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Biomedical subjects

B Flourié

Publications and source records attributed to B Flourié.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharide administration dose-dependently increases fecal bifidobacteria in healthy humans.

Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (SC-FOS) are a mixture of oligosaccharides consisting of glucose linked to fructose units (Gfn; n = </= 4), which are not digested in the human small intestine but are fermented in the colon where they specifically promote the growth of bifidobacteria. In healthy volunteers, we assessed the tolerance and the threshold dose of SC-FOS that significantly increased fecal bifidobacteria counts and the possibility of a dose-response relationship. Randomly divided into five groups and eating their usual diets, healthy volunteers (40: 18 males, 22 females) ingested in two oral doses for 7 d a powder mixture containing (g SC-FOS/d): 0, G0; 2.5, G2.5; 5, G5; 10, G10; 20, G20. Stools were collected before (d1) and at the end (d8) of sugar consumption, and tolerance was evaluated using a daily chart. Total anaerobe counts were not affected by SC-FOS ingestion. Bifidobacteria counts at d8 were greater in groups G10 and G20 than in G0 and G2.5 (P < 0.05). Fecal pH did not differ among groups. A significant correlation between the dose of SC-FOS ingested and the fecal bifidobacteria counts was observed at d8 (r = 0.53; P < 0.01). Excess flatus was significantly more frequent in subjects consuming G20 than in those consuming G0, G2.5 or G5 (P < 0.05), and more intense in G20 than in G0 and G5 groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the optimal and well-tolerated dose of SC-FOS that significantly increased fecal bifidobacteria in healthy volunteers consuming their usual diet is 10 g/d.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Bacterial populations contaminating the upper gut in patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SIBOS) is characterized by an abnormally high bacterial population level in the upper gut, exceeding 10(5) organisms/ml (5 log colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml). To understand its origin and select an appropriate antibiotic treatment, we have analyzed the bacterial populations contaminating the upper gut in SIBOS patients. METHODS: Jejunal samples of 63 consecutive patients with diarrhea or malabsorption and conditions predisposing to SIBOS were cultured and antibiotic sensitivities determined. RESULTS: Concentrations of total, microaerophilic, and anaerobic bacteria were confirmed in 55 patients with SIBOS (mean +/- SE) 7.6 +/- 0.8, 7.4 +/- 0.9, and 6.1 +/- 0.7 log CFU/ml, respectively. Mean number of bacterial genera was 4.6 +/- 0.8. The main bacteria recovered were (mean +/- SE log CFU/ml) Streptococcus (71%; 6.4 +/- 0.8), Escherichia coli (69%; 7.2 +/- 0.9), Staphylococcus (25%; 6.2 +/- 0.6), Micrococcus (22%; 6.0 +/- 0.7), Klebsiella (20%; 7.1 +/- 0.8), Proteus (11%; 6.1 +/- 0.8) for microaerophilic bacteria, and Lactobacillus (75%; 6.1 +/- 1.1), Bacteroides (29%; 6.9 +/- 1.3), Clostridium (25%; 5.5 +/- 1.0), Veillonella (25%; 5.3 +/- 0.7), Fusobacterium (13%; 4.8 +/- 0.5), and Peptostreptococcus (13%; 6.1 +/- 0.7) for anaerobic bacteria. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cefoxitin were efficient on >90% of strains. CONCLUSIONS: Contaminating flora isolated in SIBOS include commonly identified oropharyngeal and colonic flora, but these occur in SIBOS at different levels from those usually found in their original location. These data may hopefully serve as a starting point to further therapeutic controlled studies.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Comparison of a low dose polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution with lactulose for treatment of chronic constipation.

