Effect of Beta-Glucan on Intestinal Anastomoses in a Rat Model

Abstract

Objectives. The authors aimed to investigate the effect of a-Glucan on healing of an experimental left-sided colon anastomosis model. Material and Methods. Twenty adult male Wistar albino rats were randomized into two groups which had colonic transection and end-to-end anastomosis. Group I (Control): anastomosis group, received no treatment (n = 10); group II, anastomosis + beta-Glucan (50 mg/kg/day within seven days after surgical procedure). Bursting pressure, hydroxyproline levels and histopathological characteristics of the anastomosis were analyzed. Results. The average burst pressure of Groups land II were 106.67 +/- 5.00 and 148.00 +/- 11.35 mm Hg and hydroxyproline levels were 0.85 +/- 0.14 and 1.45 +/- 0.46 mu g/mg, respectively. Both the burst pressure and hydroxyproline levels in group II were statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed less epithelial damage in group II (p <0.05). Though not statistically significant, less edema and damage to the submucosal-muscular layer was seen in Group II (p = 0079). Conclusions. Due to significant increases in anastomotic bursting pressures and tissue hydroxyproline levels and considering the inhibitory effect of beta-Glucan on epithelial damage, edema, and submucosal-muscular layer damage, beta-Glucan was thought to contribute to the healing of the anastomosis