Use of serum leptin levels for determination of nutritional status and the effects of different enteral nutrients on intestinal mucosa after minor surgery: An experimental study

BackgroundWe 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.MethodsRats 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.ResultsWe 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.ConclusionLow levels of leptin may show malnutrition but for determination of nutritional status of a patient receiving enteral nutrition, studies with long duration are required.