Adhesion
Adhesions, a common post-surgical complication, can lead to several serious Post-surgical adhesions are a common complication that can cause serious problems such as pelvic pain, infertility, and bowel obstruction.
The development of these adhesions involves inhibiting the fibrinolytic and ECM degradation systems, inducing inflammation, and creating tissue hypoxia.
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a crucial role in adhesion development by promoting ECM production and inhibiting ECM degradation. Elevated levels of TGF-β expression are found in the adhesion tissues and peritoneal fluid of patients with adhesions.
Although physical barriers like Interceed and Seprafilm offer some protection against adhesions, blocking the TGF-β signaling pathway is a promising approach.
Vactosertib has shown potential in preventing adhesion bands in mice by reducing TGF-β levels, suppressing fibrosis and collagen deposition, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. In rats, it has also been found to inhibit TGF-β1/Smad2/3-induced mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and reduce the occurrence and severity of peritoneal adhesions.
Disease & Therapeutics
Adhesion