BACKGROUND: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 is a non-absorbable, non-metabolised osmotic agent used in lavage solutions for gut cleansing. AIMS: To compare the efficacy of PEG and lactulose in chronic constipation. METHODS: A total of 115 patients with chronic constipation entered a multicentre, randomised, comparative trial. They initially received two sachets containing either PEG (13 g/sachet) or lactulose (10 g/sachet) and were given an option to change the dose to one or three sachets/day, depending on response. RESULTS: Ninety nine patients completed the trial. After four weeks, patients in the PEG group (n=50) had a higher number of stools and a lower median daily score for straining at stool than patients in the lactulose group (n=49). Overall improvement was greater in the PEG group. Clinical tolerance was similar in the two groups, but flatus was less frequently reported in the PEG group. The mean number of liquid stools was higher in the PEG group but the difference was significant only for the first two weeks. There were no serious adverse events and no significant change in laboratory tests in either group. At the end of the study, the number of sachets used by the patients was 1.6 (0.7)/day in the PEG group and 2.1 (0.7)/day in the lactulose group. Sixty one patients completed a further two months open study of one to three sachets PEG daily; there was no loss of efficacy and no serious toxicity. CONCLUSION: Low dose PEG 3350 was more effective than lactulose and better tolerated.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Regional effects of cholecystokinin octapeptide on colonic phasic and tonic motility in healthy humans.

The aim of this study was to assess in nine healthy subjects the effects of CCK octapeptide (CCK-8) on colonic tonic activity, measured by a barostat, and phasic activity, measured by manometry. On 2 consecutive days, recordings were performed in the unprepared proximal and distal colons during intravenous infusion of saline and CCK-8 at 5, 20, and 40 ng. kg-1. h-1. In the proximal colon CCK-8 induced, at the 20 and 40 ng. kg-1. h-1 doses, a tonic relaxation with an increase in barostat bag volume to 156 +/- 25 and 157 +/- 19% of basal (P < 0.01) and a decrease in phasic activity to 72 +/- 7 and 76 +/- 7% of basal (P < 0.01). In the distal colon, CCK-8 induced, at the 20 and 40 ng. kg-1. h-1 doses, a tonic relaxation (increase in intrabag volume to 133 +/- 12 and 149 +/- 15%, respectively; P < 0.01), whereas phasic activity increased (128 +/- 8 and 132 +/- 6%, respectively; P < 0.01). Effects of CCK-8 on tonic and phasic activities are different according to the colonic segment. Because meals induce colonic tonic contraction, our results suggest that CCK, as a hormone, is not an important mediator of the response of the colon to feeding in humans.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Small-intestinal digestion of partially resistant cornstarch in healthy subjects.

The aims of this study were to measure the amount of starch from partially resistant starches (retrograded and complexed high-amylose cornstarches) escaping small-intestinal digestion in healthy humans by use of an intubation method and to compare these data with data obtained by indirect in vitro methods. Experiments were carried out in vivo in 6 healthy humans by using ileal intubation and stool analysis and in vitro by using 3 different methods for analyzing resistant starch. In intubated subjects, 51 +/- 2% of the retrograded and 21 +/- 2% of the complexed starch was delivered to the ileum and was fermented almost completely in the colon. In vitro estimates of the absorption of resistant starch were much lower. We conclude that technologically modified starches may substantially increase the amount of carbohydrate available for colonic fermentation in humans, but that in vitro measurements of resistant starch are inaccurate for predicting malabsorption in healthy humans.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Production rate of acetate during colonic fermentation of lactulose: a stable-isotope study in humans.

BACKGROUND: Breath tests are currently used to qualitatively assess colonic fermentation; no quantitative estimations are available for healthy subjects. OBJECTIVE: This study describes a stable-isotope-dilution method to measure acetate production quantitatively from colonic bacterial fermentation. DESIGN: Six volunteers received a primed, constant, intravenous infusion of [1-13C]acetate at a rate of 1.01 +/- 0.04 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1) for 7 h. They ingested 20 g pure lactulose after 1 h of the tracer infusion. Expired air and arterialized venous blood were sampled every 15 min. RESULTS: Before lactulose intake, the breath-hydrogen concentration was 7 +/- 2 ppm and the plasma acetate concentration and isotopic enrichment were 141 +/- 14 micromol/L and 14.8 +/- 1.4 moles percent excess, respectively. Whole-body acetate turnover was 6.0 +/- 0.7 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1). After lactulose ingestion, maximum breath hydrogen and acetate concentrations reached 63 +/- 15 ppm (P = 0.004) and 313 +/- 25 micromol/L (P = 0.002), respectively, whereas [13C]acetate enrichment decreased to 9.9 +/- 1.3 moles percent excess (P = 0.03). Whole-body acetate turnover increased to 9.8 +/- 1.5 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1) and later decreased almost to baseline values. Colonic lactulose fermentation yielded 140 +/- 12 mmol acetate over 6 h, representing 86% of the production based on stoichiometric equations. CONCLUSION: This new method provides a quantitative estimate of colonic carbohydrate fermentation via evaluation of acetate production.

