Basic fibroblast growth factor enema improves experimental colitis in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Growth factors have a potential role in gastrointestinal mucosal repair. Although basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is known to contribute to wound healing, however, the role of bFGF in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease has not been established. The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of intracolonic bFGF administration on both the clinical symptoms and histological mucosal repair in an experimental model of colitis in rats.

METHODOLOGY: Acute colitis was induced with 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) given for one week in drinking water. The rats were treated daily with recombinant human bFGF enema (400 microg/kg/day) or vehicle once daily from day 1 to day 7. Clinical score (stool consistency, weight loss and hemoccult/gross rectal bleeding), colon length and histological score of mucosal injury in colonic tissue samples were analyzed.

RESULTS

Administration of bFGF enema significantly reduced clinical score (p < 0.01) and histological score (p < 0.01). No specific side effect of bFGF was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that bFGF enema is clinically safe and useful in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. BFGF enema may contribute as a novel therapy of IBD.