Effect of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Intra-Abdominal Adhesion in Rats.

Background: To determine the impact of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on abdominal adhesion formation after laparotomy. Methods: Forty female rats were allocated into four distinct groups on which laparotomy alone; laparotomy with traumatization of the uterine horns; laparotomy, traumatization of the uterine horns and intraperitoneal irrigation with saline, and laparotomy, traumatization of the uterine horns and intraperitoneal irrigation with CAPE were performed. After sacrifying the animals on the 14th postoperative day, histopathological examination and biochemical analysis were conducted to evaluate the formation of abdominal adhesions and antioxidant status. Results: In the CAPE group, total adhesion scores were significantly lower than in the control and saline groups. The CAPE group displayed less inflammation, giant cell formation, fibrosis and fibroblastic activity than the control group. On the other hand, the control group displayed higher total adhesion scores. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the administration of CAPE may have beneficial effects for the prevention of abdominal adhesion formation after laparotomy. Further clinical studies are mandatory to explore the actual therapeutic potential of CAPE. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]