Growth factors in the regulation of reparative response in the presence of peritoneal damage

Abstract

Objectives: To study the expression of growth factors in the regulation of tissue repair after peritoneal damage tissue response to peritoneal damage.

Methods: Experimental study in 35 male Wistar rats determining the evolution over time of the tissue response to aseptic peritoneal damage. A standardized bowel and peritoneal lesions were created in the right lower quadrant by laparotomy. Then, tissular expression of growth factors was evaluated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction at seven timepoints between 6 h and 30 days, postoperatively.

Results: Tissular responses of granulocyte-stimulating factors (Csf2, Csf3), connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf), epidermal growth factors and receptor (Egf, Egfr), fibroblast growth factors (Fgf2, 7 and 10), heparin binding EGF-like growth factor (Hbegf), hepatocyte growth factor (Hgf), insulin-like growth factor-1 (Igf1), mitogenic transforming growth factors (Tgfa, Tgfb1, Tgfbr3), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) were biphasic with a first expression peak at day 3, followed by a more pronounced peak at day 14.

Conclusions: We observed a long-lasting, widespread response of tissular growth factors for at least two weeks after peritoneal damage. To be clinically effective, the prophylaxis of postoperative adhesions might be needed for an extended period of time.

Keywords: PCR; growth factor; laparotomy; peritoneal adhesion.

Figure 1:

Surgical, standardized peritoneal lesion for inducing an aseptic inflammatory response. (A) Incision of the seromuscular layers of the cecum. (B) Suturing the incision. (C) Scarification of the peritoneum in the right paracolic gutter.

Figure 2:

Expression levels of granulocyte-stimulating factors Csf2 and Csf3.

Figure 3:

Expression levels of fibroblast growth factors (Fgf2, 7, and 10).

Figure 4:

Expression levels of heparin binding EGF-like growth factor (Hbegf) and hepatocyte growth factor (Hgf).