I-FABP as a Potential Marker for Intestinal Barrier Loss in Porcine Polytrauma

Abstract

Polytrauma and concomitant hemorrhagic shock can lead to intestinal damage and subsequent multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) is expressed in the intestine and appears quickly in the circulation after intestinal epithelial cell damage. This porcine animal study investigates the I-FABP dynamics in plasma and urine after polytrauma. Furthermore, it evaluates to what extent I-FABP can also act as a marker of intestinal damage in a porcine polytrauma model. Eight pigs (Sus scrofa) were subjected to polytrauma which consisted of lung contusion, tibial fracture, liver laceration, and hemorrhagic shock followed by blood and fluid resuscitation and fracture fixation with an external fixator. Eight sham animals were identically instrumented but not injured. Afterwards, intensive care treatment including mechanical ventilation for 72 h followed. I-FABP levels in blood and urine were determined by ELISA. In addition, immunohistological staining for I-FABP, active caspase-3 and myeloperoxidase were performed after 72 h. Plasma and urine I-FABP levels were significantly increased shortly after trauma. I-FABP expression in intestinal tissue showed significantly lower expression in polytraumatized animals vs. sham. Caspase-3 and myeloperoxidase expression in the immunohistological examination were significantly higher in the jejunum and ileum of polytraumatized animals compared to sham animals. This study confirms a loss of intestinal barrier after polytrauma which is indicated by increased I-FABP levels in plasma and urine as well as decreased I-FABP levels in immunohistological staining of the intestine.

Network pharmacology analysis combined with experimental validation to explore the therapeutic mechanism of salidroside on intestine ischemia reperfusion

“…We are aware that DAO is a highly reactive intracellular enzyme in the cytoplasm of human and all mammalian intestinal mucosal cells, and when intestinal mucosal cells are impaired and necrotic, DAO is released into the blood, leading to increased blood activity, so blood DAO levels are a good indicator for monitoring intestinal mucosal injury [ 35 ]. I-FABP is a protein expressed only by enterocytes, which is released into the circulation after enterocyte injury and has been demonstrated to be a promising marker for early identification of intestinal ischemia and injury, all of which are consistent with the results of our study, suggesting that SAL possesses a beneficial therapeutic effect on intestinal IR injury [ 36 ].…”

I-FABP protein/mRNA and IL-6 as biomarkers of intestinal barrier dysfunction in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis and SPF BALB/c mouse models

“…Therefore, serum I-FABP levels could theoretically be used as a specific marker for detecting NEC. 34 , 35 …”

“…Therefore, serum I-FABP levels could theoretically be used as a specific marker for detecting NEC. 34,35 Using I-FABP ablation, Lackey et al 36 observed increased enterocyte mortality in the experimental mouse group with a shortened villus length, thinner myometrial layer, and decreased goblet cell density. Wang et al 37 studied the importance of I-FABP by evaluating intestinal barrier dysfunction during the early stage of severe burns in 36 mice, which were randomly divided into healthy control and scalded groups.…”

The Effects of Dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae Supplementation on Gut Microbiota Composition and Gut Health in Aged Labrador Retrievers

“…DAO, a highly reactive intracellular enzyme, and i-FABP, a soluble protein, are both located in the upper small intestinal mucosal villi in mammals. Zonulin is the sole known physiological regulatory protein for intestinal permeability [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. When the intestinal permeability increases due to the stimulation of bacteria and antigens, DAO, i-FABP, and zonulin are secreted into the enteric cavity and subsequently into the bloodstream.…”

“…When the intestinal permeability increases due to the stimulation of bacteria and antigens, DAO, i-FABP, and zonulin are secreted into the enteric cavity and subsequently into the bloodstream. Therefore, the concentrations of DAO, zonulin, and i-FABP in serum can reflect the integrity of and the degree of damage to the intestinal mechanical barrier [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. In this study, dietary S. cerevisiae significantly decreased the serum levels of LPS and zonulin in the aged dogs, suggesting that S. cerevisiae could improve the intestinal barrier function and potentially maintain gut health in aged dogs.…”