Acetates↗
PubMed1998

The 13carbon urea breath test for the noninvasive detection of Helicobacter pylori in children: comparison with culture and determination of minimum analysis requirements.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to determine the accuracy of the labelled 13carbon urea breath test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori in children and to simplify the 13carbon urea breath test in identifying the most discriminating sampling time. METHODS: H. pylori was searched for in 100 children aged 10.5+/-4.5 years by histology, bacteriological counts, and culture on antral biopsies together with serology and 13carbon urea breath test. Breath samples were obtained before ingestion (T0) of 75 mg urea-13C and every 10 minutes after until T60. 13CO2 excess ratio was measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry, and values expressed as delta per mil over baseline enrichment (delta 13CO2). The arithmetic mean (Mdelta 13CO2) of T20 to T60 values was calculated and the test considered positive with Mdelta 3CO2 higher than Mdelta 13CO2 + 3 SD as determined in noninfected children. RESULTS: Mdelta 13CO2 of noninfected children as assessed by culture was 1.4+/-0.6 per mil, determining a positive cut-off value of 3.44 per mil. Mdelta 13CO2 was correlated in 11 children with biopsy bacteriological counts. Both culture and 13carbon urea breath test were positive in 38 of 100 children, without any discordance. Plotting 13carbon urea breath test results at each sampling time versus Mdelta 13CO2 showed weaker correlations at T20, T30, T50, and T60, than at T40. The two-sample method at T0 and T30, T40, T50, had high sensitivity and specificity. Single-sample analysis obtained at T40 gave a comparable sensitivity and a slightly reduced specificity. CONCLUSION: 13carbon urea breath test is sensitive and specific in children. Two samples collected at T0 and T40 provide the most discriminating procedure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Tonic and phasic motor activity in the proximal and distal colon of healthy humans.

In healthy humans, meals stimulate phasic and tonic motor activity in the unprepared distal colon. The response of the proximal colon remains unknown. In this study, we assessed the effect of a liquid meal on proximal and distal colonic motor activity. In 12 healthy volunteers, colonic tone and phasic motility were simultaneously recorded by using an electronic barostat and perfused catheters in the fasting state and in response to a 1,000-kcal meal. The meal significantly increased the phasic activity in the distal colon (230 +/- 46% of the basal value; P = 0.02) but not in the proximal colon (138 +/- 25% of the basal value; P = 0.2). The intrabag volume of the barostat was significantly more reduced in the distal than in the proximal colon (74 +/- 11 vs. 50 +/- 9% of the basal values, respectively; P = 0.04). We conclude that the postprandial response of the unprepared proximal colon is an immediate tonic contraction that is less pronounced than in the distal colon.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Do patients with short-bowel syndrome need a lactose-free diet?

We compared the tolerance of a diet providing 20 g/d lactose and a lactose-free diet in 14 patients with short-bowel syndrome with either the colon in continuity (group A, n = 8) or a terminal jejunostomy (group B, n = 6). Lactose tolerance was studied after a single 20-g lactose load in the fasting state, and during two 3-d periods during which the subjects consumed their usual diet plus either 20 g/d lactose, with no more than 4 g/d as milk, or no lactose. Records and measurements included symptoms, fecal weight, and during the 8 h after the lactose load, breath-hydrogen excretion (group A) or lactose and hexoses flow rates in stomal effluents (group B). Results are expressed as medians with ranges in parentheses. Lactose absorption was 61% (0-90) in group A and 53% (18-84) in group B, and no symptoms of intolerance were noticed. During the lactose-rich diet as compared to the lactose-free diet, no symptoms were noticed nor was there any worsening of diarrhea: 1534 g/d (240-4760) versus 1466 (1590-7030) in group A, and 4122 g/d (1730-6830) versus 3496 (1590-7030) in group B. We conclude that a diet providing 20 g/d lactose with no more than 4 g/d as milk is well tolerated in the majority of patients with short-bowel syndrome, and that a lactose-free diet has usually no benefit in these subjects.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Effects of milk viscosity on gastric emptying and lactose intolerance in lactose maldigesters.

