Insulin-like growth factor 1-coated sutures improve anastomotic healing in an experimental model of colitis.
BACKGROUND
: Exogenously applied insulin-like growth factor (rhIGF-1) may improve normal intestinal healing. This study examined the effect of rhIGF-1-coated sutures on anastomotic healing in experimental colitis.


METHODS
: Acute colitis was induced in rats by dextran sodium sulphate (DSS). Inflammation was assessed by clinical Disease Activity Index (DAI), myeloperoxidase (MPO) measurement and histological examination. A distal colonic anastomosis was performed using sutures coated with rhIGF-1 dissolved in poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) under general anaesthetic. Anastomotic healing was evaluated histologically, and by hydroxyproline measurement and bursting parameters after 1, 3 and 7 days, and compared with healthy, DSS and DSS + PDLLA controls.


RESULTS
: DAI, MPO and histological inflammation scores were significantly increased in all animals treated with DSS. Bursting occurred less often within the anastomotic line on day 3 in the IGF group than in DSS controls (three versus eight of ten). On day 7, the IGF group had significantly increased histological healing scores (mean(s.e.m.) 12.5(0.7) versus 9.2(0.8) (P < 0.050)) and hydroxyproline content (4.6(0.3) versus 3.6(0.1) mg/g tissue; P < 0.050) compared with DSS controls.


CONCLUSIONS
: IGF-1-coated sutures improve important aspects of anastomotic healing in rats with experimental colitis.
Rijcken
E
E
Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany. rijcken@uni-muenster.de
Fuchs
T
T
Sachs
L
L
Kersting
C M
CM
Bruewer
M
M
Krieglstein
C F
CF
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D003092:Colitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000601:surgery*; D016264:Dextran Sulfate / Q000633:toxicity; D005260:Female; D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013537:Sutures; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; D016264:Dextran Sulfate; D009195:Peroxidase