Short-chain fatty acids stimulate mucosal cell proliferation in the closed human rectum after Hartmann's procedure.

Hartmann's procedure in humans results in a closed rectum deprived of its natural short-chain fatty acid source. This induces atrophy of the entire rectal wall. Ki-67 is a monoclonal antibody directed towards proteins in the cell nucleus that are present only during cell proliferation. This study investigated the effects of short-chain fatty acids on mucosal cell proliferation in the human rectum after Hartmann's procedure by means of Ki-67. Eight patients in whom Hartmann's procedure was performed were treated with placebo and then short-chain fatty acids for 14 days. Biopsies specimens were taken from the rectum before and after treatment; these were prepared with Ki-67 and labeling index was determined. The treatment was found significantly to increase proliferative activity in the rectal mucosa (P<0.01); the increase was principally in the middle (P<0.01) and upper crypt (P<0.05) compartments.