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Published on: September 12, 2019
Effects of rapamycin on reduction of peridural fibrosis: an experimental study
Like Luo1, Chifei Zhang2, Jinmin Zhao1
1Department of Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland).
Background:
Peridural fibrosis (PF) is a normal complication after lumbar surgery. It is a challenge for both surgeons and patients. Rapamycin (RPM), a novel antibiotic with anti-proliferative and immunosuppressive properties, has been shown to be effective in preventing uncontrolled scar proliferation diseases. The object of the present research was to investigate the effects of RPM on inhibiting PF in vitro and in vivo.
Material And Methods:
In vitro, the fibroblasts collected and isolated from the rat tail skin were cultured with/without RPM and cell counting was performed. In vivo, the double-blinded study was conducted in 60 healthy Wistar rats divided randomly into 3 groups: 1) RPM treatment group; 2) Vehicle treatment group; 3) Control group. Rats underwent a L1-L2 level laminectomy with a satisfactory anesthetization. Four weeks post-operatively, the Rydell score, histological analysis, hydroxyproline content, vimentin expressional level, and inflammatory cytokines expressional levels were assessed.
Results:
In vitro, RPM showed ability to prevent fibroblast proliferation. In vivo, the laminectomy was well tolerated by all rats, which were killed 4 weeks post-operatively. The Rydell score, histological evaluation, hydroxyproline content, vimentin expression level, and inflammatory activity showed the positive effect of RPM in preventing peridural adhesion, inhibiting fibrotic formation and collagen synthesis, and down-regulating inflammation.
Conclusions:
In the present primary study, RPM showed good efficacy in preventing the proliferation of fibroblasts. RPM can prevent rat peridural adhesion through inhibiting collagen synthesis, fibroblasts proliferation, and inflammatory activity.
Insights
Rapamycin (RPM) effectively inhibits fibroblast proliferation and reduces peridural fibrosis after lumbar surgery in rats. This study demonstrates RPM
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pharmacology
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Peridural fibrosis (PF) is a common complication following lumbar surgery, posing challenges for surgeons and patients.
- Rapamycin (RPM), an antibiotic with anti-proliferative and immunosuppressive properties, has shown potential in managing scar proliferation.
- This research aimed to evaluate RPM's efficacy in preventing PF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of Rapamycin (RPM) on inhibiting peridural fibrosis (PF).
- To assess RPM's impact on fibroblast proliferation, fibrotic formation, collagen synthesis, and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- In vitro: Rat tail skin fibroblasts were cultured with/without RPM to assess cell proliferation.
- In vivo: A double-blinded study in 60 Wistar rats undergoing laminectomy, divided into RPM, vehicle, and control groups.
- Post-operative assessment included Rydell score, histology, hydroxyproline content, vimentin, and inflammatory cytokine levels at 4 weeks.
Main Results:
- In vitro, RPM demonstrated significant inhibition of fibroblast proliferation.
- In vivo, RPM treatment effectively reduced peridural adhesion, fibrotic formation, and collagen synthesis.
- RPM also showed a notable down-regulation of inflammatory activity and vimentin expression.
Conclusions:
- Rapamycin (RPM) exhibits significant efficacy in preventing fibroblast proliferation.
- RPM effectively prevents peridural adhesion in a rat model by inhibiting collagen synthesis, fibroblast proliferation, and inflammatory activity.
