Effects of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells and/or sildenafil citrate in experimental colon anastomosis model

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the healing effects of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSC) and sildenafil citrate alone or in combination of colon anastomosis experimental model. METHODS: A total of 40 female Wistar rats were randomly distributed to four groups: Control (without any intervention post-anas- tomosis), stem cell (AT-MSC injection on the anastomosis site), SIL (oral gavage of 10 mg/kg sildenafil citrate), and stem cell + SIL (AT-MSC injection and oral administration of sildenafil citrate) groups. Rats were euthanized 5 days post-anastomosis. Intra-abdominal adhesion status and anastomotic burst pressure were measured to assess anastomotic healing. Hydroxyproline and TNF-α level, neu- trophil leukocyte infiltration, epithelial regeneration, and necrosis in the anastomosis tissue were examined. RESULTS: Anastomosis leakage and anastomosis burst pressure were not different among the groups. Treatment with sildenafil, stem cell, and stem cell + SIL reduced the degree of perianastomotic adhesions compared to control (p