Thomas Hunt

Effect of Malnutrition on Colonic Healing

It has been suggested that colonic healing is impaired in malnourished subjects, but there have been no biochemical studies of the effect of malnutrition on colonic healing. The effects of malnutrition on the colon and the healing of colonic anastomoses were studied in rats fed a protein-free diet. Test animals were compared with control animals of similar age, and control animals of similar weight. There was a significant reduction in the body weight, total serum proteins and serum albumin of animals starved of protein. Malnutrition resulted in a reduction in the weight of the uninjured colon, and an increase in the colonic collagen concentration. There was a significant reduction in the collagen content of the colon in animals starved of protein for seven weeks, and the collagen content of anastomoses in these animals was significantly lower than the value in control animals. Anastomotic edema occurred during colon healing in animals starved for seven weeks. Measurements of colonic bursting pressure were an inaccurate guide to colonic healing. It is concluded that severe malnutrition resulting in 34% loss of body weight had an adverse effect on colonic healing.

Lactate, with Oxygen, Incites Angiogenesis

Lactate has been reconsidered! As we now know, most is produced aerobically We report that lactate accumulation commonly occurs in the presence of oxygen and is sufficient to instigate signals for angiogenesis and connective tissue deposition. These include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and hypoxia-inducible factor (hif-1alpha). This paper, a mini-review, is occasioned by new data showing increased presence of VEGF and angiogenesis in an oxygenated site by adding a slow-release source of lactate into Matrigel and implanting the Matrigel subcutaneously in mice.

Antacids and allied drugs.

It Is difficult for a doctor to appreciate how many tons of antacids are taken yearly by the public, for great numbers of patients complaining of indigestion buy themselves some form of alkaline powder privately and do not go near a doctor at all. The layman has a traditional and long-accepted belief that dyspepsia is due to acidity and that certain foods are more acid than others. In choosing his antacid he is much influenced by its taste, colour, price, the way it is presented, its advertisements, and its reputation. In judging its efficiency he relies entirely upon its action in relieving symptoms, whether these be heartburn, pain, nausea, vomiting, or flatulence.