EFFECT OF MEDIUM-CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDE EMULSION IN TOTAL PARENTERAL-NUTRITION ON EXPERIMENTAL HEPATIC METASTASIS IN THE RAT

Background: This study evaluated the effect of total parenteral nutrit ion (TPN) regimens containing a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) emulsi on on tumor metastasis. Methods: Tumor metastasis development was asse ssed by the number of metastatic foci on the liver surface in rats ino culated with ACL-15 tumor cells via the portal vein. Rats received one of the following TPN regimens: TPN containing an MCT emulsion (group M), in which tricaprylin emulsion served as the MCT and comprised 50% of nonprotein calories (NPC); TPN containing a long-chain triglyceride (LCT) emulsion (group L), in which soybean oil served as the LCT and comprised 50% of NPC; and TPN without lipid emulsion (group G), in whi ch dextrose comprised 100% of NPC. Results: The number of metastatic f oci was greatest in rats receiving TPN containing the MCT emulsion on day 11 after tumor cell inoculation and either 11 days of TPN or 2 day s of TPN followed by 9 days standard rat chow. Conclusions: TPN contai ning MCT emulsion increases liver metastasis early in its administrati on.