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Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Author Spotlight: Improving the Production of Self-Assembling Fibers and Peptide Hydrogels for Superior Biocompatibility
Published on: September 6, 2024
Self-assembling peptide hydrogel SPG-178 as a pancreatic fistula-preventing agent
Manabu Mikamori1, Kunihito Gotoh2, Shogo Kobayashi1
1Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
Purpose:
Pancreatic fistula (PF) is a common and challenging complication after pancreatic surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a new method for preventing PF utilizing self-assembling peptide hydrogel SPG-178 as a preclinical study.
Methods:
The degradability of SPG-178 was confirmed by mixing it with protease. A PF rat model was then established to investigate the efficacy of SPG-178 at preventing PF. After transecting the pancreatic duct toward the spleen, SPG-178 was attached to both sides of the pancreatic stump. The levels of amylase and lipase in both the serum and ascites were measured and surgical specimens investigated pathologically.
Results:
The hardness of SPG-178 did not change when treated with protease over a short period. The ascitic amylase level was significantly lower in rats treated with SPG-178 than rats who were not 3 days after transection of the pancreatic duct toward the spleen. Pathological examination showed fewer inflammatory cells and presence of a structure body on the surface of the pancreatic stump in the SPG-178-treated group. SPG-178 remained on the surface and many cells that covered it formed fibrous tissue or mesothelium.
Conclusion:
Self-assembling peptide hydrogel SPG-178 has potential as a tool for preventing PF.
