Effects of alanyl-glutamine dipeptide administration on postoperative intestinal permeability and immmunologic function

Objective: The study was designed to observe the effects of alanyl-glutamine(Aln-Gln) dipeptide on postoperative intestinal permeability and immmunologic function in abdominal patients. Methods: A prospective,randomized and controlled trial was taken.20 patients who underwent abdominal operation were divided into two groups: study group(intravenous administration of Aln-Gln dipeptide,0.5 g/(kg·d),for 4 days,n =10) and control group(equal normal saline as placebo,for 4 days,n =10).Serum concentrations of glutamine(Gln) and diamine oxidase(DAO),blood total lymphocyte count(TLC) and human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-DR and urine lactulose/mannito(L/M) ratio were measured before and after operation. Results: Serum Gln concentration was significantly decreased in control group and increased in study group on postoperative day 5.Urine L/M ratio and serum DAO level were significantly increased in control group and decreased in study group after operation.Blood TLC and HLA-DR expression in the study group were significantly higher than those in control group on postoperative day 5. Conclusion: Intravenous administration of Aln-Gln dipeptide can increase the serum Gln level,decrease the intestinal permeability,maintain the intestinal barrier and improve the immmunologic function in the early period of postoperative patients.Aln-Gln dipeptide can be used in the fast track surgery to help patients recover rapidly.