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Effects of a hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose membrane (Seprafilm) on human polymorphonuclear neutrophil functions
Kohei Otake1, Keiichi Uchida, Shigeyuki Yoshiyama
1Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan.
Background:
Seprafilm (Genzyme Corp., Cambridge, MA) is safe and effective for reducing adhesion formation in abdominal and pelvic surgery. However, the relationships between Seprafilm and postoperative complications, including intra-abdominal abscess formation and intra-abdominal inflammation, remain controversial. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play crucial roles in the processes of intra-abdominal inflammation, infection, and abscess formation, and PMNs act as the first line in nonspecific host defense against a wide range of pathogens. The present study evaluates the effect of Seprafilm itself on human PMNs in experimental models in vitro.
Materials And Methods:
Human PMNs were isolated from blood samples obtained from 14 healthy volunteers. The functions of the isolated cells were assessed by examining their phagocytosis, apoptosis/necrosis rates, cytokine production, and PMN-elastase release with and without Seprafilm in an in vitro experimental model of inflammation and endotoxin-stimulation.
Results:
There were no significant differences in the PMN phagocytosis, apoptosis/necrosis rates, cytokine production, or PMN-elastase release into the supernatant after coculture with bacteria between assays with and without Seprafilm. In the PMN stimulation models involving tumor necrosis factor-alpha and lipopolysaccharide, there were no significant differences in cytokine production between assays with and without Seprafilm. Furthermore, a similar experiment measuring cytokine production in the presence of well-dissolved Seprafilm produced corresponding results.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest Seprafilm itself does not affect the functions of isolated human PMNs in in vitro experimental models of inflammation and endotoxin-stimulation.
Insights
Seprafilm does not impact human immune cell functions, specifically polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), in laboratory settings. This finding addresses concerns about Seprafilm
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Surgical Adhesion Prevention
Background:
- Seprafilm is used to prevent surgical adhesions but its effect on inflammation is debated.
- Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are key in inflammation and infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct effects of Seprafilm on human PMN functions.
- To clarify Seprafilm's role in postoperative inflammation and abscess formation.
Main Methods:
- Human PMNs were isolated from healthy volunteers.
- Assessed PMN phagocytosis, apoptosis/necrosis, cytokine release, and elastase release in vitro.
- Used inflammation and endotoxin-stimulation models with and without Seprafilm.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in PMN phagocytosis, apoptosis/necrosis, or elastase release were observed.
- Cytokine production by PMNs remained unchanged with Seprafilm exposure.
- Results were consistent across different stimulation models and Seprafilm concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Seprafilm itself does not appear to alter the function of isolated human PMNs.
- This suggests Seprafilm may not directly contribute to inflammatory complications via PMN dysfunction.
