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World J Gastroenterol. Mar 21, 2007; 13(11): 1732-1736
Published online Mar 21, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i11.1732
Increased intestinal permeability in pathogenesis and progress of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in rats
Xi Jin, Chao-Hui Yu, Guo-Cai Lv, You-Ming Li
Xi Jin, Chao-Hui Yu, You-Ming Li, Digestive Department of the First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
Guo-Cai Lv, Clinical Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: You-Ming Li, Digestive Department of the First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Zhejiang University, No.79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China. jxfl007@hotmail.com
Telephone: +86-571-87236603 Fax: +86-571-87236611
Received: November 20, 2006
Revised: December 20, 2006
Accepted: February 25, 2007
Published online: March 21, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To investigate whether increased intestinal permeability contributes to the pathogenesis and progress of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by observing its dynamic change in rat models.

METHODS: Rat models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis were established by giving a fat-rich diet. The rats were sacrificed at wk 8, 12 and 16 during the study. Rats fed with normal diet were taken as control. Plasma D-lactate, plasma diamine oxidase, serum lipids and liver transaminases were measured in blood of the femoral artery. Hepatic steatosis and inflammation were assessed by haematoxylin-eosin staining.

RESULTS: A rat model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was established successfully. Plasma D-lactate level in model group at wk 8, 12 and 16 and diamine oxidase level in model group at wk 12, 16 increased significantly compared with those in control group. There were notable differences of D-lactate and diamine oxidase level in model group between wk 8 and 12 as well as between wk 12 and 16. Serum lipids, liver transaminases and liver injury also increased with disease development.

CONCLUSION: Increased intestinal permeability caused by intestinal bacterial overgrowth and endotoxin-induced intestinal destruction exists in rats with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which may partially explain the pathogenesis and progress of this disease.

Keywords: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, Intestinal permeability, D-lactate, Diamine oxidase