Multi-Antioxidant Supplementation Does Not Prevent an Increase in Gut Permeability after Lower Torso Ischemia and Reperfusion in Humans

Vol. 34, No. 4, 2002

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Original Paper

Multi-Antioxidant Supplementation Does Not Prevent an Increase in Gut Permeability after Lower Torso Ischemia and Reperfusion in Humans
M.H.W.A. Wijnen^a, H.L. Vader^b, R.M.H. Roumen^a

^aDepartment of Surgery and
^bClinical Laboratory, St. Joseph Hospital, Veldhoven, The Netherlands

Address of Corresponding Author

Eur Surg Res 2002;34:300-305 (DOI: 10.1159/000063072)

Key Words

Antioxidants
Gut permeability
Aortic surgery

Abstract

Background: An increase in gut permeability can have serious consequences leading to sepsis and multiple organ failure. After lower torso ischemia an increase in gut permeability is seen in both animals and humans. There is proof that this can be modified by antioxidant supplementation. Methods: In this prospective, randomized study we have looked at the influence of a multiantioxidant supplementation regime, using allopurinol, vitamins E and C, mannitol and N-acetylcysteine, perioperatively. Twenty-two patients received standard treatment and 20 patients received supplementation. Gut permeability was determined using a double sugar test with lactulose and rhamnose. Results: A significant increase in gut permeability was found neither in the non-treatment group (p = 0.012) nor in the treatment group (p = 0.006) after 6 and 24 h. No difference was found between the group receiving antioxidants and the standard treatment group. p = 0.93 6 h post clamp; p = 0.97 24 h post clamp. Conclusion: In this study we have not found an influence of multiantioxidant supplementation on gut permeability after lower torso ischemia. Possible explanations for this negative result are being discussed.

Author Contacts

M. Wijnen
Department of Surgery, St. Joseph Hospital
PO Box 7777
NL-5500 MB Veldhoven (The Netherlands)
Tel./Fax +40 2588556, E-Mail mhwijnen@worldonline.nl

Article Information

Received: Received: May 17, 2001
Accepted after revision: January 8, 2002
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 40

Medline Abstract (ID 12145556)

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