Posted on 08/25/2024 9:00:46 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly prevalent and a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The primary curative treatment for CRC is surgical resection of the affected bowel segment. However, postoperative complications often include a weakened gut barrier and the dissemination of bacterial proinflammatory lipopolysaccharides.
Researchers discuss how gut microbiota and microbial metabolites regulate basal inflammation levels in the gut and the healing process of the bowel after surgery.
"We and others have shown in the last few years that gut microbiota influences the healing process of the bowel and the restoration of the gut barrier after surgery," explain the researchers.
"Based on our recent work, we believe that weakened gut barrier function, namely due to poor healing after surgery, leads to persistent systemic low-grade inflammation and a higher risk of local and systemic cancer recurrence," they conclude.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
“…our strategy was to modulate the colonic microbiota toward a butyrogenic profile that produces higher levels of SCFAs. The approach we tested was a supplementation with fermentable fibers, specifically oligosaccharides. Mice therefore received dietary supplementation with inulin or galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) for 2 weeks before undergoing a colonic anastomosis under general anesthesia. The supplementation continued after surgery until sacrifice on postoperative day (POD) 6. Mice supplemented with inulin and GOS displayed increased levels of SCFAs in the gut and improved macroscopic healing of the anastomosis [21]. With respect to what was mentioned above, our experiment showed that the increased levels of butyrate, propionate and acetate coincided with an improved microscopic healing of the anastomosis. When assessed by a pathologist blinded to the intervention group, the wound site in mice supplemented with oligosaccharides was found to exhibit higher reepithelization and continuity of the mucosal layer. Since butyrate is known to promote epithelial proliferation, we assessed this parameter by quantifying the Ki-67 proliferation marker at the wound site by immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, this marker was found to be increased in mice supplemented with the inulin prebiotic. These findings support the role of these SCFAs, and of the microbiota, in the healing of the colonic anastomosis and restoration of the epithelial layer and therefore of the gut barrier after a surgical injury.”
Basically, they found the best way to increase Short Chain Fatty Acids was not to supplement them directly, but to help existing gut bacteria make them, as they normally do, from soluble fiber. Butyrate, propionate and acetate were all made by adding either or both of inulin and galacto-oligosaccharides.
From other studies I’ve read, keep inulin below 20 grams a day from all sources, to minimize health issues. Other forms of soluble fiber do not have those same concerns, however.
Bkmk
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