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.

Conclusion: : IGF-1-coated sutures improve important aspects of anastomotic healing in rats with experimental colitis.