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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 7, 2006; 12(29): 4614-4627
Published online Aug 7, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i29.4614
Published online Aug 7, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i29.4614
Intestinal mucosal adaptation
Laurie Drozdowski, Alan BR Thomson, Nutrition and Metabolism Group, University of Alberta, Canada
Correspondence to: Laurie Drozdowski, 5146 Dentistry Pharmacy, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, T6G 2N8, Canada. lad2@ualberta.ca
Telephone: +1-780-4927528 Fax: +1-780-4927964
Received: July 26, 2005
Revised: July 28, 2005
Accepted: August 25, 2005
Published online: August 7, 2006
Revised: July 28, 2005
Accepted: August 25, 2005
Published online: August 7, 2006
Abstract
Intestinal failure is a condition characterized by malnutrition and/or dehydration as a result of the inadequate digestion and absorption of nutrients. The most common cause of intestinal failure is short bowel syndrome, which occurs when the functional gut mass is reduced below the level necessary for adequate nutrient and water absorption. This condition may be congenital, or may be acquired as a result of a massive resection of the small bowel. Following resection, the intestine is capable of adaptation in response to enteral nutrients as well as other trophic stimuli. Identifying factors that may enhance the process of intestinal adaptation is an exciting area of research with important potential clinical applications.
Keywords: Small intestine, Transport, Morphology, Resection, Short bowel syndrome, Absorption, Diet, Gene expression, Hyperplasia, Enterocytes