Study of protective effects of glutamine on intestinal mucosal barrier function in severe burned patients

Objectives:To study the protection effect of glutamine on intestinal mucosal barrier function in severe burned patients. Methods:39 severe burn patients (total burn surface area was 30%~60%,full thickness burns area was 10%~30%) were randomly divided into two groups:control group(C group,19 patients) and glutamine treatment group (Gln group,20 patients).Gln group patients had been given glutamine granules 0.5 g/kg daily for 7 days, and C group had been given same weight placebo for 7 days.The plasma glutamine concentration,the activity of diamine oxidase(DAO) and intestinal mucosal permeability were determined,wound healing rate of burn area was observed,and then hospital stay was recorded. Results:After 7 days of oral glutamine intake, plasma glutamine concentration in Gln group was significantly higher than that in C group( P 0.01).On the other hand,the degree of intestine damage and intestinal mucosa permeability in Gln group were lower than those in C group.In addition,the wound healing was faster and hospital stay days was shorter than in C group( P 0.01). Conclusions:Taking L glutamine could abate the degree of intestine injury,lessen intestinal mucosal permeability,ameliorate wound healing rate and reduce hospital stay obviously.