The possibility of delaying gastric emptying and improving lactose digestion and tolerance by increasing milk viscosity was studied in 13 lactose maldigesters who ingested three test milks with different viscosities (range: 33-1892 mPa.s) in random order at intervals of 1 wk. Each test portion was 500 mL and provided approximately equal to 1900 kJ and 18 g lactose. The different viscosities were obtained by adding varying proportions of rice starch and maltodextrin to a basic milk formula. A combined [13C]glycine-hydrogen breath test was used to measure gastric emptying and lactose digestion simultaneously. Participants reported their gastrointestinal symptoms by using a four-grade scale. Mean (+/- SEM) gastric-emptying half times were 78 +/- 5.7 min for low-viscosity milk (30 mPa.s), 86 +/- 5.0 min for moderate-viscosity milk (80 mPa.s), and 78 +/- 4.5 min for high-viscosity milk (1.9.10(3) mPa.s). Mean orocecal transit times (180 +/- 24, 163 +/- 23, and 180 +/- 24 min, respectively) were not significantly different. There were no milk-dependent differences in breath-hydrogen excretion or in the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms. The milks were well tolerated; > 50% of the subjects reported nondisturbing symptoms or none. We conclude that gastric emptying, orocecal transit time, and lactose digestion and tolerance were not affected by altering milk viscosity. This may have been due to the high energy content of the test milks, which in itself led to slow gastric emptying.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Metabolic effects of digestible and partially indigestible cornstarch: a study in the absorptive and postabsorptive periods in healthy humans.

To compare the effects of digestible (pregelatinized) and partially indigestible (retrograded) cornstarches on some metabolic indexes, we studied eight healthy volunteers during two periods separated by 1 wk. In each period, fasting volunteers consumed at 0800 the test meal containing either the digestible or partially indigestible cornstarch; blood and breath were sampled in the absorptive period for 8 h. To study its late effects, the same test meal as that served at 0800 was given again at 2200, and blood and breath were sampled for 3 h in the postabsorptive period the next morning, i.e., 10 h after ingestion of the test meal. In the absorptive period, blood glucose and insulin were significantly higher after ingestion of digestible cornstarch than after partially indigestible cornstarch. In the postabsorptive period concentrations of blood glucose, insulin, and fatty acids were not significantly different, whereas concentrations of blood acetate, breath hydrogen, methane, and 13CO2, and the respiratory quotient and satiety were significantly higher (P < 0.05) and concentrations of blood glycerol significantly lower (P < 0.05) after ingestion of partially indigestible cornstarch than after digestible cornstarch. We conclude that in healthy humans, digestion of partially indigestible cornstarch is slow in the small intestine and its colonic fermentation continues 10-13 h after its ingestion. Compared with pregelatinized cornstarch, the shift in starch digestion induced by retrogradation leads to a reduction in glycemic and insulinemic responses in the absorptive period and in lipolysis in the postabsorptive.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Glucose does not facilitate the absorption of sorbitol perfused in situ in the human small intestine.

Sorbitol is better absorbed in the small intestine when ingested concomitantly with glucose. The aim of this study was to test in situ the effect of glucose on the absorption of sorbitol in the human small intestine, using the perfusion technique. The sorbitol absorption of three test solutions, perfused in a random order, was measured in a 30-cm segment of jejunum in six healthy volunteers (4 males and 2 females). The solutions contained the same concentration of sorbitol (55 mmol/L) and increasing concentrations of D-glucose (0, 55 and 110 mmol/L). Net absorption of water increased as the glucose concentration of the solution increased and differed significantly among the three solutions. Net absorption of glucose was significantly greater for the 110 mmol/L glucose solution than for the 55 mmol/L glucose solution [23.6 +/- 1.8 vs. 11.0 +/- 1.2 mmol/(h x 30 cm), P < 0.01]. Sorbitol absorption in the jejunal segment was 5.2 +/- 1.3, 6.2 +/- 0.5 and 5.8 +/- 0.4 mmol/(h x 30 cm) for the glucose-free solution, the 55 mmol/L glucose solution, and the 110 mmol/L glucose solution, respectively. These values did not differ significantly. These results do not support the hypothesis of a facilitating effect of glucose on sorbitol absorption in the human small intestine.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Administration of transgalacto-oligosaccharides increases fecal bifidobacteria and modifies colonic fermentation metabolism in healthy humans.

