RESUMO
BACKGROUND: We planned to evaluate the effects of different enteral nutrients on the levels of serum leptin, protein and albumin changes and also to compare their effects on mucosal morphology of small intestine. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups each including 10 animals. Group I rats were given rat chow and water. Group II rats were fed with standard enteral nutrient. Group III rats were fed with calorie enriched enteral nutrient. Group IV rats were given enteral nutrition supplemented with fiber. Group V rats were fed with immunonutrient. Serum albumin, protein, leptin levels were measured. Terminal ileum of each rat was scored. RESULTS: We found no difference in serum leptin, protein and albumin levels. The average mucosal atrophy of rats fed with standard chow was significantly different than that of rats fed with standard and calorie enriched nutrients. Feeding with nutrients supplemented with fiber and immunonutrient did not cause significant distortion in mucosal integrity when compared with feeding with standard chow. CONCLUSION: Low levels of leptin may show malnutrition but for determination of nutritional status of a patient receiving enteral nutrition, studies with long duration are required.
