Eur J Pediatr Surg 2014; 24(02): 150-157
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1343081
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Effects of Melatonin on Intestinal Adaptation in a Rat Model of Short Bowel Syndrome

Meral Guclu
2   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
,
Billur Demirogullari
2   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
,
Sureyya Barun
3   Department of Pharmacology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
,
Ibrahim Onur Ozen
2   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
,
Süleyman Cüneyt Karakus
1   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Gaziantep Children's Hospital, Sehitkamil, Gaziantep, Turkey
,
Aylar Poyraz
4   Department of Pathology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
,
Muhittin Serdar
5   Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey
,
Ramazan Karabulut
2   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
,
Zafer Türkyılmaz
2   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
,
Kaan Sönmez
2   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
,
Nuri Kale
2   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
,
Apdullah Başaklar
2   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

30 September 2012

04 February 2013

Publication Date:
15 April 2013 (online)

Abstract

Introduction Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a clinical condition resulting from the loss of absorptive surface area following resection of 50% or more small bowel. Morphological and functional changes called “intestinal adaptation” occur in the residual intestine. Melatonin exists in the gastrointestinal tract and has effect on mitotic activity. Therefore, we hypothesized that melatonin may have beneficial effects on intestinal adaptation.

Materials and Methods A total of 32 male Wistar albino male rats were divided into four groups. In group I (sham-S), small bowel was transected and reanastomosed. In group II (SBS-control), 75% small bowel resection and anastomosis were performed. In group III (SBS-vehicle), after 75% small bowel resection and anastomosis, 2 mL of 5% ethanol in saline was given intraperitoneally once a day. In group IV (SBS-melatonin), after 75% small bowel resection and anastomosis, 300 µg/kg melatonin was given intraperitoneally once a day. After 15 days, small bowels were removed and divided into two segments as jejunum and ileum. Each segment was weight and measured. Histological examination was performed in all samples. Bowel and mucosal weights and DNA/protein ratio were calculated. Apoptotic cells were also identified.

Results The bowel length measurements were statistically longer in group IV. Mucosal and bowel weights were the highest in group IV. The villus height, crypt depth, and the number of mitotic figures were the highest in the jejunum of group IV. Melatonin also gave rise to a significant increase in DNA/protein ratios in group IV.

Conclusion According to this study, melatonin significantly enhanced intestinal adaptation.

 
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