95%CI: 0.53-1.04) of wheat fiber among those with an initial transit time greater than 48 h. Wheat dietary fiber, and predominately wheat bran dietary fiber, improves measures of bowel function.

The effects of intact cereal dietary fiber on measures related to regularity (822.7)

Intact wheat dietary fiber has consistently been shown to increase stool weight, an accepted measure of laxation. However, less is known about the effects of wheat fiber on other measures of regularity, and the effectiveness of other intact cereal dietary fibers (ICDF) on regularity. The study objective was to systematically review, evaluate, and summarize the outcomes of intervention studies investigating the effectiveness of ICDF on regularity parameters. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PUBMED and EMBASE; supplementary literature searches included examining the reference lists of all relevant studies and pertinent review articles. Included studies were published from 1919 to 2012. Data on stool wet weight, stool dry weight, % water in stools, frequency, stool consistency, and total transit time were extracted. There are limited data available from the ICDF from other cereals, such as oat, barley, rice, corn, and sorghum, and are not sufficient to allow statistical comparison with wheat bran fiber for their effects on stool regularity parameters. Weighted regression analysis on the observations of intact wheat dietary fiber demonstrates a significant stool bulking effect. When initial transit time is more than 48 hrs, intervention with intact wheat dietary fiber can significantly reduce transit time.

Study on liver arsenic level in antibiotic treated rats

Rats treated with arsenic (1mg/L) in drinking ad libitum an increase in liver tissue arsenic was observed when orally pretreated with streptomycin (500mg twice daily). Inhibition of gut flora was confirmed by microscopic examination of stool. Control group showed a mean gut-bacterial count of 7.13-7.26×108cfu/g dry weight of stool, when administered with streptomycin orally (500mg twice daily) gut-bacterial count was not countable on day 7. Liver tissue arsenic level increased to 5.78 mg/g of liver tissue compared to that of the control group of 3.33mg/g of liver tissue. A decrease in gut-bacterial count of 2.83×108 cfu/g dry weight of stool was observed on day 14 in rats that were not pretreated with streptomycin but received only arsenic (1mg/L) in drinking water ad libitum throughout the study period. Increase in liver arsenic level in this group was almost similar to that of streptomycin pretreated rats. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v22i1.15624 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 22, No. 1, April, 2013, Page 51-54

Dietary therapy of qi-yin-reinforcing porridge for the alleviation of chemotherapy related symptoms of gastrointestinal tumors: A single-case randomized controlled study

To investigate the efficacy of dietary therapy of qi-yin-reinforcing porridge for the alleviation of clinical symptoms during FOLFOX chemotherapy. A single-case randomized controlled study was carried out. Fourteen patients with gastrointestinal tumors accepting FOLFOX chemotherapy were enrolled using self-crossover control design. On days 1-7 of chemotherapy, the dietary therapy experimental group and the placebo control group were given dietary therapy of qi-yin-reinforcing porridge and dextrin-prepared porridge which had the same appearance, smell, color and taste as the qi-yin-reinforcing porridge, respectively. Fourteen clinical symptoms, including debility, vomiting and nausea, etc. were observed. Ten patients completed the study and were estimable. The qi-yin-reinforcing porridge demonstrated certain efficacy in alleviating clinical symptoms of patients with gastrointestinal tumors during the period of chemotherapy. Better effect of alleviating debility was found in the dietary therapy experimental group than in the placebo control group, and the difference was statistically significant (Z=2.27, P=0.02). No statistically significant difference was found between the experimental group and the control group with respect to the effect of alleviating the other 13 clinical symptoms including anorexia, nausea, vomiting, dry stool, loose stool, etc. and body weight (P>0.05). Dietary therapy of qi-yin-reinforcing porridge shows an additional benefit in alleviating debility of patients during chemotherapy and deserves clinical use and popularization.

Role of Cytolethal Distending Toxin in Altered Stool Form and Bowel Phenotypes in a Rat Model of Post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Background/AimsCampylobacter jejuni infection is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis, which is a trigger for post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). Cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) is expressed by enteric pathogens that cause PI-IBS. We used a rat model of PI-IBS to investigate the role of CDT in long-term altered stool form and bowel phenotypes.MethodsAdult Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with wildtype C. jejuni (C+), a C. jejuni cdtB knockout (CDT-) or saline vehicle (controls). Four months after gavage, stool from 3 consecutive days was assessed for stool form and percent wet weight. Rectal tissue was analyzed for intraepithelial lymphocytes, and small intestinal tissue was stained with anti-c-kit for deep muscular plexus interstitial cells of Cajal (DMP-ICC).ResultsAll 3 groups showed similar colonization and clearance parameters. Average 3-day stool dry weights were similar in all 3 groups, but day-to-day variability in stool form and stool dry weight were significantly different in the C+ group vs both controls (P < 0.01) and the CDT- roup (P < 0.01), but were not different in the CDT- vs controls. Similarly, rectal lymphocytes were significantly higher after C. jejuni (C+) infection vs both controls (P < 0.01) and CDT-exposed rats (P < 0.05). The counts in the latter 2 groups were not significantly different. Finally, c-kit staining revealed that DMP-ICC were reduced only in rats exposed to wildtype C. jejuni.ConclusionsIn this rat model of PI-IBS, CDT appears to play a role in the development of chronic altered bowel patterns, mild chronic rectal inflammation and reduction in DMP-ICC.

