Our Summary

The small intestine is crucial for absorbing nutrients from what we eat. If a significant portion of it is removed, a condition called short bowel syndrome (SBS) can develop, leading to malnutrition and weight loss. Although we can grow small intestine cells in the lab, it’s been difficult to recreate the whole organ, which has a complex system of blood and lymph vessels.

In this study, scientists have made a functioning part of the small intestine by taking cells from another part of the intestine (the ileum), growing them into clusters of cells called organoids, and then transplanting these into the colon. These ileum organoids kept their original characteristics and started to develop into structures found in the small intestine when transplanted into a mouse colon.

The researchers also found that a certain kind of flow within the organoid was necessary for the development of these structures. They then created a model in rats, where the organoid-enhanced colon was moved to a different location in the body, exposed to a constant flow of digestive juices. This led to the organoid-enhanced colon developing the features of the small intestine, including blood and lymph vessels, nerve supply, and the ability to absorb fats.

In a rat model of short bowel syndrome, this organoid-enhanced colon significantly improved the condition. On the other hand, using colon organoids instead of ileum organoids led to the death of the animals. These results suggest that using organoids could be a promising way to treat short bowel syndrome in the future.

FAQs

  1. What is short bowel syndrome (SBS)?
  2. How does the small intestinalized colon (SIC) ameliorate intestinal failure in a rat model of SBS?
  3. What is the potential use of intestinal organoids in regenerative medicine and SBS treatment?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about intestinal resection is to follow a specialized diet plan to ensure proper nutrient absorption. This may include eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding high-fat or high-fiber foods, and taking vitamin and mineral supplements as needed. It is also important to stay hydrated and work closely with a healthcare provider to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the diet plan.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for intestinal resection include those with conditions such as Crohn’s disease, intestinal obstruction, tumors, or injuries that affect the small intestine. Additionally, patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) resulting from extensive small intestine resection may also be candidates for intestinal reconstruction using techniques such as small intestinalized colon (SIC) transplantation.

Timeline

Before intestinal resection:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and weight loss
  • Diagnostic tests such as imaging studies and endoscopy may be performed to determine the extent of the intestinal disease
  • Surgery may be recommended if conservative treatments are ineffective

After intestinal resection:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove the diseased portion of the intestine
  • Recovery period in the hospital, which may involve pain management, monitoring for complications, and gradually reintroducing food
  • Follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed
  • Long-term management of potential complications such as malabsorption, nutritional deficiencies, and short bowel syndrome, which may involve dietary changes, medication, and possibly further surgeries or interventions.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for recommending an intestinal resection?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with intestinal resection surgery?
  3. How much of the intestine will need to be removed and how will this affect my digestion and nutrient absorption?
  4. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or lifestyle after the surgery?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and what follow-up care will be needed?
  6. How likely is it that I will develop short bowel syndrome after the surgery?
  7. What are the alternatives to intestinal resection and how do they compare in terms of outcomes?
  8. Are there any specific considerations for my individual health condition that I should be aware of before undergoing this surgery?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team in performing intestinal resection procedures?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications that I should be aware of following the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sugimoto S, Kobayashi E, Fujii M, Ohta Y, Arai K, Matano M, Ishikawa K, Miyamoto K, Toshimitsu K, Takahashi S, Nanki K, Hakamata Y, Kanai T, Sato T. Journal: Nature. 2021 Apr;592(7852):99-104. doi: 10.1038/s41586-021-03247-2. Epub 2021 Feb 24. PMID: 33627870