The Effect of L-Thyroxine on Colonic Anastomosis Healing By Means of Interactions with Insulin Like Growth Factor-I

Backgrounds: Thyroid hormones play a critical developmental and regulatory role on the morphology and biochemistry of gastrointestinal mucosal cells and wound healing. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of L-Thyroxin on colonic anastomosis healing. Method: Thirty male Wistar Albino rats were equally divided (n=10) in to three groups. Group 1 was the sham group whereas groups 2 and 3 were made hypothyroid by administration of propylthiouracil 10mg/kg/day per oral for four weeks. Hypothyrodism was confirmed with measurement of free-T3 and free T4 levels. All groups were subjected to left colonic transection and anastomosis. Group 3 rats have taken L-thyroxin therapy intraperitoneally 5g in 1cc saline daily for seven days. Anastomosis bursting pressure, hydroxyproline and IGF-I Ab-1 measurements were done on postoperative 7th day. Results: The anastomosis bursting pressure levels of group 3 were significantly higher than both group1 (p=0,03) and group2 (p=0,002). Hydroxyproline levels were significantly higher in group 3 than both group1 and group 2 (Group3 versus group1 p=0,003 and group 3 versus group 2 p=0,002). The IGF-1 Ab-1 staining integrity were higher in group3 versus group1 (P=0,008) and group2 (P=0,005) respectively. Conclusions: Thyroid hormones improve anastomosis healing as documented increased hydroxiproline levels and anastomotic bursting pressure.