Spectrum of Short Chain Fatty Acids in Chronic Pancreatitis

The aim was to evaluate the metabolic activity of the colonic microbiota in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) as a marker of changes in the functional state of the pancreas. Material and methods. 40 patients (20 men and 20 women) aged 35 to 74 years (50.6 ± 9.4 years) were examined, 26 patients of which had external secretory pancreatic insufficiency (ESPI), which was confirmed by the data of the elastase test, and 14 patients had no ESPI. The diagnosis of CP was established on the basis of instrumental data. Patients with proven ESPI received enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in accordance with international and Russian recommendations. The concentration and spectrum of short-chain fatty acids were evaluated by gas-liquid chromatography. The control group consisted of 22 healthy volunteers (13 women and nine men aged 43.4± 6.2 years). Results. As a result of the analysis of the profiles of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), a significant change in the content of propionic acid was revealed in patients with CP without GNP when compared with a group of healthy volunteers, no differences were found between the groups of patients with CP. These studies indicate a decrease in the activity of certain types of colon microbiota that produce C3 (propionic acid) in patients with CP without ESPI and, accordingly, who did not receive ERT. This, apparently, is due to the violation of the fermentation of individual substrates entering the lumen of the colon. Conclusion. Indicators of the concentration and spectrum of SCFAs can serve as additional tools for detecting changes in the metabolic activity of the colonic microbiota as a marker of the functional state of the pancreas in CP.