Changes of plasma acetylcholine and inflammatory markers in critically ill patients during early enteral nutrition: A prospective observational study

•Plasma acetylcholine levels were negatively correlated with general inflammation in critically ill patients.•Elevated plasma acetylcholine levels indicate better prognosis in critically ill patients.•Early enteral nutrition plays a role in the increase of plasma acetylcholine levels.•Cholecystokinin could be partially in the pathway though which the early enteral nutrition influence on plasma acetylcholine levels.