The effect of rituximab on encapsulated peritoneal sclerosis in an experimental rat model

Abstract

Background/aim: Peritoneal sclerosis may be observed in varied manifestations. However, the most serious form is the encapsulated peritoneal sclerosis. We researched the effect of rituximab on peritoneal fibrosis in an experimental rat model. Materials and methods: Twenty-four Wistar Albino rats were divided into 4 equal groups. During weeks 0-3; group I received isotonic saline IS solution, group II, group III, and group IV received chlorhexidine gluconate CG via intraperitoneal i.p. route. In the next 3 weeks nothing adminestred to both group I and group II but IS solution was adminestred to group III via i.p. route and 375 mg/m2/ week rituximab was applied intravenously on days 21, 28, and 35 to group IV. Fibrosis, peritoneal thickness, and inflammation were evaluated. Immunohistochemical methods used for the detection of matrix MMP-2, TGF-ß1, and VGEF expressions. Results: The rituximab group IV had significantly lower fibrosis and peritoneal thickness scores than the group II and III P