Teduglutide effects on gene regulation of fibrogenesis on an animal model of intestinal anastomosis

Abstract Background Teduglutide is an enterotrophic analog of glucagon-like peptide 2 approved for the rehabilitation of short-bowel syndrome. This study aims to analyze the effects of teduglutide administration on the gene regulation of fibrogenesis during the intestinal anastomotic healing on an animal model. Methods Wistar rats ( n = 62) were assigned into four groups: “Ileal Resection and Anastomosis” or “Laparotomy,” each one subdivided into “Postoperative Teduglutide Administration” or “No Treatment,” and sacrificed at the third or at the seventh days, with ileal sample harvesting. Gene expression of matrix components and remodeling factors (matrix metalloproteinases [ Mmp ] and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases [ Timp ]) and growth factors were studied by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Net collagen deposition was assessed through the Collagen -to -Mmp -to- Timp ratio of fold change of relative gene expression. Results Gene expression profiles revealed a balance toward net degradation of collagen at the third day of the intestinal anastomotic healing. Teduglutide appeared to be associated with an overall accumulation of collagen at the third day of the anastomotic repair, attributable to the upregulation of Collagen type 1 alpha 1, Collagen type 3 alpha 1, and Collagen type 4 alpha 1, Timp1, and Timp2 and downregulation of Mmp13 and to a net degradation of collagen at the seventh day, derived from repression of Collagen type 3 alpha 1, Collagen type 5 alpha 1 and Timp1 expression. Conclusions Teduglutide appeared to be associated with a favorable influence on fibrogenesis at the third day of the intestinal anastomotic repair and to a trend to fibrolysis at the seventh day.