Duodeno-jejunal tube placement in an experimental model of obesity: effects on food behaviour and basal energy expenditure.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic surgery can modulate weight as well as food intake and basal energy expenditure. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of duodenal exclusion by analysing anthropometric results, intake variations, food behaviour and calorimetric parameters.
METHODS: This is an experimental study with 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats. The sequences used are as follows: Cafeteria diet for 3 weeks, followed by surgery and sacrifice at 4 weeks. Four experimental groups are as follows: two non-obese groups (n = 15; surgery = 10, sham = 5) and two obese groups by cafeteria diet (n = 15; surgery = 10, sham = 5). Surgery performed was duodenal exclusion with physical barrier. Weight, intake, glycaemia and basal energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry were monitored before and after surgery.
RESULTS: Weight changes in groups that underwent intervention were significant. The reduction in calorie consumption after surgery was significant in the obese intervention group despite an increased standard feed consumption (161 ± 11 vs 139 ± 13 Kcal/day, p < 0.05; due to a lower consumption of cafeteria diet). In non-obese animals, changes were transient. Basal energy expenditure decreased in both intervention groups: 6.2 ± 0.5 vs 5.5 ± 0.4 Kcal/kg/h in non-obese animals and 5.6 ± 0.3 vs 4.7 ± 0.3 Kcal/kg/h in obese animals (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Duodeno-jejunal tube placement stops weight gain in obese and non-obese animals. In obese animals, there is an important qualitative change in appetite towards standard feed with a significant decrease in caloric intake. In non-obese animals, changes in quantitative intake are transient. This surgery decreases basal energy expenditure in obese animals. This may be attributed to an enhanced thermogenic effect of food and a slowing in the animal's weight gain.