pectins and Enterocolitis

Administration of methotrexate (MTX) to rats fed an elemental diet results in a high mortality from severe enterocolitis. Previous studies have shown that pectin is an important precursor of substrates for intestinal structure and function and may facilitate intestinal recovery after enterocolitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of pectin on MTX-induced enterocolitis in rats.. Rats received intragastric infusion of either 1% pectin-supplemented or pectin-free elemental diet from the beginning of the study via a gastrostomy. On the 4th day animals received either MTX, 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally, or saline injection and were killed on the 7th day for sampling.. Pectin supplementation significantly decreased body weight loss, organ water content, and intestinal myeloperoxidase levels and increased mucosal protein, DNA, and RNA content in enterocolitis rats. The intestinal permeability was increased by administration of MTX, and pectin supplementation significantly reversed the increased permeability in the distal small bowel and colon. Pectin supplementation also lowered the magnitude of bacterial translocation, decreased plasma endotoxin levels, and restored bowel microecology.. Pectin significantly decreased MTX-induced intestinal injury and improved bowel integrity.

Topics: Animals; Bacterial Translocation; Cecum; Dietary Fiber; Endotoxemia; Enteral Nutrition; Enterocolitis; Food, Formulated; Ileum; Intestinal Absorption; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Methotrexate; Pectins; Peroxidase; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Immunomodulating activity of zosterin was studied. Zosterin is a pectin from sea grass belonging to Zostera with pronounced antibacterial activity and therapeutic efficacy in experimental infections. It was shown that parenteral administration of the drug 24 hours before the antigenic irritation stimulated the humoral and cellular immunity in F1 (CBA X C 57 BL/6) mice: an increase in the number of the antibody cells in the spleen, the DTH and the index of the splenocyte spontaneous proliferation. In the animals treated with injections of zosterin and infected intraperitoneally with a virulent strain of S. enteritidis there was observed a marked increase in migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to the abdominal cavity accompanied by an increase in their phagocytic activity. The results suggested the possible use of zosterin as a drug with associated antibacterial and immunomodulating activities.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Enterocolitis; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Neutrophils; Pectins; Phagocytosis; Plant Extracts; Poaceae; Salmonella Infections; Seawater

A case of intestinal obstruction and enterocolitis, probably as a consequence of inappropriate use of thickened feedings, is reported. Products which thicken feedings take an important part in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants. In order to thicken feedings, pectin and silicium have been added to milk. However, they may lead to an obstructive medication bezoar. Thus, it is necessary to limit their use to 3-5% of feeding and to clearly explain their potential hazards to the family.

Topics: Enterocolitis; Female; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Infant; Intestinal Obstruction; Pectins; Silicon; Silicon Compounds