Short chain fatty acid supplementation increases MUC2 expression and mucin production in a short bowel piglet receiving TPN

Abstract

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is associated with goblet cell atrophy increasing the risk of bacterial translocation. Butyrate has been shown to enhance mucin production and may be an effective clinical treatment for TPN associated intestinal atrophy. This study assessed the effect of butyrate and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) mixtures on MUC2 expression at transcriptional and translational levels in a short bowel syndrome piglet receiving TPN. Piglets underwent massive small bowel resection and received saline, 9mM butyrate, 60mM butyrate or SCFA mixture parenterally for 12 or 72 hours. Quantitative real time PCR showed an increase in MUC2 expression in 9mM compared to other treatments (p=.04). High iron diamine alcian blue stain revealed a trend increase (p=.102) of sulfated mucins in jejunal villi in 9mM over other groups. MUC2 expression tended to increase over time in the ileum regardless of treatment (p=.069). Augmentation of MUC2 and sulfomucins in the proximal bowel by butyrate supplemented TPN enhances barrier function and decreases the risk of bacterial translocation thereby lending support to the use of butyrate as an efficacious treatment of TPN associated intestinal atrophy.Grant Funding Source: NIDDK 5R01DK057682