Hepatic ABCG5/G8 overexpression reduces apoB-lipoproteins and atherosclerosis when cholesterol absorption is inhibited

We previously reported that liver-specific overexpression of ABCG5/G8 in mice is not atheroprotective, suggesting that increased biliary cholesterol secretion must be coupled with decreased intestinal cholesterol absorption to increase net sterol loss from the body and reduce atherosclerosis. To evaluate this hypothesis, we fed low density lipoprotein receptor-knockout (LDLr-KO) control and ABCG5/G8-transgenic (ABCG5/G8-Tg)xLDLr-KO mice, which overexpress ABCG5/G8 only in liver, a Western diet containing ezetimibe to reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption. On this dietary regimen, liver-specific ABCG5/G8 overexpression increased hepatobiliary cholesterol concentration and secretion rates (1.5-fold and 1.9-fold, respectively), resulting in 1.6-fold increased fecal cholesterol excretion, decreased hepatic cholesterol, and increased (4.4-fold) de novo hepatic cholesterol synthesis versus LDLr-KO mice. Plasma lipids decreased (total cholesterol, 32%; cholesteryl ester, 32%; free cholesterol, 30%), mostly as a result of reduced non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (apoB; 36% and 25%, respectively). ApoB-containing lipoproteins were smaller and lipid-depleted in ABCG5/G8-TgxLDLr-KO mice. Kinetic studies revealed similar 125I-apoB intermediate density lipoprotein/LDL fractional catabolic rates, but apoB production rates were decreased 37% in ABCG5/G8-TgxLDLr-KO mice. Proximal aortic atherosclerosis decreased by 52% (male) and 59% (female) in ABCG5/G8-TgxLDLr-KO versus LDLr-KO mice fed the Western/ezetimibe diet. Thus, increased biliary secretion, resulting from hepatic ABCG5/G8 overexpression, reduces atherogenic risk in LDLr-KO mice fed a Western diet containing ezetimibe. These findings identify distinct roles for liver and intestinal ABCG5/G8 in modulating sterol metabolism and atherosclerosis.

Konjac acts as a natural laxative by increasing stool bulk and improving colonic ecology in healthy adults

Objective Konjac glucomannan (KGM) has been shown to relieve constipation, which could be associated with increased stool bulk and improved colonic ecology. Methods This placebo-controlled study consisted of a 21-d placebo period, a 7-d adaptation period when volunteers consumed KGM progressively, and a 21-d KGM-supplemented period (1.5 g/meal, 4.5 g/d). Eight healthy adults consumed 7-d cycle menus of typical low-fiber Chinese food throughout the study. The gastrointestinal response was monitored daily. Stools were fully collected on days 15 to 21 of placebo and KGM periods to determine the fecal mass, components, microflora, and short-chain fatty acid contents. Results The KGM supplement significantly increased the mean defecation frequency (number/day), wet stool weight, and dry stool weight (g/d) by ∼27.0% ( P < 0.05), 30.2% ( P < 0.05), and 21.7% ( P < 0.05), respectively. The dry fecal mass increased mainly in the plant and soluble material, whereas bacterial mass tended to increase from 12.9 ± 1.6 to 13.6 ± 2.7 g/d ( P > 0.05). However, KGM significantly promoted the fecal concentrations (log counts/g wet feces) of lactobacilli ( P < 0.05) and total bacteria ( P < 0.05), and promoted the daily output (log counts per day) of bifidobacteria ( P < 0.05), lactobacilli ( P < 0.05), and total bacteria ( P < 0.05) as evaluated by the fluorescence in situ hybridization method. KGM supplement also promoted colonic fermentation as shown in the decreased fecal pH ( P < 0.05) and increased fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Supplementation of KGM into a low-fiber diet promoted the defecation frequency in healthy adults, possibly by increasing the stool bulk, thus promoting the growth of lactic acid bacteria and colonic fermentation.

Indigestible Components of Grape Seeds Modify Cecal Enzyme Activity in Rats

Background: The effect of grape seed indigestible fraction (GSIF) on cecal enzyme activity was studied. Methods: β-Glucuronidase, β-glucosidase, azoreductase, nitroreductase and nitrate reductase were measured in the cecal content of adult Wistar rats fed with a fiber-free diet supplemented with 5% cellulose or 5% GSIF as the source of dietary fiber for 4 weeks. Results: The intake of GSIF did not affect body weight gain nor food intake. However, GSIF caused a significant increase in cecal content, cecal wall and fresh and dry stool weight. Bacterial enzyme activities were lower in the GSIF-fed group than in the cellulose-fed group, although the difference was also significant for nitroreductase and β-glucuronidase. Conclusion: Adaptation to a diet containing GSIF led to changes in microbial activity that involved a decrease in reductive and hydrolytic enzymatic activities implicated in the conversion of procarcinogens into carcinogens.

