A STUDY OF FATTY ACIDS IN FECAL FAT IN VARIOUS MALABSORPTION SYNDROMES

Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of fatty acids in fecal fat was performed in healthy controls and five disease groups: subtotal gastrectomy (Billroth I), subtotal gastrectomy (Billroth II), total gastrectomy, Crohn's disease and ileal resection. The composition of eight different fatty acids including 10-hydroxystearic acid (10-OHSA), which is produced predominantly from dietary oleic acid by intestinal bacteria, was measured with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
All five disease groups had significantly higher fecal fat excretion than the control population. Fecal fatty acids concentration was increased in Billroth II and total gastrectomy. The percentage of 10-OHSA in fecal fatty acids was increased significantly in Billroth I, Billroth II, total gastrectomy and Crohn's disease. The ratio of 10-OHSA to oleic acid in fecal fat, which may represent the degree of bacterial conversion of oleic acid to 10-OHSA, was increased significantly in all disease groups. There was a linear relationship between the percentage of 10-OHSA and fecal fat excretion. These findings suggest there is a close relationship between bacterial overgrowth and fat malabsorption.