Seprafilm (modified hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose) acts as a physical barrier.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the molecular changes that occur in normal fibroblasts, adhesion fibroblasts, and mesothelial cells as a result of exposure to modified hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose (Seprafilm).


METHODS
University research laboratory.


METHODS
Human mesothelial and fibroblast cell culture.


METHODS
Multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to examine control and Seprafilm-treated normal peritoneal fibroblasts, adhesion fibroblasts, and mesothelial cells in culture for levels of messenger RNA from molecules known to be associated with adhesion development (transforming growth factor-beta 1, type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and tissue plasminogen activator).


RESULTS
Seprafilm treatment of normal peritoneal fibroblasts, adhesion fibroblasts and mesothelial cells did not alter the expression of markers examined.


CONCLUSIONS
In the absence of a biological effect of Seprafilm on markers known to be involved in postoperative adhesion development, the ability of Seprafilm to reduce postoperative adhesions is most likely caused by its effect as a physical barrier.
Gago
L April
LA
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA. lagago@med.wayne.edu
Saed
Ghassan M
GM
Chauhan
Subodhsingh
S
Elhammady
Eslam F
EF
Diamond
Michael P
MP
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000235:genetics; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010537:Peritoneum; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000378:metabolism; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D024042:Collagen Type I; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C118198:Seprafilm; C508960:TGFB1 protein, human; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2