Effects of different nutrition support route on changes in intestinal mucus components after burn injury

Objectives:To observe the effect of different nutrition support route on changes in intestinal mucus components after burn injury. Methods:Wistar rats were inflicted with 30% total body surface area full thickness burns and randomly divided into three groups:namely burned and enteral nutrition (EN),burned and parenteral nutrition (PN),and normal control(C).In EN and PN group,rats were supplied with equal volume,calorie,nitrogen and other nutrients.The following indices including mucus layer depth,the content of hexose and acetylneuraminate were determined.Moreover, the information of synthesis and secretion of mucus from intestinal goblet cell was observed by mucus histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TME). Results:After burn injury,the structure of goblet cell was damaged and the ability of mucus secretion was decreased,mucus layer depth became thin,and contents of hexose and acetylneuraminate were remarked declined.Moreover,the acidity of mucus was decreased and neutral mucus was increased.Compared with PN group,the mucus layer depth was thicker and contents of hexose and acetylneuraminate were higher in EN group. Conclusions:After burn injury,the structure of goblet cell was damaged, the ability of goblet cells synthesis and secretion of mucus was declind,mucus layer depth become thin,and contents of hexose and acetylneuraminate were remarkedly decreased.Compared with parenteral nutrition,enteral nutrition is beneficial in minimizing goblet cell damage,promoting mucus synthesis and keeping intestinal mucus chemical component stable.