DETECTION OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH-FACTOR-I AND TRANSFORMING GROWTH-FACTOR-BETA IN WHOLE GUT LAVAGE FLUID - A NOVEL METHOD OF STUDYING INTESTINAL FIBROSIS

Background: Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and/or transforming g rowth factor-beta (TGF-beta), may be involved in gut fibrous stricture s. Methods: Concentrations of these two peptides have been measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) in whole gut lavage fluid from 57 patients, of whom 14 had strictures of the small intestine or colon associated with Crohn's disease, irradiation injury, ischaemia or diverticulitis. Results: IGF-I was detected in fluid from 11 of 14 patients with strictures, and 5 of 43 others (P<0.01). TGF-beta was de tectable in all 57 samples and concentrations were unrelated to the pr esence or absence of strictures. Conclusion: Clinical studies of growt h factors in intestinal fluid should facilitate research on intestinal fibrogenesis, and the diagnosis of fibrous stricturing in Crohn's dis ease.