Effects of the soluble fibre pectin on intestinal cell proliferation, fecal short chain fatty acid production and microbial population.

Aim: Although pectin, a dietary fibre, has been suggested to possess some trophic effects on the intestine, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pectin on rat intestinal cell proliferation and the intraluminal environment.

Methods: Control and pectin-fed rats were given a fibre-free elemental diet (ED) and an ED containing 2.5% pectin, respectively. On the 15th day, the length, weight and number of Ki-67-positive cells from each intestinal segment, and the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbial population in the caecum were measured. Plasma glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) concentration and GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) mRNA levels in the epithelium were also determined.

Results: Pectin supplementation resulted in significant increases in the length, weight, and number of Ki-67-positive cells in the ileum, caecum and colon. Although pectin supplementation did not affect the caecal microbial flora that produced SCFAs, the caecal SCFA content was significantly increased. Pectin supplementation also induced an increase in the plasma GLP-2 concentration, but did not affect the GLP-2R mRNA levels in the small intestine.

Conclusions: The increases in the caecal SCFAs and plasma GLP-2 levels induced by pectin supplementation may cause mucosal proliferation in the lower intestinal tract.