Biomaterial Database

Serotonin metabolism in children with kwashiorkor. 1975

M Teotia, and S P Teotia

Intestinal fat absorption, serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 24-hour urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were studied in 13 children with kwashiorkor and 10 matched healthy controls. Eight out of 13 children with kwashiorkor who had steatorrhea also showed raised plasma serotonin levels in parallel with the high urinary excretion of 5-HIAA. In five children with kwashiorkor who showed normal intestinal fat absorption, the serum 5-HT and urinary 5-HIAA levels were comparable to controls. After therapy, concurrent with clinical and biochemical recovery, the intestinal absorption of fat improved, serum 5-HT concentration and the urinary excretion of 5-HIAA returned to normal range. This suggested that the deranged serotonin metabolism in our cases was secondary to the protein-calorie deficiency. The presence of defective metabolism of serotonin (5-HT) in children with kwashiorkor has been reported and its possible role in the etiopathogenesis of steatorrhea-diarrhea, skin lesions and psychomotor changes has been suggested for further work.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007422	Intestines	The section of the alimentary canal from the STOMACH to the ANAL CANAL. It includes the LARGE INTESTINE and SMALL INTESTINE.	Intestine
D007732	Kwashiorkor	A syndrome produced by severe protein deficiency, characterized by retarded growth, changes in skin and hair pigment, edema, and pathologic changes in the liver, including fatty infiltration, necrosis, and fibrosis. The word is a local name in Gold Coast, Africa, meaning "displaced child". Although first reported from Africa, kwashiorkor is now known throughout the world, but mainly in the tropics and subtropics. It is considered to be related to marasmus. (From Dorland, 27th ed)	Kwashiorkors
D008286	Malabsorption Syndromes	General term for a group of MALNUTRITION syndromes caused by failure of normal INTESTINAL ABSORPTION of nutrients.	Malabsorption Syndrome,Syndrome, Malabsorption,Syndromes, Malabsorption
D008297	Male		Males
D001798	Blood Proteins	Proteins that are present in blood serum, including SERUM ALBUMIN; BLOOD COAGULATION FACTORS; and many other types of proteins.	Blood Protein,Plasma Protein,Plasma Proteins,Serum Protein,Serum Proteins,Protein, Blood,Protein, Plasma,Protein, Serum,Proteins, Blood,Proteins, Plasma,Proteins, Serum
D002446	Celiac Disease	A malabsorption syndrome that is precipitated by the ingestion of foods containing GLUTEN, such as wheat, rye, and barley. It is characterized by INFLAMMATION of the SMALL INTESTINE, loss of MICROVILLI structure, failed INTESTINAL ABSORPTION, and MALNUTRITION.	Gluten Enteropathy,Sprue, Celiac,Sprue, Nontropical,Celiac Sprue,Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy,Sprue,Disease, Celiac,Enteropathies, Gluten,Enteropathies, Gluten-Sensitive,Enteropathy, Gluten,Enteropathy, Gluten-Sensitive,Gluten Enteropathies,Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy,Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathies,Nontropical Sprue
D002648	Child	A person 6 to 12 years of age. An individual 2 to 5 years old is CHILD, PRESCHOOL.	Children
D002675	Child, Preschool	A child between the ages of 2 and 5.	Children, Preschool,Preschool Child,Preschool Children
D005243	Feces	Excrement from the INTESTINES, containing unabsorbed solids, waste products, secretions, and BACTERIA of the DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.
D005260	Female		Females