Published online Sep 15, 1996. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v2.i3.139
Revised: August 6, 1996
Accepted: August 26, 1996
Published online: September 15, 1996
AIM: To explore the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on ischemic gut and liver injuries following trauma.
METHODS: An animal model of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion was used. Seventy-two male Wistar rats were randomized equally to three treatment groups of 24 each. Group 1 was injected with 4 μg of bFGF in 0.15 mL of normal saline solution containing 0.1% (w/v) heparin through the jugular vein at the onset of reperfusion. Group 2 received normal saline without bFGF. Group 3 was treated was given a sham operation without SMA occlusion. Liver function, serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, bacterial cultures, and pathological evaluations were carried out.
RESULTS: In group 1, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and serum TNFα were significantly reduced at 6, 24 and 48 h compared with group 2. Bacterial cultures showed that the bacterial translocation from gut to liver, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2. Pathological evaluation was consistent with a significant protective effect of bFGF.
CONCLUSION: Venous administration of bFGF may help reduce gut and liver ischemia/reperfusion injury through its mitogenic and nonmitogenic hormone-like effects.