1887

Abstract

Analysis of human gut contents showed that substantial quantities of soluble protein, ammonia and branched chain volatile fatty acids occurred throughout the large intestine [0·1-24·4 g (kg contents), 7·7-66·0 mmol (kg contents) and 1·5-11·1 mmol (kg contents) respectively]. The presence of these metabolites suggested that substantial proteolysis was occurring. studies showed that casein and bovine serum albumin were partly degraded in slurries of human faeces over a 96 h incubation period, to produce TCA-soluble peptides, ammonia and volatile fatty acids. Proteolytic activity detected in the stools of five individuals ranged from 3·5 to 19·8 mg azocasein hydrolysed h (g faecal material). Washed cell and washed particulate faecal fractions accounted for 24-67% of total activity. The predominant proteolytic bacteria in the faecal samples examined were identified as spp. [1·0 × 10-1·3 × 10 (g dry wt faeces)] and spp. [1·2 × 10-1·0 × 10 (g dry wt faeces)]. Other proteolytic bacteria which occurred in lesser numbers were identified as belonging to the genera and These results demonstrate that the gut microflora could potentially play a major role in proteolysis in the human colon.

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1986-06-01
2024-03-28
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