Developing in vitro models mimicking the upper GI-tract after RYGB and SG to simulate the digestibility and absorption of nutritional supplements and tailored foods

In the context of obesity treatment, bariatric surgery is a common and successful strategy. Bariatric procedures are associated with alterations of the anatomical structure and subsequently the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract. These anatomical changes will affect the digestion and especially the absorption of nutrients from food and nutritional supplements/drugs, commonly used in this patient group to prevent and address nutritional deficiencies after surgery. Unravelling these changes is warranted to improve nutritional guidance for post-bariatric patients. Therefore, we will investigate the physiological changes in the gastrointestinal tract of patients with sleeve gastrectomy and with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, two of the most commonly used bariatric procedures. Based on this data, in vitro models reflecting the upper gastrointestinal tract of post-bariatric patients will be developed to predict the nutrient digestibility and absorption from food and nutritional supplements.

Keywords:GI-tract

Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other health sciences, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Other translational sciences, Other medical and health sciences