The effects of KRG on the healing of intestinal anastomosis in rats with experimental right colonic anastomosis

Angiogenesis is important for promoting wound healing, and tissue regeneration. Tissue blood flow and oxygenation are very significant factors contributing to the healing of colonic anastomosis, new capillaries grow from preexisting venules and capillaries into the anastomotic area. These processes continue until the anastomosis is filled with a vascular, collagen?fibroblast matrix. Korean red ginseng water extract KRGE increased in vitro proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, as well as stimulated in vivo angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on healing of experimental colonic anastomosis in a rat model. Material and Methods: Groups: Fourty rats were randomized into four groups; ? Control groups (Group A and B) ? KRG groups (Group C and D) Experimental Design ? The surgical procedure consisted of a transection and handsewn anastomosis of the right colon. ? The animals were daily received either KRG (50mgr/kg) or an equal volume of water by gavages 5 days before operation. ? Groups A and C rats were sacrificed on 3. days of anastomotic healing. Groups B and D rats were sacrificed on 7. days of anastomotic healing. Measured Parameters ? Anastomotic complications, and anastomotic bursting pressure (BP)measurements ? Hydroxyproline at the anastomosis (HPO) (µg/g wet tissue) ? Histopathological evaluation (scoring of wound healing) Results: No anastomotic complications were observed. There were no mortalities during the study. The colonic bursting pressures of the KRG groups were statistically significantly better than the control groups (p<0,05). The HPO content (µg/g wet tissue) was also significantly higher in the KRG groups than in the control groups (p<0,05). Histopathological examination confirmed that KRG treatment significantly increased collagen deposition and fibroblast ingrowth compared with controls. Conclusion: The peri-operative administration of the KRG has a positive influence on the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats. Key Words: Colon anastomosis, KRG, Hydroxyproline.