Seprafilm (modified hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose) acts as a physical barrier

Abstract

Objective To characterize the molecular changes that occur in normal fibroblasts, adhesion fibroblasts, and mesothelial cells as a result of exposure to modified hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose (Seprafilm). Setting University research laboratory. Design Human mesothelial and fibroblast cell culture. Main outcome measure(s) Multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to examine control and Seprafilm-treated normal peritoneal fibroblasts, adhesion fibroblasts, and mesothelial cells in culture for levels of messenger RNA from molecules known to be associated with adhesion development (transforming growth factor-β1, type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and tissue plasminogen activator). Result(s) Seprafilm treatment of normal peritoneal fibroblasts, adhesion fibroblasts and mesothelial cells did not alter the expression of markers examined. Conclusion(s) In the absence of a biological effect of Seprafilm on markers known to be involved in postoperative adhesion development, the ability of Seprafilm to reduce postoperative adhesions is most likely caused by its effect as a physical barrier.