Water-soluble ethylhydroxyethyl cellulose: a new agent against bacterial translocation from the gut after major liver resection.

BACKGROUND

Bacterial translocation from the gut to extraintestinal sites has been demonstrated as a mechanism explaining bacterial infectious complications after various insults.

METHODS

To explore the potential therapeutic value of water-soluble ethylhydroxyethyl cellulose (EHEC). Its effects on macrophage phagocytic capacity, bacterial adherence on the intestinal surface, and bacterial growth were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

Preoperative administration of EHEC reduced the incidence of bacterial translocation from the gut to mesenteric lymph nodes and blood and prevented overgrowth by enteric bacteria after 70% or 90% hepatectomy. Uptake of macrophages harvested from blood decreased after intravenous administration of EHEC. EHEC diminished the otherwise increased bacterial adherence on the intestinal surface induced by major liver resection. EHEC in bacterial cultures for over 1 h was capable of inhibiting bacterial growth and delaying bacterial DNA synthesis in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that EHEC could be a potential agent for the prevention of gut-origin sepsis.