Sucrose_Breath_Test_White_Paper.pdf

Non-Invasive Assessment of Intestinal Function Overview Introduction This paper will demonstrate that the 13C-sucrose breath test (13C-SBT) determines the health and function of the small intestine. Damage to the small intestine results in a decrease in the activity of brush border membrane enzymes such as sucrase. The 13C-SBT is a simple, sensitive and specific breath test to quantify sucrase activity in vivo which reflects small bowel function. The test is clinically valuable to screen patients for either known agents that cause gastric and small bowel toxicity (NSAID, alcohol or chemotherapy-induced), with infectious conditions (celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, HIV, chronic diarrhea), or intestinal failure (atrophy caused by parenteral nutrition). The 13C-SBT can also be used to screen new drugs and probiotics for treatment of intestinal damage. Significance The mucosal lining of the small intestine plays an important role as a barrier to the external environment composed of potentially harmful compounds such as bacteria, toxins and antigens. The mucosal lining is also the major interface for nutrient absorption. The surface area of the brush border is maximized by villi protruding into the gut lumen. Serious health ramifications can result if the functional area of the brush border is significantly reduced by a reduction of the villi absorptive surface area or damage to the enterocytes lining the small intestine. Applications The 13C-SBT can be used to assess intestinal function in the following areas: ? Gastric Toxicity caused by NSAID, chronic alcohol or cancer chemotherapeutic agents ? Intestinal damage from GI inflammation such as celiac, Crohn’s disease or IBS ? Intestinal failure such as atrophy caused by parenteral nutrition ? Monitoring of Intestinal Healing by Probiotics Principle of the SBT The 13C-sucrose breath test uses a naturally-enriched sucrose solution as the test substrate. Sucrose is broken