Oral transforming growth factor-alpha enhances jejunal mucosal recovery and electrical resistance in piglet rotavirus enteritis.

A randomized, investigator-masked trial determined the effects of oral recombinant human transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha) on jejunal mucosal recovery in 75 piglets with rotavirus diarrhea. Rotavirus inoculation of artificially reared piglets induced subtotal (approximately 50%) villus atrophy and watery diarrhea. Dietary TGF alpha was associated with significant restoration of villus surface area by 4 d postinoculation (p.i.) and complete restoration by 8 d p.i., whereas saline-treated animals required 12 d for recovery. Jejunal segments from clinically recovered TGF alpha-treated piglets showed an increase in electrical resistance across the epithelial barrier in vitro which was proportional to villus height. TGF alpha treatment for 12 d also produced a 30-50% increase in jejunal mucosal mass (protein content and wet weight), compared with the corresponding values in saline-treated piglets and in uninfected controls. However, oral TGF alpha did not hasten the resolution of diarrhea, enhance the specific activities of jejunal mucosal digestive enzymes, or increase jejunal glucose-stimulated Na+ absorption in vitro. We conclude that dietary TGF alpha stimulates jejunal mucosal hypertrophy, improves barrier function, and enhances regrowth of villi in rotavirus enteritis; however, it does not facilitate the restoration of functional activity or mucosal digestive enzymes. Oral TGF alpha can facilitate intestinal epithelial recovery in diseases associated with mucosal damage.

Duke Scholars

Author Martin Howard Ulshen Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition