Butyrate from bacterial fermentation of germinated barley foodstuff preserves intestinal barrier function in experimental colitis in the rat model

Background and Aims: The consumption of germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) p revents inflammation and diarrhoea in a colitis model. In this study we inv estigated the mechanism of the preventative effect of GBF on experimental c olitis in rats, in view of production of bacterial butyrate and preservatio n of intestinal barrier function. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats administered with diets supplemented with 3.5% dextran sodium sulphate were used as an experimental colitis model. Butyra te was given to rats orally or intracaecally. intestinal barrier function w as estimated by light microscopic observation of the mucose, intestinal per meability and bacterial translocation. Results: Mucosal damage was reduced by intracaecal administration of butyra te, but not by oral administration. Bacterial butyrate production and reduc tion of mucosal damage depended on the dose of GBF in diets. The action of endogenous bacterial butyrate, including the reduction of intestinal permea bility and bacterial translocation, was inhibited by administration of an i nhibitor of P-oxidation of short-chain fatty acids. Conclusions: The feeding of GBF promotes bacterial butyrate production and improves intestinal barrier function in rats, resulting in mitigation of ex perimental colitis. (C) 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.