Geophagy among pregnant and lactating women in Bondo District, western Kenya

Geophagy was studied among 827 pregnant women in western Kenya, during and after pregnancy. The women were recruited at a gestational age of 14–24 weeks and followed-up to 6 months post-partum. The median age (range) of the women was 23 years and median parity 2. At recruitment, 378 were eating earth, of which most (65%) reported earth-eating before pregnancy. The preferred type of earth eaten was soft stone, known locally as odowa (54.2%) and earth from termite mounds (42.8%). The prevalence remained high during pregnancy, and then declined to 34.5% and 29.6% at 3 and 6 months post-partum respectively ( P < 0.001). The mean daily earth intake was 44.5 g during pregnancy, which declined to 25.5 g during lactation ( P < 0.001). A random sample of 204 stools was collected from the women and analysed for silica content as a tracer for earth-eating. The mean silica content was 2.1% of the dry weight of stool. Geophagous women had a higher mean silica content than the non-geophagous ones (3.1% vs. 1.4%, P < 0.001). Faecal silica and reported geophagy were strongly correlated ( P < 0.001).

Protein losing enteropathy in critically ill adult patients with burns: a preliminary report.

Few data have been published regarding protein losing enteropathy in adult patients with burns. This study characterised the presence of protein-losing enteropathy in adults with burns and examined the relationship between the magnitude of burn size and the severity of protein loss. Twenty adult patients with burns (BSA 31+/-25%, range 2-80%) were studied. Fluid resuscitation was based on the Parkland's formula. Protein loss into the gastrointestinal tract was measured using faecal alpha1-antitrypsin (FA-1-AT) concentrations. Serial measurements of serum protein and albumin concentrations were performed. Fourteen patients demonstrated elevations in FA-1-AT levels. The mean peak FA-1-AT level was 3.6+/-4.2 mg/g dry weight of stool. Two patients demonstrated elevated FA-1-AT excretion 1.5 months and 3 months after the burns. There was a good correlation between burn size and FA-1-AT excretion (R2=0.40). Protein losing enteropathy was demonstrable in patients with major burns. The magnitude of this phenomenon appears to be proportional to the burns size.

Effect of edible seaweeds (Undaria pinnatifida and Porphyra ternera) on the metabolic activities of intestinal microflora in rats

A fiber-free diet supplemented with cellulose, Nori, or Wakame as the principal source of dietary fiber was fed to rats for 12 days, and the cecal bacterial activities (β-glucuronidase, β-glucosidase, azoreductase, nitroreductase and nitrate reductase) were measured. The intake of seaweeds did not affect body weight gain nor food intake; however, algae in the diet was associated with a significant increase on cecal, fresh stool and dry stool weight. All bacterial enzyme activities were lower in the two seaweed groups than the cellulose fed group with exception the of β-glucosidase which was significantly lower in rats fed Wakame. Adaptation to diets containing Nori or Wakame was associated with changes in microbial activity that involved a decrease on reductive and hydrolytic enzymatic activities implicated in the conversion of procarcinogens into carcinogens. The combination of the effect on the gut flora and a more rapid transit of feces would be expected to reduce exposure to potential carcinogens and may have health implications for human nutrition.

Bioavailability of nutrients in rats fed on edible seaweeds, Nori (Porphyra tenera) and Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida), as a source of dietary fibre

Abstract A comparative study of the influence of two edible seaweeds, Nori ( Porphyra tenera ) and Wakame ( Undaria pinnatifida ), on dietary nutritive utilization was performed. Male adult Wistar rats were fed, for 2 weeks, diets containing Nori, Wakame or cellulose as source of dietary fibre. All diets contained similar amounts of dietary fibre (5%), protein (14%) and ash (5%). Intake, body weight gain, food efficiency (weight gain/food intake), apparent digestibility and retention coefficients for protein, fat, and minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, sodium, and potassium) were evaluated. The addition of Wakame or Nori did not affect the gain in body weight of rats or food efficiency. Fresh and dry stool weights were higher in rats fed seaweeds than in the control group. Seaweed-fed animals showed significantly lower apparent digestibilities of protein and fat but absorbed nitrogen was more effectively used by animals. Apparent digestibility and retention coefficients for calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, sodium and potassium were lower for seaweed-fed rats, and showed lower values for Wakame than Nori. The seaweeds could be a good source of dietary fibre in diet but they may modify digestibility of dietary protein and minerals.