OBJECTIVES: Intestinal bacteria are thought to be involved in the initiation and perpetuation of inflammatory bowel diseases. Prebiotics (non-digestable dietary carbohydrate) have beneficial properties that alter the intestinal flora and contain glutamine-rich protein. Glutamine significantly decreases indices of inflammation. In this study, an enzymatic hydrolysate of corn gluten (EHCG) was administered by gavage to Sprague-Dawley rats fed an elemental diet to determine whether EHCG can ameliorate experi- mental colitis. METHODS: Colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid after 10 days' daily oral administration of EHCG at 100 and 300 mg/kg. Macroscopic damage was assessed using a scoring system. The mucosa homogenate was sonicated and myeloperoxidase activity and histamine levels measured. KEY FINDINGS: Treatment with EHCG significantly decreased the severity of injury and reduced myeloperoxidase activity and histamine levels in the distal colon mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: EHCG may have therapeutic benefit as a supplement in enteral nutrition for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.
OBJECTIVES: Intestinal bacteria are thought to be involved in the initiation and perpetuation of inflammatory bowel diseases. Prebiotics (non-digestable dietary carbohydrate) have beneficial properties that alter the intestinal flora and contain glutamine-rich protein. Glutamine significantly decreases indices of inflammation. In this study, an enzymatic hydrolysate of corn gluten (EHCG) was administered by gavage to Sprague-Dawley rats fed an elemental diet to determine whether EHCG can ameliorate experi- mental colitis. METHODS:Colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid after 10 days' daily oral administration of EHCG at 100 and 300 mg/kg. Macroscopic damage was assessed using a scoring system. The mucosa homogenate was sonicated and myeloperoxidase activity and histamine levels measured. KEY FINDINGS: Treatment with EHCG significantly decreased the severity of injury and reduced myeloperoxidase activity and histamine levels in the distal colon mucosa. CONCLUSIONS:EHCG may have therapeutic benefit as a supplement in enteral nutrition for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.