Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (FGFR1), Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) and Chromogranin A (CgA) Appearance in Congenital Intra-abdominal Adhesions in Children under One Year of Age

Aim: Of this work was to determine dispersion of TGF-b, fibrosis modulating factor (bFGF and FGR1) and granule marker chromogranin A in case of intra-abdominal adhesion which could be essential factors in disease pathogenesis. Thus than could be used as possible biomarker.

Study Design: Observational study.

Place of Study: Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology and Department of Children Surgery, Rīga Stradiņš University.

Materials and Methods: The specimens used for research were obtained from 50 patients aged 1 to 292 days. They underwent abdominal surgery due to obstructive gut malrotation and several additional pathologies. Tissues were processed for bFGF, FGFR1, TGF-β and CgA by means of biotin-streptavidin immunohistochemistry.

Results: In adhesion tissue bFGF positive connective tissue cells varied from a few to an abundant amount, but in 15 specimens no positive structure was observed. Few connective tissue fibers and moderate to numerous fibroblasts and macrophages contained FGFR1. A moderate number of TGF-β positive connective tissue fibers were observed. Some specimens also contained positive fibroblasts, macrophages and endotheliocytes. Few connective tissue cells contained CgA. A moderate correlation was observed between bFGF and FGFR1 (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient = .500, P < .001) as well as between bFGF and CgA (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient = .311, P = .03).

Conclusions: The connection between the less distinct bFGF and more prominent FGFR1 proves the compensatory stimulation of receptors as a response on the lack of the same factor in case of adhesion disease. Persisting appearance of TGF-β positive structures in congenital adhesions indicates the continuing growth/regeneration potential of loose connective tissue. Positive CgA structures indicate the involvement of the neuroendocrine system in case of adhesion disease.