The Effect of Iloprost in the Healing of Colonic Anastomosis in Rats under Chemotherapy with Irinotecan.

PURPOSE: We have investigated the possible positive effect of iloprost in the healing of colonic anastomosis, in rats under intraperitoneal chemotherapy with irinotecan. METHOD: Forty male Wistar rats have been divided into four groups. They underwent a partial colectomy and a termino-terminal anastomosis. They were administered, intraperitoneally, saline (group 1), irinotecan (group 2), iloprost (group 3), or irinotecan and iloprost (Group 4). After the sacrifice of the animals what followed was an autopsy, a macroscopic examination and the measurement of the anastomotic rupture pressure. A portion of the anastomosis was sent over for histological examination and determination of hydroxyproline levels. Results: The frequency of the leakage from the anastomosis was considered as significantly increased in group 2 compared with the other groups. In group 2, a significantly greater degree of adhesions, compared to all the remaining groups, was observed. The bursting pressure of the anastomosis was significantly lower in group 2, as compared with all the remaining groups, and significantly increased in the group 4 compared with group 2. Leukocytosis, fibroblasts, the neocollagen and the levels of hydroxyproline in group 4 showed significantly increased values, compared with group 2. The angiogenesis was significantly increased in groups 3 and 4 compared with group 2. Conclusions: Intraperitoneal administration of iloprost after colectomy, termino-terminal anastomosis and intraperitoneal administration of irinotecan promotes the healing process of the colon anastomoses as it competes the inhibitory effect of irinotecan.

A Simple and Effective Mechanical Method for Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Isolation.

Over the last decades, there has been ongoing and evolving research concerning regenerative medicine, specifically, stem cells. The most common source of adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remains the adipose tissue and the easiest way to obtain such tissue is lipoaspirate. The fatty tissue obtained can be processed either in an enzymatic way, which is time-consuming and expensive and carries several dangers for the viability of the stem cells included, or with mechanical means which are fast, inexpensive, yield enough viable cells, and can be readily used for autologous transplantation in one-stage procedures. Herein, we demonstrate our non-enzymatic method for obtaining adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction comprising MSCs. The stromal vascular fraction was isolated via centrifugation, and the characteristics and numbers of the cells isolated have been tested with flow cytometry assay, cell culture, and differentiation. Over 91% of viable MSCs were isolated using the mechanical method. The cells retained the ability to differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. The method presented is simple, requiring no special equipment, and yields a viable population of stem cells in large numbers. These cells can be readily used in several operations (orthopedic, dentistry, fistulas, etc.) making feasible "one-stage" procedures, thus proving their benefits for the patient and the health care system.