Gut Alterations in Septic Patients: A Biochemical Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction with high mortality and morbidity rate and with the disease progression many alterations are observed in different organs. The gastrointestinal tract is often damaged during sepsis and septic shock and main symptoms are related to increased permeability, bacterial translocation and malabsorption. These intestinal alterations can be both cause and effect of sepsis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to analyze different pathways that lead to intestinal alteration in sepsis and to explore the most common methods for intestinal permeability measurement and, at the same time to evaluate if their use permit to identify patients at high risk of sepsis and eventually to estimate the prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The peer-reviewed articles analyzed were selected from PubMed databases using the keywords "sepsis" "gut alteration", "bowel permeability", "gut alteration", "bacterial translocation", "gut permeability tests", "gut inflammation". Among the 321 papers identified, 190 articles were selected, after title - abstract examination and removing the duplicates and studies on pediatric population,only 105 articles relating to sepsis and gut alterations were analyzed. RESULTS: Integrity of the intestinal barrier plays a key role in the preventing of bacterial translocation and gut alteration related to sepsis. It is obvious that this dysfunction of the small intestine can have serious consequences and the early identification of patients at risk - to develop malabsorption or already malnourished - is very recommended to increase the survivor rate. Until now, in critical patients, the dosage of citrullinemia is easily applied test in clinical setting, in fact, it is relatively easy to administer and allows to accurately assess the functionality of enterocytes. CONCLUSION: The sepsis can have an important impact on the gastrointestinal function. In addition, the alteration of the permeability can become a source of systemic infection. At the moment, biological damage markers are not specific, but the dosage of LPS, citrulline, lactulose/mannitol test, FABP and fecal calprotectin are becoming an excellent alternative with high specificity and sensitivity.

Opioid peptides and gastrointestinal symptoms in autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by deficits in the individual’s ability to socialize, communicate, and use the imagination, in addition to stereotyped behaviors. These disorders have a heterogenous phenotype, both in relation to symptoms and regarding severity. Organic problems related to the gastrointestinal tract are often associated with ASD, including dysbiosis, inflammatory bowel disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease, indigestion, malabsorption, food intolerance, and food allergies, leading to vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition. In an attempt to explain the pathophysiology involved in autism, a theory founded on opioid excess has been the focus of various investigations, since it partially explains the symptomatology of the disorder. Another hypothesis has been put forward whereby the probable triggers of ASDs would be related to the presence of bacteria in the bowel, oxidative stress, and intestinal permeability. The present update reviews these hypotheses.