Amir Hooshang Mohammadpour - Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad Iran
Alireza Tavassoli - Endoscopic & Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Centre, Ghaem hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Mohammad Reza Khakzad - Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, Department of Immunology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
Elahe Zibaee - Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran

Objective(s): Abdominal adhesions are one of the most important problems, occurring after intra-abdominal surgery in more than 90% of cases. This condition is the leading cause of bowel obstruction, infertility, and abdominal/pelvic pain. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been shown to be non-toxic and exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and antioxidant activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of intraperitoneal lavage with GNP solutions on the development of postoperative peritoneal adhesion (PPA). Materials and Methods:In the current experimental study, thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups of five rats. After a standardized peritoneal injury, GNP solutions in different concentrations (1, 2.5, 5, 10, 50 and 100 ng/ml) were locally administered through nebulization; normal saline (NS) was administered to the control group. Two weeks later, the rats were sacrificed and cecum and peritoneal samples were harvested for histopathological assessment. Blood samples were obtained to determine serum concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Results: The rats treated with GNPs had significantly lower microscopic and macroscopic peritoneal adhesion scores, compared to the control group (P<0.05). Score 5 of macroscopic adhesions was reported in all the rats of the control group, unlike the GNP groups. Furthermore, microscopic adhesions were reported with all rats in the control group, unlike the GNP groups (reported in 0 out of 5 rats in all GNP groups). In addition, serum levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and VEGF underwent no significant changes. Conclusion: Compared to the control group, GNPs decreased the severity of peritoneal adhesions, although they did not alter TNF-α, IL-1β or VEGF serum levels.

Gold Nanoparticles, Nebulization, Postoperative peritoneal adhesion, Rat