Transgalacto-oligosaccharides are a mixture of oligosaccharides consisting of glucose and galactose; they are not digested in the human small intestine. In vitro, they specifically stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria. The aim of the present work was to assess tolerance of transgalacto-oligosaccharides and the effects of their prolonged administration on bifidobacteria and fermentative activity of colonic flora. Eight healthy subjects were given 10 g of transgalacto-oligosaccharides per day for 21 d in two daily doses. A breath test and stool sample collection were carried out on d 1, 7, 14 and 21 of transgalacto-oligosaccharides ingestion. The stools of three subjects were collected and mixed before the study, and then inoculated in vitro into a fermentor to which 10 g transgalacto-oligosaccharides was added daily for 14 d. In the eight volunteers, administration of transgalacto-oligosaccharides led to a significant decrease in breath hydrogen excretion (P < 0.01) and a significant increase in fecal concentrations of bifidobacteria from (means +/- SEM) 8.6 +/- 0.6 to 9.7 +/- 0.5, 9.7 +/- 0.6 and 9.5 +/- 0.6 log colony-forming units (CFU)/g on d 1, 7, 14 and 21, respectively (P < 0.05). Fecal concentrations of enterobacteria, as well as stool weight, fecal water and pH did not change during the study. In vitro, transgalacto-oligosaccharides fermentation became more efficient and faster with time. In addition, metabolic alterations such as a rise in acetate proportion and lactate formation after 7 d of fermentation were observed, indicating the transformation of the inoculated fecal flora into an acid-resistant lactic flora. Prolonged administration of transgalacto-oligosaccharides, at a dose which does not induce digestive symptoms, increases the number of bifidobacteria and alters the fermentative activity of colonic flora in humans.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Local regulation of ileal tone in healthy humans.

We previously showed that a meal induced, in the human terminal ileum, a delayed tonic relaxation, which could be related to the ileal delivery of meal residues and/or endogenous secretions released by a meal. In this study, we assessed the effects of some components of the ileal contents on its motor activity. In six healthy subjects, we studied ileal tonic and phasic motility in response to the infusion into the terminal ileum of different isotonic solutions: saline, glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GDCA), triglycerides, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Tonic activity was not modified by saline, whereas it was significantly decreased by GDCA and triglycerides (maximal increase in intrabag volume 139 +/- 7% and 152 +/- 16%, respectively, P < 0.01), and significantly increased by SCFA (maximal decrease in intrabag volume 72 +/- 4%, P < 0.01). No significant change of phasic activity was evidenced with either solution. We conclude that 1) bile acids and triglycerides not absorbed in the more proximal gut could be involved in the ileal relaxation occurring after eating and 2) local stimulation of chemoreceptors is of importance in the regulation of ileal motility.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Fecal incontinence after pelvic radiotherapy: evidences for a lumbosacral plexopathy. Report of a case.

PURPOSE: Clinical manifestations of radiation-induced lumbosacral plexopathy remain a rare event. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman with neurogenic fecal incontinence that occurred after radiotherapy of cervical carcinoma. METHODS: Anorectal, bladder, and lower limb sensory-motor functions, as biologic and morphologic explorations, were performed on repeated occasions. RESULTS: Anorectal manometry, conduction times of pudendal nerves, sacral latencies, and pudendal nerve-evoked corticals disclosed lesions of the lumbosacral plexus that was confirmed by bladder manometry and electromyography of lower limbs. Biologic and morphologic explorations were within normal ranges. CONCLUSION: Because no other cause except radiation was demonstrated in this case, we suggest that plexopathy may be a late-occurring complication of radiotherapy.

Brachytherapy↗